9 March 2025

We left Pukahu in the van at 7 am.  Drove to Gloucester St for more trampers so that nine of us set off towards Taupo. Arriving at the Te Iringa campsite on Clements Mill Road we were ready to set off at around 9:30 am.

It was fine enough and the forest of mainly mature beech trees was looking lush as if it had received adequate rain of late. This track is supposedly designed for both bikes and walkers. However, judging by the number of wind fallen trees and the lack of tyre marks or other evidence, we concluded that it was safely just a gentle walking track. We made it to the site which was once the Te Iringa Hut’s site. We had a good stop here and discovered the laminated A4 sized description of what used to be here with photos dating back to 1985.

We pressed on further and after a short diversion with some of us scouting around above the track assessing the viability of crashing thru to the Te Iringa summit, we were back on the track going along until time or terrain indicated the about turn spot. We decided where this point was once a steeper decline became apparent, heading down to a stream. So, it was back to the clearing of the old hut site for lunch.

Much the same for the return with a few stops for photos, including the sight of Mts Ngauruhoe and Tongariro in the distance. On the drive back, within about half an hour, it poured down. We had timed that well! Arrived back by 5 pm.

Party:  Anthea C, Peter M, Judith M, Selina C, Lou C, Murry A, Steve B, Christine L, Robyn W