Due to logging currently being undertaken in this area this medium grade – 4hr.  walk is only available at the weekend.  The route has to be carefully navigated as there are many logging trucks that could throw inexperienced walkers off track.

Trip Leaders: Mark & Helen Bassett

A rest and snacks break in a nicely sheltered glade under the beech trees at Butterfly Creek.

Getting near our start point on the return, where we crossed the river to go via Bridge Street.

We had a very large group walking this weekend. 13 were staying at a rented house and 5 more were staying in alternate accommodation.

It was a warm and sunny day when we arrived at varying times on Friday. The afternoon was spent indulging in the famous chocolate éclairs before heading to the supermarket for evening meal shopping. The rest of the day was taking it easy with a couple of drinks before heading out to tea

The forecast for Saturday was showers around 3pm but as we were driving to Ruapehu the heavens opened up. It had eased off by the time we arrived but left the mountain was shrouded in cloud. We set off on the lower track to Taranaki Falls, which were stunning, and had a group photo before breaking into smaller groups. It showered on and off the whole way, but it was a calm day and relatively warm. The track was well maintained and mainly stones, steps and boardwalks. There was a serious number of steps and the track was a gradual uphill walk with a lot of dips and a couple of small stream crossings. I was surprised by the addition of toilets at the top of the Taranaki Falls and near the Lower Tama Lake. The weather changed for the worse around the lakes and a cold wind was blowing. The faster and fitter members of our group did the 200-meter ascent to the Upper Tama Lake in rain and wind. Quite a feat as the track turned into shale. Just as they arrived the cloud lifted and our group plus a few others that RJ told us had been ‘crying into their sandwiches’ at the lack of view, were treated to lovely views of both lakes. The lower lake was amazing the way the blue was split into 2 different shades. It was amazing the way there was a distinct line across it.

Those of us below had eaten, taken our photos and it was getting extremely cold, so we decided to start the walk back. Once out of the wind, the weather settled and it was a pleasant walk back. We finished the walk across the stop of the falls and passed the old lava flow on the way out.

After Saturday, we were hoping for a dryer walk on the Ohakune Old Coach Road for Sunday. It was definitely on the improve and being in bush quite a bit for the early part helped. But we still had lighter showers coming in every so often. After a group photo by the starting sign, we were off down a sealed road before crossing a ford which fortunately was still dry.

The bush was beautiful and so green and fresh smelling from the rain. We passed an old bridge with only the pier supports remaining and made our way to the old Taonui Viaduct. The sleepers had been removed leaving a dark red steel curved skeleton. The red colour we read was from lichens, and not rust. This was a great stop to get some photos but we were not alone as there were a large number of bikes on the road.

It wasn’t long before we were walking on the roughhewn cobblestones and imagining stagecoaches clattering along these stones. It would not have been a comfortable ride. There were numerous information boards and occasionally we were treated to some stunning views which made us realise we were quite high up. We finally descended to the Hapuawhenua Viaduct which was right beside the new viaduct now used by Kiwi Rail. We could walk across this curved masterpiece which had a toilet beckoning.

We used this as our lunch break and pretty much took over the large table. It was a far more pleasant break than the previous day. Lunch over, I had everyone stand on the viaduct so I could take a group photo. Then it was off again through a bush track as the Hapuawhenua tunnel was blocked off because the railway line was directly in front of the entrance. We then left the bush behind and started walking through alpine vegetation before coming out at the top of a hill overlooking the Waimarino Plains. It was an easy descent back to the carp park.

It had been two very good walks that everyone had enjoyed and for us staying at the house, a very sociable time where we were once again treated to some wonderful curries whipped up by Menaka. We rounded these out with cooked chickens, roast potatoes and salad.

Sunday night the cloud lifted and Mt Ruapehu was covered with a pink sunset. We went for a walk down the road trying to get some photos.

Judith O’Leary

It is hoped that passing motorists were inspired by our efforts and will refrain from throwing litter from their cars.  Massive thanks to all UHWTC members and friends for such a sterling effort this morning.

Helen & Mark Bassett

It was a bit wet but no wind and we had an interesting wander around the swingbridge track, Rivendell and down to the weir.   It is a beautiful place and we are very lucky to have it on our doorstep.   There are some amazing trees there.

We finished off with coffee at Aston Norwood, which surprisingly for a weekday was very busy.

Lesley McLaughlin

The morning was a magnificent spring one, sunny and warm after a frosty night. Our walkers followed up the Hutt River stopbank from Awakairangi Park to the Birchville stream, which we then followed up to and past the dam to emerge on top of the Western Hills. A pleasant walk along forest roads brought us to the Cannon Point lookout where all stopped for a snack. The walk ended with our dropping down the zigzag path to Tulsa Park and walking back to our start point.

Next week we propose to go back to the Plateau Road and Tunnel Gulley area for a walk in a different forest.

We had one or two other adventures this time round. Rob was at the back and stopped to tie up a boot lace. Behind him he heard an emphatic “moo”, then another. He finished tying up the lace and slowly rose to turn round. There was a farmer driving a small group of cows and calves – Whew! It was easy to step aside and let them past.

Next, we spotted a timely loo sign, a public asset not to be passed lightly. Some took advantage of it. Unfortunately, the last user was accidentally locked in and had to bang on the window to attract a rescuer!

When we got up on top of the plateau the wind was buffeting and unpleasant, so rather than battling on in those conditions, we turned around after about 2.3 km, to return to our cars at the park gate. Overall, a good outing that definitely was one to blow the cobwebs away. The consensus was that next week, we walk up the Karapoti Gorge track in the north of Upper Hutt.