Tag Archives: Waikaremoana Great Walk

Kayaking, New Zealand, Topo Map, Tramping

Debriefing the Other Tramps

Tongariro Northern Circuit

tnc
Buy Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk Topo Set – €3

Admittedly: The walk can be done in two days. But…

That would be turning into a raceway. If the weather is good, then the excursions to the Taranaki Falls and the Tama Lakes are indispensable. Since most of the track is very open, views from anywhere can be pretty spectacular, but these two sights should not be missed.

The Crossing itself passes between the two mountain peaks of Tongariro and Ngauruhoe and the question remains whether to climb these peaks. If the day’s section is only from Mangatepopo to Oturere or vice versa, then there would be time to attempt one peak. Ngauruhoe being much higher (2291 m) is more tempting than Tongariro (1978 m). However the surface of Ngauruhoe is loose scree and there is a real danger of snow falling at any time of the year, so that Tongariro is the better bet.

The condition of the “Hole” (Mangatepopo – Whakapapa) should be considered carefully. Recent rain will make this section almost impassable and in this case it is advisable to start or finish the track at the Mangatepopo carpark. Just make sure to arrange transport before starting the track. The bus that drops off the day hikers for the Crossing leaves at around 8:30. Read more…

GPS Tracks, New Zealand, Tramping, Travel Planning

38. Whanganui Bay – Track End – Wairoa – Waipawa

Friday, March 20: Cold at night (down to 5°), variably cloudy in the mountains, fine and warm on the coast

Tramping: Waikaremoana Great Walk, Whanganui Bay – Track End (water taxi landing), 2.2 km

River’s Edge Holiday Park, 26 Harker St, Waipawa 4210, tel.: +64 6 857 8976, double cabin ($35)

I had slept in periods of about 100 minutes a piece with waking in between and was finished with sleeping by about 7:00 when it had reached 5°, which was the limit for sleeping in the thermal underwear, sox & turtle necked sweater. Breakfast was quickly dealt with as was the last part of the track – all of about 40 minutes, so the whole thing could be done in two days if you could get a water taxi to pick you up at 6:00.

Morning over Waikaremoana
Morning over Waikaremoana, just before the water taxi landing area (snapshot panorama)
Read more…

GPS Tracks, New Zealand, Tramping

37. Waiopaoa – Whanganui Bay: Waikaremoana Great Walk 3/4

Thursday, March 19: Cloudy at first with variations during the day; some sun

Tramping: Waikaremoana Great Walk, Waiopaoa – Marauiti – Waiharuru – Whanganui Bay: 26.6 km

Whanganui Bay Hut (DOC, $32)

I was up with the sun and fairly much ready to go within an hour or so. Hadn’t got much sleep due to the snorers (but some at least, when they turned on their sides they were silent) and not even the earplugs were very effective. At least it had not been cold, so that t-shirt and spiderman outfit were not really both necessary. Testimony for a €15 sleeping bag. Read more…

GPS Tracks, New Zealand, Tramping

36. Wairoa – Waikaremoana – Onepoto – Waiopaoa: Waikaremoana Great Walk 1/2

Wednesday, March 18: Cloudy throughout with some sunshine but no rain

Tramping: Waikaremoana Great Walk, Onepoto – Panekire 9.6 km & Panekire – Waiopaoa 7.8 km

Waiopaoa Hut (DOC, $32)

Home Bay
Home Bay, Lake Waikaremoana, sunrise

Beat the compass alarm again and was up at 5:45, before even Jude, who wanted to get up at 5:30. Had some coffee, two eggs and two muesli bars for breakfast, packed the rucksack for the tour and threw everything into the car to start as planned at 6:30.

At the petrol station bought the toilet paper that is necessary for this trip and then took off down the road as the sun was rising. Not much is still unsealed but it does slow down progress quite a lot and I arrived at Waikaremoana @ 8:00. Sorted things out (remembered not having packed the condensed milk into the pack), locked the suitcase & the car, got the spot to send an OK and waited at the little hut for the water taxi to arrive. Read more…