New Zealand Walk: A spring trip to Te Puia Hot Springs

Words by Bob Henderson Photos by Bev Acres, Linda Derbyshire and Rita Hodson

On the recent expedition to Te Puia Hot Springs, our run of bad weather for overnight Manawatu Tramping & Ski Club Wednesday tramps was broken.

On both days we enjoyed predominantly warm spring (no pun intended!) weather with some light rain confined to the evening of the first day. After an early start to our travel, the party of sixteen finally arrived at the end of the road for a 1.15pm start to tramping.

For the majority this was a first visit. So soon after starting we found out that the description of “an easy stroll along a river bank to a hut then along to the springs” was missing the detail best appreciated by considering the tramp profile.

The challenge of the sidle track with its many ascents and descents, was more than compensated for by the captivating scenery.

After three hours of tramping we were all at the Lodge where four remained to bag their beds.

The rest of us tramped on for about an hour to the Mangatainoka Hot Springs and adjacent camp site.

From Te Puia Hut the track continues up river, past the turnoff to Makino Hut, and crosses a bridge over the Makino River just above its confluence with the Opposite page: Looking down on the Mohaka River. Above right: Damp evening at the camp. Below right: First rest on the way in.