A spring trip to Te Puia Hot Springs

Mohaka River.The track then continues alongside the Mohaka, through native bush with some rolling terrain.

Steep drop-offs in some sections lend nice views of the surrounding foothills. There is a final steep descent to reach the hot springs.

At the hot springs, located on a small manuka terrace beside the Mohaka River, there are two fibreglass baths surrounded by a decking area.

In spite of the drizzle and the arrival of a party dripping with children, we had a good nights camp with happy relaxed, social wallowing in the hot spring. We heard Kiwis in the night, blue ducks were seen nearby as well as glow worms on the bank near the campsite.

The following day saw a 6am start and we were all packed up and tramping by 8am to collect our hut dwellers en route.

On our way out and while passing through a sunlit glade with butterflies flirting around us out one hard boiled tramper was heard to remark “paradise must be like this!”

After a gently paced tramp out we Opposite page above: The Mangatutu Hot Springs from above. Middle: Gary and Leonie arrive at the Mangatainoka Hot Springs in drizzle. Below: After three hours of tramping we were all at Te Puia Lodge where four remained to bag their beds. Above left The swing bridge at Mangatainoka Hot Springs. Below right: A nice flat stretch almost half way. arrived back at the van by about noon and then had a brief excursion to view the Mangatutu Hot Springs.

We then started our journey, with a brief stop in Taradale, we arrived back in Palmerston North by 6.15pm.

This was a memorable tramp for all but especially the first timers. It had a companionable atmosphere, mostly good weather, a stunning landscape and no injuries.

Thanks to trip leader Bev. and our drivers Ewen and Gary. This was Ewen’s first outing as a MTSC van driver; with almost 500km driven this was an heroic effort.