Ladder a rite of passage in Tararua park
Intrepid trampers face range of challenges
Trampers don’t often encounter ladders in the great outdoors unless you are in Te Papakura o Taranaki (formerly Egmont National Park) where you will find quite a few, both wooden and steel.
The most spectacular of these takes trampers down a steep bluff near Waiaua Gorge Hut.
Perhaps the most interesting ladder in the ranges, especially to Wanganui Tramping Club members, is that between Tutti and Tuni, the 1325m Tararua Peaks in Tararua Forest Park. This ladder situated just before Maungahuka Hut (if you are walking north) is a legendary feature of the range.
For years the peaks were impassible but eventually trampers navigated them with the aid of a wire cable, later updated to a chain ladder. Wanganui club members consider tackling today’s 25m 70-rung ladder as a rite of passage following which they are truly part of the Tararua fraternity.
Features of the club’s weekend programme for April include a day crossing of the Ruahine Range over the Maharahara Trig; and a five-day circuit of the northern Ruahine, starting and ending with a crossing of the Taruarau River.
The full weekend programme for April is:
Saturday, April 6, Rewa’s Ridge, leader Mike
Tuesday-Monday, April 9-15, Nelson cycling, leader Kate
Saturday or Sunday, April 13 or 14, Maharahara crossing, leaders Cherry and Johnny
Thursday-Monday, April 18-22, North Ruahine circuit, leader Shane
Saturday or Sunday, April 20 or 21, Fordell farm walk, leader Brenda
Saturday or Sunday, April 27 or 28, Manawatū walks, leader Pam
For more information email inquiries@whanganuitramping.org. nz.
The midweeks have a full programme of interesting trips every Wednesday. Those who get out on Thursday are in two groups, with longer walks on April 11 and 25 for the TT1 group and shorter ones for the TT2 group on April 4 and 18.
To join weekend trips call the leader by the previous Tuesday at the latest. Call by the night before for day trips. As some trips have limited numbers, leaders have the final say about who to take as they are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of everyone on their trips. For further information visit our website www. whanganuitramping.org.nz.