Auckland Baptist Tramping Club 2005

Friday The team took off from Bracken Avenue about 6.30pm travelling in two vans and two cars on a lovely moonlight evening arriving at the Mangatepopo School Camp on SH 47 between the National Park and Turangi about midnight. The Camp Manager Linda Priday was very helpful to the team. After the travel everyone was keen to obtain a good nights rest. Saturday After a hearty breakfast we set out about 8am to walk up the Mangatepopo valley to the saddle. This took about 2 hours but it was like a pilgrimage as there were many walkers. A toilet was at the base of the saddle, but not a room with a view. It was planned to attempt the summit of Mount Ngaurohoe but the misty cloud surrounded this great peak not allowing us the challenge of the climb so we climbed over the saddle and spent some time admiring the crater lakes. The lunar landscape was eminent but we missed out on the clear skies to see the unique extent of this kaleidoscope landscape. Some thought we were on the moon.   With the misty rain and its associated wind chill factor everyone appreciated having their extreme weather gear. From here we walked to the hut, then seeing the views of Lake Rotoaira. We carried on to the road where our transportation was waiting to pick us up. We all got back looking forward to the hot pools at Tokaanu which costed $4 per person allowing for rest, relaxation and restoration. Following this everyone appreciated the evening meal at the Campsite. Sunday The next day at the crack of dawn some of the team departed leisurely back to Auckland while others went to the Martha Mine in Waihi to attend the last open day of the mine which will be rehabilitated as a lake over a 6 year period. A number enjoyed the festivities of the day coming back with golden rocks.

The van departed Waihi at 2.45pm arriving back at Bracken Avenue at approximately 5.00pm. Every one enjoyed the challenge and experience, looking forward to another opportunity in experiencing Tongariro National Park. Costs: $70 for those in the vans; $35 for those arranging their own car transport.