A group of people including 17 day walkers and 4 pack carrying trampers had a wonderful weekend in the Tangihua Ranges near Whangarei.   Friday evening at the Tangihua Lions Lodge was a time for greetings and introductions over a cup of tea. Early Saturday morning we farewelled 4 pack carriers who headed off over the rugged Tangihua terrain toward the Tangihua hut. The rest of us had breakfast, and began our morning walk, thr Whakapono/Tumanuku circuit and the Kauri Grove -lovely bush, some great views and not much mud! Back to the Lodge for lunch, then Brett lead us on to the Kauri Dam walk and then some of us continued on to the Nature Walk/ Whakapono Circuit. We had a lovely BBQ tea shared with John, the local possum trapper who slept in a hammock down the hill. After dinner, Ali and Phil shared with us an interesting reflection on how we grow spiritually through the challenges and difficulties we encounter in life. Then some of us went off to do the Burma trail which was a lot of fun in total darkness. Others stayed at the Lodge to chat, read or play board games (Rummikub was a favourite!) Sunday morning saw us back on the Burma Trail to check out the track we had covered in the dark. Then a walk along the Nature Trail to see some tall and lovely native trees. Back to the Lodge for a cuppa, and some more of the delicious home baking we enjoyed over the weekend. Then it was clean up time and we said our Goodbyes...a great weekend!

COST: Transport $35, Food $10, Accommodation $20 per night, Hut $5