Saturday early morning drizzle cleared to a fine, mild day to begin a great weekend away. Arriving at the gated entrance to Tangihua Lodge, we met Eileen. The farm track to the Lodge was somewhat wet and boggy and was a test to Chris’s skills to negotiate the bus up the steep slippery slope. After several attempts it was conquered. 

The Home Party enjoyed the luxury of Tangihua Lions Lodge and in the afternoon completed the climb up to Horokaka Receiver station before returning for a Pot Luck dinner with entertainment provided by Peter.

Next day the tracks around the Lodge were explored, including the Kauri Grove Walk.The Out Party experienced the rugged Te Haua Uru Track linking up with the Northern Tangihua track to arrive at the classic Tangihua Hut. A side trip over an old route towards Mt Tanigihua provided more spectacular views with steep drop-offs on either side.

Challenging bluffs and dwindling daylight prevented further progress on  reaching Mt Tangihua. Next day we returned over the Northern Tangihua track to the Tangihua Main ridge track, then across to the Horokaka Receiver station.

This section of the track had several steep banks to negotiate and a scrabble up a slipping cliff before reaching the Horokaka Receiver station. A fast trip down the Horokaka Track to Tangihua Lions Lodge had us arriving at our scheduled ETA of 1pm, follow the Te Haua Uru Track to the junction of the Tangihua Main ridge track and the Northern Tangihua track.

From the Northern Tangihua track we will continue to Tangihua Hut with option to do a side trip to Mt Tangihua. Saturday night Tangihua Hut: An 8 bunk, back country Hut. Sunday: Return over the Northern Tangihua track to the Tangihua Main ridge track, then across to the Horokaka Receiver station. (3 1/2 hrs). From there return via the Horokaka Track to Tangihua Lions Lodge (1 1/2hrs)

You will need to take plenty of water and good warm clothing, as the ridges can be very exposed.