📌Round the mountain, Mt Ruapehu (3 nights)

This excursion lasts for three nights and four days (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). We will traverse the base of Mt Ruapehu at an average altitude of approximately 1300 metres. The landscape includes beech forests, boulders, ravines, large and small stream crossings, and expansive almost flat desert. Since we will be hiking in August, we can expect to encounter some snow at higher elevations, although it is improbable that we will need to navigate through extensive snowfields; however, we may encounter icy terrain in certain areas. In our view, hiking around the mountain during this season is particularly stunning and impressive, and would arguably be one of the top 10 multi day hikes in the North island, and perhaps New Zealand.

We will stay in three huts throughout the journey, eliminating the need to carry camping equipment. Given that it is winter, it is improbable that any of the huts will be fully occupied. Furthermore, all huts are equipped with a fire place, providing the option for heating and drying clothes or gear. The three designated huts are Whakapapaiti, Blyth, and Rangipo. It is essential to bring suitable gear for cold winter conditions.

Priority will be extended to regular participants and those who have completed more than three hikes with 'Hiking Aotearoa'. This event is NOT appropriate for individuals who are slow or unfit. Regular participants will be prioritized over those who only occasionally attend Meetup hikes.

🚩 Summary of details:
📌Duration: Whole trip is 4 days and 3 nights
📌 Day 1: Whakapapa to Whakapapaiti hut 8.4km (2 hours 15 min)
📌 Day 2: Whakapapaiti hut to Blyth hut 19.0km (8 hours 30 min)
📌 Day 3: Blyth hut to Rangipo hut 16.6km (5 hour 15 min)
📌 Day 4: Rangipo hut to Whakapapa 28.3km (8-9 hours)
📌 Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale, about 3.75 (overall)
📌 Max attendees: 10-12 people
📌 Map of route: https://tinyurl.com/bd33revx

🚩 These are the 2 important stopping points to note.:
👉 1) Jasmine cafe & Thai restaurant, 43 Hakiaha Street, Taumarunui
(Where we have Thursday lunch)
https://tinyurl.com/nmh3r8sp

👉 2) SH 48 on left side of road, (in front of the Chateau) Whakapapa
(Where we park our cars, also start and finish the hike)
https://tinyurl.com/44zntxar

📌 Other information:
🚩 Metvuw rain forecast : https://goo.gl/9zpzs9
🚩 Just some hiking group etiquette: http://bit.ly/2ZmOmEG

🚩Time line (Guide only)
📌Thursday:
08:00 Suggested time to leave Auckland*
11:50 Arrival at Taumarunui for lunch
12:50 Leave Taumarunui
13:35 Arrive at Whakapapa
13:45 Briefing and introduction
13:50 Start hike
15:30 Arrive at Whakapapaiti hut
17:52 Sunset
* Drivers will need to determine what time to leave Auckland so that they arrive in Taumarunui at 11:50, by using Google maps and allowing for passenger picks ups, stops etc.

🚩Friday:
06:46 Sunrise
08:00 Leave Whakapapaiti hut
16:30 Arrive at Blyth hut
17:52 Sunset

🚩Saturday:
06:46 Sunrise
08:00 Leave Blyth hut
13:30 Arrive Rangipo hut
17:51 Sunset

🚩Sunday:
06:45 Sunrise
07:00 Leave Rangipo hut
15:30 Arrive Whakapapa and cars
15:45 Leave Whakapapa or stay overnight
17:58 Sunset
20:00 Approx arrival back in Auckland

🚩Costs:
$70 if a car passenger (Based on 10 cents/km)
$25x3=$75 (D.O.C. Green tickets) For the 3 huts
$145 Total (Not including gear hire and food etc)

🚩A note concerning snow and ice: if the snow is new and powdery, it is improbable that you will need to utilize your crampons or hiking crampons. However, if the fresh snow has experienced freeze-thaw cycles, then it may become significantly more hazardous, particularly in the morning following a clear, frosty night. Snow is more prevalent at higher altitudes along the track, specifically on Day 2 and Day 3. The likelihood is that you will not require them. Nevertheless, it is advisable to bring some form of crampons for your shoes or boots, and perhaps at least one hiking pole for the more treacherous sections. Hiking crampons (micro spikes) would be more suitable than standard crampons as these generally need a stiff or semi stiff soled boot. Make sure the crampons you use are compatible with your hiking shoes or boots.

🚩 As the last day on Sunday will be a long day, there will be the option of staying at Whakapapa on Sunday night and leaving back to Auckland on Monday morning. Please indicate in the RSVP questions what option you prefer.

🚩 Check list of items to bring: https://tinyurl.com/6uzf9usf

🚩 Payment: There is no payment for this event, as the huts are not bookable in winter. However you will need to buy three green tickets for each night stay. If you decide not to join, then please change your RSVP status immediately, otherwise you will block someone else that would like to join, in addition it is courteous action for everyone else. Thank you.

❌❗ A postponement will happen, if the weather is poor and a new date will be set to 4th-7th September. Be prepared for a possible change of date.

🚩 RSVP questions: https://tinyurl.com/3hy7purd