MAKING TRACKS WITH SCROGGIN Exploring one of last prehistoric forests

• Published date: 28 September 2022

The rich array of ancient podocarps such as rimu, totara, kahikatea, matai and miro, underline the forest’s status as a spectacular remnant of the past as a Wanganui Tramping Club group of four was reminded

The quartet did a seven-day circuit last autumn, climbing up to more than 1200m, and traversing several river systems on well-marked, though sometimes overgrown, tracks. They stayed in six huts and in only one did they have any company.

“It felt like we had this wonderful forest to ourselves,” one Whanganui tramper remarked.

The bottom line is that although they had a long drive of five hours to Minginui to enter this park, it’s an experience worth having.

The club’s full weekend programme for October is:

■ 1 Sat, Blyth Hut circuit, leader Cherry

■ 8-9 Sat-Sun, Waihohonu Hut, leader Dorothy

■ 15 or 16 Sat or Sun, Oskam’s farm, leader Dave

■ 21-24 Fri-Mon, Tararua circuit, leader Shane

■ 22 Sat, Pot luck meal, leader Dorothy

■ 23 Sun, Atene Track, leader Shane

■ 29 or 30 Sat or Sun, Raetihi Hill, leader Mike

Make all inquiries about trips to Terry phone 021 262 7066 or Dorothy phone 345 7039 or email membership@whanganuitramping.org.nz.

The midweekers have a full programme of...