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Trip lists 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 Trip locations Trip types Trip information This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 79 No. 9, October2007 Waikuku Lodge Weekend17-19 August 2007Map NZMS 260 S28Five TTC members and three non-members arrived at Waikuku lodge (30 kms south east of Martinborough at the edge of the Aorangi Range) on Friday night. A roaring fire and glasses of ‘Card-onney’ marked the beginning of a very enjoyable weekend. The lodge, which sleeps 30, has full facilities (fridge/freezer, stoves and hot showers) and is now run by DOC. It has an interesting history, being built as a farmhouse in 1921. It was used as an unofficial guesthouse, hosting rabbit inspectors, roadmen, hunters, naturalists and recuperating American solders who had been hospitalised at Silverstream during WWII. On Saturday the group took the Old Mill track, which had good views, passing the old mill site and on to Sutherland hut. The track between the old mill site and the hut has not been maintained so careful footwork was required. Later, back at the lodge, a communal evening meal was enjoyed by all. On Sunday some of the group returned early to Wellington, while the remaining party looked for the Mt Ross track which, due to ongoing erosion in the area, was hard to find and then required some navigation to follow. Lunch was had part way up the ascent before retreating. Other possible trips in the area are the Ruakokopatuna glow worm caves and the Putuna Chasm. Party:
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