This article, with photos, was first published in Tararua Tramper May 2025 p.17
Rata Ridge
EM - Wednesday 16 April
Six trampers completed the Rata Ridge Circuit situated along a bush ridge above Wainuiomata. There were five TTC members and one 11-year-old grandson, Felix, on the trip. We started from the Lees Grove Track, ascended to the junction with the Rata Ridge Track and then went along Rata Ridge, passing the markers for Mt Lowry and continuing to the junction with the Main Ridge Track, where we stopped for morning tea.
From there we went along the Main Ridge Track to the Wainuiomata Lookout, taking in the extensive Wellington Harbour views. We did not remain at the Lookout for long because of the cooling breeze. Returning along the Main Ridge Track we found a comfortable seat on the bush track for lunch. From the junction with Rata Ridge we descended to the junction with the aptly-named Fern Gully Track. It was a pleasant walk back to Wainuiomata and our cars. The trip took five and a half hours with a recorded distance of ten kilometres.
Muriel Christianson (leader and scribe), Christine Ben-Tovim, Penny Hoy-Mack, Diane Lee, Penny Salmond, Felix Shortcliffe