Top of the world … or Ruahine Ranges at least
Solo trip up to Rangiwahia Hut then up to Mangihuia and back via Deadman’s track. A perfect summer’s day, if somewhat hot to go high up in the Ruahine Range. Great views of the central plateau from the car park before starting the track through beech forest.
The track ascends reasonably steeply with some switchbacks to get up and over slips. The hillsides are visibly scarred. Great view of the bridge suddenly, sneaked up sooner than I expected, long view down to the river below as I crossed over. No whio sadly.
Then on & up, if the first section wasn’t as hard as I remembered then this was a bit longer. Steady uphill through horopito and smaller bush. The small waterfall was in the shade, the pool of water looked tempting on a very hot day.
Into the tussock for the short stretch to the hut and some welcome shade to enjoy snacks & read a chapter of my book.
Decision made to continue and return via Deadman’s. Very exposed section through golden tussock, flat to start with before steadily climbing up a ridgeline to the top of Mangahuia. Legs getting weary so found a nice soft spot in the tussock to enjoy my peanut butter sandwich and the great views all around, down into valleys and east of the ranges towards Hawke’s Bay.
Next section was hard going, steep downhill then steady uphill, legs protesting with rutted and uneven ground. Slower going but great views, more tussock & alpine plants.
Long time before there was any shade but track was flatter with a couple of short sharp uphills, stunted bush and stretches of wide grassy path with a clearing at one point, quite lovely. Steep downhill to end with. Very weary legs, big sense of achievement.
