Urchin/Thunder/Rangitikei Loop

Anyone have any information re the other side of the Rangitikei river ie getting up on to Makorako range to the well to the south of Makorako peak itself? mrfizz's map seems to indicate there was once a route up heading up south west from near ecology stream past route 1455? up on to the tops. Then looks possible (on paper) to travel north along the tops (perhaps the odd small piece of bush bash) all the way to Makorako peak avoiding private land access issues. Any thoughts from the crazy or wise?

Hi - i talked to Dave Lumley about the old routes in and around the Rangitikei (i.e. not on private land) - he has not been in there for a while so can describe the routes to you - and is happy to talk or show you on maps - but he said he can not guarantee what condition they (tracks) are in now - Also you could ask on the Hunting and Fishing forums - some hunters may have tried that route up onto Makorako - is Makorako on private (ET) land? That Kaimanawa map must be pretty old too by now. When you thinking of heading in?

Makorako is actually on the boundary of the forest park but the traditional accessable routes approach it across private land. All this area is part of the remote experience zone so there will not be any officially maintained tracks. Anything that is there will be informal hunters tracks.

Makorako peak is on my "To Do" list. I have attempted and failed to reach it twice (got lost and got sick) via the normal route across private land so it is personal now. The trip now borders on the "fanciful" for me (might be a bit over my head) but I was thinking this summer sometime. Have found from past experience there is no harm in researching *before* the fact instead of *after* the fact :-) The traditional access route I have 100% the info I need but now unfortunately it looks like approaching from the south to the boundary is the only legal option without express permission from ETL which seems unlikely

Sounds like a great trip - if you want company - be keen - summer - great.

Sounds good. It now turns into a camping trip instead of using Waipakahi hut as a pitstop. Damn...more gear :-( I so love travelling light. I am not a cydesdale :-(