Whats everyone got planned?

Thanks pmcke, much appreciated!

And thanks fruitbat! Just saw your post. Friends of mine went in there for a Sat night a few weeks ago and said it was packed, with a Scout group who had walked in from the Desert Road. I suppose it's always a risk, no matter where you park.

After seeing a car in there that was completely trashed with an over night stop I usually park on the State Highway, as its a lot more visible. But have only done that during the day. There is someone you can contact through Club Habitat that will drop off and collect in your car. Love the walk, even though its very short. It has great views of Ngaruahoe as you walk in.

Yes, that's probably the best advise. use Club Habitat in Turangi. Olwyn McNickle is her name. We have used her to pick up, drop off and mind our cars for years. I have a funny story about Olwyn that relates to the Lahar coming down Ruapehu a couple of years back. We were at Waihouhounu Hut when the Lahar decided to come down. As we came out to the Desert Rd, it was obvious what had happened. All the cars stopped on the road and helicopters over head. They had closed the road way back at Rangipo and we needed Olwyn to pick us up. We spoke to the guy in a Police Car and he was useless. Said he couldn't do anything without approval from the top. Then we went to a Fulton Hogan truck that was blocking the road, big Maori driver said... "Leave it to me, I know Olwyn". Apparently Olwyn, sitting in the middle of a queue of traffic when a Fulton Hogan vehicle, with flashing lights comes down and tells it to follow her, escorts he past the barriers to the envy of the media pack who were waiting to get through. So we got picked up short order, thanks the Olwyn and Fulton Hogan and no thanks to officialdom.

Tongariro northern circuit after this next dusting of white stuff

pmcke that's hilarious! Good stuff.

Going up to Kime on Saturday,the forecasts good and still should be heaps of snow up there(always cold in the hut though).

I am going camping West of Brisbane for 2 days with the Brisbane Bush Walkers Club and 2 days walking i will have to share the walk with RAIN,TICKS,SNAKES and LEACHES the joys of Ozie Tramping Lindsay

Anyone ever walked up Makino River from Te Puia Lodge to the walkwire and the junction that goes up to Mangaturuturu hut? Wondering how long it takes and how clear the route is. I've done it up and over via Makino hut before. Thinking that camping out at that junction by the river would be quite nice.

Yes, no problems at all. It was a few years back but I don't remember much out of the ordinary apart from the usual boulder hopping in the creek. As for time, We stared at Mangatanoika Hot Springs and then were well up the hill past the walkwire, so it can't have been more than a couple of hours.