Otupae Station - on the Napier-Taihape road

21 November - this was a fundraising walk for Pukeokahu school, a small country school in behind Taihape.  Thirty-six of us were guided on a 6 hour tramp in high tussock country on this historic station.  This station is not normally open to the public, so it was a special privilege to be here.  We enjoyed spectacular scenery, especially looking towards the northern Ruahine Range.

Breakfast at the shearers' quarters, Otupae Station

Trampers from the Manawatu

We were driven about 5km through the Station in 4WD vehicles then started walking from here.

Morning tea stop at "The Hermitage" - a rocky outcrop.  Great views of the flat topped northern Ruahine Range.

John Doolan

Photo bombed by one of the guides!

We were heading towards this high point on the Otupae Range

The weather deteriorated badly at the top, 1372m.  It was very cold with strong winds and driving rain.  More storm gear was put on!

Off the tops (in the background) - much more pleasant now.

Heading down to Otupae Station hut -which can be seen in the distance on the left.

Group photo at Otupae Station hut.