Nina Mercer and her family spent the summer holidays visiting two very different campsites, Mangawhero campsite on the southern side of Mount Ruapehu and Anaura Bay campsite on the East Coast.
By Alastair Meehan, Department of Conservation Intern
Between Christmas and the New Year two friends and I decided to give the Tararua Southern Crossing a crack. 23 years living in Wellington is too long, we decided, to have never done perhaps the most iconic tramp on our doorstep.
The most iconic tramp on Wellington’s doorstep
Despite battling through Boxing Day traffic, thunderstorms, blisters, cramp and the long trudge down the Marchant Ridge, it was a fantastic, albeit tiring trip.
A large wooden cross erected as a memorial to trampers who lost their lives in World War II
It’s easy to forget the joys associated with the backcountry as the trips become increasingly sporadic, and this was a great reminder of just how enjoyable a few days away can be.