Aorangi - Ohutu circuit 30 April to 1 May
Yes, Tony did catch a trout
A nice simple cableway provides access across the Rangitikei
Zig zag up the steep face above River Valley
Approaching Aorangi
Traipsing along under the bluffs
Wonderful kaikawaka forest
North of Aorangi the country opens out towards the back of Mangaohane Station
Dinner plate sized toadstools under the manuka
David and Sue diverted to bag this hut
Limestone landscape on the climb to Ohutu Ridge
Misty view across to Te Rakaunuiakura/Black Hill
Grassy gullies, laden with deer droppings, led down into the Ohutu Stream headwaters
... through magnificent kaikawaka forest
Breaking out onto the tussock again we were greeted by a stunning sunset
Tony's tent amongst the remains of the old Ohutu Ridge tent camp
Sunday morning we headed south along Ohutu Ridge
There's reputed to be a route down to Ohutu Stream Hut from these clay pans
But we couldn't find any sign of it
View back to Aorangi
Start of the steep descent to the Mangatera and Whakaurekou rivers
Evidence of a stag polishing his antlers
It's a long way down
Finally at the river
The Mangatera and Maropea rivers converge to form the Whakaurekou
Sure-footed Owen streaks ahead
Apparently deer cullers used these slips to access Ohutu Ridge
Hut at the Whakaurekou/Ohutu/Rangitikei junction
A seriously steep climb out onto the ridge between the Ohutu and Rangitikei (we never found the sidle track to Ohutu Hut that's shown on maps)
Whakaurekou/Rangitikei forks
