The lakelet between the Ruamahanga and Ruapae stream is a worthwhile excursion from Roraing Stag.  Head up the Ruamahanga from the hut until you see a rusty seepage on the bank.  Climb onto the terrace there and follow your nose to the lakelet.  Fabulous mature podocarp forest surrounds it.

Crampons would have been nice as we grovelled down to Powell Hut on hard ice and in strong wind in winter 06.

A rare dose of fine weather at Kime Hut.

A frosty June morning at a (then) freshly painted Kime Hut.  Situated on the 'Southern Crossing' between Bridge peak and Field Peak. Sleeps: About 24. Heating: No (a real icebox). Camping: Tops camping.  In a possibly apocryphal story Ben Clendon relates how people he knew couldn't find the hut in a storm, pitched the tent and awoke ...

A light frost touches the tussocks and spaniards near Kime Hut.

Ben Clark heads off along the ridge between Isobelle and Holdsworth.  The snow was surprisingly crisp by Tararua standards and steps had to be hacked into the ice in a few places.

Arete Biv and the Twins from the route off the top of Arete.  The Twins (along with Waingawa) bookend Bannister Ridge, one of the more challenging in the Tararuas.  The saddle you can see drains into the Ruamahanga and the Waingawa.

New Waiopehu built in 2002 is a comfortable modern facility, but with increased visitor numbers the track up Waiopehu Ridge has become very muddy.  Located near the bushedge on Waiopehu. Sleeps: Around twenty. Heating: No. Camping: Limited and uncomfortable.

Jumbo Hut in summer snow.

Penn Creek after its internal recladding and an exterior paint job - great work thanks DoC!  Situated in the Penn catchment between the Southern Crossing and Pakihore ridge. Sleeps: Six Heating: Open fire. Camping: Yes, plenty.