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On the Whanahuia Range, north of Mangahuia. Photo: Peter Laurenson

Maungamahue, Ruahine Forest Park

Hawkes Bay Hikes

Peter Laurenson

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Peter Laurenson

A tramper, occasional climber, photographer, editor and writer, Peter has been adventuring for more than 30 years.

Peter Laurenson

By Peter Laurenson

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June 2022

Peter Laurenson

View more by author

Peter Laurenson

A tramper, occasional climber, photographer, editor and writer, Peter has been adventuring for more than 30 years.

Peter Laurenson

By Peter Laurenson

When the weather’s no good on the main Ruahine Range, this trip on the western side is a good alternative and offers beautiful tops, tarn-side camping and highpoint views.

The trail begins on the gradually inclined Deadman’s Track, up a spur leading to the rounded tops of the Whanahuia Range. Shortly after starting, a junction is reached, left leads to Rangiwahia Hut. The right-branching trail continues to climb steeply at first through the forest and then eases off from about 1050m. At 1200m the […]

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June 2022

Peter Laurenson

About the author

Peter Laurenson

Peter is a tramper, occasional climber, photographer, editor and writer. His adventures, spanning 30+ years, come together on his website ‘OccasionalClimber’. Richmond-based, Peter is editor of FMC’s Backcountry and has published three books: Occasional Climber (2013) and Khumbu (2021) and Aotearoa Light (2025).

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Waypoints

Waypoints

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Trip

Mid Dome, Southland

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Triangle Hut, Ruahine Forest Park

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