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Pirongia : Tirohanga - Mahaukura round tripMt Pirongia (959 m) 

The most widely recognised landmark in the 17,000 ha Pirongia Forest Park. An ancient volcano, its dramatic skyline and dark green forest contrast strongly with the surrounding farmland.

The description from the brochure:

Tirohanga - Mahaukura round trip 8-11 hrs return

You can create an interesting round trip by crossing from Grey Rd carpark to Ruapane via the Mangakara Nature Walk, then following the Tirohanga Track to the summit view tower. Return via Mahaukura Track to Grey Rd.

這一條步道是相當挑戰的登山步道 路程遠 多次上下陡坡 但有高山景觀和原始樹林 因此吸引許多登山好手. 今天大自然登山社有五人走的這一條步道 每一位腳程相近 我們只花不到六小時完成整個 round trip

Five persons turned up today's walking. We walked per the purple marking

undulated once entering the Ruapane Track

lots of giant trees

several steep sections

Ruapane trig (723m). Having our morning tea

group photo in front the trig

in the mist

We encountered several very steep sections.

 Fortunately chains bolted to the rock to guide us to climb up.

beautiful scene

 impressive scene - huge supplejack vines hanging down from the overhang cliffs

The section up to the Pirongia summit is the most impressive and elegant one. 

Most portions are boardwalks and stairs.

dense moss-covered vegetation 

 busy in photo taking

柏樹樹型優美 引人注目

大家都在觀賞這樹型獨特優美的老樹

Pirongia summit (959m) view tower

outstanding views from the view tower

elegant scene

group photo at the base of the veiw tower

今天五人腳程相近 每一位都可以按自己的腳程行走 

不必放慢也不必加速 因此大家都走得很愉快!

這一條步道是相當挑戰的登山步道 路程遠 多次上下陡坡 但有高山景觀和原始樹林 因此吸引許多登山好手

碰到多次爛泥

一失足成千古恨 回去得好好洗鞋

Mahaukura Lookout (899m)

good views

After passing over Wharauroa Lookout (820m), we then  climbed steep down thru chains bolted to the rock.

giant tree

lots of ganoderma (靈芝) in this forest

哇 白色大靈芝!