Umukarikari Peak (1,591m)

Umukarikari is the highest accessible peak in the Kaimanawa ranges.  These form part of the central high country along with the Central Plateau volcanoes.  The start of this track is 4km off of State Highway 1 at the start of the desert road, 15 Km south of Turangi.

The track begins in dense bush and makes its way upward at a fairly steep and constant incline until you reach the bushline.  Almost instantly you lose the bush at this point and begin  walking across alpine herb fields that lead into tussock as you gain altitude.  Marker posts are posted regularly along the route which guide you along the rolling tops of the Umukarikari range, up over a peak simply known as Sharp Cone (1,480m) and then onward a little further to reach the summit of Umukarikari (1,591m).  It took three hours to reach the summit but well worth the slog. A decent stop here for lunch and to take some photos of course.

Mt Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe from Urukarikari range tops

Views are to be had most of the way above the bushline, including stunning views of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro. Lake Taupo, Mt Tuhara were also visible through the haze aswell as the rest of the Kaimanawa ranges to boot.

The trek back down was somewhat faster (2 hours) and after five hours of wallking and climbing I was happy to reach the carpark and head back home. A great days tramp and another peak successfully bagged.

Not many to go now...