Mangaroa Station

Over Labour Weekend eight trucks full of club members headed out to the east coast Mangaroa Station. Just past Te Kaha, the station boasted 28000 acres of which only 2000 was in pasture. I think the majority of the remainder was on an angle of about 80 degrees from horizontal! Accomodation was the old homestead (with generator power) or camping, serenaded by peacocks, dogs, donkeys and cows.

The four wheel driving was marvellous, centered around many river crossings with spectacular hill climbs and patches of mud.

A grand weekend out with stunning weather and great company. Check out the photos.

The first of many crossings on the way into the station.

Just before grinding to a halt and having to back for another line.

A view of the station from the surrounding hills.

Heading up. . .

The right hand is actually stopping the water being sucked into the engine.

The line up.

Bit too much air Alan?

The hill that stopped the man.

The rescue. . .

. . . And the reason.

Porters Road/River Trip Weekend

The weekend started off at midday on Saturday when we gathered at Murray Gibson's. A ramp test had been organised and the boys were keen to try out their vehicles.


This was followed by the Club Meeting and then Murray took us all on a trip around his Kiwi Fruit Farm - very interesting and informative for those who are used to buying them already bagged in the supermarket. We were surprised by how big an operation it is and what a lot of work goes into growing such a little fruit.


Next it was off to Awakeri Hot pools - some managed to have a soak while others prepared a BBQ tea. It was then off to Porters Road for the night run - a great night out with plenty of tricky angles and challenges.

Marcel and his Defender - Winners of the ramp challenge.

The following day after we all gathered for a yummy cooked breakfast at Ohope (big thanks to the Chefs) we headed off to do a river run in the Ureweras.

A great day out, warm and sunny as well.

Murray's Gang at the hut at the end of our river run.

Thanks Murray for putting on such an awesome weekend.