Lower Tongariro update:

An updated photo story down the lower Tongariro follows up on the previous report after the anglers access track had disappeared into the river. Now a new track has been hacked out on the higher terrace to provide access to the Reeds Pool and Jones Pool beyond. Also the track leading further downriver beyond Jones Pool to link with Smallmans Reach has been reinstated.

Photos taken on 14 September, about two weeks after the flood, when the Tongariro River was flowing around 35 cumecs.

A kinky new aqua architectural sculpture, designed and donated by the council, emerged below the Braids.

The buried tub was originally one of the old concrete pipes that were supporting the arches of a bridge across the old “Plank Pool” beyond the Braids car park about 50 m further up the Braids. This was swept away two days after completion in 2006 – see photo below…

The photo below illustrates the split below with approximately half the flow heading down the TLB and half to the TRB down to the Log Pool.

Before reaching the Log Pool the banks along the track were washed away by the flood and a new track has since been formed along the higher river terrace.

The original angler access track washed out.
The new walking track chainsawed through the pine forest.

The new track emerges back to the river bank again up from the Reed Pool.

A poaching trap washed up, cleverly disguised as a New World shopping trolley?
Reed Pool where the Council canal joins the old river – wading appears more difficult.
Jones Pool is more productive for those anglers like Paddy wearing a lucky TRM hat.
Looking down to Jones Pool across acres and tonnes of sand and sediment deposits.
Snags below Jones Pool should gradually get swept away.
The anglers’ track further down was swept away.
A new anglers’ track has been smashed through the scrub.
The old track swept away on right with the new track cut through on left.
The gravel beach accessed from the end of Grace Road is much reduced.