Juno counting the anglers in the Tongariro River pools heading towards Lake Taupo.

Thank you again to DOC.  The Department of Conservation’s team manage the Tongariro River Trail (TRT). Tourists recently counted 8 orange vests involved clearing the edges of the trail to improve the views for tourists. 

The overgrown ugly scrub along the sides of the track had blocked out most of the views over the Tongariro River and towards Mt. Pihanga sheltering Turangi.  

Anglers in the Judges Pool below the TRT.

The northern loop of about 3 km is the most popular walk for TRM tourists.  They often take Juno to show them the way.

A vigorous refreshing walk is a wonderful way to start the day with a combination of easy exercise in the attractive river environment, listen to the Tuis, spying on Blue Ducks, watching the anglers, and enjoying elevated views north towards Lake Taupo.

SH1 looking south is visible again.

Before Christmas the track was badly rutted and washed out and several tourists complained it had become too dangerous to ride downhill.  Ebikes in particular were blamed as they were heavier and more difficult to control by tourist bikers.    The surface has been re-metalled and is safe again.

There are still places as in the photo above where the views upriver remain overgrown and blocked but I am sure DOC will now have those on their programme for their next maintenance day.

What a wonderful place to live!