Rob
North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Ohakune ▷
4.5/5
Raetihi to the start of the track is ~ 95% downhill, and a cruise.
The only thing wrong with the track (and I am struggling here) is that it was quite a bit easier than I expected. The climb was over in half an hour, followed by some undulating curves along a ridge line, then 20 km down to the Bridge, and then the river.
Jet boat pick up was easy.
Back at the lodge we ate and drank well, and met some interesting characters.
And then a 4 hour paddle the next morning, which was strenuous enough. Plenty of rapids, but we only had to bail twice. Highly recommended.