27 – 28 June
It was a full van once we picked up the last 3 at Taradale so it was fortunate that the old shelving in the back had just been replaced with a custom-made frame and shelves that provided much more space to store our stuff (thanks Peter and Kevin). For once we left a cold and damp Hawkes Bay to end up at a pleasantly warm and dry Taupo.
A short stop in Taupo to use the loos and we continued on towards Kinloch. There are 2 roads into Kinloch from Whangamata Road and between them is the Whangamata Stream with a walkway along both sides. This was our first walk of the day, just a short one but an interesting one. We passed through a variety of exotic trees, viewed a water wheel and, to the delight of the young at heart, walked though a fairy glen consisting of many tiny houses and a tiny tractor.
After about an hour walking the loop track we drove down to the lake side at the western end of Kinloch to start a walk towards Kawakawa Bay. This is a shared track through regenerating native vegetation and very few views of the lake. We split into 2 groups, but both groups turned around at the lookout before the track descended down to Kawakawa Bay. There were good views from the lookout, south to the lake and west to a very large grove of rewarewa. It was then time to drive back to Taupo.
Our accommodation at Taupo was the Kiwi Cove Motel and the biggest annoyance of the weekend. I had carefully selected 1 family unit for 4 people and one “ Deluxe Double Room with Bath”, the latter was supposed to hold 4 single beds and 5 double beds, this meant that everyone could sleep on their own. When we got there the “ Deluxe Double Room with Bath” didn’t exist and they had us in 3 units with a total of 9 beds. After a bit of complaining they swapped one room but still Jude and Paula had to share a double bed. Needless to say the motel did not get a favourable review from me.
About 4.30, after sorting our accomodation out, it was time for a warm up at De Bretts which was pretty packed but still relaxing. After an hour of soaking ourselves we went back to the motel to get ready to go to dinner at the Cobb and Co.
Our first walk on Sunday morning was the Rangitira Point walkway which is just south of Acacia Bay. This is 60 – 90 minute trail follows along the Lake Taupo shore line through native bush. There was great bird life and some interesting fungi along the track. We passed by a large group of whiteheads followed by another group of greywarblers. The track ends at some flat volcanic rocks and a great view point of the lake.
We then drove to the western side of Huka Falls to view the falls from both sides of the river. Here some walked the Aratiatia Rapids track through to the Aratiatia carpark, the rest drove to the carpark arriving in time to see the 12 oclock release of the dam. They then walked down the Aratiatia Rapids walkway to meet the others. It was then time to head back to the wet and cold Hawkes Bay, stopping first at Opepe bush to do a circuit of the northern walkway there. Thanks Peter, Steve and Murry for driving us on a most enjoyable weekend.
Party: Peter B, Steve B, Murry A, Susan L, Anne D, Selina C, Jude H, Paula K, Christine L, Constanze H, Judith M and Glenda H