21st September 2025
At 7am five of us headed out in the van from Te Aute Road to Omahu to pick up 4 more. It was a
cloudy, cool sort of a morning as we arrived at Cameron carpark just after 8am. Donna, Peter Mc, Selina, Lou and myself were dropped off here and Peter B., along with Glenda, Christine and Donna G. went around to the Lakes carpark.
We weren’t far into the 2 hour climb up Kuripapango when we found ourselves having to cross a
swing bridge. That was a bit of fun, crossing 1 at a time. The excitement over, the climb gradually
became steeper, the views down to the Ngaruroro river more spectacular. As we emerged from the bush and onto an open rocky area, we felt the full force of the wind and at one particular point we were on a very narrow ridge. It was good there was a large rocky outcrop to hold on to. From then on, the track opened out although still steep.
Nearing the Beech forest, we knew the top wasn’t far away, but it was still steep going. Here we
came across remaining patches of snow and not long after reached the sign for Kiwi Saddle/Lakes
carpark. Continuing along the track for a few minutes in the direction to Lakes carpark we came across the other party coming towards us, there then began a snow ball skirmish between our 2 groups, all good fun. Peter B. wanted to go down to Cameron, but after us saying how windy it was, the other 3 decided not to go with him. But they did go as far as the beech forest. It was here Peter came across some hunters going down to Cameron, so he went along with them.
Meanwhile we 5 had lunch at the Trig before carrying on to the Lakes carpark Back together again, apart
from Peter,l we set off to Cameron carpark to pick him up, only to return for a walk around the Lakes. It
was still pretty windy and at one point whilst walking alongside the water a wind gust so strong blew
water from the lake and sprayed onto a few of us.
It was another enjoyable tramp and we set off for home around 3pm.
Donna W. Donna G. Peter B, Glenda H, Peter Mc, Selina C, Lou C, Christine L and Steve B.