21 May 2025

Even before we started the tramp there had been 25 casualties. From the van, Colin had been eradicating rather dopey and persistent flies. At the Lake’s car park the party divided into two; Colin, Steve, Juergen, Robyn and Selina were to aim for Kuripapango trig (4100) and beyond. Christine and Anne were to take a walk down to the Tutaekuri River and then the Lakes.

The walk down to the river took 23 minutes and an hour to return to the car park. Not to be outdone by Colin’s killing rampage; they took on the annihilation of a couple of hundred wilding pines. Back at the car park they had morning tea before continuing their tramp to the Lakes.

There was hardly a breath of wind so the lakes were spectacular. As the first lake had a 3 metre beach around it, Christine and Anne made their way to the second lake via a well-worn path. This lake has a very spongy border surrounded by raupō. It may have been that it could have been walked around but not knowing how boggy it was, it was decided to return to the first lake. With such a wide beach front and a sunny aspect they walked around the lake to a small stream flowing into the lake. Three things kept them from crossing the stream 1) its depth 2) its width and 3) we had left our packs back at our lunch spot, so back to our packs we went. Where we spent a very restful time sitting in the sun enjoying the tranquillity and looking to the ridge the other party had climbed.

At quarter to two, as we’d agreed to be back at the car park by 3.00p.m., we made our way back up the path (well-worn and in some places hampered by overgrowing astelia and flax). About five minutes before arriving back at the junction to Kurapango 4100 and the lakes we heard voices. Christine and the other party met at the junction. What great timing!

The other five reported stunning views over to Ruapehu. (Something that was in doubt when we left Pukahu in overcast conditions but anticipated on arriving in bright sunshine at the Lake’s car park). Snow was reported on Kaweka J but little on Ruapehu. They had missed the turn off to the Kuripapango trig and had continued on the Smith Russell track to the 1359 metre high point where the great views were to be had. On the way back down they went up to the Kuripapango trig (4100) and got some more great views..

Party:  Steve B, Colin J, Juergen G, Selina C, Robyn W, Christine L, Anne D.