Fourteen of us took part in the expedition including a visiting “hiker” from Sydney, Julie who was over here on a short business trip.
Most of the people in the faster group were training up for South Island trips – Brian and I took part just for the fun of it! Not much fun for the initial climb however from the carpark in Hikarimata road – it was a long, unrelenting climb. There was some discussion about exactly how many steps there were – somewhere between 1000 and 1500 ( I think at least twice that!)– and steep! Sweat poured off us and locals who were just doing the short trip up and back probably thought we were quite bonkers walking for over 5 hours more after the ascent!
The waterworks on the way up was a cool spot- literally – then on to the summit at 374m (it felt a lot higher!) Thanks to the team for waving from the top of the viewing platform there- from which there were great views of the countryside. Some of the track from here could be described as a “root march” – as Elizabeth pointed out there was no chance to admire the views on this bit – we were too busy looking where we put our feet!
We had a nice lunch break in a cool spot and, just as we were getting going again Imogen and the other party arrived, crossing in the opposite direction. From here some nice ridge walking to a lookout from which we could spy the snow of Ruapehu in the far distance. Then past some magnificent kauri and down to the car park to await the arrival of Bernhard and the others.
Thanks to Helen for organising and Bernhard for driving us –not only to the track but also the stupendous icecream shops in Pokeno . Wow! I don’t think I have ever seen such variety of flavour ( but passed on liquorice!) or such generous sized scoops. A perfect end to a perfect day. Julie enjoyed herself and has now officially left the ranks of the “hikers” and become a “tramper”