On Monday we were on the road by 9.00am after cleaning out our bunkrooms and the kitchen cabin. We headed for the Te Waihou springs walkway near Putaruru for a short stroll along the banks of the river to the Blue Spring - so named because of the purity of the water.The water comes to the surface after filtering through rock underground for 50-100 years and has no suspended sediments. A raised platform provides an elevated view of the spring waters which appear to be dark blue. We could see rainbow trout gliding amongst the long fronds of water weed. We added some watercress to our sandwiches for lunch but there were no takers for a swim with a water temperature of 11c. Then it was back to the bus and on to Opal Hot Springs in Matamata for a welcome soak of the tramping muscles. The water here was a more comfortable 39c and included an overhead jet of water for massaging the shoulders. Then we were back on the road and in Auckland by 6.00pm.
We woke to a cold misty morning and the sight of rowers training on Lake Karapiro. We set off from our wonderful warm cosy cabin and arrived by 8.30am at the northern end of the over-the-mountain track on Maungatautari. There was a keen southerly whistling across the open fields as we hurried towards the forest and the double gate in the predator-proof fence. The steep ascent became more rugged as we climbed, winding amongst tree roots and dark brown mud. We reached the summit of Maungatautari (797m) at 10.30am but couldn't see much due to trees. We carried on to stop on a sheltered sunny bank for an early lunch at 11.00am. It was cold so we kept our coats and hats on and those who had brought a thermos were most grateful. At about midday we met the fast party coming the other way and reached the second peak Pukeatua (750m) at about 1.00pm. There were fantastic views across farmland to Ruapehu and Taranaki - both hundreds of kilometres away. We could also see Kinleith mill puffing away and the Waikato River winding past. It was here that we saw and heard a NZ Falcon calling as it swooped around the craggy tops. Interesting plants included a bright blue toadstool ( as seen on the $50 note - Entoloma hochstetteri) and greenhood orchids. We christened the hill "Broke-stick Mountain" as two members of our party managed to break their walking poles in the muddy slippery tree roots while coming down the other side. The hot coffee and chocolate at the visitor centre energised us for a walk around the southern enclosure and up the viewing tower. We saw rata in flower and some of the resident Kakas came to visit at a clearing where they are normally fed peanuts in the shell. Then the luxury of a hot shower back at the lodge. On Monday we were on the road by 9.00am after cleaning out our bunkrooms and the kitchen cabin. We headed for the Te Waihou springs walkway near Putaruru for a short stroll along the banks of the river to the Blue Spring - so named because of the purity of the water.The water comes to the surface after filtering through rock underground for 50-100 years and has no suspended sediments. A raised platform provides an elevated view of the spring waters which appear to be dark blue. We could see rainbow trout gliding amongst the long fronds of water weed. We added some watercress to our sandwiches for lunch but there were no takers for a swim with a water temperature of 11c. Then it was back to the bus and on to Opal Hot Springs in Matamata for a welcome soak of the tramping muscles. The water here was a more comfortable 39c and included an overhead jet of water for massaging the shoulders. Then we were back on the road and in Auckland by 6.00pm.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
By Month
July 2017
By Region
All
The EditorYou can contact the Newsletter Editor to submit a Trip Report or News using the Newsletter Editor Contact Form
Stop Press Be in to win a free day trip !! Submit a report and be in to win the spot prize with each Issue of the newsletter. |