We were lucky to get a site cancellation at the motorcamp ($15 each) and one of the last seats on the boat ($35 each) for the next morning, across the top of the lake. After a quiet night tenting, during which time the weather cleared, we got organised for the 10am boat trip to Hopuruahine. A 20 minute trip. Taking about 55 minutes we tramped the track to the main road, along the road to the bottom of the Manuoha Track.
Starting up the track at 11.45 we spent the first hour or so on a very steep climb up. Strenuous. Completely stuffed for the rest of the day! :p Lunch. The beech trees were amazing; loaded with moss and lichen. Three quarters of the way along the track we had an extensive westerly view of unidentified, distant hills and mountain ranges.
After lunch the track was undulating to gain the extra 400m elevation to the hut. What joy to reach the trig. Lol. Especially as we thought we had another hour to go! 6 and a quarter hours tramping. Photo taking but unfortunately it clagged in rapidly preventing us from seeing the amazing views of coast and plateau. As we came up to one part of the track we saw threads of web hanging straight down not realising that on each was a caterpillar. We discovered this later at the hut. The little wrigglers were crawling over us and our packs.
The 6 bunk hut was empty when we reached it, 5 minutes along from the trig. It was small with a wood stove and firewood. Just when we decided we were on our own a couple of young German guys clattered onto the porch. Interesting talking with them. They were in New Zealand for some months working at kiwi fruit pruning etc as well as touring.
The next day had cloud swirling around, as it had been doing all night. No view! We all left the hut at 8.20am wearing raincoats and gloves. (The Germans were heading back down the way they had come; to the beginning of the Manuoha Track). A long, undulating track to Sandy Bay, with beautiful beech trees and other foliage. Ground covered with plenty of leaves. Very scenic. It rained all the way down to Sandy Bay where we arrived at 3pm. A lovely beach and views onto Lake Waikareiti.
A few people there already. One of whom had the fire going so that we could dry clothing. Over the afternoon there were many arrivals, mostly large groups, all young people. Most opting for one or more members of the party to row the gear from the Waikareiti Shelter across the lake to Sandy Bay with the others walking the track with little gear. Some did not have much idea of what appropriate gear they should have. One group consisted mainly of South Americans. One NZ couple was on this track as part of a 2 week biking tour, taking minimal gear. With 2 bunk rooms the night was peaceful with the weather clearing for the next day.
The 4 hour tramp to Aniwaniwa was yet again through a range of native flora, including some fine fuchsia specimens. The track for the 1st 3 hours was undulating as well as including steeper slopes. It was an amazing walk in lovely weather. Arriving at the track end we still had some road bashing to the motor camp. However, we found a track to the camp which avoided most of the road.
After reaching the car and eating lunch, we headed off to Auckland. Along the way we passed through a small valley which was covered with manuka in full, white blossom. Awesome. We stopped for a coffee at Murapara where we were told about SH1b. This avoids Matamata as well as Hamilton. A pleasant drive.
An enjoyable tramp, well worth the effort thanks to Pierre’s planning.
Lindsay