Trip report by Rosemary Muldoon
Trip dated: Friday 23 - Monday 26 October '98
When fifteen
of us left Auckland bound for the Kaimanawas, little did we know what we were
in for.We stopped for the night at Turangi, and had an early start the next
day.
On arriving at the waipakihi Road, we discovered a big washout to negotiate
by bush crashing. Then away up the Waipakihi River, not realising that we would
be crossing the river many a time, which involved learning the right way of
crossing in groups of four, five or six. Although the water was very clear,
it was extremely difficult to tell how deep or how swift it was, it also was
very cold.
At first it was a novel experience. But as the day went on with one more thigh-deep,
then ankle-deep water, our bodies began to tire and our legs were starting to
ache. The river never seemed to get any shallower.
With a few people tumbling into it, our progress was rather slower than expected.
We found a great spot for lunch. We then came across the first track sign. Only
after twenty-two river crossings with another seven, before we found a beautiful
sheltered and warm campsite. Here we settled and dried out our sleeping bags,
clothes, etc. A campfire and early night were very welcome.
The next morning we woke to a white frost, so it was very hard putting on our
frozen socks and boots. Our clothes were dry, but it wasn't long before we were
back in the river. We soon came to a small gorge, which proved very difficult
to negotiate. Having to climb, bush-crash and argue with bush Lawyers, all for
nothing as we had to descent back into the river. We crossed the River Twenty-five
times, before lunch in a rather cold spot. Here it was decided six of the group
would go onto the Waipakihi Hut and the rest of us would cross for the last
time and set up camp, as there was a way up and over Mt. Urchin to the road.
A restful afternoon drying clothes for some. For others a climb to see the views
of tomorrow. Then another early night, after dinner and a campfire.
Up to another early call, white frost and river-mist.
Leaving at 7.40 am for a steep climb to the summit. Arriving onto the ridge
at 9 am to fantastic views of Lake Taupo, Turangi, and the snow clad mountains
of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu.
Following a poled route to the Mt. Urchin Trig at 1392 metres with plenty of
time to view the scenery. From here a descend through alpine scrub, mountain
and red beach, to a very welcome sight: The bus!
Lunch, then on our way to meet the others, and a visit to the Rangipo Power
Site and Waikato Falls.
A very tough challenging weekend, one would not like to do too often, only perhaps
in the summer when the river is lower.
As on reading the information, it's classed as a delightfully easy route to
travel down the grassy river flats, beech terraces and river fords, strange
how we do everything opposite to the information given.
The weather could not have been better, and the scenery both in the river valley
and on the summit; spectacular! Which made it all very worthwhile.
Many thanks to everyone, on that never to be forgotten weekend
Rosemary