This trip was the experience of a tremendous Wonderland and the great challenge of sharing. The group
left Auckland on Friday night 22nd April about 6pm. In travelling 11 people went in the van while 3 people
travelled in 2 cars. We arrived in Matamata about 8pm for some hearty take aways then travelled onto
the Rotorua Baptist Church to have a cuppa and kippa about 10pm. Travelling was excellent and good time
was made allowing for everyone to get a good rest..
Saturday
The team, from the good
rest on the wentilillos, was enabled to get up to a hearty porridge breakfast to obtain an early start
for the bushwalk.
The day was great and fine when we got to the visitor center about 11.00am to
begin our adventure. The group was split into two, with the longer loop walk led by Peter O and the shorter
direct track to Sandy Bay Hut led by Val to enjoy the different paths and their associated landscapes.
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Val’s group got to the hut about 4.30pm and Peter’s about 5pm to relax around the lake and enjoy
fellowship around a hearty meal with all the trimmings. After the meal a few campaigned with the card
game of 500 and a good challenge was held. 12 stayed in the hut while Peter and Val tented out.
Sunday
Prior going to the Kaipo Lagoon. we had a great devotion from Linda about being still before God
to enable refreshment and calmness in the storms of life. Through our being still in God and listening
this is a great strength. During the devotions the air became cooler but following it we all began our
walk to Kaipo Lagoon. On our walking to the lagoon and for the rest of the day this became a magical
and special experience in which we all experienced “Waikareiti Wonderland!” the falling of snow without
strong winds. The environment became still and majestic with the falling of snow on the forestry canopy
and the lower ferns.
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During this event 6 of the group Barbara, Ruth, Peter, Paul, Gary and Peter travelled
to Pukepuke the high ridge 1235m. What a great experience for all on board.
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That afternoon David Kilgour experienced a leg injury but from the great team of bushwalkers, David
was rested and cared for. During the night those who tempted to go outside experienced more snow.
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Monday
The team walked out while the kindness of other bushwalkers was experienced with
some of them rowing David to the shelter. With the generosity of these people and Gary’s first aid expertise
David was helped out. During this day everyone walked through the Waikareiti Wonderland with the white
forests and silver ferns what a joy and experience, then to come out where our vehicles were to have
a table lunch in the sun. David shared devotions about the Lord helping us in the storms and Jesus calming
the storm.
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This was a memorable trip with all to tell a tale of the Waikareiti Wonderland. The challenge
- God will speak to each of us through experiencing his environment. Cherish His speaking to us while
achieving these great challenges. The challenge will be different to each of us on these trips.
We left the visitor centre at about 1pm stopping at Matamata for refreshment at 5pm. Following this we
travelled to Auckland in an expansive moonlight evening reflecting on the events that occurred at Waikareiti
Wonderland arriving in Auckland about 8pm.
Cost: $101
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