abtcwhakataneriver

WHAKATAKE WHIRLIGIG

Whakatane River Easter 1-5 April

We left The Bracken soon after 6:15pm Thursday night to travel to Rotorua via SH27 and Matamata. We met up with those from Hamilton and Tauranga at our overnight stop chez Fletts lakeside near Hanurana Springs.

Twenty three eager trampers met in Rotorua on Good Friday to remember the death of Jesus Christ and its significance.

The plan involved two groups crossing and after explanation and discussion attempts were made to ensure that trampers only took the gear allocated to their group. Eleven trampers led by David Kilgour travelled to Ruatahuna to tramp the 79 km downstream with Tawhiwhi Hut for their first night. From Tawhiwhi Hut they set off on the Saturday to meet the other group. Twelve trampers tramping upstream from Ruatoki reached Ohara Hut by either river bank or river bed. The river was easily crossed although it was possible to slip on the rocks. We met Maori people who told of their family links to the valley. We met a lady carrying two trays of eggs in one hand while leading a laden pack horse with the other hand. The river meandered through the wide valley presenting attractive scenery and a clear disection of the Urewera hills.

Saturday was a hot day and bathing was a popular activity. Routes varied for both groups especially when markers were not evident; however we always had the river to follow. The two groups met at a very pleasant grass area by the river with the Auckland Tramping Club nearby. The group following the river downstream told of steep slopes to climb and even a three wire crossing! The upstream group had followed the river bank closely and they took advice in preparation for the challenge ahead.

Easter Sunday commenced with a celebration service as we remembered the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Both groups tramped and swam in the hot conditions. We saw many wild horses and grass areas showing evidence of earlier farming ventures. We met deer hunters with their trophies and we learned more about hunting in the Ureweras. The Waikare, Hanamahihi, Ngahiramai and Tawhiwhi Huts were meeting places and rest stops. We completed the track on the Monday and met for a late lunch in Rotorua. Many swam in the Polynesian Pools to recuperate after a long tramp in this historic and very pronounced river valley. Our tramp was a wonderful time of spiritual, social and physical activity shared with happy positive people. Everyone assisted to make it a success.