Tramp Reflections 838 - Open Day, Wairere Falls - Aongatete

14 February 2010

Kathy and I had done a reccie two weeks prior only to find the Aongatete River up so high it was a raging torrent that they were unable to cross so we were unable to familiarise themselves with this end of the track. We did however go to the Wairere falls and found it too was a huge amazing raging waterfall; what a spectacular sight! Bridges ensured that the river was still passable so we were able to familiarise ourselves with the western side of the trip to get times etc. We estimated a 6hr walk.

Seventeen was a good turn out for the planned easy 6hr day. Club member attendees were Adrienne(leader), Janey, Malcolm, Brett, Anna and Michiel and the visitors were Hannah, Rose, Steve O'B, Roshnee, Barbara & Kevin Bright, Chris B, Allan B, Judy & Irene, Colin Smith and Anne. Kathy (co-leader) had to pull out at the last minute due to a family illness so Janey and Malcolm rose to the challenge. After much organising as to who was going in which van and which gear had to go in which van, we left Pak n Save as planned in two vans. I travelled to the Aongatete lodge end and Janey and Malcolm took the other van to Goodwin Rd Matamata, the Wairere Falls end. The plan was to meet in the middle hopefully about lunch time to swap keys and each group would then travel back to Hamilton in the other van.

The day was not looking good with rain starting just as we left however it stopped for us at the Aongatete Rd end just as we got there. The Aongatete River was not too high and quite easy for first timers to cross. This was the one river crossing that I had promised them. Oh dear, of course due to the amount of rain that had fallen there were many more wet feet opportunities. I was reminded "You said only one river" and Michiel saved the day by calling the others "stream crossings". We had a slippery, wet but pleasant walk up to the top of the ridge and along. It was fairly undulating terrain, not too difficult but with the added stream crossings it took quite a bit longer than expected and we didn't meet up with the other group until 1.30 and they had already had their lunch!

Turns out the Wairere Falls group had had quite heavy rain all the way in the van, which continued for quite some time and spoiled their views of the Falls completely. Heavy mist meant they never even saw the falls! So they carried on to the top of the ridge and along wondering when they were going to meet us! All was well when we did meet and each group proceeded as planned.

When we, who had started at Aongatete Lodge, got to the Wairere Falls, we got a great view so we lingered quite a while to admire. For me though who had had the good fortune of seeing the Falls in full flood, the view will never ever be the same and will always a little disappointing!

When we got down to the road end we all enjoyed some chatter, a cold drink, some home baking and bikkies which had been left in the van for us just as we had left the same for the other group, who I might add, scoffed every crumb! "I dunno what they go up to what made them so hungry" They had had a slightly shorter day!

Nevertheless for an Open Day it sure was a nice way to end a tiring day that had gone on much longer than many of the newcomers had expected. We had walked 7.5 hrs. The weather had played its part in making the "Open Day easy walk" longer and a bit too long for many of the newbies. All in all, I enjoyed the tramp, enjoyed meeting the newcomers and enjoyed the cuppa!

Written by Adrienne van Hellmond

Photographs by Adrienne van Hellmond (Canon PowerShot SX100 IS).