|
            
|
|
|
This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Vol 70 no 4, May 2007 Raukawa Lodge, Orongorongo River8-9 April 2007With Luci and Susie's cousins, George and Charlotte visiting from Australia, we were keen to take them on an overnight tramp. It is somewhat difficult finding a route that caters for children aged 2 to 10 years, but having completed a preschool tramping trip to Raukawa Lodge in the Orongorongas in November 2006, it was still the best option. Together with some keen TTC trampers from the preschool group, we left the Catchpool car park around 11am in great Easter weather. Having lunch on the way, we made good progress arriving at the Orongoronga river about 2pm. The river was very dry, so much so that it could be easily crossed without any shoes getting wet! Raukawa Lodge, owned by DOC, is well set up for groups. The Lodge sleeps a very comfortable 16. You only need to bring sleeping bags, clothes and food. There is one bunk room plus a main sleeping room / lounge / kitchen. The afternoon passed very quickly exploring the river bed, adding to dams, and toasting marshmallows on a camp fire. The evening was calm and mild (as much as you can expect for April) and we all enjoyed stoking the camp-fire and looking at the milky way in all its glory. Nights in the bush don't get much better than that! In the morning, we easily crossed the river again and made it back to the car park within 3 hours. Everyone had a great time, even a manual flush toilet couldn't dampen our spirits! George and Charlotte now want to make it an annual New Zealand tramping trip!
|