This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 85, no 11, December 2013
A Sunday afternoon adventure
27th October, 2013
Seven of us set off from the bottom of the Ngaio Gorge, following the Kaiwharawhara Stream. On arrival at the bridge, we turned left and headed for Wadestown. On the way up we met Barry Durrant trying out his two new knees and doing well. Our leader, Jenny, had invited us to stop at her house for an afternoon tea that was both sumptuous and delicious. Little did we know that this would really fortify us for what lay ahead.
We began the steep ascent up Te Ahumairangi Hill, but quickly found that our planned route skirting the hill, would have to be changed as the track was closed. It seemed that recent severe northerly gales had brought down a significant number of trees. We tried to find a descending track from the Ridge track, but again we ran into trouble. A huge tree was blocking our path and we were forced to retrace our steps to follow a higher track. Again we were thwarted as our way was once again blocked by yet more fallen trees. We opted for a steep descent and although this route was also affected by fallen trees, we were finally able to make progress, arriving at the site of the old gold mine. This was not quite where our leader wanted us to be, but we had no choice but to continue our descent from here. But guess what, soon another huge tree was blocking our path. However this time it was discovered that the way the tree had fallen left a small gap underneath through which we were able to squeeze, and it was with some relief that we were finally able to arrive on Grant Road.
- Party members
- Jenny Lewis (leader) Bill Gebbie, Mary Wilson, Lainey Cowan, Lois Hope, Syd Moore, Liz Martin (scribe)