So, my flat mate Jason and I made the return trip to Mavora to rescue the 4x4's from the end of the valley. Not looking forward to the seven hour walk we enlisted the help of Jason's mate Matt who shares this small but fast fishing boat to take us to the top of the lake. This saved us nearly 4 hours walk which we completed in around half an hour on the water!
The forest is mainly beech and the tree line is at around 900m. There are plenty of trout in the lake and being the Spring bank holiday there were a few boats out. It wasn't exactly crowded though as you can see - crowded is a word not often used in these parts.
Looking SOuth, three quarters of the way up the lake. The boat ramp is at the distant point of the forest on the left shore.
The walk starts here, wee dog wanted to join us but I feared we'd have to carry her after about half an hour so she returned to the boat after some protesting.
The hut and trucks are in at the top of the valley so still a fair way to go. Once we met the track the going was much faster. Walking through marsh and tussock is hard work with all of the holes and creeks.
Nearly there!
Once we reached the spot we saw the river had dropped significantly (about 2 feet) James had already rescued his Isuzu from the water last week so it was a clear crossing for us and although a bit bouncy on the boulders there were no dramas.
We had a few hours until sun down and took our time on the return trip, savouring the wilderness and capabilities of the vehicles.
The last of 3 rivers, not too deep and quite a pebbly bottom. Again, no dramas.
The road out!
Made use of the long weekend and went to Piano Flat near Waikaia. A beautiful spot with a great Kayaking river. We shall return another weekend and try the tracks and hunting around here.Alls well that ends well! Until next time...
