This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 89, no 1, February 2015
Wednesday Walkers With Warwick Wright Warily Wade Waiorongomai With Wet Weather, Without Watching Waterfall MF
2 November 2016
Ten members set off at 9.10am from the car park off the South Wairarapa Western Lake Access road.
The steady rain was similar to that encountered on a trip up the river in March, but this time the water levels were higher and there was some discolouration. Although the river crossings were not dangerous, they did require caution and linked-up support. A count of the number of crossings reached 27, which when repeated on the return journey resulted in over 50 for the trip! The only highlight of the inward trip was the sighting of two goats.
In March, a group of 9 people reached the Waiorongomai Hut in 90 minutes. This time it took our group 145 minutes, giving an indication of the increased difficulty of the travel. An early lunch was taken inside the hut, and it was decided not to press on up the river to our planned destination, the 38 metre waterfall. Factors in the decision included the likelihood of difficult travel further up river, the extra time taken to reach the hut, and the risk that the river might continue to rise.
The trip back to the car park was without incident and after 2 hours we arrived back at the cars at 2.25pm in clearing weather.
- Party members
- Joan Basher, Tony Black, Franz Hubmann, David McNabb, Peggy Munn, Anne Opie, Bob Stephens, John Thomson, Lynne White, Warwick Wright (Leader and scribe)