This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 94, no 3, April 2022
Lees Grove (orchids) Wainuiomata E
Wednesday 9 March 2022
There were seven expectant trampers on this trip, wanting to see and smell the orchids Earina autumnalis. We followed the Lees Grove Track from Wainuiomata and climbed to Rata Ridge. Once there, it was a short distance to the high point of Lowry and five minutes further to join the main ridge track and find a bench with views out over a magnificently calm Wellington harbour. An ideal place for morning tea!
Back on Rata Ridge, the sweet orchid scent had us looking around for the plants and it wasn't long before we came upon a huge patch of orchids on the bank and stretching below the track. We were busy taking photos when someone suggested lunch. What better place!
Two mountain bikers passed us en route to Fern Gully Track. We met them at the junction and were able to learn more about them. They were from Oregon and had nothing like these rooty, trampers' tracks at home. They were loving it!
We were soon down the Fern Gully Track, not far from our start. A great short tramp on this little orchid circuit.
- Party members
- Diana Barnes, Alan Benge, Michele Dickson, Julia Fraser (leader and scribe), Lois Kluger, Kerry Popplewell, Jocelyn Syme