Napier Tramping Club

based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

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A Whale of a time

May 9, 2015 by Jude Paton Leave a Comment

Lake Whalehole – Waipiropiro Hot Springs, 9 May 2015

Lured by the promise of a little known hot spring and a “puddle” called Lake Whalehole, 18 people (including two Wednesday regulars) ventured out into what was unfamiliar terrain for most of us.

A long drive up the Taihape road and across farmland saw us set out close to 9am in cool, breezy and overcast conditions after a few spits on the way in… not what was wanted. Over the hills (aim for those sheep!) and not so far away, we found the landmark river terrace and quickly spotted the steam rising from a little gully. A steady trickle of hot water funnelled its way into a bath tub perched high above the river below.

Paul, the only one to take the plunge

Paul, the only one to take the plunge

Undeterred by the brackish-looking water, one person scrambled into the tub, immediately unsettling its dubious contents, pronounced the temperature perfect and happily posed for pics. No one else followed… a scrubbing brush and some TLC would go a long way! Not quite the Welcome Flats of Hawke’s Bay, after all.

Moving on, we retraced our steps and headed up the hill to panoramic 360 degree views looking across to No Mans in one direction, the ridge to Sparrowhawk in another and the pine trees on the way to Shutes somewhere in between. Great choice for a morning tea spot and by now it was all blue sky and sunshine. Things were looking up!

The group photo opportunity

The group photo opportunity

Back at the vehicles, we endeavoured to offload the surplus sheep and cow dung that clogged our boots before driving further down the road and setting off along a farm road and across paddocks in search of the mythical Lake Whalehole. Expectations were low (a “puddle”) so we were unprepared for the lovely little lake at the bottom of a grassy hillside surrounded by scrubby bush with a couple of ducks. A farm track continued part-way round and an intrepid few completed a circumnavigation to join the others for lunch on a sunny slope overlooking the lake.

Lake Whalehole, a closer look

Lake Whalehole, a closer look

All too soon, it was back on our feet and off to find the river but we soon backtracked after taking the wrong route and enthusiasm waned. So it was back to the vehicles, a quick change, time to collect two big bags of pine cones (no mushrooms, unfortunately) and off by 2pm.

An enjoyable easy walk and early finish with lots of hilarity and laughter along the way. What fun!

Trampers: Lyn Bowcock, Bruce Hodgson, Paul Hendy, Sue Martin, John Dobbs, Sue Marshall, Juliet Gillick, Frances Bernsten, Maree Patton, Paul Exeter, John Marshall, Peter Washington, Elly Govers, Hillary Heath-Caldwell, Denise Payne, Tony Plymers, Alison Greer and reporter Jude Paton.

Filed Under: Recent trips Tagged With: Lake Whalehole, Waipiropiro Hot Springs

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About us

We are a group of like-minded people who love the great outdoors. We tramp mostly in the Hawke’s Bay province, in remote areas such as the Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges; but we also travel longer distances to new places, for longer walks.

The Napier Tramping Club was established in 1974 and has about 70 members. We belong to the Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ Inc (FMC) and run Saturday, full-weekend and Wednesday tramps, every fortnight.

Interested in joining us?

Enjoy the great outdoors, keep fit and get to know others with similar interests.

More information

Latest news

January 2021 News

Sunrise Hut Track Closure Just a heads up Sunrise Hut and Track will be closed from the 8th of Feb … Read More

December 2020 News

Mike Christie, Ranger Recreation/Historic, Manawatu. Kia Ora RUG group,  There will be on-going … Read More

Latest trip

Hypothermia caused by cool winds and water

Useful links

  • Dept of Conservation
  • DoC Huts Use, Kaweka Forest Park
  • Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ (FMC)
  • Heretaunga Tramping Club
  • New Zealand Tramper
  • NZ Walking Access Commission
  • Wanganui Tramping Club

Useful links 2

  • Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society
  • Weather forecast

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