Bell Rock, Maungaharuru Range, Wednesday 28 May 2025
Banner Photo: Lake Opouahi kiwi creche [library photo]
The plan had been to go to Galbraith Hut, but it wasn’t possible to access the Waitara station this time; so Bell Rock was our alternative.
Two cars left Park Island with eight trampers. There are still road works on the Devil’s Elbow but the road to Tutira was otherwise fine. The unsealed part of the road to Bell Rock car park had recently been graded so there was little corrugation and we were at the car park by 8.45am.
Bell Rock with mist hanging above the Mohaka River [library photo]
Six continued up to Bell Rock while Ted and Tony turned off down the bush track. When we arrived at Bell Rock at 9.45am, it was clear enough to see the entire, incredible view of the valley. It was windy on the valley side of the rock but otherwise quite sheltered. After a wander, a few photo ops and morning tea, the cloud rolled in and put an end to the view.
Tui song is a delight
We headed back to the car park at about 10am via the bush track, accompanied by more lovely bird song than I have heard for a while. We met Ted and Tony back at the cars an hour later.
It was raining lightly, so we decided to go to Opouahi to eat lunch at the large shelter there. The rain had stopped so we did a circuit of the lake. Ted told us that, in the past, he had gone with other members of the tramping club to clear wattle and do planting there. It was disappointing to see that, on one area on the lakeside, weeds and exotics appear to have taken over and there were a couple of sections of boardwalks where lifting wire netting could be hazardous. It’s still a lovely spot.
Naturally, we stopped at Tutira store for an ice cream (it’s something of a tradition) before heading back to Napier, arriving at about 1.30pm. Thanks to Di and Donna for taking their cars.
Trampers: Di Reid, Ted Angove, Selina Chilton, Donna Weston, Michelle Finlayson, Keith Gore, Tony Pluymers and reporter Christine Briasco
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