Te Mata Peak, 6 July 2022
Banner Photo: Looking down on the Tukituki River
Ten keen folk gathered on a cool, grey day for this excursion around the local giant. After a briefing at the signage just above the Tauroa Road car park, we were off on our circuitous route, following the red way-markers. Plenty of people (most with dogs) were out on the many tracks, taking advantage of the fine weather.
At our first high point, we had a fantastically clear view of Ruapehu in the distance. The track was in places extremely slippery with mud; Alison and Sue agreed that they had never seen the track in such a state. Obviously, it is well-used by humans and livestock and the wet weather will not have helped its condition. Most people in our party had walking poles that they were very thankful for.
Clearly evident throughout the walk was the amount of development work done and being done over the whole peak, new tree planting everywhere, old trees (mainly pine) felled, new tracks laid, a real credit to those involved, volunteers and council workers.Views over the Tuki Tuki valley were breath-taking, the landscape so attractive with pastures, homesteads, hills, olive groves, the river, limestone rock formations and the sea in the distance. After a refreshing drink at the trig, we were off on the yellow track, making our way to Peak House for lunch.
We followed the yellow track for about 15 minutes and headed up ‘Jenny’s Jaunt’, a nice bit of climbing to bring us up onto the main road and from here it was an easy walk down the road and onto a short track into the grounds of Peak House.
A fine lunch was had, service very swift (thanks Alison, for booking) and delicious food. Following this, it was a downhill walk through gums, redwoods and native bush back to the car park.
We were very fortunate with the weather; apart from a cool breeze in places, we only had a few spots of rain. The walk took about two and a half hours.
Thanks to Alison and Sue M for driving and organising.
Trampers: Cherie Le Lievre, Sue Martin, Alison Greer, Gordon Tapp, Anne Blackwell, Ted Angove, Simon Hill, John Burrell, Sue Trotter and reporter Denise Bavidge
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