The sun was shining on us

Boundary Stream – Shine Falls, Wednesday 9 October 2019

The scheduled tramp was to be Boundary Stream – Te Rangi Farm but as the farm is in the process of being sold, we were unable to contact anyone for the needed permission to cross the farmland. So the change of plan was to have an easy walk to Shine Falls starting at the Pohokura Road entrance.

Fifteen of us met up a Park Island for the usual Wednesday later departure time of 7.30am. Murray took a party of four in his car which left space in the van; this was needed as the carry space in the back was very limited, so spare seats and floor were used.

It was going to be a good day for tramping – the weather was looking promising. I had not done this tramp for more than 14 years so it was going to be a ‘walk down memory lane’.

All 15 of us started the tramp at around 8.30, slowly spreading out as we adjusted to our own pace and speed.

Ted suggested we take the left side of the Kamahi Loop track down to Shine Falls, coming back the opposite side, that way making for an easier return, and not so steep.

Halfway along the loop track, Murray and Tony decided to return to the car and drive around to Heays Access Road, coming in to meet the rest of us at the falls.

Ted, Sue and Dorothy also decided to turn back and enjoy some walking around the shorter and not-so-steep Tumunako Loop track and the kaka nursery area and shelter, then wait in the van for the rest of us to return at day’s end.

Unfortunately, the key to the van was in the driver’s pack (Marie) so all three had to mill around waiting for our return.

We arrived at Shine Falls at 11am, in good time for a very early lunch. That meant we could sit around and enjoy the waterfall, which put on quite a display for us. We waited for Tony and Murray, then started our way back up to the van.

Marie took plenty of photos including the magnificent ancient matai near the junction of the loop track. It was a great walk out, more undulating than the track down, with a few steep parts which always makes for a good workout.

Arriving back at the van at 2.30, we changed, loaded back into the van, meeting up with Murray and Co at the Pohokura Road/Matahorua Road intersection, and made our way to the Tutira store for our end-of-day treat – ice cream.

Another good day out with fantastic weather. Thanks again to Murray for providing his vehicle and our van driver Marie.

Trampers: Murray White, Phil Winters, Tony Pluymers, Dorothy Sole, Marie Deroles, Ted Angove, Sue Marshall, Sue Trotter, John Burrell, Mandy Cunningham, Rosemary Jeffery, Jenny Burns, Alison Greer, Jana Weitzing (visiting student) and reporter Lynette Morgan