Wednesday Walkers

The public carpark next to Wairakei Resort was the rallying point for Wednesday walkers last week. Then it was under the road and skirting the immaculate groomed greens of the 9 hole golf course.

The planned walk was momentarily thwarted by track closure due to stated logging operations. Instead we followed the Wairakei Golf Course predator proof fence, with a steady climb over some flourishing grass with a high point achieved with two massive water tanks discovered hidden among trees.

The trip uphill was punctuated by strident pheasant calls from over the fence.

That a further track closure loomed ahead was a source of mild frustration but alternatively the shared tracks Outback and Steamfields beckoned, leading away into the trees. These tracks were followed some distance along a never ending carpet of surface pine needles. There was some skepticism regarding whether logging operations actually in progress or these simply redundant warning notices, however the group became aware that machinery was operating close up ahead and this was deemed a good time to perform a 180 degree turn. A different track homeward traversed along a rather steep slope.

Bernie on 378 9229 has more information regarding this regular walk.