Exploring the outdoors in Rotorua

Ooh, it’s good to be back exploring our beautiful country, having little adventures and creating memories.  Over the last 12 months, I have experienced a few health issues and family bereavements and sadness.  These events have had a much greater impact of me physically and mentally than I would have thought possible.  I have found it hard to motivate myself and get back into a positive mindset. Then, one night it occurred to me that I needed to change my attitude and take back control of my mind and thoughts – hence the following quote:

“Your attitude can take you forward, or your attitude can take you down. The choice is always yours!”  by Catherine Pulsifer

The choice is always ours, but having said that, I have found it is much easier to say than to do!!

Good friends are essential

Recently I spent two days hiking small parts of the Redwoods and around Lake Õkareka.  It was spiritually restoring to be back in the forest again and sharing these experiences with special friends, Yvonne, Denise and Prudence.  Not only was it a good physical work-out but valuable time sharing, reminiscing, creating memories and having many good laughs with these girls.

Yvonne had organised this little adventure several weeks ago.  We were to stay with her and John (and their much-loved dog Blue) at their home in Rotorua. It was 5-star accommodation!!  Thank you to you both.

Denise drove Prue and I down. The car boot was full of overnight bags, footwear, hiking poles, and our individual meal contributions.  The cooked food smells were a constant companion as we travelled to Rotorua.

That evening as we all sat around the Rika dining table enjoying Yvonne’s delicious dinner we caught up on each other’s news and happenings.   And of course, discussed the next day’s adventure.

Day 1 – hiking in the forestry

Today’s predicted forecast was for showers and clearing later in the afternoon.  The planned hike was to walk from point A (Te Pūtake O Tawa car park, off Tawawera Road) to point B (Waipa car park off Waipa State Mill Road).  (See map below.) This meant we needed a car at both ends of the trail.

We started our hike from Te Pūtake O Tawa car park with the aim of climbing up to see the  Karearea Net cabin and then down towards the Waipa car park.

We mainly walked on mountain bike trails and gravel forestry roads.  Our trail gradually ascended through pine forests, with many switchbacks. The surface was firm, covered with pine needles and the odd tree roots.  We were often passed by individual cyclists grinding their way up hill.  They were very respectful and gave us a warning they wanted to pass.  Blue (Yvonne’s dog) always wanted to race after the cyclists, but luckily, he’s a well-behaved dog and obeyed Yvonne’s commands.  You could sense Blue’s eagerness  to give chase – but he knew better than to disobey!!

Several steep downhill grade 5 trails crossed our trail.  We stood in awe and disbelief that people would race down these trails and survive!  A comment was made that these mountain bike riders must have incredibly quick reflexes, skills and knowledge when riding these trails!!  Yvonne did make the comment that during the weekend, Rotorua’s A & E are always busy with mountain bike accidents!

When got to the top of our climb, Denise decided she would rest while Yvonne, Prue and I walked to see the remote cabin.  What a stunning location and set up.  I appreciated the simplicity of the design. solar panels, outside hot tub, along with spectacular views. Check out this link Karearea Nest.  While not cheap to stay at, it certainly would be a memorable experience.  It was easy to imagine sitting out on the decking, with a fine glass of wine, good company and “just being”, soaking up the environment and views.

A quick hike back to Denise for lunch. I savoured my Vogel bread sandwich with pork and home-made basil pesto.  A combination I have never tried before but can highly recommend.  As there was left-over pork from last night’s dinner, why not make the most of it. When hiking, Denise always has cheese and date sandwiches – never tried that before!  Don’t you find food always tastes better when you’re out on an adventure?  What are your favourite sandwich combinations?

As we were enjoying our lunch another icy cold shower came through.  We quickly put our raincoats back on and got hiking to help warm-up our cooled bodies.  Spirits were high because it was all downhill to the carpark.

Over the last couple of kilometers of our hike, we had a pleasure of walking through a redwood forest.  The forest floor was soft and spongy – it felt gooood.  I feel the redwoods have a magical/spiritual feeling about them. I feel insignificant in their presence.  The question crossed my mind, “Why don’t we plant more of these magnificent trees as opposed to all the pine trees?”

After our 15 km hike the car park and café was a welcome sight.  We all enjoyed a much-needed coffee fix and reflected on our day.

Polynesian Spa Pools

To finish off an already memorable day, a visit to the Polynesian hot pools was a necessity – to warm up and relax our weary bodies.  We had a small private ‘sky-view’ mineral pool with a temperature of 38.5⁰  for 30 minutes. It was a perfect ending to our day.  Highly recommend these pools.

Another evening meal was shared, made up of leftovers and contributed food.  As usual delicious food and no problems if you wanted seconds!!

It was an early to bed night for us weary adventurers!  Going to sleep was not an issue.

Day 2 – Hiking around Lake Õkareka

A clear blue sky and frost welcomed us this morning.  No matter where you are and what mood you may be in, when you see a clear blue sky, you can’t help but be thankful you are alive and looking forward to the new day!!

Today’s walk was around Lake Õkareka on a newly developed track which isn’t officially opened yet – still waiting for a bridge to be built across the narrow rock-based outflow from the lake into Lake Tawawera.

After navigating many yellow road cones on our journey out to the lake, we left one car at the end of the official walking track on Acacia Road.  Then we all travelled to the Lake Õkareka Reserve where we started our hike.  The views of the lake here were stunning.

We initially hiked on boardwalks through several purposely planted wetlands, watching where and how we placed our feet because of the frost covered boards.  It sure was a beautiful day to be out enjoying this environment with good friends.  We all commented on how good life is and how lucky we are!

The new track is through the bush.  It is mainly a single file track and quite narrow in places following the shoreline contour to the lake outlet.  Yvonne had forewarned us about the likelihood of us getting out feet wet crossing this rocky outlet.  For some of us these details sent imaginations into overdrive, creating all sorts of scenarios.

We enjoyed this trail, meandering along with slight ascents and descents, stopping to admire the views or a particular plant.  Chatting away as females tend to do, enjoying each other’s company.

Rocky outlet crossing

As usual the ideas and visions we often create in our minds are never as bad as the actual situation.  Thankfully the lake level was low, and this outlet crossing was much easier than anticipated. Yvonne lead the way.  Sure, there were plenty of rocks just below the surface of the water and it was important to take our time testing the rocks as some were quite slippery and unstable.  Only downside was we all got wet feet!!

Once over the other side of the crossing we found a sheltered sunny spot to enjoy our lunch.  For Denise and myself, we had the same lunch as yesterday.  Can’t remember what Prue had, Yvonne snacked on nuts.

The walk back to the car was delightful, walking on a mixture of boardwalks and smooth lightly gravel path.  This section of track has been around for a while and is very popular with walkers.  It had expansive views looking across the lake to the Lake Õkareka settlement.

At the end of our hike, it was decided that a visit to a local coffee shop was in order.  Then back to the Rikka’s to pack up and head home via a quick visit Prue’s daughter Courtney’s place.  What spectacular views there, overlooking Lake Rotorua and Rotorua city itself.

It was another great time away. exploring and sharing adventures with good friends.

Thank you, Yvonne and John, for being wonderful hosts and sharing your home.

Reflections

• Yvonne you did a great job organising this adventure, taking in account our levels of fitness.
• Friends are important to our mental and physical wellbeing – thank you girls.
• It was great to spend two nights away and having a break.
• We must organise another adventure soon.

Additional scenes

Till next time, from France.  My daughter Tracey and I are hiking Tour de Mount Blanc circuit (self-guided) with Auswalks.  It has been a bucket list adventure of mine for several years. Take care out there!  Goldcard Gal 🙂