25-28 April 2026

Leader: Mark Robertson

Saturday 25th - Having had a staggered start with both vehicles on Saturday morning we were able to regroup in Whanganui for lunch where we split into two parties. Some went off for a walk about Virginia Lake while three of us did a cruise on the paddle steamer Waimarie up the Whanganui River, a pleasant cruise but not a repeatable one.

From there we set off for Bushy Park where we were warmly greeted by Dale the butler. I was immediately impressed with the hospitality shown to us upon our arrival and being allowed to wander the halls of the lodge at will, looking into various stately rooms.

The bunk room assigned to our party was comfortable, with full facilities being available with what proved to be comfortable sleeping quarters.

Having arrived early enough, we were able to wander about the various tracks on offer. The amount of bird life was immediately noticeable, especially with Kaka making themselves known. We were lucky enough to stumble across the very impressive Ratanui Tree where a photo shoot was conducted.

Dinner was next on the list of things to do. Skygo was the evening entertainment which in turn brought out the competitive nature of the individuals who participated in the event.

Sunday 26th - Saw an early start for Konini Lodge at Dawson Falls, but not before a regroup at Stratford for coffee. From there we pressed on towards the lodge; while underway, numerous pictures of the mountain were taken. On one occasion with the driver having her ear drums sucked out by the backseat photographers trying to take moving pictures from open windows, we made a stop to alleviate the stress on her. It was like one of those tourist buses where everyone piled out of the ute to get their picture before resuming the journey.

We finally arrived at the visitor centre at Dawson Falls and with the able assistance of back seat drivers we managed to find a parking spot, but not before getting our driver more than a little flustered.

With a stop at the visitor centre, we found out that we had the place to ourselves.

After breaking into the lock box and gathering the keys, we made our way down to our accommodation: wow what a setup. Great bunk rooms with the usual cheap doc mattresses but great kitchen and bathroom facilities, along with a fabulous view of the mountain.

Arriving early enough, we had ample time to start walking some of the tracks in the area.

Based on where we were located for our adventures we quickly came to the conclusion that the whole track system is built on steps, stairs and ladders; they seem to go on forever.

Midday found us having lunch at the lovely Waingongoro Hut, then aimlessly walking out, exploring numerous tracks along the way.

Skygo was again the evening entertainment with that competitive streak really coming to the fore and the rising of a Skygo Queen.

Monday 27 - Saw us driving to Mountain House north of Stratford, before starting our trip into Curtis Falls. At the river some decided to sit on the rocks in the sun. The rest continued onto the falls, arriving there about 10.30 where we had the usual food stop and picture opportunities. Next, an about turn to face even more steps, stairs and a ladder before returning to the top, then continuing along the Patea Loop.

Unfortunately, on arriving back at the vehicles, three of the party had to return home due to other commitments, with the remainder returning to the lodge to walk the Kapuni Loop Track. From there we started off up to the Hooker Shelter with even more stairs that saw two of the group tap out, while three continued on. One stopped at the Hillary Seat to look for a Geocache while the other two continued with a speedy trip up to the Hooker Shelter. The return trip saw us pick up the one we had left behind at the Hillary Seat before returning to the lodge.

With dinner done and dusted Skygo was again on the table with our newly emerged Skygo Queen present, and constantly letting us know she was number 1. However, early in the evening like all great rulers, she saw her empire razed to the ground, never to rise again from the ashes in the following rounds.

Tuesday 28th - Saw us pack up and depart to do the historical York Tram Loop. With minimal stairs to climb this turned into very a pleasant speed walk touring the historical sites and as a sideline, Geocaching along the way. We saw a Geocacher in the making, though I suspect we all got a little buzz with every Geocache we found.

Leaving one in Whanganui, the remainder of our trip was uneventful until home and with a quick raid of my lemon tree everyone disappeared.

My thanks to those on the trip for making it very enjoyable and special thanks goes out to Chantal and Elisabeth for helping with the organisation.

Those on the trip were:

Chantal Heller, Elisabeth Hynes, Jacqui Marshall, Julie James, Kate Livingston, Marian Cox, Mark Robertson, Xiufang Sun

Currently there is no photo album for this trip.