Sunday 7 June 2020

Leader: Paula Richardson

The Pukeatua Track is part of the Te Araroa trail and goes from Otaki Forks to South Mangaone Road. We decided to walk it from north to south.

We met at South Mangaone Road carpark at 8am and were very fortunate to have Paul Michl meet us and provide transport for all six of us to Otaki Forks. Thanks Paul! It was a cloudy but not unpleasant day as we made our way up to Pukeatua Summit at 812m for lunch. We had glimpses of sunshine and the occasional view.

The track was in good condition and we made good time down the ridge and to the four wheel drive track leading to the road end. This is where we came across a dead deer with its young kid snuggled up next to it. It was the saddest sight, and we discussed whether we could help the kid. Brandon very kindly said he would adopt it at his farmlet with the alpacas and so we carried the little fella down the rest of the track and home in the back of Neville and Elisabeth's car to Brandon's place. Thanks Brandon! A very pleasant days tramp with an interesting end!

Those on the trip were:

Elisabeth Hynes, Neville Grubner, Brandon Holman, Chris Keating, Glenda Robb, Paula Richardson

Currently there is no photo album for this trip.