10 gals, mid-winter tramp in the Kaimai Ranges, New Zealand.
My sister had the BEST idea for how to celebrate her 40th birthday: an overnight trek with 8 of her galfriends, and me, in the Kaimai's.
Oh yeah !
The level 4 COVID-19 'lockdown' in NZ prevented her from celebrating on the actual date, but as soon as we were allowed 'out' she booked a hut in the Kaimai's and off we went.
It was fabulous to get out into the bush, and in such excellent company.
We took the Wairere Falls Track, then the North South Track up to Te Whare Okioki.
Click on any of the photos below to see them in full size.
The trek up to the falls is a well formed and very popular walk, reasonably steep, but not beyond that of the average weekend walker.
My sister celebrated her agility with a handstand at the top of the falls... really at the top...near the edge of where the falls go over the cliff edge.... gutsy thing to do and such a beautiful handstand too !
One of the gals took a daring quick plunge into the icy water at the top of the falls.
No-one else was quite that crazy!
Then of course....
Surrounded by wonderful native greenery the trek into Te Whare Okioki hut was accompanied by the sound of running water, native bird-life... and the constant chatter of 10 ladies !
Dogs are allowed in the area as long as they have a permit, and my sisters dog loved the outing.
Photos follow of the journey through the forest to the hut. Click on any pics to enlarge
The hut needs to be booked online in advance of your trek. Sleeping 12 on two large communal bunks and with a fire inside the main cabin and covered outside kitchen area the hut is well set up.
We were very grateful for the firewood that was drying in the hut and made great use of the fire to warm ourselves and the cabin.
My sisters friends had even brought in with them the ingredients/makings of a chocolate cake/pudding! That explained the bulging backpacks they were carrying.
And after the birthday candles had been blown out,..... there may have been some dancing....after a little limbo under the broom handle.
A fun weekend, great company, fun exploration of some of the North-South Trail.
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