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Packing up Photo courtesy of P.Media

We decided to cut across the lake to Ohinekura Bay and use the wind to take us around Ngawhatuatama Point, through the narrows and into the relative shelter of Te Raoa Bay. As we made the crossing the wind steadily rose in velocity, whipping up a swell that was exciting to paddle in, but still relatively easy to manage. Nose on to the swell the doubles were as stable as ever and the singles were torpedoing nicely. However, once around the point we had the wind up our rears and steerage became a real problem, especially for Nick and I being lighter. We estimated winds of 25 knots at this stage with gusts up to 35 knots. It's probably an understatement to say they were pretty hairy conditions.

Nick managed to get rafted up between the two larger kayaks and the Sheehan family were blown down the narrows and were able to make for the safety of the beach around Te Horoinga Point. Greg and I weren't so well organized and ended up having to try and surf our way around on our own. We almost made it too. I was having a devil of a time keeping stern on to the following waves. Just as I would get it to turn one way it would sweep completely around to the other side. I had to lean into the waves and use my paddle as a brace.

" We estimated winds of 25 knots at this stage with gusts up to 35 knots. It's probably an understatement to say they were pretty hairy conditions..."

With about 100m to go, I capsized and was unable to roll back up again, so had to bail. Once in the water I must admit to feeling a lot more in control than I had been just prior to capsizing. We all had really good buoyancy aids and as I also had my paddle, my waterproof backpack with my camera safely inside and my walkie talkie, I felt pretty sure I would eventually get floated to shore safe and sound. Ah the beauty of being on a lake. Chris was picking me up on the back of the other single in no time flat while Robyn and the kids were safely on shore. Between the three of us we would have been able to get my kayak overturned eventually, however, we were saved a whole lot of time and energy by some boaties from Gisborne, who had been making their way across the lake and had seen our predicament.

After gathering my sodden kayak, they also plucked me out of the water and followed at a safe distance behind Chris and Greg as the guys battled their way back up towards the beach where Robyn and the kids were waiting for us. Chris was hit on a couple of occasions by rogue waves and rolled about six times. All that practice in the pool, perfecting his rolling technique, was becoming very useful. I happened to have a bottle of champagne stowed in the front of my kayak - just the thing for occasions such as this and after being delivered safely to shore I handed it over to our helpful friends.

Once back on high and dry we heated up some hot noodles and reflected on what we had done right and what we had done wrong. Chris was especially eager to run through things for future reference. Greg and I had learned a valuable lesson about rafting up and the stability this offers. In fact, debriefing went on long into the night around another pot of freshly brewed coffee and some more of that wicked birthday cake. We had found a great little camp just inside Te Raoa Bay, aptly renamed Capsize Cove. From here we could see the Panekiri Bluff in all its glory, especially at sunset. Red sky at night, we had a feeling tomorrow we were in for our best day weather wise.

Our last day and Waikaremoana had not finished with us yet. We awoke to a breathlessly clear morning. As if to make amends for the way it had treated us the day before the lake was tranquil and glassy. Mirror reflections greeted us at every turn. We were up and swimming by 6:30am, had breakfast, loaded up and were on the water by 8:57am - a new record. We paddled across the lake towards Home Bay in glorious conditions. The 10km were paddled at a very leisurely pace, rafting up for a bit of a yak and some of Robyn's famous scroggen. In fact, there was definitely an air of reluctance about heading back, we had prolonged the inevitable for as long as possible.

We were back in Home Bay by 12pm, suntanned, feeling fit, healthy and already planning the next trip. Now we just had to face the drive home. Waikaremoana - we'll definitely be back.

Information
Waikaremoana is 95kms from Murupara in the heart of Urewera National Park. Allow two hours to travel these 95 kms. The Urewera Park Map has excellent information in it. Available from DOC centers or most camping stores.

The Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre (Ph. 06 8373 900) has trip forms for park users to complete - just make sure you check back in with them once you have returned safely. Free camping is allowed in the National Park except within 200m of tracks. No overnight use of huts and campsites is permitted on Lake Waikaremoana Track without booking. Trout Licenses are available from Fish and Game - the local store at Waikaremoana can issue these. You will need an Eastern Region License. Campground, shop and petrol at Waikaremoana - Hours 8am - 6pm. Waikaremoana has a pack it in, pack it out policy regarding all rubbish. Cars can be parked in the public carpark for up to 10 days. This carpark is well lit and is security checked during the summer.

We were on the lake from 6 Jan - 10 Jan and were told it was very busy. Once out on the water we didn't find it busy at all. In fact we only camped near other people on the first night. The tandem kayaks were excellent for family use. Four adults made the trip far safer and easier all round. We took in our own drinking water - and worked on about 2 litres each per day.

Waikaremoana Motor Camp
Ph: 06 837 3826
Email: misty@lake.co.nz

Waikaremoana Guided Tours - Noel Himona
Water Taxi
Shuttle
Fishing Trips
Hunting Trips
Kayak / Canoe Hire
Ph: 06 837 3729
Email: noelhimona@xtra.co.nz

Courtesy of New Zealand Adventure

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