Good sealed road into park. Arrived in time for lunch with a choice of about 8 campsites at this well known DOC site. Decided on the 2nd one in from the visitor's centre as Stu not keen to go too far on the dusty, narrow road. One other camper, family in van & tents. Toilets only available, water from stream adjacent to campsite with lovely clear, running water. Very sheltered with surround of native trees. Took a short walk to the river where the other family were swimming with boogie boards etc. Lots of lovely river stones, all very picturesque & peaceful. Lots of birds - lovely dawn chorus & evensong. Tried to identify calls from my bird book but very difficult unless you can see the birds themselves. Must get a CD.
Next morning set off on a 'walk' Stu had chosen (moderate grade I was told). Gorgeous bush, & river which we had to rock hop across about 20 times in all! Not to mention the two swing bridges which I NEVER walk on normally. Turns out to be a TRAMP not a walk, with lots & lots of uphill climbing to the very top of some hill looking down the valley. Luckily I had my tramping sticks which Stu had bought me last Xmas - they really are very helpful, taking the strain off your legs when you are climbing, escpecially up steps, rocks etc. Also keeping balance going downhill. Took 4 hours return including our lunchstop. Was quite a challenge for this old girl but I did it! Next day did a couple of other walks - there are so many to choose from with all sorts of different aspects. The longest one is to the Pinnacles where there is a hut with 80 beds for overnighters. Takes 3 hours + each way, but we imagined it was out of our league. However, we did find the track & it appeared to be a good wide well constructed track, so perhaps some other time (or perhaps not)??? All in all it a really tranquil, peaceful place - everywhere there is the sound of water, from a gentle trickle, to a roaring waterfall we saw from great heights on our tramp. I imagine in summer it is very busy (not our cup of tea), then in winter a lot of it would be cut off as the river fords would be impassable. An amazing place.
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