Lake Waikaremoana Track Day 2

Day 2 was a downhill day. Started off high up in typical NZ bush.

There were around 250 steps going down. I was glad we had them down, not up. I much prefer a sloping track to steps.

Even when there are no views of the lake, it is still beautiful terrain.

We got to Waiopaoa Hut by 11.30 am. It is down next to the lake and was in very good condition.

The original plan was to tramp to Waiharuru Hut on Day 3 with a side trip to the Korokoro Falls. But we decided to bypass Waiharuru Hut making Day 3 a very long day, so decided to do the side trip to Korokoro Falls on Day 2.

This was a very pleasant 3.5 kms (each way) to Korokoro campsite and 1.5 kms up to the falls, so a 10 km side trip! But we had all afternoon so enjoyed it.

I wasn’t expecting lupins, but this section of the track had lots of them. Felt like Central Otago!

The track from the turnoff up to Korokoro Falls is slightly challenging, including a stream crossing where there is a useful metal cable to help you balance over the rocks.

The Korokoro Falls. In hindsight I should have have a shower in them!

Me with the falls as background.

Back at the hut, this is the view of the lake. Most of us went swimming in the lake and I was surprised by how warm it was. Was a great way to refresh after 18 kms of tramping.

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