Arthur's Pass National Park (Christmas trip)

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ARTHUR'S PASS NATIONAL PARK I originally asked Maureen to write joyed valuable instruction on bushcraft this article, but as she didn't finish the and river crossing technique as well as club trip, we asked Lois to finish it off. getting to know each other. -Ed. Our fortnight's Christmas trip was to Mind you, I knew we were in for a be Park spent in the Arthur's Pass National area which interested us all good trip as soon as I discovered who much, most of us having never been very was leading our trip and I wasn't mis- there before. taken either. Not much can go wrong After on a trip lead by Ron Fayle! packing the usual huge piles of food (they seem to larger every year) The eight members in our party were we set off leaving behind us. fortunate be dlarser enough to able to spend a We travelled from Christchurch to weekend together before we actually de- Howden by bus and truck to begin the parted on our Christmas trip. In fact, first stage of our trip up the Hurunui only one member of our party was miss- River. Large grassy flats with beech ing. However, the rest of the group en- forest on the slopes made the first part of our journey easy and delightful. There Having bid farewell to Maureen and were plenty of good camping places and, Jim from the depths of our pits, the rest in spite of the sandflies which were really of us began to make efforts to clean thick all the way up the Hurunui, I our Otehake River campsite and then up think the whole party were regretful retrace our footsteps of the when the time came to go over Harper's Sunday along the hair-raising track previous Pass. Lake Karapataka. Not half so to Christmas Day was celebrated in tra- raising, however, as Ron's efforts to bush- hairditional style, including a Christmas bash over the last hill instead of stocking full of goodies, plum pudding the track down and around it. taking said and a tent full of sandflies (not quite so it would be easier and quicker He for us. traditional). A halt had been called for Wonder how he felt when he led us a couple of days to enjoy a good soak in back to the track at the point where we some hot springs we came across. left it? So much for that, we sent him However, it was now time to say to the rear in disgrace. goodbye to the Hurunui and push on Once at Lake Karapataka we over Harper's Pass. This pass has rather our way around it and set made an interesting history. At one time it camp at Pfeiffer Creek, which up ran our from last was used as the main route over to the the lake into the Teramakau. Rain West Coast. Later it was decided that again fell in buckets, but we turned cnce the most suitable route was Arthur's blind eye and concentrated on a Pass. Crossing Harper's Pass into the cur rations from the comfort eating of up Teramakau proved no difficulty as it is tents. the only 3152 feet high. I was a little dis- Friday found us down the appointed at my first glimpse of the Teramakau to the road walking in glorious sun- Teramakau. It certainly wasn't as pretty shine enjoying the lightness of our as the Hurunui, but offered much more and priding curselves on a packs scope in side trips. ful trip. That is, until very success- decided Farther down the Teramakau we set to make things a trifle more Robyn up camp at Townsend Creek in the hope choosing to get from the bank eventful by we might be able to cross Minchin Pass. the river, head first. Doc down soon to However, the route up to the pass was recognised his opportunity to Noyce possibly a little difficult for our party himself, however, and with nurses distinguish and we decided against this move. At and Wilkinson giving able Fayle this point Gordon managed to shoot a badly cut eye was soon assistance, a deer, sO the party feasted on venison Our destination for that patched up. for a couple of days. Poor Gordon had chànged, to get our night was now been teased the entire trip because he pital; so a somewhat tired patient and to a hoshadn't managed to shoot anything, but dozen travelled on the railcar dirty half finally he had the last laugh. Otira to Christchurch, from Another side trip was arranged the midnight. And what arriving us? about Otehake River which proved to be the worst weather of the whole greeted The most interesting on the trip. On the way der, lightning, torrential trip. the Thunup we enjoyed a swim in Lake Kaura- So, while Robyn rain, works! pataka, this lake for some reason being of white sheets, we enjoyed the luxury very much warmer than any of the miserably wet, into remaining five crept, rivers. We were able to stay in the water I understand has a certain park which for quite some time without any dis- Tongue and Meats been host to many comfort. The Otahake seems to be rarely over the years. visited and this is puzzling because the On Saturday we turned civilized, first tracks in the area, while not being good, with a hot bath and then dining out. are still reasonable enough to enjoy the Canoeing on the Avon was another treat beauty of the area. we much enjoyed, soaking ourselves for The rain had set in by this time and the hundred and first time. After rethe party was confined to tents for two claiming Robyn, we climbed aboard our days. The only time anyone emerged was plane bound for home, with the fond for quick dryings of gear or to rescue thoughts of of work on Monday and lots meals before they floated off the plates. dirty washing. New Year's eve passed uncelebrated be- Those who suffered were: cause Robyn everyone was too tired to care very Burnette, Maureen Hoy, Lois much. Barry Noyce, Jim Kettlewell, Dennis Dyer, Before I close and let Lois continue, Wilkinson, and, Gordon Kemp and they may I say that a favourite feature of kindly looked after Ron this trip was plenty of food! Fayle. -Maureen and Lois.