Six Go Mad in Maruia Springs: Easy Walk Trip to Lewis Pass

Six Go Mad in Maruia Springs: Easy Walk Trip to Lewis Pass A long weekend of Mills and Boon, psychotic locals and autumn snow was not on the original trip programme, but then again, life doesn’t often advertise its most interesting aspects.

There we were at the Wellington ferry terminal, fading fast with logistics unravelling around us, our numbers shrinking as the boat was about to sail. Our fate was set. Arriving in Picton our fortunes appeared to rise with the allocation of a four-wheel drive Toyota Previa – a must for any group of 6, driving like a car despite the group’s weight. But enough of Top Gear, our hopes were quickly dashed as we were stopped outside Renwick because of snow on the road to Lewis Pass. Out of the rain and darkness we headed to Nelson and spent the night on Lyndsay’s floor. My throwaway comment about him having wooded floors caused a minor disturbance in the van until the beige carpet was spotted and tested. After the previous night’s adventure, we deserved a slow, sunny trip down to our original destination and our prayer’s were answered. A coffee stop in Murchison, however, saw the collection of some rather suspect audio tapes from a charity shop – ‘golden’ piano classics deserving particular mention. Fortunately, these were swapped at the backpacker for something slightly more bearable, although (privately) I had Wandering amongst the snow en-route to Cannibal Gorge (Sue Walsh)

Tramping & Mountaineering 2004

Andrew Whitfield qualms about inflicting ‘roll out the barrel’ times 20 on some other unlucky punter.

Our arrival at the Maruia backpacker saw a warm welcome from the local constabulary in the shape of two fingers. My tip off to a driver about an impending speed trap obviously interrrupted some earnest copper with little better to do than ruin someone’s holiday. Unfortunately, a certain member of the group did not realise that I had triggered the said gesture and went to remonstrate with a police officer about the incident. The rest of us cowered and ran for the backpacker. Our need for roofed accommodation was pressing, but it was almost free of charge. The backpacker itself was a curious place, part 19th century shop, home, shack, and unheated dormitory. Still, it was probably better than a hill-top in a metre of snow. We quickly warmed, not literally of course, to the Hungarian landlady who brought us wine, Mills and Boon books, and coffee. Attempts, however, to elicit conversation from her boyfriend and other strong, silent-type locals was problematic and resembled

Planet of the Apes – without the costumes. A hunter in a track-suit and a crashed pick-up driver could not, though, take the spotlight from one very angry local. We had, by accident, opened his paper which was left outside the backpacker. With visions of ‘Deathwish’ running through our heads, we decided it was time for a walk.

Lewis Pass offers a wealth of day walks and the St James Walkway. The snow and lowcloud made for an atmospheric couple of days, rounded off with a soaking in the Maruia Springs hotpools. And despite attempts to emulate the kayak club, we remained in a state of semi-decency. The weekend’s highlight was a walk up to Lewis tops (sans several group members who decided enough was enough), which saw us above the treeline and covered in snowflakes – exhilarating. We probably could have seen more of the area but our determination to have a solid 10 hours sleep and a reading of the papers with breakfast curtailed the former. Easter Sunday’s finale was a group viewing of ‘Chocolate’ on the TV which included Johnny Depp’s guitar ‘playing’. Dreadfully funny. So far, I haven’t mentioned that I was the only male amongst the group. Heaven some might say, but everyone’s entitled to their opinion. The trip home saw an afternoon stop in Nelson lakes, a few sun-rays, and a leisurely arrival into Picton, just in time for the rain again. Despite the late crossing and extended close-proximity, we were still laughing. Testament to the varied characters who made up one trip I will not forget in a hurry. Pass the wine...

Lewis Pass (Sue Walsh)

Sue crossing at Cannibal Gorge (Sue Walsh)

Tramping & Mountaineering 2004