Beyond Deep Creek – Lake Aviemore
The morning of the walk so me, John and Mike at the carpark ready to go – not sure why there weren’t more people keen to join a ‘normal’ type day tramp this time. Deciding to ride up in Mike’s EV we stopped in Kurow for a coffee before parking up at Aviemore dam to enter the Deep Creek path. The Deep Creek arm of the lake looked as great as ever, and we made plans to return in the summer for a kayaking trip/picnic.
Then an easy cross of the Deep Stream river, I elected to take off my socks and boots figuring it would be the only river crossing of the day whilst the others chose wet feet. Can see on the map image the route we took to the confluence at the head of the valley – all quite easy going. At the head of the valley we attempted to forge a around and up to point 489 but the scrub and matagouri was just too thick and impassable so turned tail and traversed across the base of the uplands.
Once over the saddle there was great views of Lake Waitaki, then along through the paddocks of Waitangi Station towards Fishermans Bend camping area, then back up to Aviemore dam and the car. Obligatory ice cream stop at Kurow on the drive home and a thank you to Waitangi Station for access permission.
