Otematata & Benmore Walkways
Sunday 8 July 2018
This trip was supposed to be to Quailburn and Egg Lake. However, heavy rain on the Saturday, which resulted in both the Quailburn and Ahuriri flowing at many times their normal rate, with more forecast for Sunday suggested a shift of venue away from the high country might be wise. The Otematata-Benmore area offered lower altitude and a forecast of only light rain in the afternoon.
With the scheduled early 7.30am start, the four trampers were able to set off from the Otematata River camping ground by 8.50. We followed the Wetlands Walkway track through the trees around the lake edge, stopping to read the information boards, admire the birdlife and enjoy the reflections on the still lake. A pause for a morning snack on the shore opposite the Benmore Power Station preceded a short climb on to the road and up towards the dam.
At a junction we took the left fork up towards the Benmore Walkway carpark, and turned left across a wooden section of the fence on to a track which led up a gully to a formed track. We turned left on to this and then climbed steadily through the pines for 15 minutes or so to reach the western end of the Benmore Walkway loop. There we turned right on to what is normally the “up” track. Some downs and ups eventually took us, with one deviation to test an alternative route, out to the Benmore Islands Lookout. This offered spectacular views up both arms of the lake, beyond which heavy rain was obscuring the views of Aoraki-Mount Cook and the Ohau Range, and, to the west, the snow-clad back side of the Hawkduns. As it was now midday, and there was a dampness in the air, we decided to lunch there.
After lunch, we went back to the main track and continued, mainly downhill, to the carpark. It was on this leg, at about 1pm, that the forecast light rain finally caught up with us. So it was parkas on for the rest of the walk. From there, it was back to the cars, largely backtracking but with some shortcuts, reaching them at 2.30pm. Although not as scheduled, this walk of almost 20 km and 1100 metres of height gain did blow out the tubes and offer some good scenery on a weekend of iffy weather. Thanks to Marian, Julian and Neville.
John.
