Lake Tarawera

Lake Tarawera overnight camping trip - 6,7 October.  Leader is Sam

Launching at 1pm from The Landing, Lake Tarawera on Saturday the 6th of October for a 2.5 - 3 hour paddle to Hotwater Beach campsite, Te Rata Bay.  You will need to be at the launch spot by 11.30am as it generally takes about an hour to pack your kayak for a multi-day trip, and get yourself ready. You will also need to eat lunch before launching.

Packing your kayak - if you need help, just ask Sam, but the basic principles are - everything that is water sensitive must go into a drybag.  Several small bags are easier to pack in than a few large ones.  Put the heaviest items closest to the middle of the kayak, and centered so the kayak is balanced.  In most kayaks there is often space behind the foot pegs but anything in there must be big enough to not roll around and get in the way of your feet, hinder a wet exit, or float out if you capsize.


Dinner and an evening paddle to the natural hot pools will be on the cards for those who would like a late night paddle. It is only a 10-15 minute paddle and 100m walk into the bush with a lovely natural hot pool.  Paddling back, hopefully under the stars. For this you will need a deck light, or at least a snap light (aka glow stick) so that you can be seen, plus a head torch.

A Sunday paddle to the lake Rotomahana walkway is possible in the morning for those that wish, before the paddle back to The Landing.

There have been 15 spots temporarily booked so far for this trip.  The cost for the campsite is $13 per night for an adult.  When you register online Sam will contact you with his bank account details and you will need to pay your camp fees to him.   Trip registration will close a week before the trip so that Sam can book and pay the campsites in good time.

There is no fresh water at the campsite and all water will need to be taken in with you.  Long drop toilets are onsite but take toilet paper as there sometimes is none.


Please let us know if you are inexperienced with kayak camping and might need support.
The plans are dependent upon wind and other weather conditions.

What to bring -

This is a self catering trip so bring everything you want to eat/drink/sleep in and wear. There is the potential for it to be raining, sleeting or snowing so ensure you bring everything you need to handle these conditions.   Note that we are going to a lake with a mountain towering over it and it can still be very cold even in October. Be prepared.  
There is no water supply at the camp - take enough water for the weekend - allow at least 3 litres per person per day which gives you plenty for drinking, coffee, and cooking.  Fires are not allowed unless there is a fire pit, so take a gas stove for cooking.
In some camping spots by the lake there is under-floor heating, and there is a natural hot spa pool at the edge of the lake - take togs.  If you are going to fish you will need a permit.

Note, don't put your head under the water as there is the potential for ameobic meningitis which can only enter the body through the sinuses into the brain - there is NO CURE, and most people who get it die.  You are quite safe bathing in it, just keep your head out.

Car Pooling - Car pooling is all good and we can organize this once we know who is going. When registering, please let us know if you have room for extra boats or bodies, or need a ride with someone.

You may want to team up with others with food.  

Additional Hazards - the transfer of weed, Didymo etc from lake to lake is a serious problem. Please bring a bottle of 5% dish-washing detergent mixed with water to spray on your boat and gear when you change lakes or leave Tarawera. You need to ensure 1 minute contact with detergent solution to kill any nasties.  This is important - do your bit and keep our waterways Didymo free.

Further information at http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests/didymo/cleaning-specific#felt
 
VHF Channels Rotorua Lakes
Channel 64 - Ship to Ship
Channel 2 - Coastguard Radio & Trip Reports

I have a camping gear list if you would a copy, just email  larraine.nz@gmail.com


To register online, please click here...



 

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