YYNS Arapuni with Ruth -3 to 6 Feb

Waitangi weekend (3 – 6 Feb) on the Waikato – camp at Arapuni with Ruth

12th Annual Base camp at Peter and Hiroko’s place at Arapuni. Have two fantastic full days of paddling on the Waikato River lined up and a mixed ‘sport’ one.
 

1. Something NEW!! Drive south towards Taupo to the start point -  Broadlands Rd at Earnslaw Farm,  paddle with the  flow, through narrow sections of the river to Mihi bridge (22km – would need to do a car shuttle).
 

2. Back by popular demand! Drive to Lake Ohakuri Dam and paddle upstream to the Orakei-Korako thermal area. Stop enroute to sample the hot water at Waihunuhunu stream, then do the ‘squeeze’ and soak in a hot pool. Maybe have a coffee at the café at Orakei-Korako before the return paddle. (22km total).

Will decide on Friday night in which order we’ll do these day trips.
 

3. Almost mandatory – the Dawn Parade – paddle to the Arapuni da. Start the day at 6am; have your own spiritual experience watching the river wake up (6km). Always enchanting! Then after a late breakfast, options include riverside walk to swing bridge and Rhubarb café (3 hrs.) or cycle on Waikato River Trail.

Dinners –

• Fri night - join Ruth and Ian, Peter and Hiroko for a home cooked dinner.
• Saturday - Pot luck shared meal. State your ‘dish’ or be allocated one.
• Sunday – Dine out at ‘Out in the Styx’ café near Mt Maungatautari.
• BYO breakfasts, lunches, snacks, drinks.

Accommodation –
 

• BYO tents or caravans and camp on mown lawn near house; have use of Peter & Hiroko’s house - kitchen, (BBQ, microwave, oven), lounge, deck, flush loos, and hot shower.