Lake Karapiro

We started at Horahora Domain, off Maungatauriti Rd in late afternoon, paddled up the lake to Pokaiwhenua Stream, then up through the canyon to a spot where we could land and have dinner while it got dark.

Back into the boats and we let the gentle current carry us back down through the canyon. There were 3 rules - no lights, no paddling, no talking. The sky was full of stars, the pitch black canyon was full of glow-worms, and the stars and glow-worms were reflected by the smooth black surface of the water. The only sound was that of water dripping and the occasional bumping of boats. Magic.

Once out of the canyon we turned on our decklights and made our way slowly back to our starting point. The clear moonless sky showed the Milky Way in all its glory. Thanks to Ross from the Hamilton Club for leading us on such a memorable trip. We will have to do this one again.