South Wairarapa Tramping Club: NZ’s Largest Rata – the Karapoti Rata
The Karapoti Rata is estimated as being 1000 to 1500 years old, was discovered in 2008, and is hidden deep in the Akatarawa Forest.
5 trampers from Greytown joined up with 6 from Eastbourne, led by Peter who had located the tree, and had devised routes to it, partly along existing tracks, logging routes, and stream beds, with new sections of route as necessary. Our route took us up a steep slope and through dense bush. There were many tracks, some quite indistinct, but Peter knew every turning.
Three hours later we found ourselves at the foot of a true monster tree, with 10 major trunks, approximately 39 metres tall, and a girth of 15.4m, equalling that of Tane Mahuta. Numerous photos were taken before we had lunch under the tree.
A different route out took us down the Little Akatarawa River, easy in places, and “gnarly” in others, as we had to skirt deep pools by sidling round potentially slippery steep rocks. Luckily the stronger members of the party provided helping hands for the weak and nervous!
It was a relief to get out of the stream and take an old logging track, much easier going until one tramper failed to notice a large tree sloping across the track. She hit it head on with a loud Thunk and a shriek, as it knocked her to the ground, on the edge of the bank down to the stream. Other trampers rushed to her aid, preventing her from rolling down into the water, and rescuing her microscopic hearing aids. After a short rest and a restorative drink, we were on our way again, reaching the cars after about 6 1/2 hours.
Our thanks to Peter, who had led us well, and safely returned us to our cars.
SWTC welcomes new members. Phone or email Ed and Juliet Cooke, 06 304 9497 or efjac@xtra.co.nz. See our Facebook page and website.
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