Sunday 21st
January 2001
Stage
Outline
The Hawthorn truck in a bog
|
|
|
|
||
The seventh day of our trip starts at Arataki Motel and Holiday Park in Havelock North and ends at Taupo Motor Camp. Along the way we cross some private farms, use SH2 and 5, as well as some Department of Conservation land along the Napier / Taupo highway.
Not far from our departure point we pass through the city of Napier. In 1931 Napier and nearby Hastings were devastated by an earthquake that killed 256 people. It demolished or damaged nearly every building in both towns, but also raised approx 4000ha of new land from the once inner harbour area.
Our destination, Taupo, sits on the east bank of the Waikato River at its outlet from Lake Taupo. Lake Taupo occupies a series of volcanic depressions in the Taupo volcanic zone, and is New Zealand’s largest lake, covering an area of 619 sq. km. It lies at an altitude of 369m and has a maximum depth of 162m.
We drove through lots of these interesting rock formations on Mt Rock Station
Brian Bootten on the steep downhill at
Mt Rock Station
Simon Read, after breaking a rear half-shaft, carry on anyway, thanks to his diff lock and lots of helpful towing
Trip Report – Sunday 21 January 2001
Team B
Our longest day yet and a day that called on all skills of these galant 4x4 drivers including Nissans – and we would also say patienbce of many but it was “awesome”.
We left Havelock North following the main road through to Napier/Taupo road and to Mount Rock station, to follow farm tracks. Up some steep tracks with tricky bends, through some great rock formations. Some keen observant travellers noted a lonely farm grave. Also seeing the first view of Lake Taupo. After Mt Rock station back on to the main road before branching into DOC land. At first it seemed to be rather uninteresting land, dry tracks and scrub manuka. But there were many suprises and challenges awaiting us – long dips, twisting corners, down steep bends, deep ruts. Then THE CHALLENGE. Down a steep incline where those that were able to descend, cornering and bouncing on 3 wheels down into the base of the valley. Reminicent of the Charge of the Light Brigade – through a river and into a glorious long mud hole. All who tried and there was no way out, had to be winched. Two teams through and out came the workmen with axes and chainsaws and a new approach. Hard work and patience required by all. A marvellous natural amphitheatre for everyone to watch the goings on down below. After all the hard work to get out of the mud hole we then faced the prospect of being towed up the hill and out of the valley. This exercise of getting teams through was very time consuming so some returned without facing the challenge. Thanks must be given to all those that put in extra effort to get the teams through.
A footnote – didn’t the motorcycles make it look easy!
After that we faced a long dusty trip with a few minor challenges to get out to the main road.
2nd Footnote. Once again our erstwhile sponsor Barry got into a spot of bother and hade to be rescued by a lady! No airbag release this year – yet!
On to the main road and shower at the camp in Taupo.
This report definitely a “B” plus, written by one eyed Cantabrians, with a few hangers on today.
P.S. Hello Nigel at Tip Top
P.S. Beryl sends her love.
The map below shows the route followed the Challenge vehicles today.
Map portions used with permission of Wises
The North Island Four Wheel Drive Challenge has been put together by a small dedicated group of 4WD enthusiasts (all experienced club members) on a non-profit cost-recovery basis.
3667/1
