Trip Leader: Robert Green
Trip Report: Peter McCusker
A group of nine members spent three very enjoyable days exploring the Ahuriri and McKenzie Valley areas. Staying at the Ahuriri River Lodge was a great choice by our trip leader, Robert Green. It was originally the old main Homestead of Birchwood Station but has been transformed into accommodation with a Trout Fishing décor, which was very tidy, relaxing and welcoming. The gravel road into the lodge is a typical high-country road, but got a little bit more challenging as we got closer to the lodge with side stream washouts and numerous potholes from recent winter storms.
We arrived throughout the day on Thursday after running the gauntlet of tourist driving antics. Our photography began in earnest on the Friday morning with a misty start and majestic peaks slowly coming into view, setting the scene for some moody creative photography. A fine day ensued with some of our crew heading up to explore the Canyon Creek area. Sheryl Frew drove up from Waimate for the day with the news that a very strong Aurora was expected that night, causing many of our team to venture into the McKenzie basin area for a better Southern perspective. We all had great fun exploring the Lake Ohau area with some good photography and a relaxing break at Ohau lodge, but the cloud cover was just too much for Aurora gazing.
Saturday morning saw many early risers rewarded with a beautiful sunrise and pink light on the alps. After breakfast everyone did their own thing from serious wetland tussock hopping balancing acts to trout spotting, Wrinkly Ram Café date scones and afternoon Lindis Pass tussock photography. Everyone arrived back at the lodge for a very convivial beer, wine and nibbles session with lots of laughter and reminiscing of past field trip antics.
Sunday greeted us with another impressive sunrise with Canada geese fly overs and numerous terns before pack up and gathering for a further Café date scones & debrief, followed by the journey home. Great weather over the whole weekend with just enough cloud cover to make those landscape photo’s more interesting.
