>>1985119 >thrilled that we found the way up, we start to climb
>the way is very steep, and at times very precarious, probably way too dangerous to be trusting a worn out decades old stair, but we are too exhilarated to be above the trees
>after a bit of climbing we emerge out onto the southern end of the flat summit, mostly native scrub-grass, tall enough that you can’t see over it into the interior, but we just spend a few minutes enjoying the view
>from up here we have total command of the valley, can see the Waikato River flowing from past the foot of Pohaturoa out along the valley towards the very very distant Mount Ruapehu, still gleaming a little with snow
>it was and still is one of the best views I’ve ever experienced
>decide to check out the interior and find a camp site
>hacking our way through the long grass when we realise we are not alone any more, but surrounded by fantails
>these cool little birds are p common anywhere in NZ where there is native bush, they will hang around people and generally be curious, but these ones were being even more so, we put it down to the fact that they must’ve not seen people before
>take care when swinging machetes so as to not hit our little bros
>the ground we are walking over is cratered every now and again by pits about 2m x 2m, begin to wonder if maybe there are caves or sinkholes up here, so tell everyone to be careful and not step into the holes
