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By Madelyn Miller

New Zealanders love to "tramp" or walk around their beautiful countryside. Recently I had a chance to take the spectacular "Hidden Lakes Walk" in Masterton Wairarapa. During this one hour or so farm walk you have an opportunity to view small lakes formed by the violent 1855 earthquake (estimated at 8.2 on the Richter scale).

The surrounding bush is part of the New Zealand trust and includes many native trees identified with markers. Although the bush is not thick, there are many kowhai and totara.

It is a beautiful spot for a picnic or a fun way to get some exercise with unique scenery. And if you are lucky enough to have the owner, Brian Abraham as a guide, you will also learn a lot about geography.

There are two walking routes available. The main route (which will get you puffing) ascends a fairly steep farm track for approximately 500 meters. Then you see a breathtaking 360 degree view of farmland and the Wairapa valley spread between the eastern hill country and the Tararua Mountains. As the track levels and skirts the right hand side of the ridge, you can see the sheer power of mother nature where the whole hillside has dropped toward the Ruamahanga River, forming the two lakes.

The roughly formed track descends steeply to the lakes which look very brown from above but are actually quite clean when you are beside them. You can circle the lake to the right, but expect to get muddy shoes as this goes through a marshy area where spring water flows down the hillside into the lake.

Most people follow the track along the left of the lake and return via the same route. But you can branch off to the second lake (be careful--it is easy to get lost and end up at the river. There are swans and ducks on the lakes and you will see and hear numerous native birds including bellbirds and tui.

The track then returns along the base of the western side of the hill. This is the "easier" side and for the less fit it can be used to get to and from the lakes but does not give the fantastic scenic overview.

The owners, Brian and Diana , will usually welcome visitors into their country garden after the walk. And by this time, you will probably be ready to sit down and rest.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Visits must be pre-arranged by phoning or checking in at the homestead before the walk. You will need some basic directions to get started.

When to go: You can go at any time of the year although springtime offers a special experience with the yellow flowering kowhai and masses of tui birds. In winter, parts of the track are likely to be wet and squishy. In the summer it's usually very hot and dry go be sure to take a drink.
Fees: Adults $3.00, child $2.50

Getting there: Bruces Road is a 12-15 minute drive north of Masterton enroute to Mauriceville. You will need detailed instructions so be sure to call first

Contact Information:
Brian and Diana Abraham
Bruces Road
Kopauranga, Masterton
Phone: 06 372 5829

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NEW ZEALAND:

800-388-kiwi  (5494)

by Valerie Summers

http://www.nztb.govt.nz

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