New Zealand, 2001

I have just come back from a seven week trip to New Zealand. I went out mid-Feb, which equates to their late summer / autumn. My main time was spent 'Tramping'. This is the term they give to backcountry walking / backpacking. But I did manage to get in some sea kayaking.

My first experience was a half-day trip along the coast of Waiheke Island. This island lies in the Hauraki Gulf on the north east coast near Auckland. I went with a company called 'Ross Adventures', http://www.kayakwaiheke.co.nz. I found that I could not rent a kayak on my own, as they are concerned about 'safety issues'. This meant that I had to join guided trips, which, as it turned out gave me the opportunity to meet some interesting people. Ross's main customers are non-kayakers, I was the first experienced paddler that he had met this season! The main kayaks used, are large stable double's with rudders, but I had the use of a plastic single. Capsizes are unheard of, even though they go out in most weather conditions. I found it difficult to use the rudder, as I am used to pushing against the footrest, to aid trunk-rotation. This resulted in a 'S' shaped course through the water (not very efficient). So I disconnected the rudder most of the time.

My next trip was on a very large lake, Lake Tarawera, this is found near Rotorua. This area is full of volcanic hot springs. There is one particular area where a hot spring feeds into the lake, and to linger here too long in a plastic kayak, results in a banana shaped boat.

The advantage though, is that you can lay in a hot pool during the lunch stop (great for those aching muscles).

The Okarito Lagoon, on the south islands west coast was my final paddle. This is usually tidal, but due to the bar silting up several months ago the water is now trapped. It covers an area of 3,240 hectares. There are branches off the lagoon that enable you to paddle deep into the forest, very strange!. The area is home to the rare White Heron, and I spotted several during my paddle. The kayaks were plastic Perception Carolinas, with rudders. I found them quite comfortable and easy to manoeuvre.

Paul Frost