The Papamoa Hills Night Walk was successful, the skies cleared perfectly and the moon was so bright it had an immediate visual impact when walkers came out of the forest into open farmland.
The quiet of the forest at night is peaceful and the walkers set off with great excitement.
The course
was marked by 100 glow sticks and walkers commented that it was great to watch the torchlight of following groups weaving up to the summit.
Walkers were also treated to viewing glow-worms on the banks through the forest.
The Mongolian ger at Summerhill Farm had a brilliant ambience, with everyone enjoying coffee and cake around the fire and admiring the spectacular views over the lights of Tauranga.
The event raised more than $1200 for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.
The donation to to the foundation was also increased due to the generosity of Summerhill Farm, which waived the hireage fees for the ger, and the Coffee Cup which supplied all volunteers with much-needed hot drinks without charge and gave reduced rates for the walkers' coffees.
Fusion Coffee also donated a bag of coffee beans for the event.
These contributions personify the team aspect of the event. Bay of Plenty Regional Council gave walkers special access and planning support, Karl at Summerhill Farm donated his time, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic lent their vans and two tutors volunteered to drive.
Rob the ranger was even sitting in his truck near the summit in case he was needed.
Members of the Youth Search and Rescue team provided support. Register interest in next year's walk by emailing tuiandtom@gmail.com.
