Long climb to top worth the effort

When a friend suggested we go for a walk to the Hakarimata summit, I thought what a lovely outing that would be. I hadn't been for a good bush walk in a while and I certainly had limited my stair encounters to the ones at work, one floor worth, and on occasion when I use the Centre Place parking building. I was warned, I must admit, that there are a lot of stairs, like significant amounts that make you wish you had handles on your knees to pull each leg up, one by one.

I used to go on a tramping expedition with my family on a regular basis so I am very familiar with large, steep, soul destroying hills.

But my body had forgotten.

One step, two step, another step, what number stair what that? Apparently there are over 1400, I stopped counting after 10. What did not help moral was the getting lost several times due to listening to my friend, who had 'done it before' and was 'certain' he knew the way. I took over directions after the third wrong turn, it is quite simple really when you follow the signs. Then there were the children around half my age walking back down the stairs, or perhaps it was the amount of people running it looking more alive than I was feeling walking it.

Half way up though, after a drink and a snack, my legs had got on board with the whole 'exercise' thing, and my face had stopped burning from the cold. The air had settled and was no longer muggy, and I had noticed several other people puffing more than myself. The last half flew by, and finally we reached the summit. What they don't tell you, is to get to the watch tower to actually see the incredible view you walked up there for you have to walk up more stairs, I have a feeling whoever built that was laughing at the poor souls with each nail he hammered.

I ran up those stairs, I'm not sure what came over me, but suddenly I felt like I could conquer the world. I had actually survived what seemed like a never ending staircase. The view was spectacular, and worth the walk. I would definitely recommend going on a reasonably fine day so you can get the best of it. You could always just take the easy option and look at my photos but if you are keen for a challenge that only takes the morning, or want to get fit, it is an item to add to the to do list.

Just remember, those stairs do end . . . eventually.

The walk takes about 2 and a half hours return if you don't muck around, and is located just out of Ngaruawahia.

For more information go to: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/waikato/waikato/hakarimata-summit-track/