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Our gear is staged and ready for our helicopter trip from the Taihape-Napier
Highway Bridge. You can see the Taihape-Napier Highway coming down
to the river left center of the photo. The bridge, the first
across the Rangitikei River from the headwaters, is in the tree line center of the photo.
The Taihape-Napier Highway is also known as the "Gentle Annie" and is
part of the
Inland Patea Heritage Trail, the path based on a
historic Maori track. In the 15th century one of the most
famous Maori leaders Tamatea Pokai Whenui (Tamatea means he who explored
the land) arrived in NZ on the Takitumu canoe and traveled the trail
with his son Kanungunu. Many of the place names near the trail are
called after the animals he is said to have carried in his basket.
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
Our helicopter pilot,
Brian, decided it would be faster and more fuel efficient to make
three trips for 10 people with gear piled in the passenger
compartment rather than sling the gear in a cargo net, so we
loaded up to the gills. This is the first flight, about 20
minutes one way.
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
Our
first aerial view of the Rangitikei River and the Kaimanawa Mountain
Range.
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
First Rangitikei River camp site near the
boundary of the Kaimanawa Forest Park.
Photos of New Zealand
by Ron Castle
Ruth and Pam setting up the first campsite for cooking dinner.
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
These regulations were posted at the Napier
Bridge helicopter pick up point. 550mm equals 21-5/8 inches.
Photos of New Zealand
by Ron Castle
The
Rangitikei is one of the clearest rivers I have ever seen, which
makes wading potentially dangerous. Water that looks only 2
feet deep could easily be 4 feet or more. Clear water also
makes for spooky trout, which means nymphs fished upstream and in
more turbulent water.
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
Pam
trying her spinning gear on the Rangitikei River trout.
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
Larry fishing in the Rangitikei River for rainbows.
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
Bill from Lower Hutt, New Zealand, is the master trout fisherman,
lands the first nice rainbow which became part of the dinner menu.
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
Larry showing off a nice rainbow trout from the Rangitikei River.
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
Preparing the rafts and other boats for our first day floating the
river.
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
Loading the gear for our first day on the river. The fleet
consisted of two Incept rafts, a Raft Pro pontoon cataraft, two
Water Strider kickboats and Matt's kayak playboat. From left
to right, Pam, Roger, Geoff, Larry and Matt. Incept Marine
designs and builds world class whitewater rafts and other inflatable
boats in Taihape, New Zealand. Check out
www.incept.co.nz
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
The
Rangitikei River was all ours for over a week. We never saw
another boat on the river in over 60km. The only other people
we saw were two men and a lad who were helicoptered in to our second
campsite to do some deer hunting.
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
Ruth and Roger loading the gear on their Incept raft appropriately
christened "Tickled Pink".
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
Pam at our New Year's Eve campsite.
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
Pam and Ruth moving the gear.
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
Mr.
Water Strider himself, Montana fly fishing expert Dave Inks.
Learn more about Dave at
www.waterstrider.com
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
Making preparations for New Year's Eve dinner and gala celebration
complete with harmonica music and party poppers. From left to
right Roger, Matt, Larry, Ruth and John in the easy chair.
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle
Ruth and Roger discuss gear positioning to load the raft. Dave
Ink's and Ron's Water Striders are in the foreground. As far
as we know this is the first time the headwaters of the Rangitikei
have been navigated by Water Striders.
Photos of New Zealand by Ron Castle |
