This trip promised much and delivered plenty more, mostly good, but I would also be given a few sobering lessons. As a first-time visitor to Pureora Forest west of Lake Taupo, I was hoping to see one of those giant podocarps that were mere seedlings back in the 13th century, now said to be over 50 metres high. As always, I was also looking forward to the company of fellow trampers and a good workout. What better way could there be to achieve all of this than four days walking and living in one the largest remaining podocarp forests.
Visiting the forest is a privilege everyone should enjoy. Within an hour of starting out we were straining our necks as we peered up into the canopy, debating whether we were looking up at a magnificent matai, miro, rimu or totara. The truth is the canopy was so high above us we couldn’t see
