It was a clear, crisp spring morning when Heather, Prue and I met Yvonne at the Blue Lake car park – the four of us very excited to be together.

 (The Blue and Green Lakes are 12 kms from Rotorua township).

With lots of laughter, packs adjusted, we were off around the Blue Lake, which would later include the Green lake, a brisk wind biting us when we hit exposed areas.  Runners passed us frequently as there was a 36 hour endurance event being held.  Runners were completing as many circuits of the Blue lake as possible over the specified time. Some looking bright and chirpy and others looking as if they were querying their sanity when they agreed to this. (A feeling I have often experienced!!)

Lake Rotokakhia or the Green Lake, has a depth of 21 metres which is 6 feet shallower than the Blue Lake and 11 kms in length. Both lakes are freezing cold, even in the heat of summer. The green lake is a pale emerald, the colour due to being more shallow than the blue lake and its bottom is sand only. Again the track was well formed and mainly easy to walk. However, there were two “gently climbing” hills thrown in. By the end, my little buttocks were screaming” Enough!! Enough!!”

 Lake Tikitapu or as it is commonly known, the Blue Lake, is a collapsed volcanic crater, the deepest part being 27 metres and 0.6 kms in length.  Pumice and rhyolite form the bottom making it look blue/turquoise in colour when reflected by the sun. We followed the lake edge which was edged with Punga, casting dappled sunshine shadows in front of us, native bush which attracted the bees and little waving grasses. So relaxing. It is an easy walk of about five kms but we broke off about half way around to divert on to the Green Lake track.  

 Bird song was plentiful and we glimpsed amazing views of the lake through the trees as we happily walked along – enjoying the scenery as well as the companionship. I feel very privileged to have been entertained by the company of two of these friends, Heather and Yvonne, over many hikes. So many precious memories. Mainly all good. The last hike being the Tongariro Crossing which was the last December 2018. A bit of a challenge which quickly faded with a gin and tonic in my hand.

The beauty of the Green Lake forest was occasionally  broken by “slash”  This “slash” is the small branches and rubbish left behind after harvesting the pine trees in the area. It is left on the ground to rot and in doing so, provide nutrients to the soil. Pine seedlings are then planted among this rubbish, which provides food and protection to the seedlings  as they establish themselves.

Suddenly it was lunch time – a very welcome break. Why do ordinary tomatoes sandwiches taste so good when eaten outdoors. Other items of lunch that appeared were boiled eggs, a variety of sandwiches and fruit. Unfortunately it was far too cold to swim but just sitting, enjoying the scenery, added to the beauty of the day

We were soon back on the Blue Lake track and heading to the car. The body felt satisfyingly tired and the mind had a feeling of exhilaration which comes from spending time outdoors.

Tight calf muscles and sore feet were blissfully soaked away, in a private pool at Polynesian pools which are located in the central part of Rotorua, right on the banks of the lake.   I drifted off to sleep that night, thinking how lucky I was to enjoy such happiness, with beautiful scenery, company of good friends and a healthy body which allows me to get out and appreciate these experiences.