Te Aroha

Active NZ met us early AM. One family had left the group and 6 joined us. We picked up the new co-leader at the airport. She was energetic and experienced. On the way to Rotorua we climbed Te Aroha. Not a long climb but steep enough to require some re-tackling the muddy steps by backing up and sitting or pulling myself up by tree roots. Although most made it to the summit in the allotted time, I didn't. this was very upsetting as I envisioned some more spectacular hikes in the future being not allowed to come. The co-leader assured me this wasn't so. So we never got the view just close muddy forest. The geyser at the bottom was not functioning.