This Site is dedicated to all those families of the people that have tragically disappeared on flights in and around New Zealand. I only hope that from all the effort in building this site and from all the effort of those taking part in this venture, that it will bear fruit in bringing ‘closure’ to their memories!
Gavin Grimmer
Daniel Hayes and friends have made two attempts of trying to get to King Solomon
Stream via the Ohikanui River.
Daniel Hayes: Attempting Access from the Ohikanui River, February 2010
In Daniel’s words:
We had really good weather too. Blue skys with very little cloud. Ended up doing
a day trip as my mate who hadn't yet had his PLB returned recommended not going too
far and not wanting to disappoint he agreed to seeing what the Ohikanui River was
like. We left Christchurch at 0400 arriving at the river just out of Westport a little
after 8am. Then after getting ready we started walking. I was really surprised how
warm the water was at that hour of the morning. I'd been in rivers like this before
over the Coast but never this warm especially at that hour. Anyway walking continued
until about 1400 at which we'd covered 9 miles through some stunning scenery. That
was about the turn off point to the Corsair was. We rested for about 20-25 minutes
checking out the area ( King Solomon valley was just over the ridge behind us) Then
walked back to the road, getting there at a little past 8 pm, where we drove back
to Christchurch, legs somewhat complaining! I didn't expect the river to be so hard
going - half of the time 'walking' was in knee/hip deep water.
Was a great day, to finally do what I've wanted to do for years now. Even though
we didn't make the site, it was still really nice to experience the bush walk. Definitely
glad to say I learnt a lot . Can't wait to go in again which will be for 2-3 days
in about 2-3 weeks, all as you know, weather providing. Some pictures from the trip
included . My camera actually is a little worse off as one of the many times I fell
over I went completely under water and my camera/GPS/Phone etc all came with me!
All okay though as my mate recommended I sealed all electronics in a plastic sealed
bag - thank god he did! Camera however has received moisture damage I think as although
it works fine, if I leave the battery in it just dies very quickly. Take the battery
out and its as good as gold ( after and before use)
