We decided to stop for a break at the fence and stile, and spent a pleasant 20 minutes resting and replenishing. We agreed to give it another 1/2 hour and then we'd have to turn back.

5 minutes over the stile and an: "I can't go on" cry escaped from my lips. "Oh come on Jo - just a few more steps" Megan replied - and she was right! The most magnificent view appeared before us - and to think I nearly missed it!

This black and white photo is the result of me knocking the camera settings as I ingloriously tumbled off the track onto the road at trip end. It shows Megan and Pippa at the very start - and end - of the Panatawaewae Ridge track right where it joins the metalled road. This is about 500m up from the carpark at the end of the road.

Left to right: Megan McMullan and Pippa Coard.

Its like a modelling session; every damn photo has Megan in it!

The view from the top of PanatawaewaeRidge, looking north, with Megan McMullan posing in front...

5 minutes over the stile and an: "I can't go on" cry escaped from my lips. "Oh come on Jo - just a few more steps" Megan replied - and she was right! The most magnificent view appeared before us - and to think I nearly missed it!

The Manakau hills are in the foregroun, Lake Papaitonga centreleft and Lake Horowhenua centre right.

Don't we look gorgeous! Left to right: Joann Ransom, Pippa Coard and Megan McMullan resting at the top of Panatawaewae Ridge.