Camp at Lake ARAPUNI - Arohena Campsite - Algae Bloom all through the lake - Jan 2024

New tent (ORSON RAIDER XL1) at Lake Arapuni, in the Arohena Camping area on the Waikato River. Only 30 mins from home. Unfortunately there was an algal bloom in full force, so the fish were either very deep or had transferred upstream to the flowing (nicer, cleaner, cooler) water of the Waikato River. They weren't biting. The algae smells significantly which is off-putting. But it was not toxic, here, it just looks like SOUP!! People were swimming and skiing/boarding behind boats, as far as I know - NOBODY DIE! New tent is FANTASTIC! Just 1.75kg with an extra Tyvek groundsheet, so it's easily hikeable, has nice features and is well thought out. Very HAPPY with it. Its also polyester - heavier than nylon, but doesn't absorb as much water and won't sag or pucker like nylon, when wet. Important for multi day hikes! Took the MAC boat out on the lake a few times - early mornings and an evening run. No fish brought home tho' :{ Nigel had a ball - he really likes it there. Lots of pheasants in the native trees, to stalk.