Faith and Fun on the Trail
Faith and Fun on the Trail with the Women of Upper Moutere
“When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.”
Those lyrics from the hymn “How Great Thou Art” seem written expressly for the beauty of God’s creation that we are lucky to enjoy here in New Zealand. And what better way to experience the glory of that creation than in fellowship and fun!
This year women from St. Paul’s Lutheran Community Church in Upper Moutere have laced up their boots, hefted their packs and hit the local trails for an overnight tramp to experience some of the most beautiful scenery the region (and country) has to offer.
In March, a group of nine spent the weekend at Lakehead Hut in the Nelson Lakes National Park. What was expected to be a simple stroll up the lake turned into an opportunity to demonstrate compassion in action when the group encountered a female tramper who had injured herself while crossing a nearby stream. The group sprang into action – making her a cup of tea, alerting emergency services and facilitating her evacuation by boat. Holy Spirit intervention seemed evident given that it was only at the last minute that the group changed plans and opted to take that particular track!
Despite some hungry eels mistaking two swimmers for dinner and one rolled ankle the group returned home safely the next day with tales to tell and a strong sense of accomplishment.
In early November an even larger group – this time including a baby! – set off for an overnight stay at Whariwharangi Hut at the top of Abel Tasman National Park. Fourteen women ranging in age from early teens to early 60s (and one baby boy) took advantage of the beautiful spring weather to enjoy swimming, exploring and relaxing at a historic hut just minutes from the beach. On Sunday morning the group gathered for a time of song, readings and prayer celebrating the beauty of our world and the key roles that women played in the Bible.
The St. Paul Ladies Tramp now looks set to become a regular event for the opportunity it provides to walk, talk and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation together. Discussions on the next tramping destination(s) are already underway as are ways to create other outings that would allow for a broader range of participants, including women from other LCNZ churches. With the Spirit in the lead and women organizing the meals, there’s no doubt that fun will follow!
Lyn Larsen
December 2025
Upper Moutere
