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After quite a bit of fiddling around to adjust the seats in one of the vehicles we made a bit more room in the back for our packs. Finally, we were off to Te Kuiti for the walk in the Mangaokewa reserve. It was a bit overcast but no wind and a pleasant temperature.
The grade 1’s set off along the…
A keen van load of walkers (trampers) set off for Huntly and a walk around our first lake Weavers Lake (Lake Puketirini). As it was a short drive to Huntly, and we had only just had breakfast we were advised to take our packs and morning tea with us. There was to be a short uphill climb just so we c…
We set off toward Auckland in two cars on a day of dubious weather and with our fingers tightly crossed. On one side there was blue sky and the other was very dark and ominous clouds. So, we kept looking out one side only.
Once at the carpark in Totara Park near the Botanical Gardens, we had a quic…
What do you think of when you are in the Mighty Waikato? Probably the Māori thought of “flowing water” flashes out of your mind. The meaning of Waikato River is an iconic representation of the people in Waikato Region. A step onto the river walk, Te Awa River Trail, was today’s venture in Ngaruawahi…
Sunday 12th March Redwoods Walk
Grade 1: Pohaturoa Walking Trail
We arrived at the visitor centre car park at the end of Nursery Road, about 9 am and had our morning tea. Sunny but noticeably chillier than Hamilton; several people added a layer. At 9.30 we started walking along the edge of the…
Tapakanga Regional Park
26th February 2023
Another figment of our imagination!
The trip was changed as a music festival was going to be held at this location and they were expecting thousands of people to attend. We were going to go and walk the Waharau Ridge track instead. Unfortunately, i…
Tui Mine – Te Aroha Sunday 9 October 2022
Meeting at the carpark as usual and we were ready to set off. After a count of the numbers, it was found too many bodies and not enough seats. Glenys kindly offered to use her own c…
Karakariki reserve April 10th 2023
We had a beautiful autumn day for our tramp in the Karakariki reserve. A small group set off in two cars with Carol and Colin as our drivers. We were joined on the trip by Etienne who is doing a study of tramping for people as they age.
We drove west out o…
Pirongia Sunday 28 August
After morning tea in the carpark eleven of us set off in high spirits on a beautiful morning for a day in the bush. The track into the nikau loop walk and caves is becoming more attractive with the maturing native trees and shrubs along the way.
Upon reaching …
It was the start of Daylight Savings and luckily with good information received from Colin Standing, everyone turned out at the correct time, and no one was left behind. There were approximately 20 people keen on today’s Grade 1 tramp at TECT Park, about 26 km from Tauranga along Pye’s Pa Road, SH …
After quite a bit of fiddling around to adjust the seats in one of the vehicles we made a bit more room in the back for our packs. Finally, we were off to Te Kuiti for the walk in the Mangaokewa reserve. It was a bit overcast but no wind and a pleasant temperature.
The grade 1’s set off along the…
A keen van load of walkers (trampers) set off for Huntly and a walk around our first lake Weavers Lake (Lake Puketirini). As it was a short drive to Huntly, and we had only just had breakfast we were advised to take our packs and morning tea with us. There was to be a short uphill climb just so we c…
We set off toward Auckland in two cars on a day of dubious weather and with our fingers tightly crossed. On one side there was blue sky and the other was very dark and ominous clouds. So, we kept looking out one side only.
Once at the carpark in Totara Park near the Botanical Gardens, we had a quic…
What do you think of when you are in the Mighty Waikato? Probably the Māori thought of “flowing water” flashes out of your mind. The meaning of Waikato River is an iconic representation of the people in Waikato Region. A step onto the river walk, Te Awa River Trail, was today’s venture in Ngaruawahi…
Sunday 12th March Redwoods Walk
Grade 1: Pohaturoa Walking Trail
We arrived at the visitor centre car park at the end of Nursery Road, about 9 am and had our morning tea. Sunny but noticeably chillier than Hamilton; several people added a layer. At 9.30 we started walking along the edge of the…
Tapakanga Regional Park
26th February 2023
Another figment of our imagination!
The trip was changed as a music festival was going to be held at this location and they were expecting thousands of people to attend. We were going to go and walk the Waharau Ridge track instead. Unfortunately, i…
Tui Mine – Te Aroha Sunday 9 October 2022
Meeting at the carpark as usual and we were ready to set off. After a count of the numbers, it was found too many bodies and not enough seats. Glenys kindly offered to use her own c…
Karakariki reserve April 10th 2023
We had a beautiful autumn day for our tramp in the Karakariki reserve. A small group set off in two cars with Carol and Colin as our drivers. We were joined on the trip by Etienne who is doing a study of tramping for people as they age.
We drove west out o…
Pirongia Sunday 28 August
After morning tea in the carpark eleven of us set off in high spirits on a beautiful morning for a day in the bush. The track into the nikau loop walk and caves is becoming more attractive with the maturing native trees and shrubs along the way.
Upon reaching …
It was the start of Daylight Savings and luckily with good information received from Colin Standing, everyone turned out at the correct time, and no one was left behind. There were approximately 20 people keen on today’s Grade 1 tramp at TECT Park, about 26 km from Tauranga along Pye’s Pa Road, SH …
After quite a bit of fiddling around to adjust the seats in one of the vehicles we made a bit more room in the back for our packs. Finally, we were off to Te Kuiti for the walk in the Mangaokewa reserve. It was a bit overcast but no wind and a pleasant temperature.
The grade 1’s set off along the…
A keen van load of walkers (trampers) set off for Huntly and a walk around our first lake Weavers Lake (Lake Puketirini). As it was a short drive to Huntly, and we had only just had breakfast we were advised to take our packs and morning tea with us. There was to be a short uphill climb just so we c…
We set off toward Auckland in two cars on a day of dubious weather and with our fingers tightly crossed. On one side there was blue sky and the other was very dark and ominous clouds. So, we kept looking out one side only.
Once at the carpark in Totara Park near the Botanical Gardens, we had a quic…
What do you think of when you are in the Mighty Waikato? Probably the Māori thought of “flowing water” flashes out of your mind. The meaning of Waikato River is an iconic representation of the people in Waikato Region. A step onto the river walk, Te Awa River Trail, was today’s venture in Ngaruawahi…
Sunday 12th March Redwoods Walk
Grade 1: Pohaturoa Walking Trail
We arrived at the visitor centre car park at the end of Nursery Road, about 9 am and had our morning tea. Sunny but noticeably chillier than Hamilton; several people added a layer. At 9.30 we started walking along the edge of the…
Tapakanga Regional Park
26th February 2023
Another figment of our imagination!
The trip was changed as a music festival was going to be held at this location and they were expecting thousands of people to attend. We were going to go and walk the Waharau Ridge track instead. Unfortunately, i…
Tui Mine – Te Aroha Sunday 9 October 2022
Meeting at the carpark as usual and we were ready to set off. After a count of the numbers, it was found too many bodies and not enough seats. Glenys kindly offered to use her own c…
Karakariki reserve April 10th 2023
We had a beautiful autumn day for our tramp in the Karakariki reserve. A small group set off in two cars with Carol and Colin as our drivers. We were joined on the trip by Etienne who is doing a study of tramping for people as they age.
We drove west out o…
Pirongia Sunday 28 August
After morning tea in the carpark eleven of us set off in high spirits on a beautiful morning for a day in the bush. The track into the nikau loop walk and caves is becoming more attractive with the maturing native trees and shrubs along the way.
Upon reaching …
It was the start of Daylight Savings and luckily with good information received from Colin Standing, everyone turned out at the correct time, and no one was left behind. There were approximately 20 people keen on today’s Grade 1 tramp at TECT Park, about 26 km from Tauranga along Pye’s Pa Road, SH …
After quite a bit of fiddling around to adjust the seats in one of the vehicles we made a bit more room in the back for our packs. Finally, we were off to Te Kuiti for the walk in the Mangaokewa reserve. It was a bit overcast but no wind and a pleasant temperature.
The grade 1’s set off along the true right of the stream, a nice fairly flat walk, very pretty bush. There were a few places that were a bit tricky due to recent weather events. A big slip and a couple of places where the water had undercut the track.
The grade 2’s were dropped off near the rugby grounds for the start of a track that led to the reserve. They passed some huge bluffs and when arriving at the reserve they set off along the left side of the stream. The track was undulating, with a couple of significant ups. Also, a couple of slips/areas of undercutting. There must have been rain overnight as it seemed quite wet, and therefore muddy/slippery in some areas. The 1’s drove to the reserve to start their walk there.
At one point the two groups emerged onto the riverbanks opposite each other, it was starting to drizzle. The tracks then went back into the bush and the 2’s reached the turn around point first, they had lunch under some trees just as a heavy shower came through. They were not happy with the thought of more rain on those slips.
Just as the 2’s were leaving the 1’s appeared and were very ready for their lunch, so they took over the spot under the trees. There was a discussion on the condition of each half of the track, both sides saying their side was harder than expected. The 2’s continued their loop but the 1’s were not going back along their track, they opted to go back the way the 2’s had walked!
The 2’s enjoyed the track on the true right and made good time, back at the vehicles a few opted to wait there, and the rest walked back to the start at the rugby ground car park.
At around the same time the 1’s emerged from the track on the left side of the river and once in the vehicles they drove to pick up the others. The rain had stopped, and the sun had come out, so the return walk was more enjoyable, both groups thought that the other grade had had the better track!
Thank you leaders; Colin and Ron. Carol
A keen van load of walkers (trampers) set off for Huntly and a walk around our first lake Weavers Lake (Lake Puketirini). As it was a short drive to Huntly, and we had only just had breakfast we were advised to take our packs and morning tea with us. There was to be a short uphill climb just so we could claim to tramp. Approximately half away around Weavers Lake we cross over to another lake (Lake Whaai) another ex-coal mine for a comfort stop and morning tea.
It was then a short walk back to our van and the drive over to Lake Hakanoa. This lake has been a matter of some pride to Huntly as they have started gardens for various ethnic groups in Huntly. A pleasant walk around the lake was interrupted by President Keith who gave a sermon in the open air church (the Garden Chapel).
As it was such a short day we made our way back home without coffee. A very nice easy day thanks to our leaders and information about Huntly.
Angus
We set off toward Auckland in two cars on a day of dubious weather and with our fingers tightly crossed. On one side there was blue sky and the other was very dark and ominous clouds. So, we kept looking out one side only.
Once at the carpark in Totara Park near the Botanical Gardens, we had a quick morning tea and set off in a most beautiful and surprising native bush area in the middle of suburbia. The walk is mostly alongside a stream which was probably about as full as it gets. The ground everywhere was so waterlogged.
The park is huge, and you could easily spend a day in there taking different tracks. Once out of the bushed area, there is an area for dog walking, an equestrian area, a playground and lots of grassed areas for public use which adjoin the gardens and the bush walks. We broke into two groups and some of us walked up to the lookout on Redoubt Road which was totally amazing. We could see almost 180 degrees around us from well south of the airport to way past the sky tower. It was fantastic.
We then walked back through the bush paths to head back towards the other group who were by then heading to the café in the gardens. We were desperately trying to catch up and were trying to beat them to the café. Unfortunately, they got there about 5 minutes ahead of us, despite our high-speed effort. We sat in the sun outside the café, and about halfway through, the skies opened up and people were running from everywhere to escape the rain, as many were totally caught out without coats.
We headed back through the gardens and had a nice safe travel home after a really lovely day.
Of course, the mandatory stop for an ice cream, at the best ice cream stop – Pokeno.
Thanks to the organisers, this was a very enjoyable day for both groups.
What do you think of when you are in the Mighty Waikato? Probably the Māori thought of “flowing water” flashes out of your mind. The meaning of Waikato River is an iconic representation of the people in Waikato Region. A step onto the river walk, Te Awa River Trail, was today’s venture in Ngaruawahia area.
Crossing Horotiu Bridge, we were on the eastern riverbank, yes, on the trail. Looking back, the bridge is a historical three-hinged reinforced concrete arch bridge. Heading northward, farmland with sheep and cattle could be seen gracefully feeding on the meadow. Sun hanging over the hazy sky, with tree spurs propped up in the cool early winter morning. Although the sun was not that clear, it was refreshing in such a tranquil space with the Waikato River in full load.
All over, we were quite pleased to have such a good weather with the recent days of heavy rainfall. Hard on the concrete footing, today’s walk was an easy one with sharing between walkers and bikers. Not long away, the green Perry Cycleway Bridge was seen over the river. This steel green bridge makes Kotahitanga (Maori meaning unity) possible with mosaic tiles on both sides of the river bank. With the conception of flax design, the bridge was constructed with great faith to bridge both sides of local communities. It was quite a refreshing experience to walk along the long slender bridge, overlooking the river in steady flow.
A short span along on the western bank was the morning teatime at the picnic area by the river after passing the Ngaruawahia golf course. Resting peacefully with refreshment, it was nice to have a rest on scenic river view. After morning tea, we traced back the same route to Perry and Horotiu Bridges, and further drove back to Hamilton. On the way back, we stopped for a coffee with more refreshment.
Aron
Sunday 12th March Redwoods Walk
Grade 1: Pohaturoa Walking Trail
We arrived at the visitor centre car park at the end of Nursery Road, about 9 am and had our morning tea. Sunny but noticeably chillier than Hamilton; several people added a layer. At 9.30 we started walking along the edge of the Redwoods passing the horse float park and then forked left following the yellow signs of the Pohaturoa Track. Walked uphill on a hard surface road then forked right into Radio Hut Road. At the fork, a beady eyed wanderer spotted a decent sized piece of obsidian and discussion was had. We continued down this track with nice soft pine needles underfoot and a good temperature for walking. Then the track split with the right-hand fork going to the Whaka lookout, then up steps to the Trig and Waipa lookout. The left fork, much steeper, going more directly to the Waipa lookout is a steeper, shorter option, chosen by Colin. The clear day gave us splendid views over Rotorua city, the lake and Mokoia Island. We took the Waipa Lookout Loop track and then continued downhill through the trees (a bit of cyclone damage here) to our lunch spot at the Waipa car park, around noon. A very busy spot, with all types of facilities for mountain bikers and a café for those who were prepared to wait! We made use of the steps for our picnic lunch.
We then retraced our steps over a stream and spring, then climbed a short, steep path to the right, back into the forest. The path took us to Baker’s Hollow. More mountain bikers here, often with children and dogs in tow. We encountered several busy junctions (at times puzzling), before a steady uphill tramp along Nursery Road and back to obsidian junction. Then, as it had got quite hot, some very welcome downhill grade back to the van.
After deciding against the hot pools, grade 1 wanderers set off home, meeting the grade 2 folk at the ice cream stop in Tirau. A nice, forest walk and back home at a good time. Thank you Diane our leader and drivers.
Rebecca
Tapakanga Regional Park
26th February 2023
Another figment of our imagination!
The trip was changed as a music festival was going to be held at this location and they were expecting thousands of people to attend. We were going to go and walk the Waharau Ridge track instead. Unfortunately, it was another Cyclone Gabrielle casualty.
We went to Duder Regional Park, Clevedon, Auckland instead. This proved to be an excellent choice. It was a beautiful day, and the views were amazing. We set off on the Farm loop track, the heat did become a bit of a problem causing one member to turn back. A little further along the way another small group of grade 1 walkers broke off and they continued walking on the lower-level track that went around in a loop back to the car park.
The rest of us grade 2’S went on to the pa track which was one hours return with a couple of short but significant hills. It was worth the effort, the outlook stunning. On returning to the loop tack another group returned to the van the same way that they had come. The heat and open nature of the area was taking its toll. The remaining few found a nice shady spot under a couple of large trees – that we shared with the sheep -where we ate our lunch. Then we made our way round the loop back to the van. An ice cream stop in Pokeno was a welcome treat.
Thank you to the drivers and especially Colin for your work in getting this trip organised, also Ron for helping with several surveys to make it possible.
I almost missed the van due to a mix up with the start time but I’m glad I didn’t, it was a lovely walk in a new area unknown to me.
Carol Davies
Tui Mine – Te Aroha Sunday 9 October 2022
Meeting at the carpark as usual and we were ready to set off. After a count of the numbers, it was found too many bodies and not enough seats. Glenys kindly offered to use her own car – problem solved.
Arriving at Te Aroha we had a brief toilet stop before driving through town towards Tui Road carpark. After morning tea Keith gave us a quick rundown about the area and the tramp. Then we all walked up the steep road to the crushing plant ruins. This is the road to drive up to the transmission tower and buildings on top of the mountain for authorized vehicles only. Alongside the concrete structures there is a big drain filled with boulders which was a run-off for the tailings. The government spent about $20 million cleaning up the area, re-planting, and sowing grass. They were concerned about the high lead content in the waste and tailing heading down the mountain towards the golf course.
Walking past the ruins into the bush to the loop track quite was quite steep in places with a few wooden steps to negotiate. A detour off the main track took us to a waterfall – quite high but not much water but worth a look. Coming across a junction to another track took us back to Hamilton Street. This is where we had lunch. A few left us here and went back to the van to drive around to the domain. After crossing a small stream which had a concrete weir and a good swimming place, we walked past a huge Puriri tree which is believed to be about 700 years old. From here on towards the reservoirs we came across stone structures that looked like something you would see in a monastery. Someone had gone to a lot of trouble to build them, stacking stones on top of each other - some looked like birds! The track eventually came out by the geyser in the domain. We had a short walk back to the van in the main street.
After ice creams it was back to Hamilton. A most enjoyable walk. Thanks to the leaders and drivers and to Keith for predicting fine weather again.
Ron Clarke
Karakariki reserve April 10th 2023
We had a beautiful autumn day for our tramp in the Karakariki reserve. A small group set off in two cars with Carol and Colin as our drivers. We were joined on the trip by Etienne who is doing a study of tramping for people as they age.
We drove west out of Hamilton passing Whatawhata on the Raglan Road before turning off up to Karakariki.On the road we encountered a cock pheasant and a hawk and during the tramp we heard magpies.
The first section up to the waterfall along farmland and some native bush following the stream was easy going with swing bridge and stiles to negotiate. The next part was through native bush with a short steep section climbing up and over gnarly roots, and a small shallow stream crossing which then eased off to a steady climb to the top marked by the fence line and gorse bushes. Some bright red flowers of rata were visible at times in the treetops and the large rata vines could be seen climbing up some tree trunks. We stopped for a break for morning tea amongst the trees near the top then made our way back down to the waterfall again for a quick early lunch and swim for Etienne.
Back to the cars and returned to Hamilton at 1pm as expected. Many thanks to Carol and Colin for transporting us and guiding this enjoyable little expedition on Easter Sunday.
Regards
Kerry Allen
Pirongia Sunday 28 August
After morning tea in the carpark eleven of us set off in high spirits on a beautiful morning for a day in the bush. The track into the nikau loop walk and caves is becoming more attractive with the maturing native trees and shrubs along the way.
Upon reaching the caves one brave tramper (C.S) showed us how it was done without getting stuck midway. Others less intrepid ventured in a little way but chose caution over valor. Once C.S had been reunited with the rest of us we carried on along the Bell Track only to be stopped when Dianne who had gone ahead returned to say the track was impassable. We returned to the Nikau Loop Track which led us to the doc campsite where we had lunch while we soaked up the sun in the enjoyable company of good friends,
We returned to Collingwood Street at 3.15pm after a most agreeable day in the countryside.
Many thanks to Dianne and Colin for organizing the tramp.
Roger
It was the start of Daylight Savings and luckily with good information received from Colin Standing, everyone turned out at the correct time, and no one was left behind. There were approximately 20 people keen on today’s Grade 1 tramp at TECT Park, about 26 km from Tauranga along Pye’s Pa Road, SH 36 Tauranga to Rotorua.
We were well informed by Colin of how the day would proceed, with only a few gaps in the historical information! The weather forecast had promised a sunny day, and apart from a cool and breezy morning tea spot, this proved to be true. The walking was relatively easy with some little steep ups and downs. The Park Maps that can be picked up at the carpark were well done and easily followed and signposted (though of course we had our leader Colin to show us the way!). We walked about 12 kms today (according to Diane) at a total of 4 or so hours. There were other longer trails on the map and maybe these can be ‘reconnoitered’ and walked another day. If there was a downside to the walk, perhaps the noise of traffic and motorbikes in the distance, but otherwise a lovely day’s walk out in a forest-like park.
Tect Park provides scope for popular outdoor activities such as an Adrenaline Forest for those that love hanging off trees, and mud trails for MTB riders, tracks for horse-riding, and finally for those of us that enjoy a walk in the forest – lovely easy tracks to follow. Some of these tracks can be shared by horses and walkers, or walkers and bikers, and walkers, bikers and horses! For everyone on today’s walk – this was a new area to venture. Points of interest for me today were the 60-meter tunnel, the names of the tracks (Te Rerenga, Sequoia, Lucitanica, Raho’s Rollercoaster) and Peterson’s Camp and the huge, long table and seats.
There were also a couple of mysteries today, 1) Why was such a big tunnel hand-built under the road and not just a culvert? (Colin noted in his information email that it was to divert a stream from going underneath SH 36) And 2) What does ‘TECT’ actually stands for. Grant was potentially able to answer the first one – he noted the tunnel was chiseled out of ignimbrite rock so perhaps the usual council culvert was not the solution. And the best answer gathered for ‘TECT’ was Tauranga Ecological Conservation Trails (but we really had no idea).
Thank you to Colin, Margaret and John who provided an opportunity to explore an area not explored before by the club. Cheers to our drivers of the vans who got us all home safely (one van took the scenic route!). It was lovely to have a catch-up with members of the club and the realization that the writer is getting older!
Kathy Old
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