11 October 2009

Leader: Adrienne Curlett

Having always missed out on the Hapuakohe Walkway, this was an opportunity to sample part of it. The complete track is 18km long and is bisected by the Ohinewai Rd.

Six of us drove to Ohinewai and out along Mangapiko Valley Rd. to the southern end. Some lovely countryside with rolling hills and shaded contours in the clear morning sunlight.

Within 5 minutes of walking we were negotiating deep mud as we made our way through the farm gate and then along the farm road to the fenceline. It was up and over the stile and into the bush, following the Mangapiko Stream. At first mainly bracken and manuka then native bush including lancewood, kohekohe and tawa. It was a bit tricky to see exactly as eyes were firmly glued to the ground. Kingfishers and a couple of shining cuckoos could be heard and then grey warblers followed us throughout the day.

It was onward and upward through the bush. Then a morning tea stop at the bush edge just before the farmland climb up to the TV relay station at Pukeitionga at 490m where we could see the distant Mts. Pirongia, Kariori, and even the Huntly Power Station chimneys and Glenbrook Steel Mill.

Down the other side we re-entered the bush and worked our way up and down following the markers. A few wood pigeons could be heard but not seen. An alternative track along this section was to follow the fenceline along the open farmland.

At the far edge of the bush we came back out to the fenceline, and farmland, and did a short sharp climb to the highest point at Maungakawa at 535m. Here there is a VHF microwave and radio repeater station – not to mention the trig.

A brilliant clear day meant we could view back from where we came and all around towards the Firth of Thames coastline, across to Coromandel Peninsula while we lunched.

Following lunch we followed the route in reverse, all earning points from our leader for various helpful actions e.g. finding the track markers, picking up her walking pole (and using it for 2 minutes until she realized it was missing), negotiating the mud at the gate to open it. At one stage we queued up to photograph a flowering orchid – EARINA MUCRONATA.

And we were rewarded at the end of the day having had an enjoyable 5 ½ hour tramp in lovely bush, with lovely weather, great views, and not to mention the delightful company. And received a sweetie as well! What else could anyone ask for! Thankyou leader and all for a great day out.

DYNAMITE