My first tramp in this abandoned gold mining area was led by Neil Sharpe, some twenty years ago. Over the years I drew a map of the various tracks - the Paeroa T-13 topo map does not show any detail of the area - although I have seen an original in a history book of the old mines, but of course there were no trees when it was drawn.

Time has not been kind to the landscape!

Two years ago I got 'lost' trying to locate the start of the tracks.

Just a few months prior to that day, a massive weather 'bomb' had hit the area and the resulting surge widened the river, taking down trees and undermining the old hut. We eventually bush crashed our way to the Sheep Hill - Dunbar track, after we were unable to locate the old boiler, which was the objective that morning. At Dunbar Hill winch site, we made the descent without further hassles.

On January 18th this year, I again lead eight people into this historic area. This time I got the start right! But we soon came across big slips which have taken away parts of the old track. I had to scramble up rocky slopes etc., to see where the track recommenced, then lower a rope to get everyone else up!

Not only did we have to contend with washouts but the tracks are becoming very overgrown and hard to locate. As it is private property, no authority (DoC or Councils) do any maintenance here. A local chap has put up directional notices and the occasional tape marker, but if it was not for my hand drawn map and knowledge of the area it would have been a frustrating day!

They say if everyone left NZ and the last person turned out the lights, it would take only forty years for the whole country to be covered in vegetation. In half that time I have seen changes which will in another twenty years, Komata Reefs and the old relics from NZ's mining history, will be gone forever. Unless someone can spend the time clearing the tracks, etc?

On a final note, I discovered the property is for sale by tender. Just needs a bit of TLC on the bush walks! See below.....

http://www.bayleys.co.nz/83278#

Allan Porter