14 February 2010

Leader: Richard Woolston 

It was an early start at 7am as six of us headed for the Waitawheta Valley.  Upon arriving at the Franklin Rd carpark, it was ‘coats on’ as light rain had set in.  An uneventful tramp up the Waitawheta Tramline Track, wet and slippery in places, but the rain having no effect on the river levels and river crossings.  We reached the Waitawheta Hut and had our ‘first lunch’.  Fortunately, the light rain was easing and we were able to pack our coats away for the rest of the day. 

We continued on the track over to the Waitengaue Valley and crossed a low bush-covered saddle.  We had our ‘second lunch’ just before the Waitengaue Stream which we then crossed and headed northwards, climbing steadily, towards the Ananui Falls.  While I stayed at the track junction to mind the packs, the others ventured on the short side trip to the top of the waterfall.  At 70 metres high, these falls are quite impressive and if you lie on the huge slab of rock at the top of the falls, you can peer over the edge for a most amazing sight (but not for the faint-hearted). 

Back on the main track again, it is a long slog crossing a flat saddle/ridge to finally join the Kauri Loop Track.  Here, two massive kauri trees dominate the forest.  They are the largest remaining specimens in the park, probably spared from logging owing to their inaccessible location.  A steep descent down to the Waitawheta Valley before reaching the Waitawheta River again and returning along the Tramline Track back to the carpark. 

Thanks to Richard for leading us on this long, but not difficult, varied day’s circuit. 

Distance: 20-22 kms approx.

Time: 9 hours. 

Participants: Richard, Bevan, Rona, Shane, Wade and Marlene