Posts Tagged ‘Kauri’

Ngaiotonga Route / Russell Forest

Saturday, May 8th, 2010

Wednesday 3rd March Ngaiotonga Route / Russell Walkway 21.5 km 9.25 hours

The forecast rain happened overnight, with a fine crisp morning to set off on a tramp along a ridge. A good climb to Te Ranga Trig then relatively gentle ups and downs to the junction with the Russell Walkway – 3 hours in. Grateful for my 2 walking poles today as it was slippery underfoot.

The next section looked easy on the map (being an old forest road), so I did not understand the long time estimate on the DOC sign. The track started off relatively easy to follow, but a lot of gorse to avoid. Great views at one point back over to the Waitangi – Opua Coast

Then within less than 2 km from the junction with the exit track, the first of several major slips, with no sign of where the track went afterwards. The first one required a lot of scouting about and careful reading of the GPS to find that the track was at the bottom of the slip and heading off in a different direction. The undergrowth was getting closer and closer, with gorse all around. Next slip – climbed over that one and used the presence of gorse bushes to tell me where the track resumed.

Slip number 3 really bad – climbed above it to the a slip further up the hill – clambered over that and gave up on the track, knowing that the exit track was not far away. So bush bash to the top of the ridge, sidled around, spotting a line of gorse (= track) way below, and then eventually hit the exit track.

This track was a real gem, with avenues of kauri trees for at least half way down the ridge. After that a 4WD road walk out to the main road.

Tonys blog

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Herekino Forest

Saturday, May 1st, 2010

Tuesday Nov 24th – 26 km 7.75 hours

From the Herekino Saddle on the Kaitaia – Awaroa road the track climbs up and through the Herekino Forest, with its grove of splendid large Kauri trees, onto old logging roads and then to the summit of Taumatamahoe – 558 m. No views, but not raining, just misty.

A hard descent of a steep 350 m to leave the forest after 5.5 hrs. Then some back country roads, with an intervening walk through a pine plantation, to reach Takahue. Then 2 km more of a country road, to get me close to the start of tomorrow’s hill climb

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3 One Day Hikes that are literally worth the walk

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

Here is a list of 3 outstanding single day trips for hikers. Thanks to http://elektronikutbildning.net/highpoint-track.php

Cape Brett track

This 16.3km route is within the Scenic Reserve Cape Brett in Bay of Islands on the east coast of North Island. Takes about 8 hours to complete the trail takes you on Maori land and through beautiful forests to dramatic views of the ocean. Walking along the top of the cliffs, you can watch the underwater world. We stay a jump in deep water cove offering you a rest before the steep road leading to the lighthouse.

As the road crosses private land, is paid a fee track maintenance needs. The Cape Brett Lighthouse Keeper houses were serviced DOC hut with 23 people and has mattresses and cooking facilities are to convert. The breathtaking view from the house is worth more than the house fee.

Herekino forest

On the north coast of New Zealand’s spectacular North Island is a course that requires an above average fitness to perform the following 15 km hike. The Herekino forest road is rugged, but beautiful and takes you through a mature podocarp forest, past several state giant Kauri for incredible views of the sea.

Herekino forest is home to many threatened and endangered species Kauri snail, North Island Brown Kiwi, and Long-tailed bat. The forest is a very important nature reserves in New Zealand because of the ecosystems and history. The diverse landscape makes the road on foot a joy.

With approx. Take 9 hours to argue this way is a challenge. You can search for accommodation in the area and ask to arrange, as shipments will be there and back in the morning.

Hauturu Highpoint Track

The Waimes Forest is a forest which has been fantastic on high cliffs, plants that do not occur elsewhere, and assumed that a relic from the Ice Age. In this forest walks are different, however, is High Point Hauturu track among them. Although it is only 3.3kms each way, it will be at least 5 hours to complete the hike. Through this site may be punished by a foot wide, and is not for those with less than average fitness.

The view from the top is totally awesome and well worth the effort. Starting the hike soon there are no tracks that you want in the declining light

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