After getting ourselves sorted to cope with the wet we headed over the swing bridge and through The Windows. I didn’t realise that a torch was needed which meant that 4 of us stumbled through several dark tunnels using one torch. I had
a torch in my bum bag but was told not to worry, I wouldn’t need it. Yeah, right. A very interesting area to be in with much mining history.
We continued along a scenic track to Dickey Flat, a large and reasonably serviced DOC camp ground. We continued along through typical New Zealand bush following the Waitawheta River for some distance. Next was the Mangakino Track which included a very long and steep uphill. The track condition was reasonable; much of it littered with leaves. Some parts of the day’s tramp, however, was sidling along hillsides, above steep drops needing a certain amount of sure footedness. Overall the day’s tramping was along undulating and flatter paths. We reached the Dalys Clearing junction and arrived at the hut about 3pm.
Four hours forty minutes.
It was clear that there were many people already at the 16 bunk hut so we were a bit anxious regarding sleeping arrangements. Campbell was ok as he had brought a tent. The rest of us! Inside was a group of 8 from another club. They had booked Waitawheta but decided to go to Dalys due to the weather! All of the bunks were full as there were other smaller groups staying the night. A group of 3 hunters kindly decided to leave so that we could sleep on bunks. (they often came here but even so we thought it was extremely generous of them). Another lone woman tramper decided to continue to Waitawheta. However, people
just kept on arriving. A dad with three girls as a birthday event. A large group of dads on a bonding weekend with their young sons. There were 27 people, some tenting, the rest using every scrap of bunk space, using the kitchen and dining facilities!
Sunday morning with the damp weather continuing. We headed back along to the Mangkino Track towards Mount Te Aroha. This track had more muddy patches in places and was more undulating with some steeper climbs. We also had some scrambling to do over fallen trees. Many fallen trees were cut to allow easier walking. Some kereru made themselves apparent by that distinctive wing sound.
We finally came across the Mangakino Shelter and had a quick look; a pole structure with long run (I think) roof, BBQ table outside and a toilet a little distance away. This would be a reasonable shelter if caught short. We continued on towards the Te Aroha and, on reaching the Tui Mine road, decided to continue on to go up the mountain. A short distance along we came to
another track/road junction and decided to have lunch in a sheltered spot. It was more open, thus windier and colder by this stage. After lunch we carried on, mostly upwards finally reaching the top of Te Aroha after climbing many sets of steps. No view; surprise! A quick chat with some other hardened or foolhardy people and we were setting off down the mountain towards the town. This was challenging in parts 1) due to steep and slightly tricky descents and later on 2) due to sticky clay having been spread on lengths of track. Good grief!
By this stage we were looking forward to coffee so after having found a couple of taps at the edge of the domain to wash boots we walked to the main thoroughfare and located a café/bar. Lovely. No yellow bus in sight so we found a sunny corner and gradually added more layers of clothes as the temperature cooled. After about an hour and a half the bus was sighted. Yay. We
dragged our gear and stumbled on board, thankful to see the slow party members
and be on board. We stopped at Paeroa so they could get a coffee and then homeward bound.
A worthwhile trip despite the weather. Thanks everyone for the great company and thanks, Bernhard, for the yum cake.
Special thanks to the two bus drivers, Bernhard and Campbell.