Once you've crossed the bridge, continue a further 150m around the first corner and there is a stile to take you across the first fence to this riverside track which runs parallel to Te Ōhākī Road. New Zealand's Trail, stretching 3000km from Cape Reinga to Bluff - taking in spectacular landscapes from beaches to volcanoes to forests. It pauses on top of high karsts to gaze across the King Country's low agriculture and tumbled limestone hills that rise to formidable volcanic summits – north to Pirongia, east to Pureora, and south to Ruapehu. Walk (approx. Some excellent local landowners (Sam and Laura) have established a campsite where the route passes through their property, approximately 200m N of the Mangaokewa North road-end. River crossings - Never cross flooded rivers - No access along Waipā River banks if in flood. Climb through regenerating bush and the track takes a 90 deg turn towards the west, running through what Te Araroa veterans will remember (fondly?) From Hākiaha Street (SH4) in Taumarunui, head south (Turaki Street and Morero Terrace) to cross the Whanganui River and get onto Hikumutu Road for a long but pleasant walk through the countryside. From the north end, be aware that other tracks lead away on both sides of the river, so cross the swing bridge to the true left of the river - i.e. Originally planned as the Aotearoa Adventure Trail, the newly formed Te Araroa Trust asked the trio to join forces with them. If the airstrip, and/or the fertiliser shed adjacent, is in use - wait where the signs indicate, attract the attention of the site manager, and await their instruction to cross. There is a $5pp charge which will help with their upkeep, payable into an honesty box there so please carry some cash from Te Kūiti (or from Taumarunui for NOBOs). From Bennett Road, follow the Ngakonui-Ōngarue Road west, which runs onto the Ōngarue Back Road which is the route towards Taumarunui, some 24km away. Across the river is the Tūrangawaewae Marae, a very significant marae of the Māori people of New Zealand and the official residence and reception centre of the head of the Kīngitanga (the Māori King Movement). Once over the suspension bridge, the track heads through Pehitawa Forest  (Queen Elizabeth II Trust-covenanted land and one of the finest remaining stands of Kahikatea trees). Follow signs onto the Western Rail Trail which runs adjacent to the railway line, past the Hamilton Railway Station to Killarney Road. Take care crossing roads. Public toilets are available within the picnic area. There is a crossing of the Moakurarua Stream partway along the track. It is not intended to give any assurance that any particular provider meets certain quality standards or legal obligations. Her packed weight (weight minus water, food and fuel which is called variable weight) for five months on the Te Araroa is under 15 pounds and she’s still taking professional audio gear.Praise the ultralight gods, and all my engineering pals at Minnesota Public Radio. Te Araroa means “The Long Path” and so it is. Numbers of hunters are especially high during the stag roaring months of March and April, and during spring (September, October and November), Bog Inn Hut - 4 bunks, mattresses and heating - Topo50 maps - Grid reference: NZTM2000, E1828988, N5726201. This is a very scenic route but the track is basic, hilly and can be slippery - so good footwear and reasonable fitness required. Mangaokewa Reserve is a pleasant place for picnics, overnight camping, bush walks, swimming and other passive recreational activities. The Smith family (including a Te Araroa walker!) This track follows the 42 Traverse four-wheel drive road for the first 22km - in wet conditions this can be very muddy/slippery. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre - 39 Waitomo Caves Rd, Waitomo - P: 07 878 8227 or 0800 456 922 freephone. Te Araroa (The Long Pathway) is New Zealand's long distance tramping route, stretching circa 3,000 kilometres (1,900 mi) along the length of the country's two main islands from Cape Reinga to Bluff.It is made up of a mixture of older tracks and walkways, new tracks, and link sections alongside roads. Support the trust today so that you can enjoy the trail tomorrow, either one day at a time, or all 3000km! A 2.8 km walk West will take you to the Waikato River where you will also find Mercer Museum, Mobile Petrol station, McDonalds, Muddy Waters Irish Pub & Restaurant, Mercer Cheese Shop, Esquires Cafe, Pokeno Bacon Restaurant, Mercer Adventure Jet and an Indian Take Away. Swimming is not recommended. Always carry a change of clothing, wet weather gear and sufficient food to cater for any emergency. Stay as far off SH1 as possible, Be aware of cyclists on cycleway into Hamilton from Horotiu. Leaving Hamilton the trail ascends Mt Pirongia, which dominates the skyline throughout the region. 4WD vehicles are not permitted from 1 May – 30 November. The Waikato is a dangerous river. Immediately after crossing the Waipā River, take a sharp left into Sampson Street and follow it around, joining Broadway Street, then onto the Lower Waikato Esplanade. Walk south as close as practicably to the Waikato River, past the mythological Taniwha lairs and through boggy wetlands and landscaped grasslands to the outfall by the former power station. Te Araroa starts at the northernmost tip of the North Island, Cape Reinga, and passes down the eastern edge of Northland, through Auckland city, through the rolling hills of Waikato, the high volcanic plateaus of the central North Island, down the Whanganui River in a kayak, through the Tararua Ranges and to the capital, Wellington. Follow through to the riverside reserve. As you come downhill to the river, continue further along the northwest side of the river, skirting behind the limeworks, before coming out at the junction of Fillery Road and Limeworks Loop Road. These rivers were once important canoe routes; later they served European settlers. Kelly Road Accommodation - 19 Kellyville Road, Mercer - on the Koheroa Bypass of the Mercer part of Te Araroa. From Old Mountain Road, follow the white and/or orange markers southwards over farmland in the Kapamahunga Range. Follow Omatane Road, Onga Street and Whakapapa Bush Road to the start of the 42 Traverse. Turn off the highway onto Maraeroa Road on the south side. 30 minutes beyond the summit in a westerly direction is the Pahautea Hut. Three kilometres along this route, the track diverts on to the road for nearly 2km, then returns to the stopbank again for the final 2km to Rangiriri Bridge. You can walk to the summit for views of the region. Cross Fullerton Road, then a  stile, and follow the orange markers SE across open farmland, then up through a small gate and climb a hand-formed track. Take the gravel Māhoe Road which extends beyond the woolshed, and keep heading south 500m past a Department of Conserrvation sign; "Ōmarāma Scenic Reserve". You'll see the Ngāruawāhia Golf Course to your right and shortly after a spectacular green bridge will appear. Walkers are welcome. Taupiri Mountain, which watches over Ngāruawāhia, is sacred and contains the Waikato’s most significant Māori burial ground. Kate Coatsworth, 34, was diagnosed in 2019 with stage 4 brain cancer. Sleeps 2. The pākehā peered from their prison shed to see Māori writing their names on pigs before slitting the pig throats. Pureora Forest - The Timber Trail PDF download. Moderate to high-level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required, The track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Before the cattle stop, climb the stile on the LHS and follow the track completed in 2020 along a section of  the Waipa Faultline, which runs north south through the district. You are now on the Te Awa cycle/walkway. P | 078787580 or 0273457664 info@bltourismgroup.com, https://www.facebook.com/1755602934765764/. Open 7 days from 8am to half an hour before dusk. At the end of this street is Tills Lookout. Head alongside a wire mesh fence then turn right down by the river (without crossing the river). This loop track takes you through to the Upper Lookout. Cross Fullerton Road you see a stile on the east (lefthand) side. Governor Grey's British troops invaded Waikato territory in July 1863. Cross the stream via the suspension bridge to reach Mangaokewa Reserve. Immediately south of the Māhoe Road/Orongo Road intersection, there is a stile where you head east onto farmland. Tent site and glamping accommodation options. Head in a southerly direction for 20 minutes to the southern lookout where there are excellent views south across Hamilton. Here you will leave the road to walk on the true left bank of the Waipā River. Follow the Te Awa (a combined walk-cycle way) south through Braithwaite Park along the (true left) bank of the Waikato River to just south of (having passed under) the Claudelands Road Bridge. Please enquire: P 0272943652 or E lynnbartlam1@gmail.com. The track is based on the old logging routes, note the hand-formed rock cuttings. Turn left/east onto SH30 and walk for 8km. Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher altitudes. The trail is clear and well signposted from this point. Be prepared to wait it out and if that's the case, it is recommended that you head north back along the track to higher ground. It is the home of the Māori King and the magnificent Tūrangawaewae Marae. Contact the relevant. This is a guide for people wanting to through-hike the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand going from south to north. There are car parks at both ends of the track. Follow Whatawhata Road until turning left (south) into Melva Street. Here, you will find a picnic/campsite clearing with toilets and the last opportunity for swimming before starting the ascent to the summit. At the top of a hill, are 2 stiles separated by a farm race. There are many options available at a variety of levels, including the below: This walk uses footpaths, back roads & state highway (SH) road margins, pasture and river esplanade. 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