Climbing from the characterful former gold-mining hub of Thames high up into Coromandel Forest Park, this loop offers both the views and history that make the area a gem.
The track begins from Karaka Road and follows Karaka Stream through native bush for about 20 minutes, passing historic mining tunnels driven into the hillside. These tunnels are closed to the public due to the risk of collapse.
The track crosses the stream – you can rock-hop across in low-flows, but it can become impassable during high flows and requires caution. After the crossing, the adventure begins.
The track narrows and becomes increasingly muddy, threading through a damp valley filled with ponga ferns and rimu, before climbing gradually beside the stream for about an hour and then heading to the top of the valley. The track soon sidles through a large clay slip, offering the first views of the rich forest surrounds.
**Please note early departure time
** For pickups from Greenlane pickup point please register via the site or contact the organiser
*** Please bring plenty of water as it's bound to be hot!!!!
*** At 28th Feb - bring swimwear, as just discovered there are two swimming spots on the way!
*** Please ensure your gear is fully scrubbed and cleaned ready for the day and bring a change of footwear and bag for afterwards on the bus trip back, to help protect and prevent Kauri Dieback.
Depart:
- - 8am The Strand, Takapuna
- - 8.15 Marewa Road, Greenlane. On road, by where it says NZ Tertiary College - by the pinky tree.
Organiser: Imogen 0272898440 (please phone newbies, no texts)
Driver: Arletta
Cost: $25 members, $30 non-members, $5 juniors
Maps Online / Printable / GPS
To access the printable maps, download the zipped file, and either:
· open the zipped file, then drag the files to a new location OR
· press and hold (or right-click) the zipped file, select Extract All, and then follow the instructions
