The club ventured onto new territory in the Kaimais when on 11 November 11 trampers set out on the North-South
track from the summit of SH29 between Matamata and Tauranga. we started at 504m a.s.l., and after a
short climb to a lookout we enjoyed views of the Waikato and regions as far as Tongariro National Park.
After about two hours walking through bush we came to the North Henderson Tramline route used
by bush millers from 1936 to 1957. We followed the tramping route through open milled areas and regenerating
bush to a DOC campsite by a stream.
After a clear night this enthusiastic group set off at 7:30am
on a gently graded bush track through beautiful fern and tawa forest for devotions in a glade with sunlight
streaming through.
On the Wairere Track we emerged to be at the top of the 153m high Wairere
Falls. The views of the falls and the Waikato were spectacular. A steep descent brought us to the cars,
shifted by local people. Lunch in Te Aroha Domain and a cleanup in the hot pools were greatly appreciated.
COST: $32 (travel $20; food $10; koha for moving cars $2)
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