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With the arrival of spring 24 trampers braved the unsettled wet, cold and windy weather to tramp the
Goldie Bush track starting from the Horseman Road entrance in the Waitakere Ranges. The group wound its
way along a very wet and muddy track to the new swing bridge over the Mokoroa Stream. We paused here
for morning tea and had a short reflection while being observed by a well fed wood pigeon perched high
in a tree above our heads.
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Once over the swing bridge the track began to climb up to Constable Road through coastal forest with
regenerating kauri. From the swing bridge the track was compact and well maintained with steps that
provided a compulsory cardio workout for everyone.
After admiring the sea views of the coastline
from Constable Road the group had lunch on the ridge before returning along the same track. No attempt
was made to follow the Mokoroa Stream track which continually criss-crosses the stream until it reaches
the base of the Mokoroa Waterfall. With days of steady rain the tributaries that fed the Mokoroa Stream
made the water level too high and too dangerous to cross.
After a night of high winds, thunder
and rain the day turned out to be surprisingly fine and sunny with a few patches of drizzle. The cold
wind in exposed areas did not damper the spirit of participants with some using the tramp to carry a
larger pack in preparation for the summer tramps or to work on their fitness.
Although the Mokoroa
Stream track was abandoned the group walked down to see the Mokoroa Waterfall which was spectacular after
all the rain. The Houheria stream also emptied out into the same stream bed creating another picturesque
waterfall flowing just beneath the viewing platform.
The highlight of the tramp for some was the
spectacular views of the Mokoroa and Houheria Waterfalls. For others it was the well earned hot ‘cuppa’
tea and biscuits at the end of the tramp, courtesy of Laurie’s ute café.
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