Saturday A group of seven travelled to Whiritoa on Friday night and we were housed in very comfortable lodgings overnight.  On Saturday morning because three of the men were unable to tramp, four ladies (Group A) set off from the Wentworth Falls Carpark to climb the eastern side of the Coromandel Ranges.  Simultaneously a party of eight (Group B) who had left from Auckland earlier in the morning set off from the Maritoto end to climb up the Wires track with a view to meeting half way and exchanging keys.  The final rendezvous was the accommodation at Whiritoa where two beach houses were made available. Group A started the walk up with Wentworth Valley Track, pausing to view the falls on the way. This was a well-formed metal track to the Falls with bridges across the river. From the Falls the track was narrower and steeper. On reaching the plateau the signage left much to be desired and caused some confusion with 4WD tracks which was eventually resolved. Group B set off up the Wires Track, branching off to look at the waterfalls. However the track became too steep and slippery and they turned back before reaching the falls. The groups met about 2.00pm near the junction with the Wentworth Valley Track with both groups sheltering in a small disused shed for lunch and exchange of car keys. By this time it was raining steadily. Group A took the 4WD Track back to Maritoto, making good time and arriving back at Whiritoa not long after Group B. Both groups received a warm welcome back at the house with a cheery fire, plunged coffee and fruit cake, prepared by David who was unable to tramp. Devotions on Saturday night were led by David Kilgour on the theme of ‘Conscience’ based on The Word for Today. Sunday The weather was very wet and unpleasant, but after exploring the beach at Whiritoa the 13 intrepid trampers set off to find the Broken Hills Collins Drive Tunnel.  Unfortunately the weather closed in before the final destination was reached and it was decided to make a further assault on the area in the summer in more favourable conditions.  After a soggy lunch in our cars we headed back to Auckland over the Kopu Hill and the new bridge.

COST: Travel $34, Food $15 and Accommodation $20 per person per night.