Tramp Reflections 799 - Mangakino Pack Track

2 November 2008

I have a strong affinity with Mt Te Aroha having been born and raised in its township. Over the years I've explored the Wairongomai Valley extensively but had never ventured into the "eastern wild-lands", hence the opportunity to tramp with the club as an Auckland based visitor was too good to pass up.

I met the team at Tui Road, Te Aroha, completed a welcoming round of introductions, and then the 12 of us set off. We followed the track past the Tui Mines; the entrance to the lower major mine has been sealed and is now indiscernible, but the upper mine still exists.

Although well maintained, the track is steep until the saddle where the Mangakino Pack Track intersects. Based on the lean of the trees, and the extent of moss, clearly wind and rain can be fierce at this point.

From here the track is predominantly downhill, but is nowhere near as well maintained as the eastern side. We broke for brunch at the Mangakino Shelter, and then journeyed on winding our way progressively north east. The track was mostly in poor condition, and occasionally large trees had fallen across it, however we made good time stopping for a well earned lunch in what seemed like the middle of nowhere.

We passed through some glorious bush and sheltered glades, and eventually reached the DOC hut at Daly's Clearing. The track became quite muddy (you could even say extremely muddy!) until almost the Waitawheta Tramway, but from there on it was an easy walk to the destination car park at Franklin Road.

All up it took approx 8-9 hours, and apart from four disinterested goats we didn't encounter another soul. The team from HTC were great company, it was nice to feel so welcomed, so thanks gang for allowing me to accompany you. Incidentally the track between Tui Saddle and Daly's Clearing is crying out for a "working bee", and a few days ensconced at the DOC Hut could be a lot of fun - volunteers anyone???

Kevin Montague

Photographs by Sue Kempthorne (Panasonic DMC-TZ15).