Tramp Reflections 799 - Mangakino Pack Track

2 November 2008

Twelve of us commenced our tramp 8.45 am from the Tui Road, under a shroud of cloud covering the length of the Kaimai Range. Although not wet most of us kept our rain coats close by and I did expect us to need them for pushing our way through the bush, as we had understood from DOC, that the track was not maintained. It was pleasing to find fresh orange triangle markers and the track quite open, having been grazed in places by goats. Recent earthworks were observed in the Tui mine area as we passed while heading up to our turnoff.

The Mangakino Pack Track was the main access route between the mining areas of Karangahake and Te Aroha / Waiorongomai and established in the late 1800s. Maybe it was also an old Maori Trail.

After the initial drop off from the Tui Saddle track, this gently graded benched track follows the Mangakino Stream, descending all the way through to Karangahake.

A morning tea stop was made at the crossover of the Mangakino Stream at a recently renovated shelter. Then we continued along, surrounded by bush but with occasional views of cloudy and blue skies. Quite frequently we crossed small side streams and climbed over the occasional fallen tree.

Our next stop was lunch in an open sunny patch and about 6 hours after our commencement we came to the junction of the Dalys Hut turnoff. A check of the map confirmed we could turn either way by travelling direct to Franklin Road on a track which continued on to Karangahake or go via Dalys Hut which is what we did. On viewing the hut book, I noted that 12 people had come through the same track the previous day and stayed in the hut overnight.

Our walk then took us to the Waitawheta Track where we turned left and walked out to Franklin Road. It was a seven and a half hour day enjoyed by all. We were most grateful to Allan Hawes for moving the van to collect us and for his patience in waiting while we completed the tramp.

Isobel Smythe

Photographs by unknown (Panasonic DMC-TZ15).