Tramp Reflections 844 - Whangamata: Wentworth Valley / Gold Mountain

6 April 2010

The Leader was Sheila Toppin and the Co Leader was Lorna Gribble.

The Trampers were Janey Nolan, Kate Kerr, Alistair Maitland, Beverly Doust, Russell Doust, and Christina Heu. A couple of late pull outs saw us with 8 on the van for this trip, our numbers included 2 new trampers Bev and Russell, and Christina who had been out with us on one or two other occasions.

As we headed up the Wentworth Valley Road in the van it was difficult to imagine this area was once a large gold mining settlement employing up to 300 people.

On previous occasions the club had tramped up to and beyond the Waterfall Track but today we were tramping new ground; shortly after leaving the car park and just before the ford we peeled off to the right walking diagonally across a patch of grass just to the left of the campsite Café/Shop to find a track that climbs steeply onto a ridge and connects with the old pack track that connected onto the 1872 telegraph line track. This old pack track was used as a means of getting goods from the Whangamata wharf along with stock over into the Thames Valley area.

We passed a small mine shaft beside the track, which, according to a Mines Statement of 1896, could well have been dug by Natives of the area! Some found the steep in and up harder going than expected, we had several short stops, so it took us a while to reach the sign posted tee junction where we turned right to walk up again to the Gold Mount, but all were in agreement that the stunning view across Whangamata, Slipper Island and north to Tairua were well worth it. Everyone said the slower pace had provided more time to appreciate and take in the beauty of the bush.

After a short 1st lunch stop at Gold Mount, we retraced to our original track, then turned right to continue along the ridge where we saw wire and bolts which we think were remains from the old Telegraph lines. We continued along the track until we reached the clay road and 4 wheel drive track, (Thomson's Track) of the loop track, where we took our 2nd lunch of the day!

After lunch we took a left up the Loop track for approx 20 minutes then left again onto the Wentworth Valley and Wentworth Fall's track. The 2 hour homeward run from here is mostly beside the river and relatively easy going, with a good view of the Falls from the viewing platform.

The weather had been perfect, sunny but not hot as we here shaded by the bush for most of the tramp. Thanks to all who participated! :)

Written by Sheila Toppin

Photographs by Sheila Toppin.