Department of Conservation Track Update 2010

New Hihikiwi track. Part of the Te Araroa pathway crossing Pirongia was opened on Friday 11 December 2009 by PM John Key. The opening was in the Kaniwhaniwha Campsite Nikau Walk. As part of this development the little used Tiwarawara route has been closed, being replaced with the Hihikiwi track. The Hihikiwi track is the quickest access to Pahautea hut. Is signposted off Pirongia West Road. The track is currently very muddy. We have boardwalked almost a kilometer but can not do all the mud!

A new swingbridge has been constructed at Te Kauri Park on the Manuka Track.

2009 has been one of the worst years we have had for windfalls on tracks. This winter Pirongia had a record 20 year snowfall that resulted in a large number of trees coming down. There have also been more strong winds than usual.

Early December 2009 I was part of a team that cleared the Bell Track on Pirongia. We left Pahautea Hut at 7:30 am starting clearing/cutting at the Cone, reached the Central Clearing (half way) at 7 pm. Here we packed up our chainsaws/tools and walked quickly out reaching the carpark at 9:30 pm. We have a full time team clearing tracks in the Waikato Area from now through to mid February.

Central NI Rail Trail: Work has commenced on this project that follows historic logging tram and rail tracks from Pureora heading south. At one point passing through an old ghost timber mill village. The equipment and buildings/houses are still there. DOC is currently considering purchasing the property as a possible overnight stopping point for cyclist and walkers. There many bridges on the trail, some big ones the largest being a 90 metre long suspension bridge. The opening/completion of building the trail is still a way off with some negotiation with land owners underway.

Pirongia Forest Park: Been a lot happening in the Park. Firstly the opening of the Pirongia mountain section of the Te Araroa Trail by the PM John Key. This was one of the more difficult sections of the trail requiring a 800 metre long section of (difficult to construct) boardwalk.

Pahautea Hut near the top of the mountain being the first hut on the Te Araroa Trail is getting busier. This coming year we will be starting to work at upgrading the hut campsite with the construction of a campers shelter. Included in this work will be new toilets designed to accommodate both current campers and a proposed 20 bunk new hut that is likely to be built in 2012.

Mangakara Nature Walk behind Pirongia Forest Park Lodge is nearing the completion of an extensive upgrade with interpretative panels shortly to be installed.

Kaniwhaniwha Area on the Limeworks Loop road - the Nikau Walk is one of the showcase sites. Going from farmland to restored forest stream margin. Currently the entrance to the walk is being extensively modified to allow wheelchair access from the carpark to the walk/track proper. New bridges are currently being constructed on the 'forest loop' section of the walk. This year we plan to upgrade the forest loop section making the track suitable for less able visitors and for families, including family cycling.

Kaniwhaniwha Campsite has been enlarged. The ground leveled in places and some smaller camp places established. Camping is also now permitted in the adjoining Hay Paddock.

Kakepuku Mountain: This year a new access track will be constructed from the top of the old 4x4 access - now a mountain bike track - to the summit area. This will see the old slippery current track closed.

Hakarimata: This year we plan to upgrade the Waterworks track from the historic dam to the trig site. A view tower would be constructed at the tracks end to provide views across the Waikato.

Whangamarino Walkway: This short walkway crosses an important historic Land War site and is currently being upgraded.

Te Kauri Park: The Manuka track is nearing completion of an extensive upgrade that has involved the construction of a new suspension bridge.

Written by Bruce Postill (December 2009 and June 2010)