Sunday Stroll

Sunday afternoon saw a small group of 6 (mostly my work mates) set off from the office carpark in two vehicles to do the Crown Tramway Track from Dickey Flat to the Karangahake Reserve or from the Karangahake Reserve to Dickey Flat depending which vehicle you were in. The idea was to meet in the middle and swap car keys then meet up at a cafe at Waihi Beach, thus saving us having to double back. It worked really well.

Marty, Janet and myself started at Dickey Flat as we were the slowest walkers and unbeknown to the others this didn't have a steep uphill climb to contend with at the start. We parked in the DOC Camp (Dept of Conservation) and set off. It took us a wee while to get our bearings and actually find the way to the swingbridge that led to the start of the track. We were beginning to think that we would still be there trying to get out when the others arrived.



The track follows the Waitawheta River. The scenery is stunning and the area rich in history from the gold mining days.



About 15 mins into the walk we entered our first tunnel. It was about 150m long and not far into it we discovered the batteries on our torches were next to useless and despite me having spare batteries it was too dark to replace them but we managed to get to the other end with the little bit of light that we had.

The Entrance to the tunnel

When we exited the tunnel and looked back upstream we were surprised to see water pouring from another tunnel almost parallel to the one we had been in. Recent rain had obviously increased the water flow and so was quite impressive.



The old Paeroa water supply pipeline follows the route of the Crown Tramway, lining the sides of the track and remnants are very plain to see.



I love NZ bush. The ferns and trees are awesome.



We continued on and as planned met up with the No 2 crew.



Time for a drink and a snack. And yes we did remember to swap car keys!!

It is hard to imagine all that mining that went on in this area in the late 1800's as there is very little left to show the sheer scale of it and the buildings that were here, perched on the side of the banks. From the "windows" you get great views of the river and rocks below. The windows are large holes that were originally cut in the tunnel to allow light in.

View from the Windows looking towards the tunnel that leads to an underground pump house.

We made several stops to admire the views and read up on the history.




Near the end of the walk they have reconstructed part of the Crown Tramway, complete with old ore cart. The tramway was constructed to transport ore from Railey's battery 2.5km up the river.





In its peak there were about 60 stamping batteries in the area. The Crown Mine ore was the first in the world to be treated by the potassium cyanide process in 1889. The end result after mining finished was a DEAD river. But thankfully today that is no longer the case and we have a beautiful river, thriving with fish and swimmers in the summer months. The old tracks have been upgraded and well used all year round by many day walkers and more serious trampers. (hikers to some).
We are so lucky to have all this on our doorstep and it's only a half hour drive from home.

From the last lookout point you get to see a glimpse of State Highway 2 as it winds it's way through the gorge.


Walk done, we located our transport and headed off to Waihi Beach and a coffee and cake with Team 2. They beat us there by 5 minutes.

Girls Day Out

This week we had three glorious warm sunny days which lulled us into thinking winter was almost over. Today it has been wet, windy and cool. But on one of those sunny days I managed to escape from the orchard and go to Mount Maunganui, or Mount Mauao as the powers that be want us to call it now, with my two friends Josie and Dora who were visiting from Auckland.



The last time I went around Mauao was quite a few years ago and it was in a Masters Open Water Swim. I surprised myself and came third in my age group. I have to say walking was a lot easier and the views were stunning.

We started off on the Pilot Bay side. Parking was scarce despite it being mid week and not "in season".





The track has been much improved over the years and several people were making the most of the beautiful day. We took our time, stopping to admire the views.





A Maori warrior guards the entrance to the harbour. I remember on my swim that I thought I'd never get to him the water was so damm choppy.



We strolled on



until we came to a park bench. We sat and admired the view.






We had to tear ourselves away and continue the trek.



There were some interesting rock formations to be seen.



Before we knew it the main beach was in view and so were the coffee shops,



so for a perfect end to a perfect day we went and had a coffee and a cake in one of the local cafes. What could be better.

We are so lucky to have this on our doorstep.