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Mangatoi Walkers tackle the Coromandel walks

By Lyn Hooton

Recently some members of The Mangatoi Walkers spent several days based at Coromandel doing a different walk each day.

The first day we walked the famed coastal walkway about which much has been written.

Next day we climbed the Matamataharakeke Track which starts at Waikawau. It started as a gentle climb following a surprisingly clear stream after the recent rain.

We must have crossed the stream about a dozen times,Managtoi Walkers tackle the Coromandel walks but it was not an issue. The track then started to rise sharply and by the summit we were all breathing very heavily.

A fork in the track took us to a paddock with a cairn in it overlooking Waikawau Beach, our starting point, and further out to Great Barrier and Great Mercury Islands. Such a lovely view.

We descended down Ridge Track which was

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Above: Great views from the top of the Kaipawa Track. Left: Time to stop for a breather on the Coastal Walkway..

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much shorter but very steep and had some gravelly steps to negotiate. It was very well maintained. We opted to use the flood emergency track at the bottom to exit this very enjoyable walk.

The next day we did the Kaipawa Trig from Kennedy Bay Road to Whangapoua Road. The track is only about 6 kms long but the terrain is extremely undulating from the Kennedy Bay end and did need great care after the heavy rain.

The views were stunning overlooking both Coromandel on one side and Waikawau on the other. We travelled through beautiful regenerating bush initially but after the trig the track was much dryer and exposed. It was a real delight when the trig came into sight and that is where we met two others of our team who had started from the Whangapoua end.

We did encounter a nasty huge windfall on our descent which required a team effort to circumnavigate. The day finished nicely with a swim at New Chums Beach before returning to base at Coromandel.

Above right: The group at the trig. Middle left: Crossing a stream on the Matamataharakeke Track. . Below right: The group on the Matamataharakeke Track. .

Matamataharakeke Track

The Matamataharakeke Track is part of the original Waikawau to Kennedy Bay route used by gold miners and loggers. It goes up the main ridge past a series of lookouts giving views over bush covered hills to coast and islands. Begin at the back of the Pump paddock at the Waikawau Campsite, crossing over a stile next to the Matamataharakeke Stream. Allow three hours for this 6.5km loop advanced tramping track. No dogs allowed.

Getting there Waikawau Bay is 42 km north of Coromandel town. The track starts opposite the Waikawau Bay Conservation Campsite Office at the top of the Pump paddock.

Kaipawa Trig Track

The Kaipawa Trig Track is an advanced tramping track through regenerating forest that takes about one hour 30 minutes to the trig. The track in the Coromandel Town area connects Kennedy Bay Road and Whangapoua Road. It takes you through regenerating native bush to a trig situated halfway between the two roads. Discover spectacular views over Coromandel coastline and Hauraki Gulf.

Getting there: Access the track from Kennedy Bay Road summit (opposite Tokatea Lookout) up a steep track past a relay station, or from Whangapoua Road (SH25) via an old benched mining road and vehicle track. No dogs are allowed.

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