The next trek on our list of training walks was the Te Rereatukahia Loop Track so on Saturday morning we loaded up our backpacks with our water bottles, spare jandals and lunch and headed out towards Katikati to give it a go.
We came across the Te Rereatukahia Loop Track on the DoC website and it sounded like an ideal training mission due to being a 14km loop track that would take approx. 7hrs. The track has a hut at located just past the half way point where a picnic lunch at the top over the Kaimais could be enjoyed while soaking in the views out across Tauranga.
The track, known as the Tuahu Track, started out at the end of Hot Springs Road, just as you come into Katikati and the weather conditions were perfect, a little overcast so not too hot. When we hit the track we had a nice surprise, it was graded and gravelled – wow, we thought – this was going to be easy!
This however didn’t last for too long, it took us as far as the detour off the track where you could go and check out the two large Tuahu Kauri. We figured that the well formed track was to encourage tourists to go and check out these Kauri, on the plus side it eased us into our walk and made the first 20mins or so very enjoyable – a walk in the park even
The track then turned into a leafy bush path, wide and flat, with a gradual incline. The Te Rereatukahia Stream ran below and us for awhile in a basin like setting. While walking through this part of the bush we spotted a few young kauri and rimu along the way.
After about an hour and a half of gradual climbing, where we experienced views out across the Mount and Mayor Island we came to a signposted junction in the track whereby the North South Track crosses the Tuahu Track.
Here we turned right and before long popped out at a clearing on a top point of the Kaimai Ranges and experienced views out towards the Waikato / Putaruru which were spectacular! It was such an exposed part of the Kaimais and the wind up at this point was pretty ferocious!
From here we walked along the ridge line until we reached the hut, popping in and out of bush along and admiring the sheer force of the wind and the panoramic views before us.
The bush here strongly resembled goblin like forests, the trees were spindly and dripping with green lichen from being constantly shrouded in cloud and mist from being so high up.
The exposed clearings along the ridge line were so impressively wild and windy – a truly refreshing part of being out on an adventure. It was an amazing thought to know were where trekking along the top of the Kaimai Ranges. To catch glimpses out towards the Waikato on our left and Tauranga and the Mount on our right was incredible.
We were so stoked to finally reach the hut after about 2 1/2hrs since starting out. Time felt like it was going at snail’s pace at this point in time due to our tummies beginning to rumble - we were hanging out for lunch big time!
I was delighted to spot the picnic table in front of the hut - it was definitely time put our feet up and devour what BP had whipped up for us – once again we had stuck with the tried and true chicken salad wraps which taste particularly amazing after trekking for close to 2 ½ hrs. I made a bit of an amateur mistake and decided that a ginger slice was a good sweet option to follow up lunch with while Marc stuck with the tried and true custard square. While the ginger slice was yummy it was not quite as delectable as the custard square and I have to admit there was a bit of food envy going on! I have learnt my lesson for next time that’s for sure
While we were refuelling at the hut a local possum trapper who was staying there for a few nights came by with his faithful companion Justice the black staffy. It was neat to have a bit of a yarn to him and hear about how Justice had recently developed an appetite for deer and pig hunting! It fascinating to here and learn about how other people live such different lifestyles.
It was soon time to pack up the dregs of lunch and head onwards, it helped knowing that we had done the longer part of the loop track and that there wasn’t too much longer to go.
The track heading away from the hut back towards Hot Springs Road was very steep. Making the decision to take this track clockwise played in our favour – the route we took was a more gradual climb than this way would’ve been!
The absolute highlight of the trek down to the carpark was the grand Kauri Grove – there must have been at least 100 Kauri clustered together in spectacular formation! The ground below the Kauri was littered in rose coloured bark petals from the kauri – it looked beautiful and it was so awesome to see so many of these great native trees thriving in their natural habitat.
After the Kauri Grove the path flattened and widened out again to a soft leaf covered bush path which briefly ran alongside the Te Rereatukahia Stream. Once we crossed this it was only a short walk up the bank on the otherside before we popped out to the carpark.
We ended up completing the track in 4 ½ hrs which we were pretty stoked about given that we were prepared for a 5 – 6hr walk. Another great day out in our local backyard!
