This was a really enjoyable hike even for the middle of winter in New Zealand mainly because we were not camping but staying in a hut with a fireplace. We started from the end of Franklin road ( the link to a map is below)
which is 15 min from Waihi. The hike took 3 hours one way and we walked along a tramway which was used to transport Kauri logs roughly 100 years ago. You will learn all about the history of the track as you do this hike and there are various infomation signs about when,why and how the tramways were used. We came across a few amazing water falls as well, as seen below.
We crossed many swing bridges along the way, and we did a river crossing just before we reached the hut. For the river crossing we had to take off our socks and shoes and roll up our pants and attempt to navigate our way through the rocks and the stream. There is another way to get to the Hut without doing the river crossing but it takes a little longer and we were feeling adventurous.
The hut itself was in very good condition and big, with a whopping 27 bunks. There was no power obviously, but the hut was clean and well looked after.
The cool thing was that it had a fire place so we lit a fire as soon as we arrived to stay warm.
Apparently the firewood gets helicoptered in as it’s such a popluar hut with many school groups, families and people who are keen for a nice hike but not too difficult. This meant no shortage of firewood and no need to hunt for dry kindling in the dark.
The next day we chilled in the morning sun, did some reading and relaxing with our coffees on the porch. It was very much like paradise surrounded by the forest and trees, we had some breakfast then headed out.
You can book and pay for the hut at the link below it is $15 per adult
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/book-online/?op=departme75&pid=9902&redirect=true
Here is a link of a good website to use to find the walking track https://www.topomap.co.nz
This was a amazing hike with great views of the river and forest. We even saw some wood pigeons right at the end of the tramp.
Tips for the trip
- Bring some candles for the hut as they always run out
- Always have PLB (personal location beacon) on you for safety(many people get lost even on marked tracks) if someone rolls an ankle you can press the PLB and always wait with the person until help arrives.
- Bring a emergency first aid kit and emergency blanket
- There is no cell phone service where you are hiking
- Bring a laminated colour map of the area you are hiking in case you get lost
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back
For more infomation you can call Amber on 027 294 6949.