Mangorewa Track
Track category
Route
Time:
5 hr 30 min return
Distance:
9 km
Description
From the track entrance the track leads directly to the Ohaupara Stream. The track crosses the stream several times before climbing to a ridge. Take the left fork and descend for an hour to a small stream. A 1-hour climb will take you to an open area, and a further half-hour to Mangorewa Stream.
From there, you can return the way you came or walk down the Mangorewa stream (3 hours to the car park). This route is passable only when the river level is low and is suitable only for experienced trampers wearing tramping boots. Take extreme care as the rocks are slippery, and there are numerous deep potholes to avoid. Leave the river bed via the right bank just before the road bridge. A small track exits the stream to the car park.
Getting there
The Mangorewa Ecological Area is 20 km north of Rotorua on the western side of Tauranga Direct Road (SH 36). Coming from Rotorua, the car park is on the left just before the bridge at the bottom of the gorge area, next to the exit from Mangorewa Stream. The track entrance is 500 m north of the car park on the left. Carefully cross the road, walking north (against the traffic) and cross the second bridge. 100 m up the hill, carefully cross the road again to find the track entrance immediately behind the sign for the Mangorewa Ecological area.
About the area
This track is set within the Mangorewa Ecological Area. The Tauranga Direct road, which this ecological area adjoins, has an interesting history. It was formed in 1869 as part of a central North Island military road that linked Napier, Taupo, Rotorua and Tauranga. The Rotorua/Tauranga section took 10 hours by coach and a watering trough still remains as a sign of these times. This area was also occupied by Tapuika and the streams and forests were sources of food and places of sanctuary and shelter.
Plan and prepare
You need to be well prepared when tramping on conservation land, especially on the longer day walks. Ensure you have strong, comfortable boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, first aid kit, plenty of food and water, a hat and sunscreen. It is also advisable to leave your tramping intensions with a responsible person, in case you get lost.
Walkers should take extreme care when walking beside this river, as the rocks are very wet and slippery, and there are numerous deep potholes to avoid. It is also necessary to cross the river on several occasions. Putting an old spare pair of woolen socks over your tramping boots provides a better grip over the slippery wet rock. Leave the river bed via the right hand bank just before the road bridge. This is the site of the carpark.
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