Mangorewa Track
Route
Time:
5 hr 30 min return
Distance:
9 km
Getting there
20 km north of Rotorua on the western side of Tauranga Direct road. Coming from Rotorua, the track begins on the left-hand side of the road, immediately after the third one-way bridge and just after the Ohaupara stream.
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.
Description
From the parking area the track leads directly to the Ohaupara Stream and a crossing is required. After travelling along the track and crossing the stream several more times, the track climbs away onto a ridge. Take the left fork and the track descends a spur to a small stream. From here you climb for 1 hour to reach an open camping area. Continue on past the camp for another half an hour and you will reach the Mangorewa River. You can either return the way you came or walk back via the Mangorewa River. This extremely slippery downstream walk is only suitable for the experienced tramper who is wearing tramping boots, and when the river level is low.
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.
What to expect on a route:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track unformed and natural, rough, muddy or very steep
- Suitable for people with above average fitness. High level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Complete self sufficiency required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Sturdy tramping/hiking boots required
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