Maratoto and Wentworth Valley tramping tracks
Other tracks in the area:
Track category
Tramping track
Description
Wires Track, Maratoto
Time: 2 hr 30 min to Wires Plateau
The track is signposted off Wires Road (via Maratoto Road) 500 metres before the gate and car park. The wires track is named after the telephone line which used to run through the Maratoto. Remnants of these old telephone poles can be seen along the track, as can the fence from an old cattle holding pen. Two beautiful falls are found not far off the track on the Hamuti Stream. As well as the falls, there are side excursions that can be made along the track to large kauri and totara trees.
Wentworth Falls
In places the track is steep, and during winter there can be muddy spots, but the track is well marked and gives lovely views across Maratoto. The track finishes where it meets the 4WD track. It is possible to loop back to the carpark via the 4WD track, this takes less than two hours, but note that the track is designed for 4WD vehicles, not trampers, so care must be taken.
Maratoto/Wentworth Crossing
Time: 5 hr one way
From the Wires Plateau, trampers can continue on the 4WD vehicle track to connect with the Wentworth Valley Track. Recommended for experienced trampers only.
Take extreme care on multi-use tracks and respect the rights of other users.
Getting there
The Maratoto area is accessed via Maratoto Road at Hikutaia between Thames and Paeroa while the Wentworth Valley is south of Whangamata via Wentworth Valley Road.
Plan and prepare
Many of the mine workings are partially collapsed and unsafe, please keep to marked tracks.
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
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