First Tramp, First Gravel Road, First DOC Site!

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Wednesday 19 Feb.

Before checking out of campsite asked about possibility of kayaking round Cathedral Cave but we're told that as seas so high this was a no go today. However, we drove to Hahei and put on our walking boots and took the coastal walk to Cathedral Cave. Wasn't sure what to expect but it was definitely a WOW moment when we arrived particularly with the rough seas - well worth the trek. As ever the journey was quicker on the way back (not so many photos!)!

Had read about road 309 which was unsealed and was reported as being a spectacular road over the mountains if driven with care so we thought we would give this a go! It was amazing, very steep, sheer drops and narrow - single track in places (reminded us of Gran Canaria E & Em!) fantastic views over forests of majestic tree ferns. Pulled off for lunch in the only flat stop next to a stream - blissful silence.

Our stop for the night was going to be a DOC site at Karangahake Gorge. Department of Conservation sites are very basic with no power or facilities so best to be self contained but are always in remote beautiful locations. Here we met Jonno from Auckland who recommended walking through a 200 metre low tunnel - torches needed. Next morning we gave it a go and with bumped heads and wet feet found beautiful swimming holes and waterfalls - all to ourselves apart from thousands of cicadas and huge dragon flies. Continued down the Gorge for about 3.5 km to find the abandoned gold mine workings complete with tunnels that are still open that you can access so long as you have a torch. Spectacular Gorge and scenery would have been easy to have stayed for 2or 3 days with so much to see and places to walk.

Back through the tunnels to the campervan for lunch then onwards along completely empty roads on the edge of the mountains towards Otorohanga and Waitomo. Arrived in time to check with Adhads (suppliers of Swazi gear for farmers) and then into the Thirsty Weta for a couple of beers before camping for the night at Waitomo. Now getting very hot.

Tomorrow we travel on to Napier and the Art Deco Weekend.

LOL

Lyn & Tonyxx

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Photos

Cathedral Cave
So we walked instead

The 309
Gravel road through the Coromandel Mountains

DOC Site at Karangaheke Gorge
Our campervan was just round the corner!

The other end of the tunnel
Swimming hole and waterfalls welcome the intrepid explorers

Another tunnel
Tony about to explore the mine workings to see if any gold was left!

One for The horse lovers
Some fantastic stud farms and horses with foals at foot

Comments

[Mike and Maggs]

Gravel roads
Fantastic - happy memories for us too of travelling the gravel roads

[Al]

Looks like Dad's got something snagged on the tunnel door!!!