TE ARAROA
Waikato/King Country
Lots of pastureland and lots of rain in this region, as well as mud especially in the Hakamiratas and Mount Pirongia near Hamilton.
TA Day 29, Mercer to Rangariri – 27 km
The trail is through soggy bottomland and over electric fenced farmland to Rangariri.
TA Day 30, Rangiriri to below Hakamarita summit – 29 km
It’s easy tramping to Huntly and a beautiful sculpture garden, then up steeply into the Hakarimata Range.
TA Day 31, Hakarimata to Hamilton – 28 km
The Hakarimatas is a muddy bushwalk to beautiful stairs, the Te Awa Cycleway and Hamilton.
TA Day 32, Hamilton to Whatawhata – 10 km
It’s farms, the cool Taitua Arboretum and finally Whatawhata, where the Backyard Bar allows camping.
TA Day 33, Whatawhata to Pahautea hut – 33 km
The trail is through swamp up into the Kapamahungas and muddy, moss covered Tawa on Mount Pirongia.
TA Day 34, Pahautea hut to Kaimango Road – 18 km
I’m rescued by a trail angel after a 5-hour hike from the hut down Mount Pirongia in deep mud.
TA Day 35, Kaimango Road to Waitomo – 29 km
Under threatening thunder, the walk is in farmland, muddy bush and across a swollen stream.
TA Day 36, ‘zero day’ Waitomo
Waitomo is the perfect day for a “zero mile” rest day at the Hamilton Tomo Hut.
TA audio narrative: a ‘walking holiday’
This long thru-hike is less a “walking holiday” than a full-time job.
TA Day 37, Waitomo to Mangaokewa Reserve – 31 km
Wet farmland and the glorious Pehitawa forest is followed by a river sidling nightmare.
TA Day 38, Mangaokewa Reserve to Mangaokewa Road – 17 km
Out of Mangaokewa Reserve, Blissful is picked up by trail angels and learns how a farm works.
TA Day 39, Mangaokewa Road to Ngaherenga campsite – 33 km
It’s a long road walk through karst landscape including cone-shaped hills in brilliant green.
