NOT Wires Track, Coromandel

Sunday 21 May 2023

This track is closed at the moment - so we are off to the Coromandel Waiomu / Te Puna instead

One of the best-known parts of the Maratoto is the ‘Wires’ track so named after the telegraph line diverted through it during the Waikato Land Wars. The first Government line was erected there in 1872 and there are still some small remnants of the telegraph poles.

Starting at the end of Wires Road we walk up the Whangamata Off Road Vehicle track to the junction with Wires Track and on for a stop at the Tairua River.

This is a reconfigured walk because the road to the top carpark has deteriorated and is no longer suitable for our bus. The bus will now park at the ford 1.6km before the road end where the track officially starts.

The main loop involves walking up the steadily rising Maratoto off-road vehicle track as far as the Tairua River crossing and basic shelter, before returning a short distance and then taking the Old Wires Track back down to the road. 

Along the way there is a steep drop on a track of sorts down to view a picturesque waterfall with time for a cooling dip in the pool at its base before returning to the bus.

Fit/Long

From the Tairua River Crossing, we continue on via the top section of the Whangamata Track to Wentworth Falls – a picturesque 50m height in two steps. The trip then returns back to the Tairua River, then down the Wires Track, with a second waterfall diversion if time permits, to return to the bus. Good pace, 7 hours. 

Leader: Jim Morrow Ph 021 264 6085

Medium

From the Tairua River Crossing return is via the Old Wires Track and that picturesque waterfall along the way. More relaxed pace, 6 hours.

Leader: Chris Burnett Ph 021 143 0676

Transport: Club bus

Driver: Chris Burnett

Destination: Ford on Wires Road, off Maratoto Road, off Thames/Paeroa Highway

Departure: 8.00 am Club garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, Kingsland; 8.15 am Marewa Rd, Greenlane, behind Countdown

Cost: $25 members, $35 non-members. Pay in cash on the day.