The track takes you over 2 shallow creek crossing. The Tauranga Harp Suspension Bridge is on the main road from Whakatane, Opoitki to Gisborne in the Waioeka Gorge. The land was settled from 1906. The last family walked off the land in 1927.
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The start to the track is at the bottom end of the car park, look for the sign. A 5 minute walk down the old road to the bridge, 10m past the bridge, is the high and low track turn off. Walk down to the low track first to check out the height of the river crossing. If it is too dangerous to cross, double back on the high track.
Now you are walking on land that was cleared in 1906. The poor old legs get a good scratching on this section of track, because most of the flat ground is over grown with blackberry and ferns. You will walk between the remains of the old fence line. Then drop down to the first small creek crossing. No problems just step across. This section of bush is just rubbishy second growth. I walked 10 Mt off the track and dropped down onto the crystal clear creek, I did not see any trout, but they are in the main river. 20 minutes from the turnaround is this great camp spot across the creek. Flat and open for the morning sun, short walk for water and wood. Look at the size of these markers; no wonder I could see them so far off. There is another creek to hop over just 30m away. If the creek is in flood, double back. The crossing at the other end will be twice the depth and to dangerous.
Once across, walk (10m) out to the corner of the creek. There is this great deep clear pool, just the spot for a swim or just sit down and have a hot cup of coffee. You can’t miss the start of the second leg of this joinery. A short 10m walk into the bush and you turn right on to the State Forest access track. If this track was only cleaned up, it would be an excellent walk back to the car. The three foot track out is a breeze, it’s like walking down the main street of Auckland, but there is no easy access down to the creek to look for trout, it was too steep. This is the tricky part, crossing the creek. Make your way out to the point on the other side of the creek and walk around the corner. Yes the track is just around the corner. Then it is a short 5 minute back to the bridge.
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