Ananui Falls
Revisited
Ananui Falls, a spectacular small waterfall over a 106m
(345 feet) sheer cliff face
Getting There
This track is located off the end of Woodlands Road off SH 2 (10
minutes north of Katikati).
Description
From the end of Woodlands Road the track follows alongside the
Waitengaue Stream for about 10 minutes before crossing the Wairoa
Stream at a suspension bridge. There is a junction on the other
side with a track branching off to follow the Wairoa River to
Lindemann Road. The track to Waitengaue clearing and Ananui Falls
is to the right and travels up the valley, through an open area of
recently removed pine trees to the first river crossing. There is
an all weather alternative track bypassing the crossing if the
stream is impassable because of flood.
The track proper crosses the river on to the Waitengaue Tramway
bed on the other side. After 10 minutes it crosses the river again,
then follows the river bank before leaving it to follow a branch
tramline up a stream tributary. The track then climbs over a low
saddle, cross the Waitengaue stream, then rejoins with the
Tramline. It follows the tramline upstream, crossing twice to a
junction where a track leads to Ananui Falls. This track climbs to
the top of the falls. Return along the same route.
Can be a wet feet tramp, steep in places, considerable altitude
gain. DOC rates it a 3 hr 15 min each way tramp but can be done in
4.5 hours return by very fit folk.
When driving in to the cache, you will pass a point that appears
to be the end of the road, there is even a private property sign,
it doesn't apply to the road in to the walking track, there is a
small Doc. (green) sign on the right hand side parallel to the road
pointing the 1km to the walking tracks. Don't be afraid, it is a
public road.
The cache container is a .50 cal ammo can containing when placed,
a logbook, pens, 2 magnetic keyrings, bag of marbles, bag of gems,
rca adapter, Lenny the Lion, a micro cache ready to go, pkt. of
incense sticks...
When placing the cache, I had a 4m accuracy on my 60cx gps with
clear skies, hence the rating.
Enjoy but please rehide it well...
Plan and
prepare
No mountain biking is permitted.
Please consult a topographic map.
You must be well prepared when tramping on conservation land,
especially on longer day walks. Ensure you have strong, comfortable
boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, first aid kit, food and
drink, a hat and sunscreen. It is also advisable that you leave
your tramping intentions with a responsible person, in case you get
lost.
What to expect on a tramping track:
Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level
backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and
survival skills required
Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect lots of unbridged
stream and river crossings
Tramping/hiking boots required
