Soak up the Mangatainoka! (Hawkes Bay) Traditional Cache
Soak up the Mangatainoka! (Hawkes Bay)
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Enjoy a relaxing hot tub after tramping up the Mohaka River. Bring your fly / tent and camp in beautiful glow worm lined grottos in the surrounding area, and dont forget the fishing rod as the river is close enough to plunge into after that well deserved soak. An area accessible to those of moderate fitness, walk is approx 3.5 hours (one way) depending on age, fitness and conditions.
This cache is one of several now featuring in the beautiful Kaweka Ranges. It is definately not a drive by and can be done in a day by fit day-trippers. It is suitable for people of mod fitness and those new to tramping. Kripper hid this cache at 8yrs of age with guidance from sister and cousins aged 6 - 9yrs. They carried good sized packs for themselves and we enjoyed spending the whole day tramping in to the hot springs with lots of fishing and snack stops on the way.
GETTING THERE
Makahu Road is located 75 km north-west of Napier, which takes approx 1 hr 45mins from Napier/Hastings. From Napier follow Puketitiri Road for 36 km before turning right into Pakaututu Road.(Pass Balls Clearing and cache called Batty Encounter) and Makahu Road is located a further 9km on the left. At the very end of the road, 500 metres from the Mangatutu Hot Springs, (Near cache called Rub a Dub Dub) is "The Gums" parking area and shelter. The tracks to Te Puia Lodge and Mangatainoka Hot Springs begin here.
Two bridges built over previous fords have improved Makahu Road for two-wheel drive access. Park visitors should be warned, however, that the road is narrow, windy and may be slippery when wet. There is one ford to cross without bridge this is suitable for 2 wheel drive access during good river condtions.
Makahu Road to Te Puia Lodge
Time: 2 - 3 hr
From the end of Makahu Road a track leads up the true right of the Mohaka River to Te Puia Lodge; a hut which is popular with trampers and hunters, and also a rest spot on the way to Mangatainoka Hot Springs.
From “The Gums” carpark the track first sidles high then drops down to grassy river flats. The track continues through manuka and some podocarp forest. In parts the track climbs to avoid bluffs, and other sections are cut around riverside rocks. If the Mohaka is in flood and covers the track at these points it is feasible to get around by climbing high above the bluffs. Te Puia Lodge is located beside the Mohaka River - look out for the rare blue duck
Te Puia Lodge to Mangatainoka Hot Springs
Time: 45 min
The Mangatainoka Hot Springs are a popular respite for hunters, fishing enthusiasts, trampers, rafters and family groups. From Te Puia Lodge the track continues up river, passes the turnoff to Makino Hut then crosses a wire bridge over the Makino River, just above its confluence with the Mohaka River. The track continues alongside the Mohaka, then climbs steeply to a large terrace before dropping back to the river.
There are two small fibreglass baths surrounded by a decking area at the hot spring which is situated on a small manuka terrace beside the Mohaka River. Those wishing to proceed up this river from the hot pools should be aware this is private land and prior permission from the landowner is required.
What to expect on this tramping track:
Moderate day or multi-day tramping/hiking
Track is generally well formed, may be steep, rough or muddy
Suitable for people with moderate fitness. Limited backcountry (remote areas) experience required
Track has signs, poles or markers. Major stream and rivers crossings are bridged
Light tramping/hiking boots required. Please be well prepared as you are in an area of remoteness. Pack it in - Pack it out.
Enjoy!!!!!! Watch out for all the 'Faces' watching you!
Cache has log book, pencil, and several swaps as well as a FTF prize.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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Treasures
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