Goldie Bush Stream Tramp

With our bodies suitably rested from our Christmas day hike, we decided to hit the trail again. Make the most of our time off and the relatively quiet Auckland roads. A short 40 minute drive North of Auckland we found ourselves at the Goldie Bush Scenic Reserve. Twenty minutes later we were at the top of the Mokoroa Falls. Pretty if not that majestic due to the lack of rain of late.

Still, the Falls were not what drew us here, that was the next part of the walk; a tramp along and often through the stream. This track is sort of like canyoneering lite. The track criss crosses the sometimes knee deep stream numerous times - in some places the track markings are even stuck to rocks underwater.

Our walking boots were soon swapped for Crocs and we never looked back. When not crossing the stream the track follows along on the bush clad bank. Some of the crossings were more tricky than others and some required teamwork to get us both across. A few sections required a wee bit of scrambling over roots or stone cut steps.

Towards the end there was a deep pool which looked inviting despite the algae on the rocks; but a lack of sun at this point was just enough deterrent against taking a dip.

We stopped at the end of the track and had a little picnic before heading back to the car.

This required 30 minutes regaining the elevation we had lost. The numerous steps reminding us of the Pinnacles walk a few days earlier. Still, this was a path rather than a track and so pretty easy going in comparison.

We only completed approx 5 Km, but the numerous and sometimes tricky stream crossings meant it took about 3 hours all in all. A great way to spend 3 hours though if you ask me! :0)