Page 18 - 2020-ETEC-eBook

The Tauranga Bridge Loop Track is
THINGS TO SEE & DO IN OUR REGION
approximately 25km up the Waioeka
Gorge road heading to Gisborne (see
pages 56-58 The Waioeka Journey – Te
Awa a Tamatea). There is a sign on the
right indicating a parking area that gives
access to the historic Tauranga Bridge
and the track. This area was cleared for
farming by returning servicemen after
the First World War. The bridge was
built to give vehicle access across the
Waioeka River. Eventually the steep
country and the depression defeated the
farmers and today nature is reclaiming
the land. After crossing the bridge, the
track follows the Tauranga Stream up one Tauranga Bridge - Photo Barbara Collet
side before returning down the other. Old
totara fence posts and levelled sites are the some of the signs of earlier occupation. You will
need to cross the Tauranga stream twice as you walk so be prepared for wet feet. This walk
will take 2 hours and is well worth the effort, but do not attempt when the river is in flood.
Te Waiti Nature Trail: 45min. walk (see drives Otara Loop Rd) Go to Boulder Campsite
approx 2. km from Pakihi Bridge, an ideal walk from here. Interpretive signs make for an
interesting stroll. – Begining at Bushhaven a further 2km on is the Te Waiti Track.
Te Waiti Track: A pleasant trail through lowland forest and dense Nikai palms following
the Te Waiti stream before crossing the river to the Te Waiti Hut. Allow 2.hrs to the hut
or 4hrs return.

MOANUI KORANGA TAWA LOOP TRACK
Looking for some real backcountry
adventure? This loop track is ideal for a
multi day tramp, overnight trip or even a
day tramp, the choice is yours. The native
bush and beautiful rivers make this tramp
truly scenic with good oportunities to
hunt and fish. Backcountry experience is
required. Access is at the end of Moanui
Road which is approximately 1 hours drive
from Matawai. The huts on this loop track
have wood burners, water and matresses
and do not require bookings but hut tickets
are needed, these can be purchased from
any DOC office. Hut fees: Adult $5.00,
Youth $2.50 and children free. For further
information: www.doc.govt.nz or contact
your nearest DOC office. See Page 57.
Tautarangi Walkway (Opape Coastal Koranga Kahunui Confluence
Walkway): A coastal walking track with
the entrance at Opape Beach. See page 62. Return trip approx 1.hr.The track ends at a
carved fence overlooking Morices Bay (no access) Following the Old Stage Coach Road
through native bush, comprising a wide variety of native flora and fauna with wonderful
views of the sea along the way. Ancient Pā Sites and landing places of the early settlers
canoes add a special historical dimension.
East Coast Lighthouse: Some 700 steps up to 154 metres above sea level. See Page 73.
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