A beautiful sunny Sunday – What to explore? So many choices. Over summer I had heard of a little track on the way to Raglan, a beach west of Hamilton. The track was only about twenty minutes in length but led to a small waterfall. This seemed an ideal choice on such a hot day.
Lunch time found me at a VERY busy Whatawhata café, having a coffee and a date scone. (Whatawhata is a small farming country district about ten minutes west of Hamiton) Since opening about five to six years ago, the owners have added a canopy making the outdoor area much more shady which was very pleasant on such a hot day. They also have a little “petting area” attached where there are a few sheep, goat and a pig all ready to accept food when offered. An Indian family of about 30 family members were celebrating the birthday of one of their sons. Looked fun but really noisy.
Having satisfied my hunger, I travelled west along the main highway where, about ten minutes past the café, I turned right into Karakariki Rd. – a well maintained tarsealed road, through VERY brown, dry farmland. Arriving at Karakariki Christian camp there was a turn on the left and travelled to the end of this no exit road. Much to my surprise there would have been fifty cars in this little known (as I thought) car park. The track is maintained by Department of Conservation. The track runs through farm land so beautiful hills and valleys surrounded the car park.
Quickly popping on my walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat, I took off over the cattle stop to the start of the signposted track. Over the first style, starting the walk, sheltered by thick, leafy and very old trees providing much needed shade.
First swing bridge crossed. This is why the track is so much fun for young ones -there is a collection of styles, swing bridges and right at the end there is a little rope to assist them to get down to the water. What adventures!!
People were passing me both ways. Mainly youngish families chatting excitedly as they passed along. A small shallow bubbling stream ran alongside the side of the track. Every now and again there was a little track which allowed you to potter down to the little stream. One or two young families were actually settled there, away from the reasonably crowded waterfall. Second style crossed followed by a second swing bridge. Because of the small roots and rocks in the track I found I needed to watch my feet a little rather than really enjoying the bubbling stream and summer flowers which I was passing.
Wildflowers
A waterfall suddenly appeared in front of me at the end of the track. A swimming hole was in front which had encouraged many in to swim – Older children leapt off the top while the little ones played in the pool below.
A scramble down a little bank assisted by a rope tied to a tree allowed access to this delightful watery playground. For littlies, there needed to be a bit of adult assistance but they all managed it.
On my walk back to the car, it was such a pleasure still hearing the excited shouts and giggles of families enjoying this simple natural pleasure.
So many Magic Moments in NZ