A non work day in the middle of the week. Amazing!! Having had a wonderful exploratory holiday so far to a variety of beautiful parts of the North Island, over the summer (2025) this day needed to continue that pattern. After a lot of research, where the criteria was not too far for a day trip but spectacular scenery to enjoy, Marakopa was the place chosen.
Otorohanga was the first stop for the obligatory coffee Such a pretty town with hanging baskets edging the main street. Vibrant petunias, blue lobelias cascading down the sides of the horse hair baskets, and white pansies to soften the overall effect.
Back on the road with the next stop planned at Marakopa. (52 kms from Otorohanga) but firstly passing through Waitomo Caves a very popular tourist spot. The caves are situated in the Northern King Country region, about an hours drive from Hamilton. They are formed from limestone which over the hundreds of years water has flowed through and gradually formed the caves. Three are now tourist attractions: Ruakuri cave, Lucky Strike cave and Tamutumu cave
Waitomo Glowworm Caves – Wikipedia
Then on to Marakopa
The road is well formed and tar sealed but quite windy making the trip a little longer than expected. However breathtaking scenery of rolling hills, valleys dotted with sheep and the early appearance of pine forests made the time pass quickly. There was not an abundance of stock maybe due to lack of feed and water.
Marakopa is a rural community in the Waitomo district. It is located close to the coast between Awakino and Kawhia harbors. This community has predominantly been a farming area since the early 20th century. The population in 2018 was given as 69 Ref( Marokopa – Wikipedia)
While exploring the beach on arrival we came across a really interesting German man. Dressed very simply you would have no idea of the adventures which he had had. (Being a hiker I thought they were interesting anyway) He had completed the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Highway as well as many others. He was in New Zealand to enjoy some parts of the Te Araroa. He was absolutely embracing life but was vey much his own person. He seemed to be vey happy chatting but said overall he prefers his own company. If there is only ONE person in a hut where he intends to stop, he pops up his tent to have privacy and to sleep in. The beach was beautiful with many beach goers enjoying all it had to offer.
Starting to wind our way back home, Markopa Falls was the first stop. 600 mtrs along a well formed track found us enjoying the beauty of the falls. They fall 35 mtrs over a huge cliff of Wacke Basement rocks. This whole area is nestled within a bushy area made up of Nikau palms, Tawa, cabbage trees and punga. There are very well maintained viewing platforms which provide a safe and steady base for watching and photographing the Falls. The carpark was amazingly full.
Next was the Mangpohue Natural Bridge only a short driving distance from the Falls. A short 700 mtrs return walk to this spectacular natural formation. The walk takes you through a limestone gorge and has a excellent well maintained walkway all the way. This 17 mtr high limestone arch spans the Mangapohue Stream. The stream itself was crystal clear and quite fast flowing.
Arriving home hot and tired, but re energized from enjoying, once again, another part of our beautiful countryside
