Ref: http://tracks.org.nz/track/show/1145
Print date: 22 May 2012 21:17:20
Location: Pakuratahi Forest, Wellington, New Zealand
Overview:
Bush walk from Pakuratahi Forks to the Te Marua lakes
Grade: Intermediate
Access: Foot
Description:
This is a well sign-posted and well formed track along the ridge between the upper Pakuratahi Forks entrance and the Kaitoki waterworks lakes at Te Marua. The sign says 3 hours each way, and there is a 160 - 200 metre climb at each end, but the ridgeline walk is relatively easy.
If you are going to walk in one direction, start at the top at the Pakuratahi Forks entrance as this is about 80 metres higher than the Te Marua lakes end (so overall it is a little more downhill). You can park in the main carpark near the Swingbridge track and Rivendell (which is still a popular place to bring small groups of tourists). The Ridge Track is signposted and the start of the track is flat and gravel. It quickly climbs through the beech forest (many steps) from about 200 metres to about 400 metres. About 30 minutes from the carpark is a seat on Tussock Knob, close to the highest point on the walk (about 480 metres) with views north to the Tararua's.
The track along the ridge is reasonably easy. There are some tree rooted section at the Pakuratahi Forks end, but much fewer than, for example, the McKerrow Track at Wainuiomata. There are some places that may be muddy after heavy rain, but the track will not be slippery along most of the length. There is a lookout seat (looking south) about mid-way along, about 100 metres off the main track. Note that there are trees both sides along most of the ridgeline so apart from the one or two lookout spots you do not get much of a view.
The track drops slowly from around 400 metres to about 300 metres along the ridgeline, than abruptly descends to the carpark near the upper lake at Te Marua. The last part of the descent is a very wide grassy track. This area, and around the river, is a popular place for people walking dogs.
Although the signposts say 3 hours, a fit person will walk the 7.4 km in around 2 hours.
Getting there:
By car, park in the carparks at either end of the track: by the swingbridge at Pakuratahi Forks, or at the upper carpark at the Te Marua lakes.
Other notes:
Not suitable for cycling.
Length: 7.66km
Conditions: Double track
Altitude:
419m
472m
193m
140m
Last modified: 26 Feb 2011 by ledzep
Created by: ledzep