Hidden Kaimai gem worth the walk
It is well worth a bush walk to visit the delightful water spot of Pudding Basin and Wednesday Falls
Ahidden gem — almost the subject of myth — tucked away in the Kaimai Range, Pudding Basin and Wednesday Falls, is a delightful spot well worth a visit.
From the Blade carpark at Whakamarama take the far right access to the Pa Kereru track which leads to the Ngamarama track junction. Well known for its early grunty uphill section, the Ngamarama will get the lungs working well. A steady climb after the steep bit, and it’s on up the Ngamarama to the Falls turnoff. Don’t get confused at a T-junction of tracks on the way — the correct track is straight ahead. Proceed up to a part of the track which has less bush, with low manuka growth.
Local tramper Cindy Durber has kindly put up a painted sign indicating where the turnoff is. From the turnoff the track is well marked with bright ribbon. There is a section of fairly level track and then you come to a steep downhill section
which is open and careful footing is required. It is not to be recommended after significant rain. Veer to the lefthand side of this downhill section — there is a marker which shows the entrance into the bush.
From there the track becomes slower because of lots of tree roots and some fairly steep downhill sections. After about 30 minutes from the turnoff (where the sign is) you will
reach another pair of signs, again put up by Cindy Durber, which indicate the direction of each waterfall. Take the Pudding Basin Falls (right) turn first and it will be evident why these falls have that name — the rock formation they flow over has an inverted pudding basin shape. They are not at their best in summer weather with mediocre rainfall, but are interesting and in a beautiful
setting.
Immediately downstream of Pudding Basin Falls is Wednesday Falls — you can peer over the rock edge and see the falls and the pool. However, you have to backtrack to the junction where the two signs are and take the left turn to make your way down to Wednesday Falls. A much less grand name, but a lovely sight even without significant rain, a beautiful setting with space for a group to sit and admire while having lunch — and a magnificent pool. The water is fresh even in summer, but very tempting for a dip on a sunny day.
To return, take the track you come down on.
Take care when returning not to miss the marked junction to return up the hill — it is marked with three pieces of orange ribbon and is a sharp left turn, easy to miss if you’re not alert, especially as the track along the river is also marked with ribbons, but these are the end of the track up from the Salvation Hut end.
Once you have found the marked junction to return up the hill, the markers are fairly easy to follow to return the same way. A group of trampers from Katikati Tramping Club recently completed this walk. The trip is about six hours overall and total distance around 15km.
If you would like to join the group on excursions such as these are in our beautiful backyard, contact Laraine Hughes 021 0737 084 or visit the website www.sporty.co.nz/ katitracks/Home