Monday Walkers

Our group of Monday Walkers had a wonderful day in the Kaimanawa Forest Park last Monday exploring the route off Kaimanawa Rd to Tree Trunk Gorge. This is a track following an old road used by heavy trucks when the hydro scheme was being built. Nowdays the old road is fringed by crown ferns, horopito and beech trees. The browsing deer are averse to the peppery taste of the horopito leaves which may account for their proliferation. Cliff faces of ancient ignimbrite flow and pumice embankments were passed. In one clear area at least three migratory koekoea (long tailed cuckoos) took offence at our presence and started their alarm calls. We were lucky enough to actually see the birds with their brown streaked chests and a tail that is longer than their head and body combined. Despite the forecast of heavy rain the only dunking we experienced was from the four river crossings. One brave walker going across barefeet and those without waterproof boots squelching onwards for the rest of the day. Wet feet were more than compensated for by the climb up and on the enormous water pipe that feeds the Rangipo underground power station and the view from Tree Trunk Gorge bridge. The Tongariro River gushes through the narrow chasm where water has forced itself through the ignimbrite rock sheet. We returned on the same route and then took the shared track to the Pillars of Hercules where it was disappointing to see huge numbers of totara sapling cut or broken off at about 90cm from the ground. Bracket or shelf fungi were tucked into other decaying trees. The Pillars were viewed from the 40 metre long suspension bridge. Altogether a day full of interest. Next week is party time. Our walks will recommence after the festive season. If you would like to join us or for more information search Facebook for Taupo Monday Walkers, phone David on 027 592 294 or email walkersmondaytaupo@gmail.com.