Mangatangi Trig ex Kaiaua Road via Vinings track

[vinodrinker]

Well we knocked this one off today just before the weather caved in.

Keep an eye out for the blue sign on Kaiaua road and orange painted fence posts.  The first part of the tramp is over farm land and includes some stream crossings. The first part of the track isnt really marked but look for anything painted orange.  Sometimes you cant see anything but head across the farm land following your nose.  The entrance into the bush is marked by an orange fence post and stile.

You then enter the bush after about 20 minutes and climb steadily onto the mangatangi ridge before turning right to head about 15-20 minutes up to the summit.  The summit does offer some good views as it is grassed unlike many hunua tracks wich offer crap views.

3.5 hours return trip, not too taxing but a bit of a workout to keep the fitness up and another one bagged.

[Jon (aka site admin)]

Sounds like a nice little afternoon walk vinodrinker.  It looks like many of wellingtons hill summits, plastered with aerials and aircraft radar and the like.....    once I got over the fact they were there at all, I actually find them quite interesting in themselves.   Sad

[bacchus]

Just an additional note to Vinodrinker's  most of the track from the farmland to the ridge track is dry and moss covered, the first 500 meters from the stile is fairly steep but does ease off. Does not appear to be a well walked track however it is still very pleasant. Once o the main Mangatangi track it does beome somewhat softer underfoot.
We should of taken a photo of the last sign post to the trig .. 'Mangatangi Trig 2 min' somewhat amusing after you have been walking for 2 hours or so.

Suggestion when leaving go to Kaiaua grab a feed at the fish and chip shop.

[vinodrinker]

Another note here is on subsequent trips it does appear that they have upgraded and repainted markers so it is a little easier to navigate across the farm land into the bush.  As per previous note, be prepared for we feet on one wide but shallow stream crossing (slow water)