Growing up nearby, the Kaimai Ranges were for driving over to visit grandparents and other family in Auckland. I remember only one family day walk up a slippery, wet and boggy Thompsons Track. Brief visits to Waihi at the northern end of the forest park over the last twenty years gave only one little ride from Waitawheta. This last-for-a-while visit stretching to two nights, I had a day to start rectifying past neglect of what are some excellent hills to explore.

First, a short trail run looping through Daly’s Clearing. The parking lot was surprisingly full, obviously a more popular spot than I imagined. A brief farm section before the trail started on the old Waitawheta Tramway – correspondingly well-graded, there was clearly more mining history here than I was aware of.

Branching off west, I left the valley floor behind as the trail climbed through bush to the clearing.

Even so, I’m unsure these shallow steps were necessary.

Somewhat startled by the hut, I poked my nose in briefly.

Continuing, the trail climbed a little more. I was taken aback by the extent of the nikau palms proliferating. There were also plenty of big ponga ferns, but that was less unexpected.

The roots kept one alert.

Descending through a couple of paddocks, the river came back into view.

A fun hour of running somewhere new to me – easily teasing plenty more adventures to be had when I make it back with more time up my sleeve.

Another landmark I’d not been to in the area was Mt Te Aroha – despite it having been recommended a number of times as a good climb. Most recently, riding cycle trails from Waihi to the base of the hill, climbing and then descending, before riding back was recommended. Plugging that in online, it looked over a hundred kilometres – mostly flat cycle trail with the exception of a 900 metre climb and then descent. It seemed a bit outside my current level of endurance, but no harm in trying. Right?

Through the gorge was pleasant enough, even riding into the westerly. Plenty more memories of driving through the Karangahake Gorge many years ago, and occasionally stopping to walk through the tunnel – it wasn’t lit then!

A large late lunch in Paeroa would hopefully fuel me to and up the climb. Nice to be off the road, but this section of rail trail is not particularly inspiring. Definitely a means to an end, and more memories – this time my first big day on Tour Aotearoa some years ago now.

Getting closer.

The climb starts steeply, and only lets up occasionally. I think it must be the biggest single one I’ve done in over three years. The whole thing over 12.5 % gradient, plenty more in places. Under-geared and tyre undershod, I was pleased not to end up walking any of it. The cold breeze near the top was quite welcome.

The transmitter is so large, it messed with one’s distance perception – looking so close here, but still only halfway up.

Occasionally a glimpse of the Hauraki Plains through the bush cover.

Ah yes, it’s quite big.

Made it, phew. Time to layer up and admire the views.

Even on an overcast day, the views of so many familiar places were grand and endlessly fascinating.

Mayor Island

Back down the road a mile, I eventually found the overgrown track off the east side at Dog Kennel Flat. The track surface was in good condition, not that one could see much of it. A bit of bike carrying was needed on steeper or more overgrown sections, but there was little hardship amongst nice foliage.

Yes, there’s a trail behind me.

Bike disappearing into more trail.

All worth it.

Heading into the Waiorongomai Valley, I picked up another old tramway after a steep section (solo, with no beacon, my riding was even more conservative than normal). Plenty of signs of gold mining up here provided more interest to the lovely park.

A smaller tunnel this one.

Again, a bridge straight into a tunnel.

Follow the tramway…

I was surprised to find three sizeable inclines up this little valley.

Steep! Which is rather the point of such sections of track.

Some care had to be taken following the rails.

The final section of trail, Cadman’s, to the road end was a complete blast and showed the bike I had for the day wasn’t completely inappropriate.

Back to more typical Waikato scenes.

A few kilometres back into Te Aroha and I was completely done, with only forty left to get back to the car. But a decent fish burger and sides later, there was plenty of energy to get me home just on dark.

A satisfying day out on just the edge of the Kaimais, I look forward to returning with more of a plan some day.