Lindermann Track Loop (Katikati)
Head to the carpark at the end of Lindemann Rd (off SH 2, just before
Katikati) where there is a viewing platform looking out over the sea and beyond. We pass through the gate opposite the platform and continue straight ahead on an exposed wide track before we shortly reach a junction. To the left is the Ridge Track and straight ahead, up some stairs is the Lindermann Pack Track. We head left into the bush. This vibrant green track slopes steadily upwards. There are plenty of nice steep bits to give the calf muscles a nice warming sensation. There are a few kauri about too. As we make a bit of height, we notice plenty of moss about, trackside as well as growing on the trees. In between gaps in the trees we also get a few partial views southwards of the ridges of the Kaimais. There is plenty of dense bush surrounding us with bountiful supplejack too. After just over an hour the track runs alongside the wee trickle of a stream. We stop trackside in a sunbeam for morning tea & biccies. Close to 10 minutes later we reach the junction of the Wairoa Track heading both left & right. We head right passing come cool light, coral looking moss. Here the denseness of the bush gives way as we are on a ridge. There are quite a few gaps in the trees allowing more views of the Kaimai Ranges beyond. This track pretty much runs along the side of the hill. There are quite a few exposed parts of this track catching both views & sunbeams, adding to the magic of the bush when the sun catches the leaves. After about 40 minutes we reach a clearing & a junction on the hillside. To the left and downwards the Wairoa Track continues and to the right, is the Lindermann Pack Track. This clearing is a good vantage point to enjoy the great views over a valleys and ridges of the Kaimais, the Ananui Falls just visible in the distance, some of the coastline and Mayor Island beyond. We head right. The track heads back into the bush and continues to hug the side of the winding hill. The surrounding bush becomes dense & vibrant green again with plenty of tall punga trees about. This narrow, high winding track also passes a few beginnings of small streams, some dry & some tricking with a couple of very mossy picturesque waterfalls, some above and others below. There are plenty of lovely mossy rocks about too. After about just over 2 hours later we come out of the bush , down a few stairs where we reach the initial junction at the beginning, thus completing our loop and we back track the wide exposed track again to the car. Total Tramp Time about 4 ¼ Hours. |
Level of DifficultyEasy
Time4.25 Hours (Winter 2013)
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