3104 Pirongia Waterfalls

Sunday 18th February 2024

In Jan 2022 a few WTC members joined John & Jean Wilson leading a venture to re-visit these falls – they had been there many years before.  We loved the stream walk and having wet feet on a hot day but had to turn around before we found the falls.  Let’s see if we can find them this time.

The highest waterfall in Pirongia Forest Park is in the headwaters of Blue Bull Stream.  We will walk up from Kaniwhaniwha carpark.  Perhaps this time we will go up the Bell Track, use compass bearings to drop down to the stream, explore & enjoy the falls, then walk out along the stream – 2 k’s approx.

On good advice we WON’T be trying to bush-bash down to the falls, instead we will attempt to get to them by going up the river.  So, a threat to ankles!  I suggest good tramping boots as it’s a boulder filled mountain stream, and there is NOT an alternative track on the river bank☺  We will travel at the speed of the slowest and keep together, and have a great time even if we don’t get there!  But with lots of daylight and enough rests and calories I am confident it will be a good day – (oh and there are only 2 registered for the tramp so far)

Bring lunch and high energy snacks, I will take a water filter with me.  It is only a fine weather trip, and storms, rain etc that threaten safety and I will call it off. 

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