The Mackerel Forest Track - Te Araroa

Toady we walked the Mackerel Forest Trail from Ngunguru Ford Road to Pataua North Road. This Trail is one small part of the great Te Araroa Trail from Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island to Bluff at the southern end of the South Island.

Much of the Mackerel Forest Track is through clear felled pine forest. However, the valleyalong the Waitangi River and the Taheke River is quite lovely. Very peaceful and nice and cool on a hot day as it wanders along beside these streams through native bush. There was an abundance of bird life. Especially notable on the trail were fantails, tui and yellowhammers.