Aorangi Restoration Trust and Greater Wellington Backcountry Network have begun restoring the Old Mill Track in the Aorangi Forest Park south of Martinborough. It is a four kilometer hike to the historic Old Mill site, a four hour return trip.
Aorangi Restoration Trust patron Clive Paton is “over the moon” that the old tracks in Aorangi Forest Park are being restored.
“We are planning a picnic shelter and improved signage at the Haurangi Road end so that family groups can access our wonderful park,” Clive said.
“There is some amazing regenerating native forest up there that makes for a very pleasant tramp down to the old mill site and back. This walk is suitable for families with children aged 8 or older.” Much of the Old Mill Track follows an old logging road, “so the gradients are generally quite good,” he added.
The track can be accessed from Haurangi Road end at the top of the Ruakokopatuna Valley, less than an hours’ drive from the town Square.
At present, the road from the Department of Conservation’s Waikuku Lodge to the Haurangi Road end is not suitable for other than 4WD vehicles, which adds one kilometer to the walk in.
Clive Paton is hopeful that South Wairarapa District Council will tidy this piece of road up so that people can access what he believes will become the “main gateway” to the Aorangi Forest Park.
He said he’s extremely grateful for the support of Derrick Field and the Greater Wellington Backcountry Network team, who intend to clear all the old tramping tracks in Aorangi Forest Park over time. “This will be a boon to hunters and trampers alike and a great asset for our community,” he said. Aorangi Restoration Trust is planning a predator trapping line along Old Mill Track and needs volunteers to help with both track maintenance and predator trapping.
If you can help, contact Joe Howells: 027 597 2667.
