Day 145: Puketi Forest

Highlight:

So lovely to walk amongst Kauri. The track upgrades were appreciated; one - for reducing concern of spreading Kauri dieback and two - well maintanied tracks make for quick taveling. Walking down the Mangapukahukahu Steam was tranquil. We still couldn't imagine where Mark became lost.

Challenge:

We deferred the option to camp at Apple Dam and continued to Mangamuka. We were feeling good. It was going to be a late one, with the camping spot another 6km up once we joined State Highway 1.  The Mangamuka store was not open - and the signage informed us they would still be closed if we past by tomorrow. We utilized the rubbish bin and discarded most of our trash... quiet road followed - apart from one vechicle pulling over to ask if there's a cafe nearby. Probably not, and it's definitely after hours. Overall good day. So greatful for the trail angle setting up a tenting spot at the base of the Ratea forest.

Learning:

Pupurangi / Kauri Snail - management of priority kauri snail colonies has been carried out since the early 1980s. Most of this management has consisted of poisoning rodents, enhancement planting, fencing colonies, and stock control. These actions have successfully allowed some species of kauri snails to recover from near extinction to colonies of some hundreds.

Summary: