Nineteen WOPpers gathered at the end of Old Wires Road for the first walk of the term after a bumpy ride up a rutted gravel road. This out of towner walk is accessed off the Thames/Paeroa highway just south of Hikutaia in the Coromandel Forest Park. 

Firstly, a bit of history: The Wires track is named after the telegraph line which used to run thru the Maratoto. Remnants of these old telephone poles can be seen along the track as can the fence from an old cattle-holding pen. I have included pics of a restored pole which follows the route of the telegraph line across the Coromandel Ranges from Hikutaia to Whangamata. This line was the last line to be completed in Auckland to Wellington telegraph route & the last link in the national telegraph network & before construction in 1872 messages came by courier across the ranges. 

This is a loop track & we started at the Maratoto end up a 4WD track, clay & in some parts deeply rutted so would be slippery when wet. Very dry for us today! It is a steady climb up to the ridge & on the way we had a nice morning tea stop on the side of the track, Once nearly at the top we came across some amazing rocky outcrops & climbed these to get a view & some shade! As we got higher more exposed to the hot sun. Eventually arrived at the junction to go down Wires track (see pic) & we were all glad to get out of the sun & head into the bush on a tramping trail marked by orange markers. 

The Old Wires track is amazing, all sorts of twists & turns starting off by going down steps thru narrow gorge type area, we think it was cut out many years ago for access. The track then levels out a bit & mainly follows the ridge line with some up & downs of course. Lovely bush & Kauri. Because of the historical significance of this track I was on the lookout for old poles & eventually we came across one & later the restored pole I commented on earlier. We had a lunch break nestled in amongst the trees & leaves. The track then takes you down to water where we crossed a stream (not much water) then up, eventually crossing over farmland & back to the road about half a km down from where our cars were parked. We also passed the area where there was a cattle-holding pen with remnants of a fence. Also, another pic attached of signage at the end of our walk for various routes to take as this track can be accessed from either end. 

Despite being a long way to travel, in my opinion this track is a real gem & worth making the effort. Thankyou Lee for a great day & finding out about this track. Apparently, this area is well used & known by locals. 

Colleen W. 

To see the photos, click here