Waitonga Falls and the Hapauwhenua Viaduct
We are currently in Ohakune, New Zealand, on the North Island. I picked this location because Tongariro National Park, one of the country’s oldest, has some excellent hiking. It is also a dual World Heritage area, because of the park’s “important Māori cultural and spiritual associations.” It is also home to three active volcanoes. Tom and I conquered two hikes: one that took us to Waitonga Falls and the other to Hapauwhenua Viaduct.
The trail to the falls was well-maintained and easy to hike. It was less than three miles from the car park, and Tom and I completed the roundtrip in about an hour and a half. I loved the solitude and serenity of this trail. There were some magnificent trees and lush green foliage. Since we only saw a few other hikers, it provided the perfect opportunity to “forest bathe. “
Next we hit the trail to the viaduct. It has a rich history and has been part of the area’s railway system for 80 years. The large curved steel truss is unique to New Zealand.
This trail was more travelled and seemed like a biking track than hiking. There were many groups of cyclists and a few runners and other hikers. Not quite five miles to the viaduct from the car park, this trail had many more people and was quite rocky.
An historical sign along the trail, also known as the Old Coach Road, has a quote that says, “In 1907 this was a noisy, smelly, and dangerous place. Hundreds of people were working here, creating a masterpiece in the most difficult of conditions.” Once you reach the viaduct, there is a walking path on each side so cyclists and walkers can traverse the structure.
This time of year is beautiful in New Zealand. The heat of summer has subsided, and autumn brings cooler nights with gentle breezes. However, one remaining remnant of summer is the ever-present sound of cicadas. This reminds me of Japan, where several species of cicadas exist, each with its unique buzzing and clicking sound.