Rookie camping mistake ⛺️🌧️ ☔️

In this video I hike from the Waikato to the Bay of Plenty over the Kaimai Range then camped overnight in a leaky tent until the rain drove me inside before returning to the Waikato the following day.
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Tuahu Track Description - This is a description of my return trip
Starting at the carpark at the end of Hot Springs Road the track is well benched and metalled consistently to just beyond the second entrance to the Tuahu Kauri Track loop. This first stage has young kauri rickers and rimu trees right alongside the track. Shortly after there’s a river crossing of Te Rereatukahia Stream which can be rock hopped in dry seasons otherwise prepare to get wet feet.
Beyond the stream the grade is moderate as it winds its way through several gullies to eventually meet the North South Track on the Kaimai Ridge. As you ascend there’s several viewing points that take in the immediate view including the Kauri Forest back on the Tuahu Kauri Track all the way to Katikati, Matakana Island and beyond to Mayor/Tuhua Island.
2 - 2 ½ hours from the Hot Springs Road carpark to the North South Junction if remaining on Tuahu Track.
The North South Junction is a good spot for lunch.
Descending into the Waikato the track follows the western escarpment of the Kaimai Range offering views to the Killarney Lakes in the pine plantation below and further over the Waikato.
The track crosses several small waterfalls which will be challenging in high rainfall. The gradient is moderate until entering the Waihou Valley Pine Forest where it becomes steep. On entering the forest, you continue on a track and then access roads down to Wairakau Road. Near the exit of the pine forest are two stream crossings, the one closest to the Wairakau Road being the deeper. Again, you’ll have wet feet.
The western side to the Kaimai Range needs maintenance with half a dozen trees across the track.
2 - 2 ½ hours from the North South Junction to Wairakau Road.
This is a great introduction track to the Kaimai Ranges offering beautiful forest, views, river crossings and a wide, mostly moderate track.
After 00:06:09 I left the Tuahu Track and took an unmarked “shortcut” up to join the North South Track before continuing north on the North South Track to eventually meet back with the Tuahu Track at the junction.
Return trip, 27th and 28th May 2023
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The Facts:
Tuahu Track, Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park
ℹ️Stats
📅 Date: 27th and 28th May 2023
🌧️ ☔️ Weather: New Zealand Autumn; overcast with showers and plenty of wind on the range
🌲Location: Tuahu Track, Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park, North Island, New Zealand
⛺️ Accommodation: Sapphire Springs Holiday Park: unpowered site $20 Cabin $80
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Hiking | Camping | Biking | Kayaking | Exploring | Outdoors | Bushcraft
Thanks for visiting my channel, my mission is to inspire and motivate others to spend time in nature and reconnect with the outdoors, wherever that might be and at whatever level they are comfortable with.
The best things in life happen when we're outside of our comfort zone and until we push our boundaries, we'll never know what we like or what we're capable of. Independent and self-supported travel is for all of us however sometimes knowing where to start, how to prepare or what to expect can be a little overwhelming. I'm here to help and encourage you on your way.
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Please share this channel with someone you think might benefit from it, so that they too will be inspired and encouraged to spend more time in nature.
See you on the trails, Sharon Evans 🚴 🥾 🛶 🥾⛈☔️🏔 🌲
Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

[@FreewheelingKiwi]

Thanks for watching my video
View more awesome trail walks in this playlist: th-cam.com/play/PL_hPtX12oueRqXtxknqBBfKNqMWWRTeis.html

[@raktoda707]

The passing of an old friend...that's a lot of nights of protection,evening dream protector.Beautiful video.Thanks you

[@FreewheelingKiwi]

Thanks for watching Shadow, yes its certainly been on some epic adventures over the years. Time now to find the waterproof replacement 🏕️

[@beyourself3711]

Wow. I really enjoyed your hike despite the weather. And I certainly will make sure my tent will be up to the task. I've never done a hike and camp overnight over a few days. It's very inspiring seeing you out and about in nature and enjoying what you're doing. 😃 Hope to be out there one day like you.. Thank-you for sharing you're grest adventures 😊💚🤙

[@FreewheelingKiwi]

Thanks 💚 you too can do it! Test your tent at home, then if it doesn’t go well, you can retreat inside for a cuppa and a rethink. This tent was well past it’s use by date so I wasn’t too concerned as I also knew there were cabins… and a hot pool which was luxurious in winter ❄️ 🏕️🥾

[@beyourself3711]

@@FreewheelingKiwi oh and Thank-you so much for your episode on NOT being afraid going out camping by ourselves. It kind of held me back but after watching it a few times, I really appreciated your personal thoughts and experiences regarding that issue. Onwards and upwards one day soon 🙏

[@FreewheelingKiwi]

@@beyourself3711 and when you do, you’ll feel 10 feet tall and ready to take on the world 🏕️😀💪

[@shanefraser7764]

Old tent seen many adventures im sure⛺️👍

[@FreewheelingKiwi]

True, but just one last night would have been good 😅🌧️ thank goodness for the cabin

[@worldlinetravehistoryl8052]

Good....🚴

[@FreewheelingKiwi]

Thanks 💚

[@crunchyhobgoblin258]

Lovely video 😊

[@FreewheelingKiwi]

Thanks Crunchy 🙏

[@rosalind1048]

Fab trip aside from the leaky tent. How did you fit everything in that teeny pack though?

[@FreewheelingKiwi]

Thanks Rosalind, I’ve been working on a more ultralight packing system though in this instance, my friend carried the tent 🌳🏕️ 🌲

[@rayjermyn4541]

What did you replace your old tent with?

[@FreewheelingKiwi]

Thanks for your interest Ray. This season I’ll be walking the Te Araroa so am looking for a 2P Ultra light tent that’ll stand up to New Zealand’s “four seasons in one day” weather.
I’m in the process of looking for brands to partner with as it’ll be an epic journey, there’s more detail here www.freewheelingkiwi.com. Any recommendations much appreciated 🌳🏕️🌲