BACKCOUNTRY TRUST - Supporting Aotearoa's Backcountry Heritage
  • About
    • Our History
    • Who We Are
    • Our Key Supporters
    • Performance Report
    • BCT Managed Huts
  • Our Work
    • Volunteer Projects
    • Kaimahi for Nature Projects
    • Partnership Delivery
  • Volunteer
    • Apply
    • Guidelines
    • Claims, Payments and Reporting
    • Resources
    • FAQ
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Donate
  • About
    • Our History
    • Who We Are
    • Our Key Supporters
    • Performance Report
    • BCT Managed Huts
  • Our Work
    • Volunteer Projects
    • Kaimahi for Nature Projects
    • Partnership Delivery
  • Volunteer
    • Apply
    • Guidelines
    • Claims, Payments and Reporting
    • Resources
    • FAQ
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Donate

Mangaputa Swamp Boardwalks

8/6/2021

 
Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park – April 2021
Picture
Jordyn Ryle, Amy Brunsden and Kyla Brett working as others look on
Over recent years, a community group have undertaken extensive work to upgrade and re-route the old North-South Track, a tramping route that traverses the length of the Kaimai Range, which divides the Bay of Plenty from the Waikato.
​
Called the Kaimai Ridgeway Trust (KRT), the group have cut tracks, erected huts and constructed boardwalks – all part of a vision to create a fine tramping route suitable for lesser-experienced trampers and families. Previously, large parts of the old Forest Service-era track were overgrown, swampy or without shelter.
Picture
preparing loads for the helicopter
One of the highlights of this work by the KRT was the opening of Te Whare Okioki Hut in 2018. As KRT leader Tony Walton writes: ‘An important section of the North-South track that provides access to the Te Whare Okioki Hut passes through the Mangaputa Swamp, where the track descends from the old terminus of the Leyland O’Brien tramline track. The hut is usually full on Saturday nights, and during the week is used by trampers, hunters and youth groups, including youngsters on their Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Since the hut was opened, 30% of the users have been in the children or youth categories.’
Picture
flying in materials
​In April 2021, following many months of planning, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology students, advised by DOC ranger Warren Geraghty, constructed four sections of boardwalks across the main Mangaputa Swamp. These have ensured it is now an all-season track, suitable for the increased number and range of users.
Picture
​DOC provided the materials, which were flown in by helicopter using a Backcountry Trust grant organised by the Kaimai Ridgeway Trust.
Picture
completed boardwalk
​It was, as Tony Walton, commented, ‘an unusual work team composition, but it was great to see youngsters and others doing some very effective work.’
>Go Back to Project List

Comments are closed.

    Projects

    March 2025
    February 2025
    October 2024
    August 2024
    June 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    October 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    June 2018
    March 2018

Quick Links

SUPPORTED BY

Apply for a Grant
Donate to the BCT
View Volunteer Projects
Latest News
Remote Huts Forum and Blog

Picture
Picture
Picture
© BACKCOUNTRY TRUST 2023
Subscribe