Daly's Clearing Loop Track

This loop walk is a combination of the following tracks: Dean Track, Mangakino Track, Daly Clearing Hut Track and Waitawheta River Track. Halfway between the carpark and the end of Franklin Road is a signpost to the Mangakino Valley. This track climbs quickly through a couple of farm fields, eventually entering the bush after about 30 mins. In another 30 mins or so it reaches the junction with the Mangakino Track. The track undulates gradually gaining height as it sidles around point 430. There are glimpses of the Mangakino Valley. An hour from the previous junction you reach another junction. Take the left hand track to head for Daly's Clearing. It is signposted 20 mins but really only takes 10 mins. From the hut the track descends through scrub to the Waitawheta River where it is a flat 3km walk along the old Waitawheta Tramway back to the road end. If you have time you can head upstream to check out the log bogie (a relic from kauri logging days), a short loop walk with views of the river and Flossie's Falls. This is a good overnight walk for families as the track and distances can be covered fairly easily by young children.