Bay of Plenty: Aongatete Long Loop Track
How to get to the car park
Google Maps: 854 Wright Road, Aongatete. The car park is at the end of Wright Road, Aongatete, between Omokoroa and Katikati. You can access both the short and long loop tracks from here. The tracks can be walked clockwise and counter-clockwise. There’s also a short nature trail and a swimming hole just 30 mins walk from the car park.
Aongatete has been popping up on my social media for awhile now, and I didn’t realise how often I had driven past on my way to do other tracks in the Kaimai-Mamaku forest. It’s a small, rural community between Omokoroa and Katikati, just an hour and a half from Whakatāne. There are three track options: The short or long loop, as well as a short 15-minute nature trail (this links up to the short loop). There’s even a swimming hole half an hour from the car park, but I ran out of time to check it out.
The car park was close to full by the time I arrived mid-morning, though there was plenty of room to park along the side of the road too so I didn’t mind. I saw a couple of small groups already heading up the track as I stopped to use the toilet - I ended up passing a couple with three young children not far into the track. One of the boys, who looked about six years old, started walking behind me as he got ahead of his family. After about ten minutes I could hear his dad calling out to him, so I made sure he turned around before I passed the track junction.
The first stream crossing along the track was about ankle deep.
The short loop takes about an hour, while the long loop is around three hours. Keep in mind that the long loop has at least three minor stream crossings - depending on your rock hopping skills, you may be able to avoid getting your shoes wet. The track is fairly flat, with a few sections closer to the stream crossings where the track drops quickly or short bursts of steeper uphill. You don’t need tramping boots, but I do recommend comfortable sneakers. There are plenty of tree roots, so just keep an eye for those.
I walked the track clockwise which meant I had walked more than half before I came to the first stream crossing. I’m 153cm, and the deepest the water came was up to my knees.
The track is full of roots, but flat for most of the way. A few decent uphill sections and steep descents down to the stream.
I had a quick snack across a small waterfall, not far from the one of the last stream crossings. Look for the boulder in the sunshine - on a hot day, it’s a great place to cool off your feet while you get a great view of the waterfall. The perfect place for cheese and crackers!
As I reached the car park, I saw a group of about 15 getting ready to do the short loop. It’s always great to see children getting the opportunity to experience nature at such a young age. There were still plenty of cars, which showed just how popular the tracks are. I’d like to go back and check out the swimming hole - I’m sure it will be a great way to cool off after a walk in the forest.
A lot of mossy boulders along the stream.
Found a nice spot to have lunch overlooking this waterfall.
fivefootronna is Ronna Grace Funtelar - a thirtyish adventurer, graphic designer and writer. A woman with a curious mind who lives for hiking mountains, outdoor adventures and eating pizza. She has a unique brand of optimism that is a combination of her great enthusiasm for life and cups of coffee during the day.