13 trampers set off for Wentworth Falls near Whangamata.

On arrival at the Wentworth Valley Campground in the Coromandel Forest Park we had morning tea then began the mines walk. We passed two mines which were closed and had danger signs at the entrance so we continued on to the picnic area and down to the river - this was a great warm up walk.

We then started the Wentworth Falls Track. Just past the campground we cleaned our boots at a very well devised boot cleaning station, with brushes and disinfectant, which is installed to help stop the spread of kauri dieback disease.

The walk was on a good pram track; it was wide with a gravel surface. It was a gradual incline for about an hour to the waterfall, and on the way we stopped to look at a swimming hole and to explore a cave where we found lots of cave wetas. We also saw nikau palms which were doing well, and heard a tui or two.

After crossing two wobbly bridges we were soon at the waterfall, which is a 50 metre two-drop waterfall. It was loud, and sparkled in the sunshine. The weather was perfect, blue sky, sunny and hot, but cooler in the bush. We continued on the tramping track up to the top of the waterfall where we had lunch - a lovely spot. After lunch we made our way down the hill, stopped off at the swimming hole where Dianne and Margaret had fun in the water, and made our way back to the van. On the way home, we stopped off for ice cream at the L&P Café in Paeroa.

Thanks to Keith, Dianne and Pam for leading this wonderful walk.

Emma