Maratoto to Maratoto Saddle

Hiking details:
Maratoto to Maratoto saddle a high level look at Golden Cross -
8.6k return plus a bit extra from parking area along a 4WD track to start of track - 3.5 to 4 hours.
Golden Cross high level over view from near our lunch spot near Maratoto Saddle. Time won’t allow us to explore Golden Cross in more detail on this trip.
Grade 3.0.
The track is a bit overgrown near the start with prickly and cutty plants. Some travel is along the river bed that is made up of large stones & boulders. The river bed has little shade and Maratoto Saddle is also an open grass area.

*We do not intend to climb Maratoto Rock.

History Background:

Between 1895 and 1920 the Golden Cross underground mine produced just over two and a half tonnes of gold. When the mine closed in 1920 the site became farmland.

Seventy years later in 1990 a new mining licence was granted. Mining was both underground and open pit and between 1991 and 1998 over twenty tonnes, of gold and fifty two tonnes of silver were extracted.

“Today’s” gold price per ounce USD3,936.00.

We will pass the Ballroom, where during the mines initial early 20th century working folk gathered to dance and have fun! Keep a look out for other some other mining relics!

This track takes us to a point above with outlook to an old mining area, through regenerating broadleaf/hardwood forest and reverting pasture land.

There are some interesting landforms in the general area.

This track is rough and unformed in places and there are unbridged river crossings so we will need to exercise caution. The rocks are slippery and can be smooth. The Maratoto Stream and various tributary streams have to be crossed several times. It may be possible to maintain dry feet by rockhopping across, but to be honest, you are better to expect wet boots.

Meeting location:

Meet at the start of the hike, Maratoto Road end - this is a gravel road but easy enough in a 2WD car.
Note: Stop and park before the partially eroded ford. This will be the start and finish point for the hike.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/quN4TkET2mi1qYsg8?g_st=ic

After we will retire briefly to Red Fox Tavern, Maramarua for sustenance;

https://maps.app.goo.gl/LF3owUk24qTDnnjz9?g_st=ipc

TIME GUIDELINE:

9.45 a good time to arrive

9.55 introductions

*** 10.00am start hike ***

2.30pm finish hike

3.30pm Red Fox, Maramarua

4.30pm depart for Auckland

No jeans!
You will get wet feet!
Passengers pay drivers $30.
Meetup fee $2 - $5.

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💼 BRING:
✔️At least 2L drinking water.
✔️Lunch or snack food.
✔️Footwear suitable for stony & rocky surface. Boots for this one if you have them.
✔️Sun & rain protection.
✔️Bags for wet and dirty footwear & clothing.
✔️suitable clothing for the seasons hike.
✔️First-aid items (at least for cuts and scratches).
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✍🏻 PREPARATION:
It is important to be well prepared. Before we meet:
👉Know how to get to all meeting places.
👉Study hike details & map well.
👉Prepare everything you need to bring.
👉If you are the driver, have car refueled or recharged ready to go.
👉 Find and confirm your driver(passengers) whether they go to the pub or going home directly after the hike.
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🦺HEALTH & SAFETY:
Our hiking activities come with some hazard & risks; our organizers are volunteers. By RSVP’ing you accept full responsibilities for your own safety.

💰Koha: A small gold coin gift of contribution ($2 - $5) will be greatly appreciated to buy safety gear and to cover for the track safety control assessment expenses. For those wishing to contribute directly, here is the bank account: 12-3034-0594293-000 (Moa Social Hikings) - Thank you.

Looking forward to seeing you all 😊.