Maratoto To Golden CrossBeginner
Submitted by Kirstine Collins
Front country - easily accessible
Combo
Undulating, some big hills
Native bushOpen farmlands
Beginner
2:15 (Slow)
1:45 (Moderate)
1:00 (Fast)
-11.3%
+11.3%
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Description
From the DOC trail sign across the bridge you gently climb 600m on a dirt forestry track to the road end. The trail is to the right snd marked with orange triangles.
After 20m you cross the Maratoto Stream and follow a lovely single track through the bush for 3km, crossing the stream another 6 times. The trail emerges onto farmland and you follow the blue and orange marker poles through open land and bush before getting onto a farm track which descends to a track junction.
There are information boards showing the site of the old Golden Cross mine and information about it. Go left towards the Lake loop which takes you around the old tailings area which is now a lake. This loop will bring you back to the junction and you turn left to head down the farm track, over a stile and down a gravel road to the carpark.
Turn around and head back to the junction. Turn left following the signs to Maratoto track until you get back to the bush. Now enjoy the downhill as you return to the track start.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Golden Cross is the site of an old gold mine. Gold was discovered at Golden Cross in 1892, and an underground mine operated there from 1895 to 1920. The area reverted to farmland after the mine was closed, until the new Golden Cross Mine started operating in late 1991. The new mine operated as both an open-cast and an underground mine. The mine closed again in late 1997 – early 1998
Make Up of Run
Moderate Single Track: 60%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 40%
Route Data
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Access
North end: From Thames head south on SH25 to the roundabout and take the first exit on SH 25 (signs for Paeroa). At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit onto SH26 and go 16 km.
Turn left onto Maratoto Road and follow 10km to the end. The road turns to gravel after 7km.
1 km from the road end is a large concrete ford. From here the road gets narrow and rough with lots of potholes. If your car has low clearance park just before or after the concrete ford where there is room for 3-4 cars. If your vehicle has normal clearance you can go another 700m to a small grass area (max 2 car park) on the right side of the road.
If you have a 4WD you can go to the end of the road and either park at the quarry or cross the bridge and park by the track sign. Room for several cars
South end: From Waihi head west on SH2 for 3.5km. Turn right onto Campell Rd and drive 12km to the carpark at the end of the road. The road changes name to Waitekauri Rd after 1.5 km and then to Golden Cross Rd 4km later but you keep to the main road.North end: See start point description for 3 parking options depending on type of car.
South end is a large carpark with toilets.
32 km
30 minutes
No
No
-
Staying Safe
Easy.
Non-existent.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map.
Follow stream for first and last 4km
Nil
Stream may rise with lots of rain.
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See other runs nearby:
Thames Over The Top
Pinnacles & Billy Goat
Crosbies Settlement
Rocky's Path Tararu
Booms Flat Waiora Circuit.
Coromandel Traverse
Piraunui Track
Kauaerangi Small Trails Tour
Cooksen Kauri Trail
Kaitarakihi Summit
Crosbies Hut via Karaka Track
Crosbies Hut via Waiomu Track
