Daryl B
North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Woodville ▷
4.5/5
Arriving at the parking area, there are two options.
You can either hop across the creek, up the farmland (following the poled route to respect the farmer allowing use of private land) through and down the bush, or go straight up the mine track first. If you intend to do the loop, it might be easier to go up the farm first, my daughter struggled with our fitness levels to climb the incessant uphill after exploring the mine area first.
The track up to the mine, is quite narrow in parts, especially the space cut between a fallen tree. There are also several creek crossings required. After any decent rain, be prepared to get wet feet.
The original mine has been filled in and there is not much to see up there, the 15m long magazine shaft is still untouched and a safe haven for some decent cave weta and spiders. The space is quite small for a taller person and the floor is a couple inches of water deep.
The track up to the mine is quite easy, apart from the creek crossings it would be an easy family outing. The loop track requires a bit more fitness, though the views from the top make it worth it on a nice day.