This was the first time we attempted track around Bethells Beach . Instead of doing the longer Te Henga track, we opted for the shorter Lake Wainamu track. Our plan was to include Houghton Track, which would take us a good 5 hours. Either the tracks were not well sign posted, or that we were not familiar with river and sand dunes markings, we were not sure of the direction. Indeed it was difficult to pinpoint where the track or marking pole was.
At the end it was fun and exciting no doubt.
Climbing up the sand dune, with 11 kg pack on your back was hard work and the legs got tire easily. But coming down was more fun. It's true, what goes up must come down!
After a short walk from the car park, you came to the side of the river. If you don't mind getting a bit wet, walk on the shallow Waiti River until you get to Lake Wainamu. A short climb or long climb, depends on your option, took us to the edge of the lake. There is no mark pole or sign here.
We ventured up the sandy part and that led us to the toilet. We took the wrong turn and went into the pine forest. Still no sign about where we were. We guessed we were on the wrong track but we just keep walking, just to prove that we were on the wrong track.
After morning tea, a slight climb took us to no where and the sensible thing was to turn back. Off we were back and heading towards the lake. The Houghton Track was, in fact, further down the lake track, ie after you passed a sign warning about no camping. As we have wasted valuable hours, we decided just to complete the shorter Lake Wainamu track.
The track around the lake was pretty easy, and not long after that we came to the Wainamu Falls. Not high, not huge but no doubt still spectacular. We have a short break at the Wainamu Falls.
So it was time to head back to the car park. Now we were walking on the other side of Lake Wainamu. Eventually the track took us back to Waiti River. It was time to cool our tiring feet.
It could get pretty hot on a sunny day, especially when you were up on the sand dune. I reckon the best time to do this track, including sliding down the giant sand dunes, would be on an overcast day.
By the time everybody reached the car park, it was 2 pm and it was time for our big feast again.
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| Pine Forest |
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| Approching Waiti River |
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| Wainamu Falls |
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| Climbing up sand dune |
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| Sign to Hougton Track |
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| Giant sand dune |
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| Beautiful reflection of golden light casting on top of the sand dune |
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