This article was published in Tararua Tramper, September 2025
Pareraho Forest - Boulder Hill
M - Wednesday 9 July
The Pareraho Forest has a lot of interconnecting trails, and it is best to use a map of the area. This link takes you there: Pareraho Forest & Speedys Stream Reserve
Nineteen participants gathered at the Belmont Hall carpark for an 8:30 start. After dropping down the drive behind the local dairy we entered the bush and soon came to ‘The Forgotten Highway’.
Part way along it, the Hailes Mary turnoff takes you to the Kelson waterfall we could hear roaring below. An excursion for warmer weather as some damp stream travel is required to view the waterfall.
At the end of the Forgotten Highway we descended to Rusty Forks on Speedy’s Stream for morning tea.
Following up the stream, we were pleasantly surprised to find a newly installed bridge, thus avoiding wet feet for a bit longer. Here we ascended the Matariki Trail and ridge top to Boulder Hill.
Our party secured Boulder Hill before being invaded by Marg’s party of 16 TTC members, making 35 in all.
After a brief, cool lunch and a small backtrack, we descended to warmer conditions on the Kilmister Trace. Cattle had been in the area, and some devious travel was required to get around the worst of the mud. On arriving at our first four-way junction with the Waimanawa Track, it took us two attempts to head in the right direction.
The Waimanawa Track leads on to Rocking Horse Hill where there is another four-way junction. Here it took three attempts to get onto the correct track.
We took the historic Governor Grey Track to descend into Speedy’s Stream and the ‘Field of Dreams’ clearing. From there it was a short distance downstream and back to the cars. (J D)
John Dement (leader), Joan Basher, Helen Beaglehole, Rachael Fry, Peter Gates, Susan Guscott, Rob Handyside, Carolyn Jenkins, David McNabb, Peter Morten, Diana Munster, Rob Munster, Janette Roberts, Sue Scott, Tim Stone, Dean Stotter, Helena Weller-Chew, Lynne White, Cathy Wylie