I have just spent a few days tramping in the Waitotara Conservation Area, starting at the Puniwhakau Rd end East of Stratford and heading south to the upper Waitotara Valley through some of the most interesting lowland forest, consisting of mature rata, rimu, kamahi and black beech.
Large areas of regenerating scrub early on the track remind you of early attempts to farm this area, as you leave the last of the open country.
In a recent Conservation Comment Dave Scoullar talked about tourism in Taranaki and asked the question: what about Whanganui?
Read more: Conservation comment: The dilemma of monoculture
Conservation Comment: Leading the charge for electric cars
Conservation Comment: Wildlife minders needed
The conservation area is west of Whanganui National Park and was once promoted as a possible main walking attraction for the Whanganui – Taranaki region. The Whanganui River could be the exit point for those walkers who extend to the Matemateaonga Track, who can then choose to head downriver via jet boat to Pipririki.