Arrive at Fenian car park, walk to comment book shelter 2 minutes from start of track, a gentle ascent to Maloney Bluff high above the Oparara River, descend to Fenian Caves signage ( a side track of 1 hour to Miners cave and Tunnel cave exiting near Cavern Creek caves, track rejoins main trail other side of Cavern Creek bridge).
We continued toward Oparara Valley Track junction, choose to walk to Sunshine Flat shelter 2 hours 5.5 km.
A gentle amble downhill and up, all water crossings bridged, and wildlife friendly as we are visited by Robins, heard Kea and wild water fowl as we stroll near the rivers. The trail stretched out undulating its way toward the Oparara Basin, a beautiful day for a walk in the Kahurangi area, towering Beech, Rimu trees dwarf us surrounded by regenerating native forest, the trail was completed 2008 and opened by Professor David Bellamy.
Sunshine Flat shelter shows the progress of track building, a Rimu round describes a timeline of some 650 years highlights of history, toilets and a water tank for washing hands, also a place to camp ( take a mosquito net as biting insects prevail ).
Return walk is much faster, mostly down zigzag all weather trails back to junction and Fenian car park.
A great day walk of 5 - 6 hours, take your time and camera, water is essential as is a snack to keep energy levels high. Enjoy.
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