Another saddle in Taranaki with amazing views of Mt Taranaki to all the way across the valleys to the central North Island mountains.
When the first settlers travelled east to Mangamingi it was practically standing bush all the way from the outskirts of the Eltham township. So by way of a bridle track , three of the first settlers travelled out by horseback about 1887. On reaching their destination they camped on a Māori clearing known as Rukumoana. Here they found still standing , the whare of the pakeha-māori Kimble Bent, and this the trio used as a temporary home. Peaches and apples planted by Māori were still growing in large clumps.
The three settlers had journeyed out with the intention of taking up an 800 acre bush section each, as these were available for selection. One section was obviously outstanding so it was decided that straws would be drawn to decide ownership and Mr Brown, drawing the longest, gained this better block of land. He was the first to occupy his section and immediately set about the long task of clearing the bush.
Before the road was put in Mr Wilkinson used to lead packhorse trains of supplies into the back country, a full days journey through the deep clinging mud. The usual time of departure from Eltham being 7am and if nothing untoward occured, camp would be reached at 9pm, driver and horses being covered with mud head to foot!
After not being able to reach the settlement for weeks over winter and after many hazardous journeys which involved hauling animals from bogholes plus a disaster when a pack train of 10 horses were swept away crossing the ford over the Patea River the settlers were determined to start the project to improve the road. Building a road through rugged terrain like the saddle was no small feat. It required extensive labour often by hand, as well as the use of basic tool and machinery available at the time. It would of been slow and arduous clearing vegetation, blasting through rock formations and building bridges over streams and rivers. Despite the challenges the road through Mangamingi Saddle eventually opened and became a essential lifeline for the isolated community.
This spot at GZ is now a scenic spot for tourists, hikers and bikers offering stunning views.
Please re-hide cache well so its not exposed to prying eyes.