A weekend visit to Whitecliffs Boulders.

Located near Mangaweka, these magical and extremely intriguing Boulders are known as spherical ball concretions made from mudstone. Some are particularly large.

It is believed that millions of years ago rivers carried sediment from eroding land out to sea. Shells and trees were also carried out to sea and were trapped in the sediment. 

The sea water contained dissolved chemicals and formed a cement around what was left of the buried shells and plant material. The cement in this case is calcium carbonate. The organic material seems to create a node for this process to occur.

They have to be seen to be believed. The setting in the bush is just magical.

Note: Dogs are not allowed on the farm or at the Boulders.

The Plan

We will travel to Mangaweka on Friday evening 30 September and depart again on Sunday 2 October.

Whilst we are still in the process of finalising the full itinerary it is planned that we will visit the Boulders for both sun rise and sunset on the Saturday. We will be transported by the farm owner in his 4WD vehicle. We can not take our own vehicle.

It is a 2km walk from the car park for those who would like to do that. The walk is through farmland. There is an alternative ‘hike’ of 8.5km to the Boulders with great views of the Rangitikei River.

In the middle of the day we are looking to arrange for visits to photo opportunities in the local area – derelict farm buildings, outstanding gardens, Rangitikei River views.

The Sunday morning will be ‘more of the same’.

Accommodation

Accommodation has been booked for a maximum of 15 people at Awastone situated on the banks of the Rangitikei River. www.mangaweka.co.nz.

Shared accommodation with the following options:

Pukeko – 9 people

Tuis Flight – 2 people

The Pavillion – 2 people

The Bach 2 people

Awastone also has 13 powered sites but unfortunately they are not pet friendly. They also have a basic option camping ground with powered sites on the other side of the river that is pet friendly.

There are other options in the Mangaweka area if members wish to stay separately.

Meals

We can have our meals either at the Licenced Café at Awastone or at the Ohingaiti Hotel. The Awastone Café will be open for our weekend with kitchen operating hours 8.15am to 7.30pm Friday and Saturday. They recommend if we want a dinner prior to sunset then we should organise an early dinner.

Pricing.

This is not yet finalised but it will depend on which accommodation option type is chosen

Excluding food and transport to/from Mangaweka from Taupo, it is not expected that the total cost of the weekend will be more than $150 per person. Please let us know if you will be attending by sending Murray McCaw an email at murray@cormilligan.co.nz and paying a deposit of $50 per person into our bank account.