Along the way Steve checked the stoat traps, in which there were a few dead rats. There were plenty of bird songs – most of which I was able to identify. We heard grey warblers, shining cuckoos, chaffinches, tui, kingfisher and tomtits. Most of the track is surrounded by a variety of native bush, including some huge Red Beech, down to the small native orchid and staghorn fern. There is also a very pretty waterfall that looks like a horsetail.

A short detour takes you to a ridge, which gives a bird’s eye view of the Iron Gates Gorge. The sign says 10 minutes walk, but in fact it is less than 10 minutes return. A Tomtit flew onto the branch of an over-hanging tree and I did get a few photos but they weren’t the best as he was too far away.

Most of the track is not difficult, but care is needed on the descent from the Horse Tail Falls down to the riverbed as it is on a shingle base with loose stone.

Remember to always lean your body towards the slope as this helps your balance. A few minutes before reaching the Iron Gates Gorge you need to cross the Umutoi Stream, which is not that difficult. As always the Iron Gates Gorge is lovely to see. This is the where the Oroua River comes from the mountains and passes through the Gorge into the farmland. Its name was given by the early settlers.

Overall the round trip starting from the car park is about 2 hours. It is well worth the trip. If you are traveling from Palmerston North it takes about an hour to get to the carpark. For detailed instructions click here.

Photo descriptions - 1. The iron gates at the Table Flat car park. 2. Looking into The Iron Gates Gorge. 3. A young Grey Warbler. 4. The entrance to The Stoat Trap Track. 5. Steve checking for stoats and rats. 6. Bird's eye view of the Gorge. 7. The guys and Jazz all looking in the same direction! 8. The Horsetail Falls. 9. My not so good photo of a Tomtit. 10. Walking down the shingle slope