John took 18 of us to a lovely area of the Hunuas – Cossey’s and Wairoa dams. There was lovely bush and views of the dams through the trees.

This is a great area to go to when the Waitakeres are mud clogged in winter. Tracks here were very well maintained. It was a real pleasure walking here, fingers crossed we will continue to be able to when some of the tracks are closed to protect the kauris. On that topic we saw a family of black piglets on the Wairoa Cossey track – they seem to be an on- going problem in the ranges and are surely significant contributors to the spread of kauri disease as they fossick round the roots of mature trees in search of kauri snails. We did our bit as responsible trampers and used the boot spraying stations.

It was good to see a good turn out on day the day when daylight saving ended. Brian arrived at the bus just in time – because, he said, he was saving even  more daylight. Not sure about that, Brian! It did however seem a long time until lunch time ………..

Our group – the medium fast lot, started at the Hunua falls- and took time to admire them as usual, then on to the Wairoa Cossey track. Some of us added the Wairoa loop track at the end, which was very pretty. Others didn’t!

It was nice to see two youngsters out with the slower party – they were  in front for most of the day apparently. Well done, lads.

Seventeen trampers weren’t put off by the rain – it said “clearing” and sure enough it did to provide a perfect day for tramping on Waiheke.

The fast group set off to Park Point and then looped back to Oneroa for coffee before returning to the ferry via Owhanake- which they said  had the best coastal views of the trip.

Our group – medium/ slow stuck together as not everyone knew all the track links in order to join the dots………however, if we do it again they will be fine – and wont get lost!

Our select group made it to Church Bay in good time and  took lunch at the trig point overlooking both Blackpool and Oneroa – and lots of islands in the Gulf – a lovely spot. It was a toss up then to either go and do wine tasting at Mudbrick or walk on – we opted to walk……..

Then the promised coffee in Oneroa and a quick dip for the hardy twosome of Bill and Jo. Then we headed along the beach  to Island Bay via the olive groves and some did the complete loop back to Oneroa along the coast. Others, of a slower variety took a short cut to Delamore Road then back to the ferry.

On a drizzly day 16 trampers turned up to visit a new track in the Waitakeres. How often can one visit a new track in the Waitaks! From the Arataki centre car park a new track (or should one say “path” as it is well gravelled and rather flash) leads to Mackies Rest  and was apparently once part of Exhibition Drive. Bill Beveridge was a local ranger with a great love of the Waitakere ranges and Mackie was a local trader who brought out goods like saddles westward in the late 1800’s. The Rest was the spot where he took a break en route to his buyers.  The signage in the area is very good and adds an interesting dimension to the walk. Of course en route we had to visit the old train at Jacobsen’s depot – always a photo opportunity. As were the tunnels.

The group stayed as one until lunch at the “Big Tree” then a breakaway group, led by the intrepid Campbell, set off to the Rat Track (which is unmarked and has no signs of any rats….) and along the Pipeline taking in the very steep Incline- where there were the usual jokes about whether we were “inclined “ to do it or not. Then the best to be forgotten road bash back to Arataki and the shelter of Old Yellow. Our group of selected fit people was ably led by Campbell – who never got lost and assisted by Brian. I tagged along with Sybil the Goose. …….Trish

 

Part one: The Northern Crossing  - 4 days

Ian G Morris (leader) Gary Brooks, Alan Spencer & Helen Orchard

This was the club’s second attempt to do this crossing. On a previous trip we had been blown off our feet and had to retreat and instead complete a lower level traverse trip.

This time the winds were in our favour and day one was a pleasant route (inland from Levin) up the Ohau River bed and then the ridge to Te Matawai Hut, at the bush edge.

Next day was onto the tops and although we had light rain we were still able to get the odd view of the surrounding mountain ridges. We overnighted at the Tarn Ridge Hut at 1350m. In the morning it was wet and misty with some wind.

We put on all our storm gear and proceeded up the ridge to the first peak, with the idea of going and seeing what the conditions were like. As it turned out it wasn’t too bad and importantly not to cold, so we continued along the Tararua’s highest ridge, over Mitre the high point at 1571m (but no views were to be had). Alan did a spectacular full length somersault on the descent and I broke my Leki stick. The 1000m descent was rewarded with a relaxing afternoon at the Mitre Flats Hut. Luckily we had the hut to ourselves and we used all the hut and substantial covered deck space to dry out our wet gear.

Day four was a  was a full day’s tramp through some very fine forest out via Atiwhakatu to the Holdsworth Road end.  

Finally ticked this traverse off the bucket list!  

Part two: 6 day circuit from Holdsworth.

Ian, Gary & Helen. 

With six days food in our packs we headed up the “tourist track” to Powell hut and enjoyed the view as we ate our lunch sitting on the deck.  Then straight on to the tops, we headed over Mt Holdsworth and Isabel (good views all around) before we started another huge and very steep 1000m descent to the mid Waiohine Hut. What a delightful spot. The Forest Service era hut was surrounded by tall rimu and had a neat swimming hole.

Next morning we crossed the swing bridge and climbed up though to the bush line and along the tops for some hours. The mist came and went but we generally had good views. In the distance we could spot our Maungahuka Hut  perched up in a bowl next to a tarn at 1290m. This was a magic hut and we enjoyed the fine view. We could see the nearby infamous Tararua Peaks and the 20m ladder on the edge of one of them which was the next day’s route.

Day 3 was  misty (but not windy) as we headed above the hut to the high point and then onto the collection of rocky peaks, which in some parts have wire chains attached and of course the ladder which turned out not be as daunting as I expected.

Later the mist rose and we had a great walk moving up the ridge to eventually join the “southern crossing route” up at Kime Hut (1400m).  In the late afternoon sun, we had views of upper Wellington Harbour, the South Island, Kapiti and all over the southern Tararuas.     I

Day 4 we were up at dawn (the first away and probably the only party to proceed south that day) and soon were up to Mt Hector (1529m). The cloud cover was low, and the wind was up, put it was not till we got to the other side of Hector that we hit the winds. Right along the “dress circle” we battled the south-westerly. I got blown over on a number of occasions. The battle continued until we finally descended to Alpha Hut just down into the beech forest. Here we had our brew up and our first lunch followed by the second lunch break in a sunny spot 90 minutes later just past the saddle at Hells Gate.

By now the sky was cloudless and the day warm we made our away along the Bull Mound Track heading to Cone Hut.

This route was simply splendid, semi open tops will great views out over the Wairararpa and back to the main Tararua Range. There were little mountain meadows and the odd tarn and orchids everywhere. I have made a note to myself to come back to this ridge and camp on it. (The wild and alpine flowers on the whole trip were outstanding, the best I have ever seen anywhere in NZ).

All too soon we began descending through the forest to the historic and recently restored Cone Hut. I had a nice tent site and had a swim in the nearby Tauherenikau River to complete a great afternoon. 

Day 5 was a pleasant and easier day through the forest and over a low saddle and down into the Waiohine River valley.

We followed the river up stream passing lovely river flats with golden grass and then arrived at the Totara Flats Hut.

Here Kim Fraser had walked into join us along with her dog Jess.

Day 6 was a gentle climb out of the valley and up onto the Powel ridge and then we descended out to the track end at Holdsworth.  What a great trip!  Thanks Ian.

Thanks also to Kim for hosting us at her Manawatu home and ferrying us and the car to either end, Much appreciated. 

I have already starting looking at the Tararua Park map to plan my return!  

We got 18 people down the 150m cliff and back up safely. (It took one hour to get down).
The route was a mixture of hanging on to flax bushes, pohutukawa roots, three fixed ropes and a bit of rock scrambling.
The tide and swell conditions were spot on and we got through the sea tunnel and around the corner into the sea cave where the cathedral was very easily reached.  The water was just up to our knees in the deepest parts.
Everyone enjoyed their day. One to remember.

Sunday 15 January finally delivered a day without rain which no doubt encouraged a 'bumper' turnout of 30 trampers.
First up the cliff steps to the viewing platforms overlooking the Gannet Colony. A good number of gannets hunkering down on the Otakamiro Point cliff tops and also on Oaia Island a short distance offshore.

Inland then up two bush tracks, Quarry and Edwin Mitchelson,to exit onto the southern end of Oaia Road. Not to disappoint our driver Campbell Elliot  the next section included the obligatory 'bumper road bash' as we made our way northwards and into the Anglican Church owned Houghton's Bush Camp that provides live in character building outdoor experiences for young people.

Out the back end of the camp Houghton's Bush Track drops down to Houghton's Farm through which access had been arranged with owner Glenn Houghton.The route through the farm included crossing a short rather marshy field then working our way around the seaward side of Lake Okaihau. This lake is absolutely beautiful with abundant waterlilly and is well stocked with freshwater fish. As usual there were a few anglers trying their luck as they enjoyed the warm sunny weather.
Past the lake and turning seaward toward the coast we generally followed the Okiritoto Stream until we stopped under a rather large tree that provided a measure of shade whilst we had lunch.

After lunch again following the stream until we exited at the northern end of Coast Road. Under what was now very hot weather we followed a couple of forestry tracks leading into the southern end of Woodhill Forest. A corner cutting exercise brought us to the foot of Pulpit Rock. A very well named rocky outcrop that looks quite impressive from below. About two thirds of the group opted to do the short but steep bush bash to the top and were rewarded with magnificent views across the forest treetops to the surf and Tasman Sea beyond.

A more leisurely way down to exit a bit further to the north where the fit and fast were finally let off the leash for the walk to the coast and back along the beach to the starting point in the southern car park. Us mere mortals remaining formed a larger but slower group that opted to return under the shade of the forest to the northern end of the Coast Road.T hen back along the beach to the car park.

We spent around half an hour back at the car park with many taking advantage of the cafe just around the corner for a very welcome ice-cream or milkshake. A lot of good natured humour throughout the day and on the bus ride back to Takapuna.

Nice to see that the 30 trampers including 10 non members who hopefully enjoyed a great tramping experience that may encourage them to join up in due course.

I awoke at 7.0 a.m. to spy a grey drizzly sky, necessitating a change of gear arrangements.

Meanwhile, at 7.0 a.m. in the bus garage the organisers, led by Elizabeth Kinnell and Ian "Shorts" Morris were stoically preparing gear for a good day out.

At the Strand, eleven stalwarts were gleefully transported to Army Bay where four other trampers had arrived.  Raincoats were donned over Christmassy clothing (but not Imogen's antlers!}, then all except organisers set off through the new predator-free- fence's double gate, and traipsed around the Point.  Coats were soon off and everyone enjoyed the freshness of the air, the white newly-shorn sheep, the red and green of the varieties of Pohutukawa, and the convivial company.  Funny that the swimming was mentioned, but only in passing.

As ordered, we arrived back at the bus just after 12.0 p.m., perfectly timed, as then the rain started and stayed.  We settled under the canopy for a delightful shared barbequed sausages, lunch and drinks.   Twas a typical Kiwi party - boys in the "kitchen" and girls sitting around the food.  Still, can't complain - they cleaned up too.

The journey home was a bonus too - no traffic queues on the wet Sunday motorway, so back to the Strand around 3.30 p.m. A really worthwhile picnic, thanks Elizabeth and Brian.

(At least there was no snow!)

The day started as it meant to go on, right from leaving Takapuna!  Only 11 of us prepared to braved the elements, but I'm sticking to the theory it's near to Christmas and everyone is busy racing around.
 
Arriving at Karekare everyone dons their raincoats, and boy we will need them today!  Both groups head up Ahuahu Track, and our group of 5 head up to the gate on Log Race Road, to admire the view of the rugged, dramatic cliffs, but they were behind a blanket of rain blasting its way across the valley.  Back down to the junction to head into the Mercer Bay Loop Track, normally, I do say normally incredible views.  Even Coman's Track which normally offers stunning views over Mercer Bay and back down to towards Karekare Beach, you guessed, was saturated.  We managed to find a big Pohutukawa Tree with massive limbs to attempt to shelter under to devour lunch. 
 
We knocked off the rest of Ahuahu, then headed up the road to link into Taiaire Track.  The Karekare Falls surprisingly wasn't as vigorous as one might expect given the weather conditions, it still would have made a lovely photo, if I'd have been brave enough to exhume the camera from my pack.  A waterproof camera is required for days like this!  No loitering, and up the hill under the canopy of trees, providing us with a bit of cover.  A couple of impressively sized boulders one being held in place by significantly large Pohutukawa roots, the other absolutely covered in native lilies clinging to the face.  We reach the La Trobe Track junction, expecting to have to retrace our footsteps, as La Trobe was currently closed due to Kauri Dieback trial.  But to our surprise, it's only the upper section of La Trobe that's closed, so we complete the loop down lower La Trobe Track back to the bus. 
 
We were very grateful of our raincoats today, both as shelter from the wind as much as from the rain.  Although it's been a sodden day in the boots, rain literally dripping down your legs and making the insides of your boots wet, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day and virtually no mud!  Rough weather just puts a different spin on things.  Everything is gleaming, raindrops on the leaves, trees, tracks, water dripping off everything, sheer cliffs, native lilies and orchids in full bloom everywhere, not to mention moody skies.  So if in future you plan to do a particular tramp and the weather is inclement, come and give it a go anyway, you never know, you might actually enjoy the variation.