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.  

The first day trips of the year have been well supported – 15 on Dora’s Takapuna to Long Bay trip and, on 15th January a huge 33 for Ian Bumper’s trip to Muriwai.

For the Muriwai trip we had it all – the gannet colony, the beach walk, an interesting walk through Houghtons bush and magnificent views from the Pulpit rock.

The Tararua trip was also successful and there will be more information on this in the March.

This was a great weekend trip in the Coromandel- it never disappoints and this trip was no exception. Our group was as follows: Helen (leader) Paul, Jane, Karen, Iti and me.

After coffee in Thames we set off up the Karaka track at the back of the township. It was an old pack track with some nice views over the area and some not so nice muddy bits where vehicles had been.

We reached the hut in drizzle – a great pity as it has some amazing views from its eyrie on top of a ridge. Ian sent a photo taken on his recent visit and this reinforced what we had in fact missed. Helen declared on seeing the photo that she is going back! “I want to sit on that lovely deck at the end of the day, sipping a vermouth!”   As one would, Helen- we will bring the Vermouth!. We did get a few breaks in the cloud and fleeting glimpses down to Whitianga, just enough to make us realise what we could have seen on a clear day.

The hut was fully booked – which means ten people had paid their $15 to DoC on line- and a few others had booked camping spots. Ian had told us it was a “like it or hate it hut” Helen and some others loved it and it certainly had views- however I am at a loss to understand why DoC commissioned an architect instead of using its own purpose made designs. This resulted in one or two odd things – like one central ladder  only going up to the five top bunks ……..However it was different and certainly on a good spot.

After a convivial evening – we rose early and went back down the lovely Wainora track which has some lovely trees, especially the large kauri – and, most especially the Cookson kauri which Helen said was like a cathedral in the bush – the best she had seen. It was a beauty. The views on the descent of Table Mountain and Kaitarakihi were superb.

Then it was a drive from the Kaueranga valley to Thames for coffee and the drive home. Thanks, Ian for organising this little gem of a trip.

Sunday 20 October 2011 brought beautiful sunny weather and this combined with a tramp to two quite different but not far apart areas resulted in a very good turnout of 27 trampers.

Our chariot driver for the day, one Campbell Elliot esq. arrived a little late for the scheduled 9.00am start, however,the Auckland Marathon/Half Marathon was also on that day and although these started in Devonport at 6.10am and 7.00am respectively there was still the resulting residue of slower runners and the traffic congestion to contend with.

Campbell confidently told me that he knew the way to our first destination, then in conjunction with his riding up front 'partner in crime' John Hoy, promptly proceeded to give us a very scenic round-a-bout route that eventually resulted in a summons for me to move up front and guide us to the correct starting point.

Matuku Reserve is a Royal Forest and Bird Society forest and wetland sanctuary,which at 120 hectares is the second largest one they own. The larger part of the reserve is native forest. The canopy is dense with species that provide flowers or fruit for the abundant tui and kereru. Believe it or not in all more than 250 species of native plants have been recorded in this forest.

First up a walk down Snows Lane from Jonkers Road to a viewing stand that overlooks a very picturesque view towards Bethells/Te Henga. Then downhill and off onto a side track that took us past a toppled tree house, across a small stream, up a ladder, then around to the junction with a short track stretching out into the swamplands. Most took the time to check this out and upon their return were prepped for the later chicken encounter with a taped rendition of Ray Stevens 'In the Mood' chicken song. Despite being advised that the words were very easy to learn most stood around looking a bit bemused by this irregular interruption to quality tramping time. However, I make no apologies for this as I have always thought that having a bit of fun along the way is an essential element of a successful tramp.

The route then went through more dense bush and up to the cliff face and under a small waterfall without getting wet. Climbing past this the track went up and around the top of the cliff and to another viewing stand that looked south eastward up the Waitakere Valley. Uphill then and along to the 'chicken' turnoff. Some of those who came last year wisely continued on to the designated lunch spot whilst the majority were subjected to another rendition of the 'In the Mood' chicken song as they viewed the size 30 plus hens ,These 'birds' must have heard us coming as they were crowing and clucking away as we walked up the access track.

A short corner cutting track took us through to a nice sunny grassy area with a king-sized  BBQ table for those that wanted to use this. A very nice comfortable mid tramp place to relax in while we had lunch. After lunch back up through the bush and retracing our steps to the top of Snows Lane and the club bus.

A short drive around the corner to the end of Horseman Road where the group then split into two with the 'Magnificent Seven' ably led by Roger fast disappearing on the longer of the two suggested routes in Goldie Bush. The remaining twenty then strolled in as far as the Mokoroa Stream, across the imposing new swing bridge and down to the edge of the stream were we spent 10 minutes or so enjoying the very pleasant surroundings.

Trish and Brian decided on going up the western side of the bridge through to Constable Road and back while the remaining eighteen retraced their steps to the end of Horseman Road.  The 'Magnificent Seven' surfaced soon after having been up the stream to check out the waterfall closely followed by Trish and Brian.

Campbell excelled himself on the return journey and had us safely back to The Strand via the direct route in no time at all. And look Campbell, another successful 'Bumper' tramp with no road bash !

When we most likely do this one again near the end of next year I expect everyone to be 'word perfect' with the 'Matuku theme chicken song”In the Mood' so we can have a rousing input from every tramper present.

Take notice. You have been warned! 

PS Re the marathon some couldn’t get to Takapuna at all due to road closures and diversions – and these closures going on much longer than advertised- Devonport was in virtual lock down. So,  Campbell did OK! Photo is from last year’s trip.

http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/what-we-do/reserves/matuku-reserve
Situated in the hills behind Bethell’s beach, this forest and wetland sanctuary is Forest & Bird’s second-largest reserve occupying a total of 120 hectares. The larger part of the reserve is native forest which is best described as coastally influenced lowland broadleaf forest, with emergent tanekaha and kauri on ridges. Dense with fruiting & flowering species such as puriri, karaka, nikau, rewarewa, kowhai, pigeonwood and mahoe, the forest is a good food source for the thriving tui & kereru populations. In all, over 250 plant species have been recorded in the forest, from perching lilies and orchids to a luxuriant carpet of ferns & sedges that covers the forest floor.

At the base of these slopes is the reserve’s 20 hectare wetland, part of the wider Te Henga Wetland, the largest relatively unmodified freshwater marshland in the Auckland region. An un-signposted 60 metre boardwalk allows informed members to experience the dense wetland vegetation and perhaps see some of its birdlife such as fernbird, pukeko, black swan, and mallard.

Having acquired the reserve in 1979, the Waitakere Branch is now beginning to see how well the forest is responding to several years of pest control, with a surge in the number of tomtits, fantails, tui and kereru. Most surprising however has been the boom in the insect population, with large invertebrates such as cave weta thriving in these parts. Indeed, in recent years several major entomological discoveries have been made in this reserve, making Matuku a rewarding scientific field for entomologists.

Only a select few enjoyed this lovely tramp- the others probably still recovering from a late night of watching rugby! It was also an earlier start than usual. There was the usual banter on the bus. It was noted that our intrepid leader, Osama Bin Elliot of the Chux headgear, had entered his emergency number in the book as 111……….. John was worried that, if we all sat on the same side of the bus we might become unbalanced, probably some of us already were.

Campbell organised perfect weather and a neat couple of trips for the day. Up the Vinings track to the Mangatangi trig – the perfect place for lunch. Then on to Mangatangi dam area through lovely bush, Helen pointed out that this was a place where kauri and beech grew together – as they did, magnificently.

Our longer group got out reasonably early so we carried on to the dam, and, as last time, were intrigued by the signs which caused some mirth and even funnier speculation. “KEEP OFF DAM FACE” We kept a keen lookout for further signs like, “KEEP OFF THE DAM GATE” or even “KEEP OFF THE DAM DAM” – but didn’t find any! We did however find a cottage with interesting interpretive material, all about the building of the dam which also is apparently stocked with fish. The cottage has a lovely sunny balcony to sit on – albeit briefly before we headed back down to the gate where Campbell picked us up.

Thanks, Campbell for organising a great day out.

An absolutely stunning morning, not a breath of wind, nor cloud in the sky!  Didn't Helen do well with her weather request, especially for July!  We head on our way to Mahurangi West.  Glorious views across the harbour greet us as we reach the heights of Mahurangi West Road and absolutely magnificent views across to Mahurangi East as we decent into Sullivan's Bay.   Thankfully parts of the road are still gravel, so will keep the masses away so it retains its beauty.

We start our trek up the steepish track to Tungutu Point, on mass, as one big group.   Really great chatting to others that are usually in different groups.  An amazing view from the top, and also baby and mother lambs spread around the paddock happily grazing in the sunshine.  Past the big Pohutukawa tree towards the road, and along the road for 1km (Helen, Bumper would be proud of you squeezing a street bash into the tramp), to hook into the Mita Bay Loop Track, and then onto the track proper, and descending steadily into Mita Bay.  Along the beach, then sharply back up to Tungutu Point.  Wending our way carefully back down the muddy track to Sullivan's Bay, along the beach then up onto the Cudlip Point Loop Track with more heavily pregnant ewes and mother and baby lambs sheltering.  A quick visit to the point, back to the track, then we head down more slippery slopes, across the estuary and stopped for an interesting lunch at Te Muri Beach, checking out the Historic Urupa (cemetery) and watching two bright yellow bellied Dotterels foraging until the 2 motorised paraglider kites buzzed past.

No rest for the wicked, and along Te Muri Beach past the most enormous Pohutukawa, then into the mud!  Here we were thinking that as we're away from the Waitak's, so no mud today!  Oh, how wrong we were!  Rain, and cattle churning the paddocks up a treat, requiring our best balancing skills bouncing between the grass mounds for fear of sinking into the stagnant, ordoriferous slush.  Finally we reach the fence and jump over to head down to the mud flats.  The mud flat providing us with much hilarity, sinking up nearly to the top of our gaiters.  A squawk from Gail as her shoe was sucked into the sludge, lifting her foot out to reveal one extremely muddy sock!! 

Mud flats passed, we reach the old cottage, at this point the group splits up to 3, some tackling the muddy paddock again and the bulk of us taking advantage of the very low tide opting to walk back around to the bus.  Taking in the fascinating geology of the area, with almost amphitheatre-contoured cliff faces and trying to dodge the frequent scattering of brown starfish and watching all the sea birds. 

Once we round the corner beside Pudding Island, the clouds were looking moodily heavy, and the sea incredibly flat, dark green, almost ominous.  We had plenty of time, so decide to go for a wander around the island and found a rock pool with a colony of fascinating fluorescent orange star fish.

Another gorgeous day out in the boots.  Thank you to Helen for organising the day, especially the early arrival back to Takapuna!  Quite a novel treat!

14 participants (including yours truly, non-member) Sunday 7 th Aug 2011 to the Wires Track off Maratoto Road in the Coromandel. Leader Ian Morris.

Half-dozen high-speed types did the upper loop (all 4-wheel drive trail) before following the other eight down the Wires track. The Wires gets its name from the necessity for the 1860's (or there-about) route of the telegraph wires across the Coromandel range and down the coast to Gisborne, to avoid the lines being wrecked by the native population in the Waikato, still in the throes of the Maori wars.


Waterfall is just (10 minutes) off the track, better observed BEFORE or AFTER (but definitely not DURING) a hail-storm.

PS It wasn’t all a four wheel drive track with the speedy types – but the initial part of the day was with deep rutted muddy tracks with the odd rocky bit. In the rocky sections we could identify bits of 4WDs which had come unstuck – wing mirrors, mud flaps and so on. Some of the holes were so deep there may well have been a complete Land rover down there! Eventually we did come onto the Wires  track through the pleasant bush tracks. The very heavy and large hail lasted on tracks for some time. After this walk we went on to see the Maratoto summit – driving along the road and leaving John to take photos of a house where his family had lived in the past. The day was completed by a pie stop in Paeroa (or should it be Pie a roa??)Trish

An absolutely stunning morning, crisp, barely a breath of wind, nor a cloud in the sky, 21 keen trampers turned up.  Perhaps the numbers indicative of the lack of liquid sunshine for a change?!!!
 
We arrive at Puketutu Road to drop off the first party, then back onto the motorway over the Bombays, to be greeted by Waikato pea soup fog!  Onto SH2, into Irish and McMillian Roads, just as well for Garry's GPS or we may have missed the turning, due to the white abyss!   Rather on the chilly side under the thick blanket of fog, our party of 11 start the accent up towards the trig at Mt William.    In the grove of trees beside the start of the track, most of us clicking away taking photos, fascinated by the dewy spider webs glistening. 

About 3/4 of the way up the hill we meet up with the other party, and a bit of planking took place.  Right up with the modern crazes!

We continued up to the trig and what a magnificent view, well northwards anyway!  Anything south of the Bombay's was completely immersed!!!!  With the odd island popping through.  Back down the track to the bus, a quick nosh of lunch and the other party arrives having enjoyed the view up high for their lunch.  Much hilarity as we donned plastic bags over our boots and rubber bands around our ankles keeping the bus clean, for our move around to Duder Regional Park.

Duder as always, was extremely picturesque on the headland and not blowing a gale this time!!!  Thank you to Garry for organising a most enjoyable day out, without the copious amounts of mud if we had been in the Waitak's!