Mercer Bay, Waitakeres (cancelled)

Following the closure of tracks in the Waitakeres, this trip has been cancelled and replaced with a trip to the Wairoa River.

Mercer Bay, halfway between Piha and Karekare is only accessible at low tide and in good weather. It can be a bit of a challenge to climb down the cliff to the beach, but anyone with a reasonable degree of fitness can do it.

The object of the exercise is to view the magnificent cathedral cave situated under the 160-metre cliff face. It’s only accessible via a 100-metre sea cave, so it’s essential for everyone to bring a torch.

You will get wet feet as you wade around the sea cave exit and into the cave, but you’ll rewarded by what you see. The roof of Cathedral Cave has fallen in and the light streaming down over the rockfall provides a truly magnificent sight.

Depending on time, those with excess energy could also do some of the clifftop tracks before returning to the bus in Log Race Road.

Cost: $10 members, $15 non-members