Note earlier start time.

Mt Pirongia, the highest mountain in the Waikato with its peak at 959 metres.

NOTE: A good level of fitness is required as the tracks are muddy and steep!

Sat Morning

Leave Como St at 6:30am, Drive to Kaniwhaniwha Reserve carpark, on Limeworks Loop Rd – 154km, 2.5hrs  

The Fast Party will head up the Bell Track

Time: 6 - 10 hr one way

Distance: 18.5 km

Follow the Nikau Walk on to the Bell Track and past the Kaniwhaniwha Caves. Cross the bridge near the big kahikatea and climb a spur to a series of clearings. The track becomes quite muddy at this point and continues along the ridge to the Cone (second highest point on the mountain) and then to Pahautea Hut.

The Slow Party will head up the Tahuanui Track

Time: 4 - 5 hr one way

Distance: 10.7 km

Follow the Nikau Walk to the campsite. The Tahuanui Track leaves the campsite beside the stream and climbs steadily up a ridge to join the Tirohanga Track before the summit. It is another 30 min to Pahautea Hut.

Pahautea Hut – 20 bunks – It is highly recommended to carry a tent as the hut is often full.

Parties will walk down the tracks the other group came up.

Hut Fees

1 standard Doc hut ticket (blue for Adults, Yellow for Youth)

***  PLEASE NOTE EARLY DEPARTURE TIME

Depart:

• -          6:30am Como St, Takapuna

Organiser: Garry Brooks 021 269 2169

Driver: Arletta

Cost: $45 members, $50 non-members, $5 Juniors

MAPS : Online / Printable / GPS

o access the printable maps, download the zipped file, and either:

·         open the zipped file, then drag the files to a new location OR

·         press and hold (or right-click) the zipped file, select Extract All, and then follow the instructions