There are still two pre-booked DOC beds available on this trip. If you haven't been to the Kaimais before this is a good chance!
Waitawheta Hut via Waiorongomai Valley Pylon Track
Duration: 2 days: Saturday 13th to Sunday -14th February 2021
Access: Waiorongomai Road end, southeast of Te Aroha township
Grade: Medium
Times: Waiorongomai car park to Waitawheta Hut via Pylon Track, ~6 hrs
Waitawheta Hut to Waiorongomai car park via Waipapa Track, 5hr
Total Ascent 2111m
Accommodation: Requires Pre-booking: Waitawheta Hut, 26 bunks. Limited tents sites outside Hut: ~4
Map: BC35
Description
Waitawheta Hut is a popular overnight stop in the Kaimais. It provides a feeling of seclusion with views to the surrounding forested hills.
The Pylon Track is a trail carved by members of Auckland and Howick Tramping Club replacing the old Kauri Grove track.
From the car park, the track briefly follows the Low Level Drive Track for two minutes before veering right along a track down to Waiorongomai River. After a river crossing, the trail goes up the bank and past a derelict campsite, after which regular orange markers lead you on.
Along the way some remains can be seen of the old power pylons, which took power from a hydro dam near Lake Karapiro to the Victoria Battery near Waikino.
The track steadily climbs to reach a spur. Shortly after, it’s a steeper ascent to the range crest, at which there’s a clearing with several knolls offering grand views of Mt Te Aroha and the Hauraki plains.
The track turns left along the Kaimai Ridgeway Track (formerly the North- South Track) and follows the narrow ridge offering more views west and some towards Waihi Beach and Coromandel.
After reaching the Waipapa Track, head right along a well graded track gliding all the way down to Waitawheta Hut, a further two hours away.
Sunday Day 2: Waitawheta Hut via High Level Track down Butlers Incline to Waiorongomai Carpark: ~5 hrs
From the hut head straight back up Waipapa Track, and continue north past Pukekohatu and on to Waiorongomai Saddle. Head down the steep and sometimes slippery Te Aroha Link Track. Take the High Level track. ~2 ½ hrs to carpark. Go right and view Hardy’s hut before continuing along the track through the tunnel . You will come out at the Winding Gear site near the top of Butler’s incline. The track then descends down until you reach the car park.
Depart: Saturday 13th February’21: 8am: Como Street, Takapuna
N.B: Waihwheta Hut is a very popular and limited spaces are available. To secure your place on this Trip please Register on-line by 30th September’20.
• Limited tent sites are available adjacent to the hut.
• Hut space requires pre-booking. Hut booking is subject to confirmation once you've secured a booking.
• The Club will prepay Hut Fees.
• If members want to use a Back Country Pass please choose the Self Book option when you register. Under the new DOC booking requirements people wanting to use their Back Country Pass for Huts requiring a pre-booking will need to register and book individually on–line:
https://bookings.doc.govt.nz/Web/
Cost:
Hut: $40 Base Charge (16 Bunks available)
Extra Options: Club Booked Bunk $15
Self Booked Bunk Back Country Pass $0
Tent only site: $45 ( 4 sites available). Club Booked
Organiser: Kevin Osten Ph. 0274 577418
Drivers: Craig / Bernhard
Maps:
