Waiheke Explorer Mini Weekend 14th - 15th September
Members only mini weekend.
The Te Ara Hura Walk network is the perfect way to explore Waiheke Island and discover its natural beauty. To make the most of the ferry ride over to the island, we have combined the Headlands and Forest Heart tracks with an overnight stay at Onetangi Backpackers. Time permitting, we may also sample some of Waiheke’s wines on this casual mini weekend.
Saturday (Waiheke’s Headlands): Commencing at Matiatia ferry terminal, all parties will walk along the southern coastal track to Park Point followed by lunch (and a swim for the very brave) at either Matarahui or Te Wharau Bay. This will be followed by a short walk through Pio Rehutai Reserve, a bush walk to the trig overlooking the island. The Medium party will head to either Oneroa or Matiatia wharf via a choice of shorter walks (and an optional stop at a vineyard) to catch the public bus to our accommodation at Onetangi beach. The Distance party will continue onto Owhanake and back to the wharf via the northern costal track before catching the bus to Onetangi beach. (Medium: 13 km; Distance: 17.5 km)
Sunday (Waiheke’s Forest Heart): From our accommodation in Onetangi, we will walk through reserves and up the road to Trig Hill with 360-degree views of the island. From there we will continue through Whakanewha Regional Park with its beautiful shady Nikau grove down to Rocky Bay and along the coastline to Omiha Memorial Hall where there is a bus stop for the Medium Party to head back to the ferry. The Distance Party will continue along Te Whau coastal track on a mix of tracks and quiet roads with some amazing island views before catching the public bus back to the ferry. (Medium: 8.5 km; Distance: 16.7 km)
Meals: Please bring your own lunches and snacks as well as dinner (Saturday) and breakfast (Sunday) items if you would like to prepare your own meals (Note: you will need to carry these items (as well as toiletries, towel and sleepwear) on the Saturday walk as we are starting straight from the ferry terminal). There is also an option to have dinner in either Oneroa or Onetangi Saturday night and breakfast in Onetangi Sunday morning if you prefer to treat yourself to a nice meal.
Accommodation: We will sleep in 2-bed dorms at Onetangi Backpackers. Linen will be supplied.
Transport: Purchase your own ferry ticket online ($55 per adult return, Gold card free) or bring your topped-up AT Hop card. You will need an AT HOP card for the public bus on the island, no cash payments possible!
Ferry departs (Saturday):
· Downtown Ferry Terminal at 9.00 am
· Devonport Ferry Terminal at 9.10 am
Ferry returns (Sunday):
· Matiatia Ferry Terminal to Devonport and onto Downtown 4.00 or 6.00pm (or 3.00 or 5.00 pm directly to Downtown)
Cost: $48 for a bunk bed in a 2-bed dorm (Ferry ticket and public bus fare not included)
Payment in full by 29 August please
Trip Organiser: Ilva Rupenthal
Maps: Printable
