A Tramp in the Heart of the Hunua Range!
This section of the Hunua range has undergone and continues extensive predator trapping and baiting, to produce an ideal habitat for our endemic North Island Kokako, a bird that is rarely seen, but has an early morning clear organ-like song, that is an iconic sound of New Zealand’s dawn chorus.
We begin at Mangatawhiri Dam and skirt the western side of the reservoir via Waterline Road accessing Ernies Track and crossing the Mangatawhiri River (there is a bridge), then a steady climb up to a fine viewpoint on a grassy knoll at 497 metres, from there we carry on to Piggotts hut and then descend directly on the Lilburne Road, for another 5 K back to the bus. A faster group can start in the opposite direction and complete the Rata Ridge loop track (1.5hrs) and then on to Ernies Track back to the bus via the Waterline Road.
All groups will tramp 5-6 hours approximately, and there will be some steep and very muddy hills, terrain will also be slippery and uneven with exposed tree roots, sections of this tramp are classed as Advanced Tramping Track.
Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf
Depart: 9.00 The Strand, Takapuna
Organiser: Chris Peard 021 277 0270
Driver: TBC
Cost: $20 members, $25 non-members
· Non-members: Please phone the organiser to check suitability of the tramp. This is an advanced tramp.
Day trip policy: Minimum number of participants for trip to proceed is 10 for trips less than $20 and 12 for trip more than $20.
