Zion Hill Track, Karekare, Waitakere Ranges track re-opening

Event:   Zion Hill Track, Karekare, Waitakere Ranges
Date:    Sunday 22nd February 2026
Time:     8.00am  (Takapuna)
Time:     7.30am   (Massey University 
              (You must register by 5pm Friday so we know if we need one or two cars to pick up to Massey team to drive you to Takapuna).
Cost:       NSTC members $15, MUATC UniClub $10  & other       Universities, Under 18's/juniors $5  - PLEASE BRING THE CORRECT CASH.
Organiser:   Imogen    0272898440  (Non-members please phone organiser to assess suitability - no texts please & no calls after 9pm)
Driver:   To be confirmed
Registrations for event by:  5pm Friday

Zion Hill Track has only re-opened a couple of weeks ago.  For many this will be the first time they've had the chance to tramp around this spectacular area, for others of us will remember this area well.

We'll head through the Pohutukawa Glade and we'll climb steedily up the Zion Hill Track on graveled and stepped surfaces.  If you quickly turn around you'll have lovely views across Karekare.  Cresting the ridge and dropping down sharply into the stunning Pararaha Valley wetlands.  

Here the Fast Party will head into the dramatic Pararaha Valley and get a good workout up Muir Track and into Gibbons Track to Whatipu and back along the beach to Karekare.   
The Medium Party will enjoy hanging out for a while beside the river by the Les Ward Shelter before heading back to Karekare through the sand a.  On the way to the waterfall, there is a naturally created 70m long pool on the beach that's shallow, but deep enough for a cooling first swim.  Depending how we're going for time the Medium's will check out another track at the northern end of the beach.  

Everyone will get a good workout.  There are a lot of steps on these hills.  There are some steep drop off and expect to be on foot for 4-5 hours depending on which group you're in.

Trail runners or tramping boots would be most suitable. 
If you'd like a swim bring a small tramping type towel and have your swimming gear on to save time.   

Bring a change of shoes in a bag and a change of dry clothes for the trip back to Takapuna.  

Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf

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.