North Shore Tramping Club
Majestical Cascades Kauri Loop with Smyth corner extension -Waitakere Ranges: Note MEETING PLACE moved to Northcote Road opposite Netball Courts
Impressive views from Smythe Corner over the Waitakeres to the wild West Coast.
Members please register by 7pm Friday 8th May 2026
Non-members please contact Tania 021 902048 or Eric 0274 982 241 to register and assess suitability.
Cost: $15 member / $20 non members
This is a popular Waitakere Ranges tramp with an extension to Smythe Corner for fitter members.
Fit Party: Starting at Falls road car park and heading up the steps and boardwalk amongst magnificent Kauri. Once we hit the end of the upper kauri track, fitter members will turn off and head to Smyth corner trig. This section of the track has been closed for many years and recently reopened. At the trig there are lovely views out to Bethells Beach and Anawhata. From here, we head back and join the Montana Heritage trail loop and walk out to the reservoir. This is a lovely place to stop for lunch. From here, we start the descent on the fence line trail. This trail takes you through very large Kauri and regenerating forest. Good level of fitness required for this one. Lots of stairs and ups and downs. Trail is very good underfoot but long and hilly. Length of hike 18.5km and 735m total elevation gain. Expect 4.5-5 hours walking.
Medium Party: Will leave the fitter group at the junction to Smyth Corner and continue along the renowned Montana Heritage trail, stopping for lunch at the reservoir -approx 11km and 500m elevation gain.
Please make sure all your gear is clean to help protect these magnificent kauri trees: boots or shoes, walking poles, packs (as they'll ground contact during breaks) need to be clean.
IMPORTANT, please bring a change of footwear for after & a bag to put your dirty footwear in and PLEASE remember to thoroughly clean your gear afterwards too.
* For those that live in the Waitakeres or nearby and drive there, all our tramping bus passengers will alight and meet at the bottom block of toilets at Falls Road, Waitakere Ranges (please advise organiser if meeting us there).
Maps (Montana Walk Only): Strava Route /Printable/Online/GPS
Cost: Member $15, Non Member $20
Depart: 8.00 am Sunday 10th May from Carpark on the Eastern side of Poenamo Hotel 31 Northcote Road - opposite the netball courts
Organiser: Tania 021 902048 and Eric 0274982241 (Non-members please phone/txt anytime)
Gear list here: NSTC Gear List- March24.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.
