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• Whangaparaoa Coastal Walkway - meet Orewa

  • When
    2 Apr 2023
  •  
    8:45 AM
  • Location
    214 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa 0931 - Estuary Arts Carpark

  Register

  *  Please note, daylight saving ended 2am this morning, when clocks go back 1 hour. 
  
  The Whangaparaoa Coastal Walkway, Orewa to Fishermans Rock Reserve is one the club hasn't done for a long time & not like this & if the low tide is right at about 10.43am, 2.5 metre tide & wave swell, when we get to a couple of pinch points, we'll have a more fun and there will be wet feet, scrambling across a few big boulders to get to the next solid rock surface.   There are a couple of places where we need to jump down onto sand, or you can deep wade around the end of those bits of rock.  Or a bit of team work to get the group through these bits.   (If the swell is a bit high we'll head back up the less adventurous way).
  
  This is a tramp is for the sure footed, that can cope with slippery rock face for the duration of the tramp!!   There will be only one group for this tramp to keep everyone together.  The distance is about 14kms, so we need to move at good speed to beat the incoming tide. 
  
  Being a coastal tramp, the views are absolutely stunning the whole way, including near the start where we do hit a few steep cliff top tracks.  There are some incredible sea caves, lots of them along the way!  Some really cool rock formations for those interested in geology.  One very white sand beach in particular that most of the public will never see.   Definitely photo worthy tramping!
  
  Most suitable footwear for this tramp is super grippy trail runners & excellent socks.  Tramping boots and sea water don't mix. 
  (Please put some jandals and a boot bag in your pack for the return bus journey back to Orewa). 
  
  It is a reasonable distance, so PLEASE ensure you have plenty of WATER with you at least 2 litres!!!   And plenty of sunblock or covered sleeves etc as we'll be in the open all day.
  
  Please ensure all your gear is clean, in case we pass any Kauri'd areas and as always ensure you thoroughly clean your gear afterwards. 
  
  

  Depart:

  • 8.45am      214 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa 0931 
    (Estuary Arts Carpark, meet by the boat ramp)    
    (Please note, bus will be at the end point & bring us back to the start point, hence there is still transport costs).
    

  Organiser:   Imogen 027 289 8440
                        (Newbies please phone after 5pm if phoning week days, no texts please & financial members PLEASE register online).

  Driver:  TBC
  

  Cost:  $10 members, $15 non-members, $5 juniors

  Maps   TO BE INCLUDED
  

  To access the printable maps, download the zipped file, and either:

  • open the zipped file, then drag the files to a new location OR

  • press and hold (or right-click) the zipped file, select Extract All, and then follow the instructions

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• North-West Ruahine - Trip: Extended Easter Weekend Adventure

  • Start
    6 Apr 2023
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    10 Apr 2023
  •  
    8:00 PM
  • Location
    Como St, Takapuna
  • Spaces left
    7

  Register

  Cyclone Gabrielle enforced change in destination

  North-West Ruahine Easter Weekend Adventure:

  5 Days

  Thursday 6^th to Monday 10^th April’23

  NB  Requires Thursday off work 

  
  

  An exciting opportunity to explore the North-Western Ruahines, with Mokai Station now approving access across their land.

  The area has been off limits for many years so this opens up a whole new area for adventures into the North Western area of the Ruahine Forest Park.

   All parties will cross the broad Mokai-Patea Range to explore the superb rivers and country beyond.

  High above the gorges of the lower Maropea River, at the foot of the Mokai Patea Range, sits Otukota Hut where everyone will stay on the Friday. Like most of the huts in the Ruahines it was originally built as shelter for deer cullers hunting the broad tops of the Mokai-Patea Range and has recently been renovated by the Backcountry Trust, 

  Places on this Trip are limited to 20.  Register and pay $35 deposit on-line by 17th March’23 to secure your place.
  

  The Club will hold the previous Kawekas trip cost of $135 and in addition include the extra night’s stay at the Awastone / Managaweka Campground on the Thursday night.

  Sleeping options:

  • (i)       On the bus or tent out in paddock near the bus
  • (ii)    Bunk Bed in the Pavilion at an additional cost of $15pp limited to 8 people.  The Pavilion can sleep a maximum of 8 people and includes: 1 double bed and 3 x double bunk beds

  Awastone / Mangaweka Campground: Situated on the side of the Rangitikei River.

  We will have booked the Pavilion bunk house which shares bathroom facilities with the Mangaweka Camping Ground.

  The Pavilion includes a full kitchen with fridge, stove /oven kettle, toaster and microwave plus a byfold window that opens out to the private campfire.

  ​The Pavilion also has sleeping for up to 8 people. (additional $15pp)

  N.B Please book this option on line at the time of registering

  • ·     Water is town supply drinking water.
  • ·         Hot Showers -  $4.50 with pay wave
  • ·         There is the licensed Awastone licensed café nearby: open daily from 8:15am - 7:30pm.

  There will be two trip parties:

    Medium (M) requiring good level of fitness and experience. Climbs over Mokai-Patea Range ~1240M: Typically 6-7 hrs/day

  Medium / Fit (M/F): Experience and a higher level of fitness and stamina necessary. (~8 hrs/day)

  For more  information on Trip Gradings  refer to our Website link below:

  www.nstc.org.nz/useful-info#tripgradings

  Thursday 6th April

  Departing Thursday Morning at 9am and driving from Auckland to Mangaweka. Planned to stop at either Tirau or Turangi for lunch before travelling over the Desert Road to Mangaweka where we will stay at Awastone / Mangaweka Campground.

  Accommodation options as noted above.

  Friday: 

  Departing Friday Morning at 9am from Awastone- Mangakino for Mokai Station Roadend (~50mins)

  From Mokai Station both parties will climb over Mokai-Patea range to Otukota Hut. (6 bunks).

  Trip Cost extras

  For any of the nights you stay in a hut a Blue Standard DOC hut ticket is required - available from Bivouac Outdoor@$5 unless tenting out

  Medium Party(M):Maximum Party Size is 10

  Friday: From Mokai Station cross the Mokai- Patea Range to Otukota Hut, 6 bunks, 5 hrs.

  Saturday: Climb back up to the range and head south, descend to Wakelings Hut, 4 bunks, 8 hrs.

  Sunday: Take track to Maropea Forks Hut (5 kms from Wakelings Hut), then track over Puketaramea to Otukota Hut. ~7 hrs.

  Monday: Return over the Mokai-Patea Range to the bus by 1pm, 5 hrs.

   Arrive back at The Mokai Station Carpark by 1pm

  Medium / Fit Party( M/F): Maximum Party Size is 10

  Friday: From Mokai Station cross the Mokai- Patea Range to Otukota Hut, 6 bunks, ~4 ½ hrs.

  
  

  Saturday: Otukota Hut  to Puketaramea:~ 3 hrs

  Puketaramea Track to Lake Colenso Hut (6.14km, ~5½ hrs).

  Sunday: Lake Colenso Hut to Iron Bark Hut: (~4½ hrs)

  Iron Bark Hut to Otukota Hut: 4 hrs

   Monday: Return over the Mokai Patea Range to the bus by 1pm, 4 1/2 hrs

  • Both trips involve travel on exposed tops. Full storm gear required.
  • Please bring a tent as Huts have limited spaces 
  • The final route for each party maybe subject  to change
    

  Cost: $135

   An additional DOC Standard Hut Fee of $5 (Blue ticket) required for each night if staying in a hut.

  Depart: Thursday: 6^th April’23, 9am: Corner 6 Auburn St & Como St Carpark, Takapuna

  N.B  You will require Thursday off work

  Organiser: Kevin Osten, Ph. 0274 577418

  Drivers: Chris Peard

  MAPS : NZ Topo50-BK36: North West Ruahine Forest Park-Easter2023

  
  

  
  
  

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• Waiorongomai Valley Pylon Track to Waitawheta Hut

  • Start
    22 Apr 2023
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    23 Apr 2023
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Como St, Takapuna
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  Kaimais - Mini Weekend 

  Waitawheta Hut via Waiorongomai Valley Pylon Track

  Duration: 2 days: Saturday 22^nd to Sunday -23^rd April’23

  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 and Mt Te Aroha, 6 ½ hr

  Total Ascent ~2500m

  Accommodation: Waitawheta Hut, 26 bunks. (Club has prebooked 15 bunks) Limited tents sites outside Hut:

  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’s 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 with optional side trip to Mt Te Aroha for     those keen on an extra climb, then down Butlers   Incline to Waiorongomai Carpark: ~5 to 6 1/2 hrs   depending on whether you return via side trip to   Mt Te Aroha. 

   From the hut head straight back up Waipapa   Track and continue north past Pukekohatu and on   to Waiorongomai Saddle.

  For the Mt Te Aroha option take the Mt Te Aroha track. ~1 1/2hr return to the track junction. After returning to the junction head down the Te Aroha Link Track. Take the High Level track. ~2 ½ hrs to carpark. The High Level Track climbs past the historic 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 22^nd April’23: 8am: Como Street, Takapuna

   N.B: Waitawheta Hut is a very popular and limited spaces are available.

  To secure your place on this Trip please Register on-line by 31^st January’23. We have pre-booked 15 bunks

  • Limited tent sites are also available adjacent to the hut for members choosing the tent site option rather than the Hut option. If you choose the tent option this should be booked directly via the DOC Website below:
  • Waitawheta Hut- Tent Site Booking
  • The Club has prepaid Hut Fees for the first 15 people who register and choose the Hut option
  • If members want to use a Back Country Pass please choose the Self Book option when you register and the cost of the Hut fees can be deducted. 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:

  A.   Club Booked Bunk: $65 (Includes Hut Fee: $20)

  •  (15 pre-booked bunks available)

  B.   Tent only site: $45 Limited sites available.

  • Please self- book on line: Waitawheta Hut- Tent Site Booking

  C.   Self Booked Bunk using Back Country Pass: $45

  • You will need to register and book individually on–line: https://bookings.doc.govt.nz/Web/

  Organiser: Kevin Osten  Ph. 0274 577418

  Driver: Arletta

  Maps:  Printable/GPS/Online

  
  

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• Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway, North Auckland

  • When
    30 Apr 2023
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    The Strand, Takapuna or Silverdale Park & Ride

  Register

  
  

  

  
  

  Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway, North Auckland

  Sunday 30 April 2023

  This tramping trail is part the Te Araroa Walkway and one of the most stunning coastal walks in this area from the shoreline to the cliff-top with views extending from Bream Head to Tawharanui Peninsula.  Track starts by the beach at the Surf Club climbing steeply for about 20 minutes then walking along the coastline before descending to the beach and returning along the clifftop.  

  If time and energy permits, we can add on a “distance” loop at the end.  

  Approximate elevation gain is 300-400 metres.  The cliff track is approximately 8.5kms each way.

  Don’t forget to bring your togs and camera and plenty of water!

  Depart – note early start!

  ·         8.00 am, The Strand, Takapuna

  ·         8.20am Silverdale Park & Ride bus stop.  Financial members please register for Silverdale pick up.

  Organiser:    Amber  027-838-9483

  Non-members please contact Organiser to register and assess suitability. 

  Cost:

  ·         $25 members

  ·         $30 non-members.  Please phone the organiser to check the suitability of this tramp.

  Members please register for the trip by 7pm Friday 28 April 

  Driver: TBC

  Maps: Printable/GPS/Online - medium track

               Printable/GPS/Online - distance track

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• Waiheke Island - Passage Rock to Rocky Bay

  • When
    14 May 2023
  •  
    9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
  • Location
    The Strand, Takapuna
  • Spaces left
    14

  Register

  Waiheke Island – Passage Rock to Rocky Bay
  

  When: 14 May 2023

                 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM

  Location: Downtown or Devonport Ferry Terminal

  Please register and pay deposit ($20) by 5^th May 2023 to secure shuttle booking to Passage Rock.

  You will also need an AT HOP card for the public bus back to the ferry, no cash payments possible!
  

  After a 30-minute shuttle ride to Passage Rock, we will start with a traverse through a stunning section of remnant forest climbing gently up to the most fabulous picnic spot on the island. After a steep grassy decent to Poderi Crisci Winery, a wetland section and some more grassy hills, we tackle the toughest part of the 100km Te Ara Hura Trail with another steep downhill assisted by a well-placed rope along the fence line. One more climb and we reach 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 (14.3 km, 5-6h). The Fit Party may continue along Te Whau coastal track on a mix of tracks and quiet roads (an additional 8.3 km) with some amazing island views before catching the bus back to the ferry. 

  A reasonable level of fitness is required as there are numerous steps and some steep hills. Bring plenty of water, togs if you are keen for an autumn swim, camera, lunch and snacks. You might even get the chance to taste and buy some Waiheke wine, olives, or oil.

  Bring your topped-up AT Hop card and purchase your ferry ticket online before the day.

  Ferry departs: 

  • ·         Downtown Ferry Terminal at 9.00am
  • ·         Devonport Ferry Terminal at 9.10am

  Ferry returns:

  • ·         Matiatia Ferry Terminal to Devonport and onto Downtown 4.00 or 6.00pm (or every 60 min directly to Downtown)

  Cost: Shuttle to Passage Rock (pay $20 deposit by 5^th May); Ferry fare ($46 per adult return); Bus fare to ferry ($0.99, AT HOP card required!); Gold card holders travel for free on ferry and public bus (but not shuttle)

  Trip organiser: Ilva Rupenthal (Ph: 021 2132975)

  Non-members: Please phone the organiser after hours to check suitability of the tramp

  Maps: Printable (Page 3) / Online (Part 1) / Online (Part 2) / Online (Part 3, Fit Party only)

   

  
  

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• Whirinaki Forest - King's Birthday Weekend

  • Start
    2 Jun 2023
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • End
    5 Jun 2023
  •  
    9:00 PM
  • Location
    Como St, Takapuna
  • Spaces left
    1

  Register

  
  

  King's Birthday Weekend  6pm departure Friday 2 June - Monday 5 June 2023  

  https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/moerangi-track-moerangi-hut-to-river-road-588fdfa?u=m

  Whirinaki Forest

  The Whirinaki Forest is a temperate rain forest in the central North Island, just to the west of the better-known Urewera National Park. It has been described as “the most visually superb remnants in New Zealand, with podocarps up to 65 meters tall and reaching three meters in diameter” and British biologist David Bellamy regarded it as one of the great forests of the world. The area is rich in bird life including kaka, whio and kiwi.

  Leaving Como Street carpark at 6pm Friday evening, we will drive approx 5 hours to Minginui Rd and camp at the Mangamate campsite located approximately 5 minutes further down the road from the Whirinaki Forest Holidays & Jailhouse Shuttles. All three parties will either sleep on the bus or camp. Tents are required.   Start tramping Saturday morning. 

  Easy Party

  This group will start at River Rd carpark and walk for 13km (4.5  hours, to Moerangi Hut (6 bunks - standard hut one blue ticket) on Saturday .  On Sunday they will head to  Skips Hut (9 bunks - standard hut one blue ticket) via Rogers Hut, total distance approx 13 km (4 - 5 hours).  On Monday walk out to Okahu Rd carpark - ( 2  hours) where they will be picked up by shuttle and taken back to the bus. 

  Medium Party A

  Medium Party A will walk from  River Rd carpark to Central Whirinaki hut (25 bunks - serviced hut one blue and one green ticket)  5 hours (16km). On Sunday they will go to Mangamate Hut (9 bunks - standard hut one blue ticket) with the option to go via Upper Whirinaki Hut, total walking time approx 8 hours.  On Monday walk from Mangamate hut to River Rd carpark 4 hours (10.1km)

  Medium Party B

  Medium Party B will walk from River Rd carpark 10 km (4 hours) to stay at Mangamate Hut (9 bunks- standard hut one blue ticket).  On Sunday from Mangamate hut (9 bunks) to Central Whirinaki Hut (25 bunks- serviced hut one blue and one green ticket)  3 - 4 hours (8.2km with a possible side trip) On Monday walk 16km (5 hours) to River Rd Carpark.

  We will aim to get back to Como Street between 8 and 9pm depending on stops and traffic.

  All three parties will need to carry tents.

  Easy Party  - 2 x  blue hut tickets

  Medium Parties - 2 x blue and 1 x green ticket

  Warm clothing WILL be required.

  Cost:  $125 (plus hut tickets as above)

  Depart: Friday 2 June 6pm: Corner 6 Auburn St & Como St Carpark, Takapuna

  Organiser: Kevin Osten, Ph 0274 577 418

  Drivers:  Arletta, Colin

  Maps:

  Easy Party: printable/GPS/Online

  Medium A: printable/GPS/Online

  Medium B: printable/GPS/Online

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