Hiking NZ

Hey, here is well known and for a reason! Famous Karangahake Gorge, with stunning walks through the tunnels, streams and off course the Karangahake summit itself which offers fantastic views of nearby Kamai ranges...

This walk is suitable for Intermediate hikers, who have done a few walks in the bush, have hiking boots and can hike up and down steep muddy hills through certain sections.

Hike duration: Approx 7 hrs including stops for breaks and lunch.
Hike distance: Approx 15-16 km
Hike terrain: Mixed. But A few muddy, rugged sections expected with some steep sections.
Grade: 3.5. Based on distance, time and terrain.

No one is going to be rushed or pushed, we will support each other as a team and try to have as many breaks as required to complete this hike in a safe, enjoyable manner. However you do need to have a medium level of fitness and stamina to complete this hike.

Plan for the day:

Meet at

9.30 AM meet at the main car park, by the toilet block.
Introductions, briefing.
9.40.AM Start the hike. We will take the Windows Walk, explore the tunnels, then Waitawheta Pipeline walk, along the stream
1.30-2 PM. Take lunch break.
Around 3 PM: Reach the summit
Plan to complete the hike between 4 and 5 PM
Get back to Auckland CBD around 7 PM

Tracks we will cover: Windows Walk, Waitawheta Pipeline walk, Dubbo 96 track, Mt Karangahake summit walk.

Note: We will have lunch at Dicky Flat campsite before taking the Dubbo 96 track up towards the summit.

Map of this hike: https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-37.431182,175.732112&z=15

What to bring: Torch-a must. We will be exploring the tunnels and its' all dark so you will need a torch. Hiking boots, snacks, lunch, water, first aid items, warm clothing, rain jacket, change of clothes and shoes.

Please contribute $5 to the running costs of this group.

Please bring $30 cash to give your driver if you need a lift. This must be paid before the start of the hike.

Driving directions:

https://goo.gl/maps/oLf8C21hL9UpEzp58

See you on Sunday,

Kristina.

Greetings everyone,

Let us have an epic experience visiting Waitakere park and smashing these 2 beautiful, scenic walks...
Today will constist of completing 2 hikes that we will link together to form a one big, long day hike...Hike 1 will take aprox 3 hours to complete and hike 2 will take arpprox 4 hrs to complete, so all up we are looking between 7 to 8 hrs including small stops and a 30 min lunch stop in between the hikes.

What to expect: Magnificent, scenic coastal views, regenerative, lush native bush, newly built boardwalks, tunnels, sand dunes, beach and black sand, a truly challenging, rewarding and brilliant day out. Interested? then read on for today's full description:

Part 1/Hike 1:
We will meet at the car park at the end of Log Race Rd at 8.45 am, to do introductions, briefing to start promptly at 9:00 am.
We will do Mercer bay loop, which is a short, scenic coastal walk and is 2.2 km and takes on average 1 hour to complete. We will then take the Comans track, which descends steeply and gets us to Karekare beach car park. Comans track also offers epic coastal views and it is a very well used track in excellent condition. The comans track one way is 3.1 km, we will return via same track after completing second hike, so we will walk the Comans track twice, so total distance will be 6.2 km.

Summary of hike 1:
Distance: Approx 8.4 km
Tracks being covered: Mercer Bay loop track and Comans track.
Time to complete: 3 to 3.5 hrs.
Terrain: Gravel paths and well formed tracks
Difficulty level: 3

Part 2/Hike 2:
When we reach Karekare beach car park, we will have our lunch stop for 30 min. We will then start the second hike of the day.
Zion hill track loop, time to complete: approx 4 hrs and it is around 10-11 km.
This route combines the track with coastal trails for a complete circuit.
From Karekare beach car park we will ascent zion hill track. Head to Pohutukawa Glade, and begin climbing steeply through regenerating coastal forest up to Mount Zion.
Descent: Pararaha valley. Continue past the summit into the lush gullies of the Pararaha valley, linking onto Pararaha valley track,
Coast and return: Follow the sandy tracks through the dunes towars the coast, passing the Tunnel point campground. Complete the circuit by walking the length of Karekare beach back to the car park.
Hike 2 Summary:
Terrain: Steep climbs, boardwalks and long trudges through soft, black sand.
Time to complete: 4-4.5 hrs
Distance: Approx 10-11 km
Difficulty: 3, moderate., suitable for intermediate hikers.

Once we reach Karekare beach car park, we will make our way back to Log race road car park by taking the Comans track which will link back onto the Mercer bay walkway, back to our cars. We should reach the car park between 5 and 5.30 PM the latest. Aim is for 5 PM.

Because we are combining 2 walks into one day it is paramount that we keep good, moderate pace througout the day and limit our stops. Plan is to have one big stop, lunch break for 30 min and a couple of short, mini stops of 5-10 min max. It gets dark around 5.30 so we really do not have the luxury of taking it slow. Hence this wallk is not suitable for beginners. It is suitable for intermediate to advanced hikers who have hiked around New Zealand previously and know what to expect. Also you must have good level of fitness and be able to keep up with the rest of the group at a medium pace.
In case of heavy rain, this walk will get postponed.

What to bring: Comfortable foot wear, hiking clothes, snacks, lunch, plenty of water, min. 2 Lt. first aid items, change of clothes and shoes. Bring water proof/ water resistant jacket.

Please bring $5 to contribute to the running costs of this group.

If you require a ride, I suggest $15 to contribure to your driver.

Map: https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-36.977495,174.499283&z=14

Driving directions from Auckland CBD:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Mtqoe838tx9qFhDA

Any questions, feel free to post a comment below.

I am looking forward to hosting this event and sharing this experince with you!

See you on Saturday, 6th of June

Kristina.