WAIUKU ESTUARY KAYAK ADVENTURE

Leader: Marlene Lynam Ph. 298 5622

Departs: Roselands 9am

Fare: $8

Explore the sheltered waters of the Waiuku estuary in a sea kayak. Kayaking experience preferred. Phone leader – you will need to book in for this trip. See notice for more info.

SWANSON PIPELINE

Grade: Light/Medium

Leaders: Tom Grice & Dianne Hewitt Ph. 266 3973

Departs: Roselands 8.10am / Papatoetoe 8.30am (Leaders at Papatoetoe)

Fare: $10

Waitakeres. Follows pipeline along undulating track, then follows an historic and picturesque tramline with tunnels along head of spectacular valley to the Waitakere Dam and reservoir, many large kauri, good views with a glimpse of the Tasman Sea, lush bush, great scenery. If you are interested in botany, Tom is sure to point out a variety of flora.

MATAITAI FOREST

Grade: Light

Leader: Phil Waterhouse Ph. 298 6358

Departs: Roselands 8.30am

Fare: $5

Ness Valley, Clevedon. A shorter circuit on the network of marked tracks in the Mataitai Conservation area. A variety of beautiful bush, including kauri, beech and puriri. Pretty streams, good tracks, glimpses of farmland and sea. Approx. 4 hours.

GIBBONS TRACK, WHATIPU

Grade: Medium

Leader: Bev Douglas Ph. 536 5449

Departs: Roselands 8am, Papatoetoe 8:20am

Fare: $12

Southern Waitakeres. A circuit on the Gibbons, Walker Ridge, Mt Donald McLean, Puriri Ridge and Kura Tracks, offering extremes in both scenery and terrain, from the bush of a river valley and bush clad hills to stunning views of ocean and harbour.

MERCER BAY

Grade: Light

Leader: Trevor Sayer Ph. 266 5511

Departs: Roselands 8.10am / Papatoetoe 8.30am (Leader at Papatoetoe)

Fare: $12

Waitakeres. A beautiful coastal walk featuring Auckland’s highest sea cliffs. Magnificent views into hidden Mercer Bay and sweeping vistas of the wild west coast. A loop walk on a series of undulating tracks along the clifftops and through the bush between Karekare and Piha. The Mercer Bay Loop Track winds its way around a prominent headland. Regenerating coastal and pohutukawa forest.

OKURA TO STILLWATER

Grade: Medium

Leader: Jill Maw Ph. 262 4165

Departs: Roselands 8am / Papatoetoe 8.20am (Leader at Papatoetoe)

Fare: $10

North Shore, Auckland. Bush reserve and coastal inlet. From Haigh’s Access Road, this track takes you through coastal native forest, along Okura River estuary and edge of the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve to Karepiro Bay and the historic Dacre Cottage, then on to Stillwater. The kowhai trees will be flowering and the birdlife (tuis) will be superb.

WAITAWHETA HUT FROM TE AROHA

Grade: Medium

Leader: Tony Gibson Ph. 279 9115

Departs: Saturday TBA

Fare: $20 plus $15 hut fee

Northern Kaimais. A new route from Te Aroha, over the mountain, to connect with the newly cut Waipapa Track to Waitawheta Hut, situated at an old mill site in the Upper Waitawheta Valley. See notice in magazine or phone leader to book in for this trip.

COAST TO COAST WALKWAY

Grade: Light

Leader: Maureen Ralph Ph. 268 2071

Departs: Roselands 8.10am / Papatoetoe 8.30am (Leader at Papatoetoe)

Fare: $5 plus bus fare

Auckland. From the Waitemata Harbour in the north to the Manukau Harbour in the south, walk across New Zealand via the narrow Auckland isthmus. We catch a bus from Onehunga into the City, then walk back to the cars. We will pass through some of Auckland’s most picturesque parks and climb Auckland’s most famous volcanic cones. Panoramic views. Approx. 16 kms, taking about 4 hours.

TOTARA PARK

Grade: Light/Family

Leader: Shirley Carson Ph. 269 6237

Fare: $5

Come and explore one of Manukau’s premier parks, stretching over 216 hectares. Enjoy the tranquil, country atmosphere and stroll along bridle trails through rolling farmland, taking in views from Glenbrook and Manukau Heads to Rangitoto Island. Walking tracks meander through the gully of the Puhinui Stream and large stands of native bush.

PONGA ROAD/SYMONDS STREAM

Grade: Medium

Leader: Peter Jenkins Ph. 299 6234

Departs: Roselands 8.30am

Fare: $5

Hunua area. We start from the leader’s property on Ponga Road, climb down through mature bush to Ponga/Symonds Stream which we then follow, ending our tramp at the waterfall and swimming hole. Apart from the streambed, this tramp is unmarked and unformed and the best path may include tramping in streambed and/or through thickets of supplejack and groundcover. A fun day, but be prepared to rough it. Approx. 5 hours.

LIMESTONE DOWNS STATION

Grade: Light/Medium

Leader: Marlene Lynam Ph. 298 5622

Departs: Roselands 8am

Fare: $12

Limestone Downs is a large coastal farm property on the rugged west coast, south of Port Waikato. Tramp will include some easy farm walking with a short steep climb to a good viewpoint and some beach walking/coastal terrain (sand dunes). Magnificent coastal scenery. Mostly open farmland, so be prepared as it can be exposed. No bush.

OLD BALDY/PARARAHA STREAM

Grade: Medium Plus

Leader: Ian Morris Ph. 480 0919

Contact: Tony Gibson Ph. 279 9115

Departs: Roselands 8am / Papatoetoe 8.20am (Tony at Papatoetoe)

Fare: $12

Waitakeres. Starting from Lone Kauri Road carpark go about halfway down Buck Taylor Track before turning left to bush bash to the top of old Baldy (223M). A bush bashing descent via the seaward side of the saddle to cross the Pararaha Stream near the Les Ward Shelter. Then up the valley/stream to intersect with the Odlin Timber Track. Left up Odlin Timber Track (356 steps) and back to the carpark on Lone Kauri Road. A bit of a challenge with bush bashing, rock hopping and cliff climbing but suitable for experienced trampers with a reasonable degree of fitness. Possible to keep feet dry all the way by taking the right route up the stream. Approximately 5 hours inclusive of lunch.