This is a loop walk. We will start at Panmure Basin, pass by Panmure shopping centre, and then walk up the mountain. After a circuit around the mountain top, we will drop down to the Stonefields Heritage Walkway. We will make our way back to Maungarei through a small pine glade, follow the path around the base of the maunga, and then return to Panmure Basin to complete the circuit.

Starting at the end of North Road off SH27 where there is some parking available. The track crosses farmland which has recently been cleared of pine trees, so the start is on a well formed forestry road but then climbs steeply up a hill littered in forestry slash which makes it tricky to negotiate. Once in the bush the track is reasonably well marked, although care has to be taken as the track can be muddy and overgrown. This will be a walk in as far as the second lookout if time allows and return.

This is an 18-20km walk within the Riverhead Forest (a pine forest) mainly on forestry roads. The roads are gravel and where we go off-road it will be a dirt trail to link to another forestry road. Some good views here and there. There are some minor stream crossings where poles would be recommended. Walk starts and finishes from the Barlow Road carpark off Ararimu Valley Road. Numbers on walk limited to twelve participants.

Please get back to Robert or Diane by Wednesday 19th August if you intend to use the van.

Highbrook Business Park is a 109 hectare master planned estate. Before becoming one of the country’s premier industrial and commercial hubs, the land was a prestigious racehorse breeding and training facility known as Ra Ora Stud owned by Fisher & Paykel founder Sir Woolf Fisher. This is a loop and mainly flat walk with a mix of gravel pathways around the coast and some pavement walking. Great views of the Tamaki Estuary, Maungarei and Maungakieke, different plantings and a closeup look at this major development of light industry and business park. Toilet facilities are the bush. 11 kms.

The circular track starts next to the Waikato River using the main, well -formed track to start before taking some minor tracks, beach walking (great views to Port Waikato and the river mouth) and horse trails. The terrain is mostly flat but there may be some areas of cutty grass (pampas) to negotiate so long sleeves and trousers are recommended. Approximately 16 kms.

*** Updated 18 August - Corrected Papakura meeting time to 8am. ***

Due to a pause in the forestry harvesting work we are able to access this part of Hunua Traverse. We will follow forestry road from Moumoukai through to lookout above Orams Road and then return same way. Be prepared for some mud and puddles on the way plus steep inclines and descents. Glimpses of Hauraki Gulf along the way and good view from lookout. Distance 10 km +.

This track at Huia, on the northern shore of the Manukau Harbour, will take us to the top of Mt Donald McLean with magnificent views to the Manukau Heads and back over the harbour. (The lookout is also accessible by road but that wouldn’t be nearly as much fun!) The track is well formed and includes board walks and lots of steps - there are more than 1,200 of them so be prepared for some steady climbing! We descend back down the same way.