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Tarawera Crater Walk
Tarawera Crater Walk

Upcoming trips

Let's go tramping

If you are new to our tramps, you are welcome.

If you are not Club member, it is a requirement that you contact the trip leader beforehand. Don’t be offended if they ask some simple questions about your physical fitness and experience.  People new to the club and tramping are usually asked to do several easier tramps of shorter duration before becoming members.

Where to meet up

Unless stated otherwise, meet at Ray Small carpark (next to the Papakura Skatepark), Elliot Street, Papakura.

For northbound trips, often we have a meeting point at the Recreation Ground carpark, Great South Road, (near 295 Great South Road), Papatoetoe.  The meeting time at Papatoetoe will be 20 minutes later than the Papakura meet-up time.

What will it cost?

Trip transport is mainly by carpooling, with car fares currently set at 15 cents/km per person. The cost will be in the trip plan below.

Sometimes we hire a rental van. Per person costs for that will be communicated to participants.

How are trips graded?

For guidelines on this, go to our Information for day trips page.

Sunday 1st March 2026
Maratoto Loop walk
Terrain DifficultyIntermediateExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyIntermediateExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyIntermediateExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyIntermediate
Expected Duration4-5 hours
Leader(s)

Peter Rotherham - Phone: 021 165 4737

Departs8am at Ray Small carpark, Elliot Street, Papakura.
Fare$15
Description

From Wires Rd we will walk up the off-road vehicle track to a junction, then return through the bush via the Old Wires Track. This is a well-marked track with lovely views across Maratoto. Elevation: 458m. Steep in a few places.

Description

From Wires Rd we will walk up the off-road vehicle track to a junction, then return through the bush via the Old Wires Track. This is a well-marked track with lovely views across Maratoto. Elevation: 458m. Steep in a few places.

Tuesday 3rd March 2026
Tawhitikino Beach and beyond (High Tide 7.00 a.m.)
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration3-4 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration3-4 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration3-4 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasy
Expected Duration3-4 hours
Leader(s)

Olivia Fitzgerald - Phone: 021 907 289

DepartsRay Small carpark, Elliott Street, Papakura 8.15 a.m. Or Waiti Bay 9.00 a.m. Leader will meet you Waiti Bay.
Fare$9
Description

We will tramp from Waiti Bay (low tide access) around rocks and over headland to Tawhitikino Beach. For those willing we will negotiate our way around rocks at southern end of Tawhitikino and rock hop as far as we can go. Opportunity for a swim.

Description

We will tramp from Waiti Bay (low tide access) around rocks and over headland to Tawhitikino Beach. For those willing we will negotiate our way around rocks at southern end of Tawhitikino and rock hop as far as we can go. Opportunity for a swim.

Sunday 8th March 2026
Hapuakohe South
Terrain DifficultyAdvancedExpected Duration5-6 hours
Terrain DifficultyAdvancedExpected Duration5-6 hours
Terrain DifficultyAdvancedExpected Duration5-6 hours
Terrain DifficultyAdvanced
Expected Duration5-6 hours
Leader(s)

Mary Crawford - Phone: 021 054 8324

Departs8am at Ray Small carpark, Elliot Street, Papakura.
FareTBC when final numbers known – circa $15 – $20 NB: There are SEVEN PLACES AVAILABLE as we are travelling together in a van. These will be allocated on a first come basis.
Description

This is a walk mainly through beautiful regenerating bush on a track that can be a bit challenging to find at times although it is waymarked. This is partly due to the fact the track is not walked a great deal.

We will walk north to south with the group being dropped off at the northern end in Ohinewai Road. After a steep descent and crossing a stream the track climbs to the first trig. It then drops again and we eventually reach a 2nd trig. Stunning views of the Mangapiko Valley are on offer and we reach a height of 488m.

Boots & poles are recommended especially if there has been rain leading up to the time we walk. Approximately 10 kms.

Description

This is a walk mainly through beautiful regenerating bush on a track that can be a bit challenging to find at times although it is waymarked. This is partly due to the fact the track is not walked a great deal.

We will walk north to south with the group being dropped off at the northern end in Ohinewai Road. After a steep descent and crossing a stream the track climbs to the first trig. It then drops again and we eventually reach a 2nd trig. Stunning views of the Mangapiko Valley are on offer and we reach a height of 488m.

Boots & poles are recommended especially if there has been rain leading up to the time we walk. Approximately 10 kms.

Tuesday 10th March 2026
Challenge Track, Mangatawhiri Dam
Terrain DifficultyIntermediateExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyIntermediateExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyIntermediateExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyIntermediate
Expected Duration4-5 hours
Leader(s)

Judy Alderdice - Phone: 027 422 5024

DepartsRay Small carpark, Elliot Street, Papakura at 8.15 a.m. or meet Leader at Upper Mangatawhiri Dam, Moumoukai Road, Hunua at 9.00 a.m.
Fare$10
Description

The day will start with a climb from carpark via bush track and road back up to and along Repeater Road to Repeater Campground. From here it is bush all the way, could be muddy, some steep ups and downs with good views of Mangatawhiri and Wairoa Dams through the trees. The track drops back onto Waterline Road for the walk back alongside dam to car park.

Description

The day will start with a climb from carpark via bush track and road back up to and along Repeater Road to Repeater Campground. From here it is bush all the way, could be muddy, some steep ups and downs with good views of Mangatawhiri and Wairoa Dams through the trees. The track drops back onto Waterline Road for the walk back alongside dam to car park.

Sunday 15th March 2026
Glenfield Circuit
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration3-4 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration3-4 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration3-4 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasy
Expected Duration3-4 hours
Leader(s)

Dimitrios Papadakis - Phone: 021 129 9007

Departs8.30am at Papatoetoe Recreation Grounds carpark, Great South Road, Papatoetoe. Or 9am at top of Domain Road, Glenfield.
Fare$15
Description

The day includes some street walking will take us through several reserves. Approximately 10kms.

Description

The day includes some street walking will take us through several reserves. Approximately 10kms.

Tuesday 17th March 2026
Te Puru Park, Whitford-Maraetai Road to Magazine Bay, Maraetai and back
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasy
Expected Duration4-5 hours
Leader(s)

Olivia Fitzgerald - Phone: 021 907 289

DepartsRay Small Drive at 8.15 a.m. or Te Puru Park, Whitford-Maraetai Road at 9.00 a.m. Park in area by the Community Centre.
Fare$9
Description

An easy walk which takes us around Te Puru Park and into the wetland area of Omana Regional Park, across the farmland to the pa site and then back on coastline to follow the path through to Maraetai Beach and Magazine Bay. Unfortunately not good timing to get a swim at high tide.

Description

An easy walk which takes us around Te Puru Park and into the wetland area of Omana Regional Park, across the farmland to the pa site and then back on coastline to follow the path through to Maraetai Beach and Magazine Bay. Unfortunately not good timing to get a swim at high tide.

Sunday 22nd March 2026
Lindemann Loop, Kaimais
Terrain DifficultyAdvancedExpected Duration5-6 hours
Terrain DifficultyAdvancedExpected Duration5-6 hours
Terrain DifficultyAdvancedExpected Duration5-6 hours
Terrain DifficultyAdvanced
Expected Duration5-6 hours
Leader(s)

Judy Alderdice - Phone: 027 422 5024

Olivia Fitzgerald - Phone: 021 907 289

Departs7am Ray Small car park, Elliot Street, Papakura. Or 9am Lindemann Road (start of track far end of Lindemann Rd) Katikati. Leaders will meet you at the start of the track. See NOTE below.
Fare$35
Description

Starting at the end of Lindemann Road at the first junction we will take the right-hand track that runs up a short spur before levelling out. The track is well formed but there are a number of small river crossings, easy in dry weather but not passable after heavy rain.

After about 3 ½ hours of beautiful bush walking we reach the junction of the Cashmore Clearing Track which leads to an old kauri dam site – interesting history but not much remains. If time allows, we will continue on to the campsite and shelter. Returning to the junction we will complete the loop by taking the steep but short downhill section to the carpark. Approximately 11 kms.

NOTE: This is a long day with travel. We are very fortunate that club member Christine Pipe has offered the use of her house at Waihi Beach. $20/pp. There are about 6 beds (fifs), lots of floor space and flat lawn for tents. We will also have the use of the kitchen and 2 bathrooms. BYO sleeping bag, pillow, towel and food (there are several dinner options nearby).

MEMBERS MUST CONTACT LEADERS IF INTENDING TO JOIN THE TRAMP AND ALSO IF YOU WANT TO STAY AT CHRISTINE’S.

Description

Starting at the end of Lindemann Road at the first junction we will take the right-hand track that runs up a short spur before levelling out. The track is well formed but there are a number of small river crossings, easy in dry weather but not passable after heavy rain.

After about 3 ½ hours of beautiful bush walking we reach the junction of the Cashmore Clearing Track which leads to an old kauri dam site – interesting history but not much remains. If time allows, we will continue on to the campsite and shelter. Returning to the junction we will complete the loop by taking the steep but short downhill section to the carpark. Approximately 11 kms.

NOTE: This is a long day with travel. We are very fortunate that club member Christine Pipe has offered the use of her house at Waihi Beach. $20/pp. There are about 6 beds (fifs), lots of floor space and flat lawn for tents. We will also have the use of the kitchen and 2 bathrooms. BYO sleeping bag, pillow, towel and food (there are several dinner options nearby).

MEMBERS MUST CONTACT LEADERS IF INTENDING TO JOIN THE TRAMP AND ALSO IF YOU WANT TO STAY AT CHRISTINE’S.

Tuesday 24th March 2026
Port Waikato tramp (limited to 20)
Terrain DifficultyIntermediateExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyIntermediateExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyIntermediateExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyIntermediate
Expected Duration4-5 hours
Leader(s)

Meryl Finlayson - Phone: 09 235 1146 or phone/text 0274 239 724

Olivia Fitzgerald - Phone: 021 907 289

DepartsRay Small Drive car park, Elliot Street, Papakura at 8.15 a.m. to carpool or meet Leader at Tuakau at 8.45 a.m. on George Street by the Dr Lightbody Reserve Toilets.
Fare$35 plus $2 donation towards gift for Farm Manager.
Description

Mystery location in beautiful Port Waikato area.

Refer to Ngatira for details.

As this is a very popular tramp over a private working farm with stock to be considerate of, numbers will be limited to 20. Please contact Olivia before 17th March and we will confirm your place on the list. Members only thanks.

In fairness to others please contact us as soon as possible if you change your mind and have to cancel, so someone else can take your place.

Description

Mystery location in beautiful Port Waikato area.

Refer to Ngatira for details.

As this is a very popular tramp over a private working farm with stock to be considerate of, numbers will be limited to 20. Please contact Olivia before 17th March and we will confirm your place on the list. Members only thanks.

In fairness to others please contact us as soon as possible if you change your mind and have to cancel, so someone else can take your place.

Sunday 29th March 2026
Wairoa Gorge (up and back)
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration3-4 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration3-4 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration3-4 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasy
Expected Duration3-4 hours
Leader(s)

Malcolm Allen - Phone: 021 238 8948/ 09 298 3245

Departs8am at Ray Small carpark, Elliot Street, Papakura.
Fare$5
Description

A nice walk through bush beside a river, before an up hill walk to a lookout point. Then either return by the same route or if the group desires add on a circuit via Cosseys Dam. Probably some mud and may include one stream crossing.

Description

A nice walk through bush beside a river, before an up hill walk to a lookout point. Then either return by the same route or if the group desires add on a circuit via Cosseys Dam. Probably some mud and may include one stream crossing.

Tuesday 31st March 2026
Papakura – Waiata Shores return
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasy
Expected Duration4-5 hours
Leader(s)

Trish Grant - Phone: 0220740634

Olivia Fitzgerald - Phone: 021 907 289

Departs9am at Ray Small carpark, Elliott Street, Papakura.
Faren/a
Description

A circuit which will include Pahurehure Esplanade path around the estuary and through the back streets of Takanini to Waiata Shores and return to Papakura. Urban walking.

Description

A circuit which will include Pahurehure Esplanade path around the estuary and through the back streets of Takanini to Waiata Shores and return to Papakura. Urban walking.

Friday 3rd April 2026
Tarawera weekend Friday 3 - Monday 6 April (Easter trip)
Terrain DifficultyAdvancedExpected DurationMulti-day
Terrain DifficultyAdvancedExpected DurationMulti-day
Terrain DifficultyAdvancedExpected DurationMulti-day
Terrain DifficultyAdvanced
Expected DurationMulti-day
Leader(s)

Peter Rotherham - Phone: 021 165 4737

Lorraine Symes - Phone: 021 025 58400

DepartsAs advised by leaders.
FareAs advised by leaders.
Description

Walk the Tarawera Trail. Enjoy a swim at Hot Water Beach.

Guided tour with Kaitiaki Adventures and experience Mt Tarawera volcanic crater.

Refer to advertisement in Ngatira.

Trip now FULLY BOOKED. Contact leaders to go on waitlist.

Description

Walk the Tarawera Trail. Enjoy a swim at Hot Water Beach.

Guided tour with Kaitiaki Adventures and experience Mt Tarawera volcanic crater.

Refer to advertisement in Ngatira.

Trip now FULLY BOOKED. Contact leaders to go on waitlist.

Tuesday 7th April 2026
Cockle Bay/Mangemangeroa return
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasyExpected Duration4-5 hours
Terrain DifficultyEasy
Expected Duration4-5 hours
Leader(s)

Heather_Chapman - Phone: (021)714 274

DepartsRay Small carpark, Elliot Street, Papakura at 8.00 a.m. or at the waterfront, Shelly Beach Parade, Cockle Bay, Howick at 9.00 a.m. Leader will meet you at Cockle Bay.
Fare$9
Description

Reverse trip due to tide which will allow trampers to navigate around the coastline to Shelly Park and Mangemangeroa Walkway. A hidden gem which will encompass native forest, estuary, bush and farmland.

Description

Reverse trip due to tide which will allow trampers to navigate around the coastline to Shelly Park and Mangemangeroa Walkway. A hidden gem which will encompass native forest, estuary, bush and farmland.

Sunday 12th April 2026
Hakarimata Trapline Tour
Terrain DifficultyIntermediateExpected Duration3-4 hours
Terrain DifficultyIntermediateExpected Duration3-4 hours
Terrain DifficultyIntermediateExpected Duration3-4 hours
Terrain DifficultyIntermediate
Expected Duration3-4 hours
Leader(s)

Marlene Lynam - Phone: 027 647 8422

Departs8.30am at Ray Small carpark, Elliot Street, Papakura.
Fare$22.50
Description

Want to take a behind-the-scenes tour of a trapline in the Hakarimata Range? A great chance to experience a different aspect of the Hakarimata Range and learn about the conservation efforts to bring back the native birdlife. A gold coin donation would be appreciated as a contribution towards the purchase of more traps, bait etc and/or trees for regeneration projects.

See the advertisement in the newsletter for more details.

Description

Want to take a behind-the-scenes tour of a trapline in the Hakarimata Range? A great chance to experience a different aspect of the Hakarimata Range and learn about the conservation efforts to bring back the native birdlife. A gold coin donation would be appreciated as a contribution towards the purchase of more traps, bait etc and/or trees for regeneration projects.

See the advertisement in the newsletter for more details.

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