Manukau Tramping Club

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 15th March 2026

Glenfield Circuit

Terrain Difficulty	Easy	Expected Duration	3-4 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Easy	Expected Duration	3-4 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Easy	Expected Duration	3-4 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Easy
Expected Duration	3-4 hours
Leader(s)	Dimitrios Papadakis - Phone: 021 129 9007
Departs	8.30am 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 ** Updated 16 March **

Terrain Difficulty	Easy	Expected Duration	4-5 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Easy	Expected Duration	4-5 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Easy	Expected Duration	4-5 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Easy
Expected Duration	4-5 hours
Leader(s)	Olivia Fitzgerald - Phone: 021 907 289
Departs	Ray 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. Update 16 March Note: be aware that North Road from Clevedon out to Maraetai is currently closed. The alternative route is via Twilight Road and through Whitford - pretty much same time but not so scenic. All well marked.

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. Update 16 March Note: be aware that North Road from Clevedon out to Maraetai is currently closed. The alternative route is via Twilight Road and through Whitford - pretty much same time but not so scenic. All well marked.

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.

** Update 16 March **

Note: be aware that North Road from Clevedon out to Maraetai is currently closed. The alternative route is via Twilight Road and through Whitford - pretty much same time but not so scenic. All well marked.

Sunday 22nd March 2026

Ernie’s Loop Track (Hunua Regional Park) ** Updated 16 March - Replaces Lindemann Loop tramp **

Terrain Difficulty	Intermediate	Expected Duration	5-6 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Intermediate	Expected Duration	5-6 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Intermediate	Expected Duration	5-6 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Intermediate
Expected Duration	5-6 hours
Leader(s)	Olivia Fitzgerald - Phone: 021 907 289 Judy Alderdice - Phone: 027 422 5024
Departs	Ray Small carpark, Elliot Street, Papakura at 8.15am. Or meet Leaders at Upper Mangatawhiri Dam, Moumoukai Road, Hunua at 9.00am.
Fare	$9
Description	The Ernie’s and Lilburn Track provide a mixture of bush and open vistas. This loop walk passes through the Piggott's campground and includes a river crossing (boots off or wet feet). Highlights include scenic views and a marked path. Challenges include muddy sections, steep climbs and lengthy road walking section. Boots, poles and plenty of water recommended. Approximately 15 kms. Updated 16 March - Replaces Lindemann Loop tramp

Description
The Ernie’s and Lilburn Track provide a mixture of bush and open vistas. This loop walk passes through the Piggott's campground and includes a river crossing (boots off or wet feet). Highlights include scenic views and a marked path. Challenges include muddy sections, steep climbs and lengthy road walking section. Boots, poles and plenty of water recommended. Approximately 15 kms. Updated 16 March - Replaces Lindemann Loop tramp

Description

The Ernie’s and Lilburn Track provide a mixture of bush and open vistas. This loop walk passes through the Piggott's campground and includes a river crossing (boots off or wet feet). Highlights include scenic views and a marked path. Challenges include muddy sections, steep climbs and lengthy road walking section. Boots, poles and plenty of water recommended. Approximately 15 kms.

** Updated 16 March - Replaces Lindemann Loop tramp **

Tuesday 24th March 2026

Port Waikato tramp (limited to 20)

Terrain Difficulty	Intermediate	Expected Duration	4-5 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Intermediate	Expected Duration	4-5 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Intermediate	Expected Duration	4-5 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Intermediate
Expected Duration	4-5 hours
Leader(s)	Meryl Finlayson - Phone: 09 235 1146 or phone/text 0274 239 724 Olivia Fitzgerald - Phone: 021 907 289
Departs	Ray 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.

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 Difficulty	Easy	Expected Duration	3-4 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Easy	Expected Duration	3-4 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Easy	Expected Duration	3-4 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Easy
Expected Duration	3-4 hours
Leader(s)	Malcolm Allen - Phone: 021 238 8948/ 09 298 3245
Departs	8am 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 Difficulty	Easy	Expected Duration	4-5 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Easy	Expected Duration	4-5 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Easy	Expected Duration	4-5 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Easy
Expected Duration	4-5 hours
Leader(s)	Trish Grant - Phone: 0220740634 Olivia Fitzgerald - Phone: 021 907 289
Departs	9am at Ray Small carpark, Elliott Street, Papakura.
Fare	n/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 Difficulty	Advanced	Expected Duration	Multi-day
Terrain Difficulty	Advanced	Expected Duration	Multi-day
Terrain Difficulty	Advanced	Expected Duration	Multi-day
Terrain Difficulty	Advanced
Expected Duration	Multi-day
Leader(s)	Peter Rotherham - Phone: 021 165 4737 Lorraine Symes - Phone: 021 025 58400
Departs	As advised by leaders.
Fare	As 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.

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 Difficulty	Easy	Expected Duration	4-5 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Easy	Expected Duration	4-5 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Easy	Expected Duration	4-5 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Easy
Expected Duration	4-5 hours
Leader(s)	Heather_Chapman - Phone: (021)714 274
Departs	Ray 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 Difficulty	Intermediate	Expected Duration	3-4 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Intermediate	Expected Duration	3-4 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Intermediate	Expected Duration	3-4 hours
Terrain Difficulty	Intermediate
Expected Duration	3-4 hours
Leader(s)	Marlene Lynam - Phone: 027 647 8422
Departs	8.30am 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.

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.