A beautiful coastal walk near Piha. The first part is downhill from the car park through native New Zealand forest. Returning to the Te Ahua carpark via the beach and the coastal path. The return path offers beautiful views of the coastal scenery. The tramp follows the Comans and Ahu Ahu tracks. Approximately 8 kms.

This peaceful scenic path winds alongside Waikopua and Turanga Creeks offering expansive views across Hauraki Gulf. The Ayrlies Wetlands offers a chance to see a diverse range of native and visiting wildlife on the extensive lake.

Option 1: Tramp with leader Robyn Hunter. Approximately 8kms. Leaving from Friends Building at 9.00am. The morning’s walk will involve some walking around the Gardens periphery joining onto the Totara Park tracks and roads. Returning to Friends Building by midday. Bush walking, steps, hills and park road walking involved. Just enough to work up a bit of an appetite for our BYO lunch.

Option 2: Walk with leader Monika Mazur. Approximately 3-4kms. Leaving from Friends Building at 10.00am. The morning’s walk will involve some gentle walking around the Gardens. Returning to Friends Building before midday. Path walking only. If any hirers of scooters wish to join, please contact leader so we can arrange to meet you at reception.

Option 3: Social gathering & BYO lunch, coordinator Judy Alderdice. Meet at Friends Building from 11.30am. BYO lunch (and a BYO mug). MTC will provide tea, coffee and biscuits. Mix and mingle with present and past members. Finish at 2.00pm.

We will follow the trail from Domain Rd up and around the maunga, taking in panoramic views as we go. We will then head down past the shorebird sanctuary to Ambury Regional Park. We will travel through the park and back to Mangere Bridge Village. Those who haven’t done so can check out the Onehunga-Mangere pedestrian and cycling bridge. The tramp will finish back at the Domain Rd carpark.

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.

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.