We will start this loop trail at the Karangahake Hall, walking by the gorge to pick up the Scotsman’s Gully track and after a stream crossing reach the gravel road that we will walk along for some time as it heads toward the summit (544 metres). This ascent has little respite i.e. it is up and feels unrelenting at times! This is the case even when we leave the gravel road to take a more traditional well marked tramping track through bush & offering glimpses of the beautiful countryside and gorge we have left behind/below us.

A side track will take us to the summit after about 2 hours and we can decide on the day whether to do this or not based on the weather. From here we continue through bush and descend on the Mountain Link path to reach the junction of the Dubbo 96 & Old Country Road. At this point we will take the Old County Road to the car park. The final km or so will be on a the Old Rotokohu Road.

Boots and poles recommended especially following rain due to the steepness of the track and tree roots to negotiate at times. This has a DOC grade of Intermediate.

Please advise Mary Crawford 021 0548 324 if you intend to join the tramp or have any questions, by Thursday June 26th.

Description updated 8 June.

From Mellons Bay Reserve we will walk up through Macleans Park, along Eastern Beach towards Musick Point Esplanade Reserve. We will return via Bucklands Beach, Bucklands Beach Domain and back onto Eastern Beach. A mixture of pavement, bush and beach with good views across Hauraki Gulf.

We start by walking through lovely bushland at the bottom of the Domain grounds. Across to Newmarket Park and down to the bottom of Bassett Rd to Thomas Bloodworth Park and Ayr Reserve. We follow the foreshore around Hobson Bay and up to the Parnell Rose Gardens. From there we walk back to Britomart for the train ride home.

We will do three of the five peaks, so will incorporate some of the ‘Five Peaks Trail’ which was developed by Pukekohe Tramping Club a few years ago. A variety of pavement, bush, hills and park walking with good views from the summits.

Note: Change of meetup details above due to no trains - use Rail Bus replacement. Updated 30 June.

A nice walk, through bush beside a river, then up a hill to a lookout point. Return by the same route. A good track, no stream crossings, little mud.

The walk will encompass forestry roads, forestry tracks, and beach alongside Waikato River.

Wilson Road is an 11km road commencing off Waiwhiu Road on SH1, just north of the former Dome Valley Tearooms. The legal road is largely not council maintained, and is only used occasionally by firms servicing the telecommunications tower part way along the route. The rough 4WD road heads northwards for 11km to eventually meet Wayby Valley Road.

This tramp is not too difficult and should take around three hours. Although this is an easy walk there are some steep grunts and muddy patches in places. The walk offers panoramic views over northern Rodney here and there, and at its northern end, Wilson Road is council maintained for 3km so expect some local traffic and/or farm activities. Sturdy footwear is recommended. For those that wish to use their own transport, you will be expected to organise your own car shuffle.

From the car park at the Marina we will walk along the beach and out over the sand bar to Motukaraka/Flat Island. The island is only accessible at low tide. We will explore the island and circumnavigate it to look at the sheer limestone cliffs and shelter in the cave if necessary. Walking back will be along the beach to Sunkist Bay before a short road walk will take us back on to the walkway and to the boat yard. Boots and poles are recommended.

The Hapuakohe Range runs parallel to SH27 in the northern Waikato. Starting from the end of North Rd there is a short climb to the ridge. Then we follow the undulating ridge to a high point for lunch and return by the same track.

There are great views east over the Hauraki Plains and Firth of Thames, and west over the Waikato River and surrounding countryside.

We will continue on the Blackpool – Matiatia tramp that was shortened in March of this year. We will walk through the Te Atawhai Whenua Reserve to access Church Bay Road, passing Mudbrick Vineyard and down to Church Bay where we will pick up the coastal route around the headland, back to Matiatia.

Today we have an amazing hike consisting of the famous Mercer Bay Loop combined with the Comans and AhuAhu Tracks. This tramp should take us around 3 - 4 hours and offers incredible views of Karekare Beach to North Piha. Some steep sections here and there. Also visited is one of the oldest pa sites in the Waitakere Ranges.

Crossing the bridge, we will either climb or circumnavigate Mangere Mountain, passing by pa fortifications. The tramp with take us through some urban areas, through parks and playgrounds and alongside a river, finishing at Middlemore Hospital for the train journey home. Another of Peter’s magical mystery tours.

Walk along the northern side of North Western Highway to Bond St bridge. Go up and crossover Great North Rd and down to Grey Lynn Park. Through pathways, streets, alleyways to Cox's Reserve. Tree lined streets, Meola Rd to Seddon Fields. Catch the tram to the zoo and lunch in their cafeteria. Finally, through Western Springs and home. Easy walk, surprising number of parks, nice lunch and a ride in a tram.