AW walks - Mt Mckerrow mosey

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Mt Mckerrow is a AW classic providing a challenging half day walk through beautiful natural bush. Beech forest dominates much of the Rimutaka Forest Park, joined by podocarps at lower altitudes. These forests support hundreds of indigenous plant species and provide habitat for a range of invertebrates, freshwater fish, reptiles and birds including reintroduced brown kiwi.

This walk will be suitable only for moderately fit walkers as we will be pushing the pace and the track has difficult muddy sections with many tree roots and a climb to approx. 670m above sea level

What we're doing
We will start at the Catchpool car park before following the 5 Mile Loop to the clay ridge track which takes us through a forest of hard beech and regenerating and old podocarps such as Rimu. The Clay Ridge Track takes us to the summit of Mt McKerrow. Although the actual summit is obscured by trees during the trek we gain beautiful panoramic views towards Wellington, the Hutt valley and Wainuiomata. The McKerrow Track takes us down to the Orongorongo River before following the Orongorongo Track back to the car park.

Difficulty: 7/10 = Challenging

A challenging half day walk with good pace, steep/exposed sections. A very good level of fitness required.

Time: 4.5 - 6 hours including breaks and lunch, we will spend longer if the weather permits.

What To Bring: Everyone must bring sturdy, suitable footwear such as hiking boots. Sandals and such are not appropriate. A wind and waterproof jacket and layers of clothing which you can peel off as you get hot and put on again as you cool. Lunch and high energy snacks and drinking water. Remember that the weather in the hills can quickly change so the spare clothing and wet weather gear (regardless of forecast) are essential.

How to get there:

There is no public transport to this event. If you need a ride or can offer transport to others please post on the comments below.

From Wellington:

1. Take SH2 to Petone. Follow signs leading to Wainuiomata Hill Road and Wainuiomata.

2. Proceed along Wainuiomata Rd/ Main Rd until you reach the Coast Road.

3. Take the Coast Road south for 12km.

4. Turn left into the Rimutaka Forest Park entrance at the Catchpool Stream.

5. Start of walk is at the road end, where there is ample car parking.

Please note - there is generally no cell phone coverage at the car park.

DISCLAIMER
Whilst every possible assistance will be offered, Adventure Wellington Trust, the Trustees, Event Organisers/hosts and members cannot be held responsible for any accident, injuries or losses sustained leading up to, during, or after an event.

NO SHOW POLICY
If you no show or cancel after 7pm the night before this event you will have a 'no show' recorded against your name. No shows can lead to you having to leave the group. Please read our Group Rules here http://www.adventurewellington.co.nz/pages/No_Show_Link_for_Members/

REMOTE LOCATION
This event is out of town. It's your own responsibility to sort out transportation. If you need a lift you can post a comment below this event page to see if other attendees have free spots in their car. If you can offer lifts please also post a comment.