Hiking Aotearoa

📌Mt Tahurangi - Camp at Crater lake (3 nights)

Thu, Sep 3 · 8:30 AM NZST

Jasmine Thai cafe, Jasmine Thai cafe, 43 Hakiaha Street, Taumarunui, Taumarunui, NZ

This trip spans three nights (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) at Mt Ruapehu. We will ascend to the summit Plateau of Mt Ruapehu, visit the crater lake, and reach the highest peak in the North Island, Mt Tahurangi (2797m). Our accommodations will include Delta Ridge Hut, along with two nights of camping near the alpine crater lake at approximately 2600m.
Priority will be given to those who will take part in the Upper Tasman climbing event at Base camp Mt Cook 2027.

Participants are required to have crampons, an ice axe, a helmet, appropriate boots, and a tent. In addition to our ascent from the crater lake to Summit Col and Mt Tahurangi, we will also focus on practicing rope skills. In early 2027, some members of Hiking Aotearoa will take part in a three-day event at the Upper Tasman Glacier, and these individuals will receive priority for this trip. Therefore, you will also need a harness, a prussik loop, and an HMS carabiner. If you lack this equipment, you can rent crampons, an ice axe, a helmet, a climbing harness, a belay device, etc., from me. If your experience in alpine environments is limited, you are still welcome to join and learn fundamental mountaineering skills during this trip.

A general level of good fitness and the correct gear are essential. Regular participants and those who have completed more than three hikes with 'Hiking Aotearoa' will be given priority for this trip. If you tend to be impatient and prefer to run ahead of the group, please refrain from RSVPing, as it is crucial to remain together.

🚩 Summary of details:
📌 Duration: Whole trip is 4 days and 3 nights
📌 Thursday : Take Gondola to Knoll ridge, then walk 15 minutes to hut
📌 Friday: From the hut climb up to the crater lake
📌 Saturday : From the camp site climb up to Tahurangi
📌 Sunday : 2.5 hour descent (about 4km)
📌 Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale, about 4.0 - 5.0 (overall)
📌 Max attendees: 10 people
📌 Map of route: https://tinyurl.com/5brn874y
📌 Map of route on Saturday: https://tinyurl.com/msmmb3ce
📌 Payment due 3rd August

📌Thursday :
After arriving at 'Top of the Bruce' car park we take the Gondola to Knoll Ridge terminal. From there, it is a 15 minute walk to NZAC Delta ridge hut. Conditions could be icy, so you may need your crampons to go the short distance.

📌Friday :
We leave Delta Ridge hut early, and climb up the Whakapapa glacier, and head towards the crater lake. Somewhere near the crater lake we will set up camp.

📌Saturday:
From our camp we will climb up to the summit Col, and Tahurangi summit, as a side trip. From crater lake up to the summit col, we will most likely use 2 x 60 metre long fixed ropes, in 2 pitches, anchored with 4-6 snow stakes. This will be the steepest section of the climb, but not extreme. Everyone will have an Ascender in their right hand, and an ice axe in the left hand. It will also likely require front pointing with crampons. This option will be the quickest, and most effective way to the Col, rather than belaying. We can use the same rope already in place to abseil down, with your belay device and prussik loop.
When at the Summit Col, we traverse across to Skyline ridge, and to the summit (2797m). Descending we return the same way, back to where our gear was left, and set up camp for the night.

📌Sunday:
We pack up and return more or less in a straight line back to Delta Ridge hut (for any gear that we may have left in storage) and then back to the Gondola. 4.0km – 2 hr 15 min.

🚩 These are the 2 important stopping points to note.:

👉 1) Jasmine Thai cafe, 43 Hakiaha Street, Taumarunui
(Where we have Thursday & Sunday lunch)
https://tinyurl.com/yyf2j37u

👉 2) Car Park, 'Top of the Bruce' Whakapapa
(Where we park our cars)
https://tinyurl.com/u5m9bxta

📌 Other information:
🚩 Metvuw rain forecast : https://goo.gl/9zpzs9

🚩Time line (Guide only)

📌Thursday :
08:30 Suggested time to leave Auckland*
12:15 Arrive at Jasmine Thai cafe in Tauramanui & have lunch
13:00 Continue on to Whakapapa
14:00 Arrive at Top of the Bruce Car park
14:30 Take Gondola to Knoll Ridge terminal
15:00 Arrive at Delta Ridge Hut
17:44 Sunset
* Drivers will need to determine what time to leave Auckland so that they arrive in Tauramanui at
12:15, by using Google maps and allowing for passenger picks ups, stops etc.

📌 Friday :
06:30 Leave Delta Ridge hut
06:37 Sunrise
09:30 Arrive at Crater lake outlet
09:45 Pitch tents and set up camp
10:30 Visit crater lake
12:30 Back at camp
13:30 Practice climbing with rope
14:00 Back at camp
17:58 Sunset

📌 Saturday:
06:37 Sunrise
08:00 Start climb up to Summit col
10:30 Approx arrive at Summit
11:00 Rope skills practice
15:00 Approx back at camp
17:57 Sunset

📌 Sunday:
06:57 Sunrise
08:30 Pack up camp site
10:45 Arrive back at Delta Ridge hut
11:10 Take Gondola back to Car park
11:30 Back at car park
12:30 Arrive at Jasmine Thai cafe in Tauramanui & have lunch
13:30 Leave back to Auckland
17:15 Arrive back in Auckland

🚩Costs:
$40 for one night at hut (NZAC members $20)
$100 if a car passenger (based on 15 cents/km)*
$49 Gondola ride
$189 Total
*Drivers please do not take more than 2 passengers, as it makes it unfair on other drivers.

🚩 Check list of items to bring: https://tinyurl.com/3eaexp5e

🚩 Climbing gear rental: https://tinyurl.com/4xn4e66k

🚩 100 Tips for Alpine camps/climbs: https://tinyurl.com/yjdh7zhj

🚩 Accommodation: https://tinyurl.com/4mcmkux

🚩 To do list summary: https://tinyurl.com/2uphh2ey

🚩 Payment: You will need make payment by 3rd August. Payment can be made into ANZ Bank Hiking Aotearoa A/C number: 06-0145-0782760-00. Please write "Tahurangi" and your reference name that is the same as your Meetup name, so I can identify you.

❌❗ A postponement will happen, if the weather is poor, high avalanche risk, or volcanic activity, and a new date will be set to 10th-13th Setember. Be prepared for a possible change of date.

🚩 RSVP questions: https://tinyurl.com/4arsjw42

📌Whenuakite coastal - (2 nights)

Fri, Nov 6 · 2:00 PM NZDT

Seabreeze Holiday Park, 1043 Tairua Whitianga Road, Whenuakite, NZ

Join us from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th November for a brilliant weekend of coastal exploration in the Whenuakite–Tairua region, based out of the Seabreeze Holiday Park in Whenuakite for two nights.

For those arriving early on Friday, we will kick things off with an optional 1.5-hour hike up Paku Hill in Tairua. We will ascend both summits—including the less-frequently visited eastern peak—navigating a mix of local roads, coastal paths, and interconnected tracks to stretch our legs and settle in.

Saturday features our flagship hike of the weekend, a stunning coastal route starting at the Cathedral Cove carpark and heading westward beneath the striking cliffs of Cooks Bluff. Composed of white ignimbrite, formed when hot, silica-rich volcanic ash fused and cooled—these bluffs have a spectacular, snow-like appearance under the bright sunshine. While this coastal section requires navigating several large boulders, getting wet is highly unlikely. We will ultimately arrive at the iconic Cathedral Cove beach for a well-deserved swim before heading uphill along the established track back to the cars.

On Sunday, we will wrap up the weekend with a coastal trek from Tairua to Sailors Grave. This section features a relatively easy traverse across gravel beaches and rocky terrain, finishing at the Sailors Grave carpark where we will have vehicles waiting for a car shuttle. Afterward, we have the option to socialise over drinks and snacks in Tairua before driving back to Auckland. Please note that while swimming to make progress is unlikely on these coastal routes, you must bring waterproof bags or a waterproof backpack to protect your gear and provide peace-of-mind buoyancy.

This trip is strictly for fit and capable hikers; if you are a slow walker, please do not RSVP. While group regulars are given priority, newcomers who are fit and experienced are highly welcome. Finally, this is a full weekend commitment. If you plan to skip Sunday’s hike, please change your RSVP to "Not Going," as leaving early disrupts our car shuttle logistics and will affect your eligibility for the "Going" list on future weekend trips.
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🚩Summary of details:
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📌Friday : Paku Hill (optional)
📌Time taken: 1.5 hours
📌Distance: 5.0km
📌Map: https://tinyurl.com/hjr44zxr
📌Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale: 2.5
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📌Saturday : Cook Bluff loop
📌Time taken: 5 hours (including breaks & swim)
📌Distance: 12km
📌Map: https://tinyurl.com/3wac9jba
📌Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale: 3.5
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📌Sunday : Sailors Grave to Tairua
📌Time taken: 2 hours (including breaks)
📌Distance: 5.4km
📌Map: https://tinyurl.com/2smhsa7v
📌Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale: 3.0
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🚩Transport: Drivers & passengers will need to coordinate pick up time and place on Friday. You can arrive anytime you want on Friday, but beware the earliest you can check in is 14:00. Please do not turn up after 20:30. Closer to the time, I will post in the comments, passenger/driver locations. Passengers to give $50 to their driver. Bring plastic bags and or change of shoes/clothes, in case you have muddy clothing/shoes otherwise you could soil someones car.

🚩These are the 6 important stopping points:

👉1) Seabreeze Holiday Park, 1043/1 Tairua-Whitianga Road, Whenuakite
(Where we stay on Friday & Saturday nights)
https://tinyurl.com/mszz27dh

👉2) 3 Hemi Place, Tairua
(Where we start and finish the Paku hill hike
https://tinyurl.com/4vv266jd

👉3) Cathedral Cove Carpark, 150 Lees Road, Hahei
(Where we start and finish Saturday's hike)
https://tinyurl.com/rwmpdnp2

👉4) 3 Hemi Place, Tairua
(Where we start the Paku to Sailors Grave hike)
https://tinyurl.com/4vv266jd

👉5) Te Karo Bay car park, Sailors Grave Road,
(Where we finish the Paku to Sailors grave hike)
https://tinyurl.com/4h67wp88

👉6) Pepe Grand Cafe, 222 Main Road North, Tairua
(Where we have optional drinks and snacks on Sunday)
https://tinyurl.com/mta6prpz

🚩Time Guideline:
📌 Friday:
14:00 Earliest for check in time at "Sea Breeze"
15:45 There is an optional hike up and around Paku Hill in Tairua. We will meet at Paku Drive/Hemi Place area. If you can not make it, then this is okay.
17:30 Finish hike
17:55 Back at Sea Breeze
20:15 Sunset
20:30 Please do not turn up after this time.

📌Saturday:
06:46 Sunrise
08:15 Leave Holiday Park
08:30 Arrive at start and have briefing
08:40 Start hike
12:35 Low tide (14th Feb)
13:45 Approx Finish hike
14:00 Return back to Sea Breeze Holiday Park
18:30 Optional group dinner at "The Family" restaurant (on site)
20:15 Sunset

📌Sunday:
06:46 Sunrise
08:30 Pack up & drive to Hemi Place, Tairua
08:50 Car shuttle drivers at Sailors grave
09:00 All at Hemi Place, Tairua
09:05 Start hike
11:30 Approx finish at Sailors grave
12:00 Have optional lunch/snacks The Pepe Grand Cafe (closes 14:00)
12:23 Low tide (15th Feb)
13:30 Approx leave Pepe Grand Cafe
15:45 Approx back in Akld

🚩Accommodation:
We stay 2 nights at Seabreeze Holiday Park, Whenuakite. Accommodation is in a lodge at the holiday park. These are spread over 5 rooms, with bunks and some single beds. There is also a kitchen cabin. All rooms & cabins have bedding and towels provided. The cost for 2 nights ranges from $82 to $100 each.
📌More details: https://seabreezeholidaypark.co.nz/
🚩Check list of Gear: https://tinyurl.com/yc7pfrty

🚩Costs:
$50 if car pool passenger (based on 10c/km)
$82 to $100 for 2 nights accommodation
$100 Total (more if buying food & drinks)

🚩 Payment: You will need make payment by 12th October. Payment can be made into ANZ Bank Hiking Aotearoa A/C number: 06-0145-0782760-00. Please write 'Whenuakite' & your reference name that is the same as your Meetup name, so I can identify you.

🍔🍗🍷 Optional group dinner at "The Family" Saturday night located at Holiday Park: https://thefamily.nz/our-menu/

🚩Please answer the 5 RSVP questions:
https://tinyurl.com/68szkecc

📌Maratoto Valley (2 nights)

Fri, Nov 20 · 4:00 PM NZDT

Dicksons Holiday Park, 115 Victoria Street, Tararu Bay, Thames, Thames, NZ

Join us from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd November for an action-packed weekend exploring the rugged history and dramatic landscapes of the Maratoto Valley. Based out of Dicksons Holiday Park just north of Thames, this expedition dives deep into a region rich with gold-mining heritage, where fascinating relics still wait to be discovered beneath the regenerating native bush.

The adventure kicks off with an optional Friday warm-up hike up Karaka Hill behind the Thames township, followed by a thrilling Saturday trekking through the McBrinn Stream mining area and tackling the steep, rewarding climb up the iconic Maratoto Rock. We wrap up the weekend on Sunday with a final hike out to the historic Volunteer Mine—the only operation in the entire valley to successfully turn a profit.

While regular participants are given priority, newcomers are absolutely welcome and encouraged to sign up. However, please note that this is a full-weekend event; only RSVP if you intend to stay and participate in the Sunday hike. To ensure fairness for the whole group and keep trip logistics smooth, those who choose to drop out early may find it challenging to secure a spot on the "Going" list for future overnight trips.
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🚩 Summary of details:
📌Duration: Whole trip is 3 days and 2 nights;
📌Friday hike : Karaka Hill 2 hrs 15 min (5.3 km) - optional hike
📌Saturday hike :
(1) McBrinn stream 3 hrs 30 min (4.5km)
(2) Maratoto Rock return 3 hrs (2.5km)
📌Sunday hike : Volunteer mine 4hrs 15 min (5.3 km)
📌Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale,
Friday: 3.0
Saturday: 3.0
Sunday: 3.0
📌Max: 22 pax
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📌Maps:
Friday:
Karaka Hill loop https://tinyurl.com/2wfcnrb9
Hike starts at 16:00 and is optional
Saturday:
(1) McBrinn stream https://tinyurl.com/mr3kr5b3
Zoomed in map of mine workings:
https://tinyurl.com/bmb9r4e2

(2) Maratoto Rock https://tinyurl.com/99sdpzdw

Sunday: Volunteer mine https://tinyurl.com/3de4srkk
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🚩Time Guideline:
📌 Friday:
13:00 Leave Auckland (Approx)
14:00 Earliest time to check into Dicksons HP
15:00 Start Karaka hill track loop**
17:30 Finish hike
20:11 Sunset
** Karaka Hill track is optional and you can arrive any time on Friday

📌Saturday:
05:56 Sunrise
08:00 Leave HP
08:40 Arrive at start
08:50 Start hike
15:50 Finish both hikes
16:30 Arrive back at HP
18:30 Optional dinner at Gastonomics restaurant
20:10 Sunset

📌Sunday:
05:56 Sunrise
0x:00 Pack up and leave HP
08:30 Arrive at start
09:10 Start - Volunteer mine hike
13:30 Finish hike
14:00 Snacks and drinks in Paeroa
15:30 Drive back to Auckland
17:15 Approx arrive back in Auckland
20:10 Sunset
20:30 Please avoid arriving after this time
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🚩 These are the 5 important stopping points to note when driving:

👉1) Dickson Holiday Park, Victoria Street, Tararu, Thames
(Where we stay on Saturday nights)
http://bit.ly/2IAl0Lj

👉 2) Karaka Track, 501 Karaka Road, Thames
(Where we start & finish the Karaka hill hike on Friday)
https://tinyurl.com/4a2nshhu

👉 3) 1037 Maratoto Road (Not road end)
(Where we start & finish both Saturdays and Sundays hikes)
https://tinyurl.com/3jxwrxay

👉 4) Gastronomics, 428-430 Pollen Street, Thames
(Where we have optional dinner on Saturday night)
http://bitly.ws/Ig93

👉 5) One3One Cafe & Bar, 131 Normanby Road, Paeroa
(Where we have optional drinks and snacks on Sunday)
https://tinyurl.com/3up9fj6e
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🚩Accommodation:
We will stay Saturday night at "Dicksons holiday Park" just north of Thames, at Tararu. They have have a mixture of dorms, cabins, caravan and a 'flat'. The cost per person varies depending which option you have. Please read the RSVP questions for details regarding the rooms/cabins that have been booked.
If you plan on staying elsewhere then please do not RSVP.
Prices vary for the various beds.
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🚩 Payment: Make payment of between $80 to $147. Please refer to future comments for bed allocation and costs. Payment can be made into ANZ Bank Hiking Aotearoa A/C number: 06-0145-0782760-00. Write "Maratoto" and your reference name that is the same as your Meetup name. Please make payment by the by 27th October.
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🚩Check list of Gear: https://tinyurl.com/2eh2ajey
🚩 Metvuw rain forecast : https://goo.gl/9zpzs9
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🚩Costs:
Passengers need to give to their driver:
$40 - if one passenger (based on 10c/km)
$25 each if 2 passengers (based on 10c/km)
$80 to $147 - 2 nights accommodation
$145 to $227 Approx Total

🥂🍔🍗 We have an optional dinner on Saturday night at "Gastronomics" in Thames. Menu: https://gastronomics.co.nz/menus#dinner

🚩Please answer the RSVP questions:
https://tinyurl.com/ymmpcnc6