Pouto lighthouse exploring + shared dinner on the boat (B.Y.O)

Please READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION CAREFULLY before you RSVP❗ ❗

On 8th February (Saturday), we are going to visit Pouto beach and the lighthouse.
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The history background🕯️:
Pouto Lighthouse, located at the entrance to Kaipara Harbor on New Zealand's west coast, was vital for maritime safety in the late 19th century. Kaipara harbor, was the key to the kauri timber trade, and the shifting sands of the Kaipara Bar caused many shipwrecks until the Pouto Lighthouse was built in 1884. Designed by John Blackett Pouto lighthouse is made from local kauri, it stood 13.4 meters tall and featured an iron spiral staircase and a lantern from Edinburgh.

The lighthouse was manned until 1947 when an automated gas light was installed. The lighthouse closed in 1955 because the railroad was connected to Dargaville, which replaced the need to ship the kauri from Kaipara Harbor.

Today, many engineers are concerned that erosion, caused by increased rainfall due to climate change, will eventually lead to the destruction of the lighthouse.

It takes 5 hours each way by road, and there are no regular ferries available from Auckland. Therefore, this is a great opportunity for our Auckland residents to visit before it’s gone forever. We may also see seals and the remains of shipwrecks, IF WE ARE LUCKY.
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🕒 Duration: 4-5 hours hike including stops.
📏 Estimated distance: 14-16 km.
🌊Low tide: 1.1m (14:00)
🚶 SPEED: Medium.
💪 DIFFICULTY: 2.5 on our 1-5 scale.
🎥 Preview Video:Pouto Lighthouse Video
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🥾 HIKE DETAILS:
Departing from Shelly Beach Wharf, we board the boat and travel for two hours to cross Kaipara Harbor to Pouto Wharf. We will then walk for approximately two hours (8 km) on the sandy beach, climb the sand dune to reach the lighthouse, enjoy the stunning view under the lighthouse before returning via the same route.
Afterward, we can visit a small local ice cream shop (optional) or enjoy the beach until 5:30 p.m. On the way back to Shelly Beach Wharf, we will have a shared dinner on the boat. We will be able to enjoy the stunning view of Kaipara Harbor if the weather is good.

⚠️ The lighthouse is outside viewing only, entry is not permitted (category 2 historic place under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga classification).
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📌🚗☎️🅿️Meeting place options:

1. New World (Victoria Park)
   ⚠️Carpooling will be arranged for everyone meeting at new world for this particular hike(Please answer the RSVP questions). $15/person recommended to pay for the driver.
2. Shelly Beach Wharf (Direct drivers only).

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🅿️@ Shelly Beach Wharf:
⚠️Free 24/7
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🛠️ Payment instructions:
1️⃣ Read the entire description carefully before you RSVP.
2️⃣ After RSVP, deposit $60 into our bank account (12-3034-0594293-000), FIRST TO PAY, FIRST SERVED.
⚠️Please use 'POUTO' and your Meetup name as the reference (e.g., 'Pouto, Ann M Smith').
3️⃣ After depositing $60 please text me at 022.001.7621 with "PAID" and "your meetup name".
4️⃣ Once the payment is confirmed, your RSVP will be marked as "Paid" and confirmed as "Going" and I will send you a confirmation text.

⚠️ RSVP will NOT be guaranteed unless your RSVP is marked "Paid".
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🚫Refunding policies:
⚠️Refunds will only be issued if:
1️⃣ Extreme weather (E.g. Cyclone Gabrielle).
2️⃣ Ferry mechanical failure.

❌Rainy weather, illness, or other personal reasons will NOT be eligible for exemptions.
⚠️ If you change your mind, feel free to use the "Comments" section to sell your ticket to another member.
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🚾TOILETS:
On the boat and the Pouto wharf car park.
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🚩 REQUIREMENTS TO ATTEND:
-- Be a member of Auckland Hiking Group.
-- Follow our instructions based on safety concern and team management procedures.
-- Be signed up on Going list and to make the payment before event starts.
-- Be able to walk back to the carpark with the group.
-- NO JEANS, CHILDREN, ANIMALS OR SMOKERS.
-- Agreed with the RSVP questions.
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👜Bring list :
✔️At least 2L drinking water.

✔️Lunch or snack food.

✔️Footwear suitable for sandy & rocky surface.

✔️Sun & rain protection.

✔️First-aid items (at least for cuts and scratches).
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🔔 TIME GUIDELINE:
08:15 - Good time to arrive at New World.
08:25 - Latest time to arrive at New World.
08:30 - Carpooling and leave.
09:40 - All arrive at Shelly Beach wharf.
10:00 - Boat leaves for Pouto wharf.
11:30-12:00 Lunch time.
⚠️Please bring your own lunch (recommend something easy and quick).
12:00 - Boat arrives, introductions and start walking.
14:00 - 14:30 - Arrive at the lighthouse
⚠️**(OUTSIDE VIEWING ONLY), and exploring around the lighthouse.**
14:30 - Leave for walk back to Pouto point wharf.
16:30 - Ice cream&coffee refreshment at the local shop (optional).
17:30 - Boat leaves for shelly beach wharf .
18:00-19:00 - Having shared dinner on the boat, and to enjoy the Kaipara Harbor view.
20:00 - Boat arrives Shelly Beach.
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🦺HEALTH & SAFETY:
Our hiking activities come with some hazard & risks; our organizers are volunteers. By RSVP’ing you accept full responsibilities for your own safety.
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🍕🍔🍰🍟🍻After hike socializing:
After the hike, we will have a shared dinner on the boat. Please bring your own food and drinks to share with everybody(including chilly bin, alcohol, kitchen utensils and rubbish bags).
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📝 ADDITIONAL NOTES:
⚠️Safety first.
⚠️Be on time.
⚠️Keen to communicate with other hikers and being a part of the group.
⚠️Swimming is NOT recommended due to swift currents.
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💰Koha: A small gold coin gift of contribution ($2 - $5) will be greatly appreciated to buy safety gear. Otherwise, you could donate to our bank account: 12-3034-0594293-000 - Thank you.
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📸 Instagram photos:
We will select 5 the most iconic photos and upload on our Instagram account, please follow us @ our Instagram Account.

Looking forward to seeing you all 😊.

David, Vanessa and Daryl