Hunua Ranges: Upper Mangatawhiri Circuit

We are going to Upper Managatawhiri Dam in the Hunua Ranges, southeast of Auckland, to hike around Upper Mangatawhiri Reservoir. Features of this hike include the dam, reservoir, views from high points on Ernies Track, a disused mine, and native forest.

Duration: 5-6 hours, including stops.
Distance: About 15km.
Difficulty: Probably more difficult than average (4 on 1-5 scale of difficulty for day hikes we do, perhaps on easier side of 4). About 60% of the loop is on gravel/dirt forest roads which are relatively easy. Main difficulty is Ernies Track, a rough up and down tramping track that will probably be muddy and steep in places. It includes a 1.5km downhill section where elevation drops more than 300m, and may include some stream crossings. Also the whole hike is longer than average.

Weather Update (Fri 3pm): Metservice forecast (http://www.metservice.com/towns-cities/auckland) for Sunday is, "Long fine spells, few morning showers. Westerly easing. (sun+cloud+shower symbol)". This hike will go ahead rain or shine.

Important Notes:
(1) Although the route is a simple loop, it is possible to become seriously lost in the Hunua Ranges if a wrong turn is taken. So there is more emphasis on hiking as a group and waiting at track junctions. This is safer and generally more fun too :-)
(2) This hike is mainly for experienced hikers who are comfortable hiking up and down rough and muddy tramping tracks at a moderate pace the whole way.

Meeting Places:

• Initially we'll Meet at Victoria Park New World (https://www.meetup.com/auckland-hiking/pages/Meeting_at_Victoria_Park_New_World), and arrange carpooling from there.
• Then we'll drive to Upper Mangatawhiri Dam carpark at the end of Moumoukai Road.
• Google map directions to start of Moumoukai Road (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?saddr=Scotland+St&daddr=-36.85368,174.7574+to:-37.0961999,175.0920962+to:Moumoukai+Rd&hl=en&ll=-36.981712,174.942169&spn=0.516701,0.85144&sll=-37.113378,175.122585&sspn=0.032238,0.053215&geocode=FVK8zf0dAnxqCg%3BFVCozf0dGJZqCimBX2UY7EcNbTHQpuAGYe8AEw%3BFfn0yf0dgLFvCilXB6yrRa9ybTGQHZEGYe8AEw%3BFQifyf0dGv1vCg&vpsrc=6&mra=dme&mrsp=3&sz=14&via=1,2&t=h&z=10). From there, continue about 6km on winding gravel road to Upper Mangatawhiri Dam carpark (avoid left turn to Wairoa Reservoir).
• Best if most people meet at New World first. If this too far out of your way (if driving from south or east Auckland), then okay to drive straight to Mangatawhiri - just let us know.

Carpooling:

• Carpooling will be arranged for everyone meeting at New World when we get there.
• If you want a ride or can offer a ride from another part of Auckland, you can mention this in your RSVP comment or post a comment below, then e-mail each other to arrange your own carpooling.
• Carpool passengers from New World are expected to give $10 to driver.

Time Guideline:

• 09:15 - Good time to arrive at New World, meet and greet.
• 09:30 - All at New World by now, arrange carpooling.
• 09:35 - Leave New World by now.
• 10:15 - Arrive at Upper Mangatawhiri if driving straight there.
• 10:30 - All at Upper Mangatawhiri, introductions
• 10:45 - Start hike.
• 16:45 - Approx finish hike.
• 18:00 - Approx return to Auckland.

Maps:

• NZ Topo Map of hike area (http://www.nztopomaps.com/-37.072847,175.168161,14,Map,100)
• Auckland Council Hunua-Mangatawhiri map (http://www.arc.govt.nz/albany/fms/main/Documents/Parks/Park%20Maps/Hunua-%20Mangatawhiri%20Map.pdf) (PDF)
• Auckland Council Hunua map (http://www.arc.govt.nz/albany/fms/main/Documents/Parks/Park%20Maps/Hunua%20Map.pdf) (PDF)
• Satellite map of Upper Mangatawhiri Reservoir (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?saddr=Scotland+St&daddr=-36.85368,174.7574+to:-37.0961999,175.0920962+to:Moumoukai+Rd&hl=en&ll=-37.077778,175.157003&spn=0.032253,0.053215&sll=-37.113378,175.122585&sspn=0.032238,0.053215&geocode=FVK8zf0dAnxqCg%3BFVCozf0dGJZqCimBX2UY7EcNbTHQpuAGYe8AEw%3BFfn0yf0dgLFvCilXB6yrRa9ybTGQHZEGYe8AEw%3BFQifyf0dGv1vCg&vpsrc=6&mra=dme&mrsp=3&sz=14&via=1,2&t=h&z=14)

Route Description:

• Starting from the carpark, walk up to the top of the dam and turn right onto Lilburn Road. From there, the route is a simple anticlockwise loop, turning left all the way back to the dam via Ernies Track and Waterline Road.
• Lilburne Road ascends gradually for 4.5km to Piggots campground, past Pukapuka, Goss, and Rata Ridge tracks on right along the way.
• Ernies Track continues on from Lilburne Road, uphill and undulating past Upper Mangatawhiri Track on right to highest point (497m) then steeply downhill to northern end of reservoir, then undulating to Waterline Road.
• Waterline Road is relatively flat following west back of reservoir back to dam.

Bring:

• lunch and drink
• clothing suitable for spring
• footwear suitable for rough tramping tracks
• sun and rain protection
• first aid items
• money ($10 if carpool passenger)

More Information:

• Auckland Council website on Hunua Ranges (http://www.arc.govt.nz/parks/our-parks/parks-in-the-region/hunua-ranges/)

Notes:
(1) 9:30am is the latest time to arrive at New World and 10:30am is the latest time to arrive at Upper Mangatawhiri if driving straight there. We'll aim to leave New World and start hike exactly on time. Arriving early is good :-)
(2) While we encourage hiking as a group and waiting at track junctions, there's no guarantee everyone will do this so prepare for this hike as best you can (study route maps and description, etc).
(3) We'll walk at a moderate pace with stops at places of interest along the way.
(4) This will be the first time we go to Upper Mangatawhiri.
(5) We'll aim to return to Auckland by 6pm at latest, with plenty of time to see rugby world cup semi final.

RSVP:

• If you are interested to attend, it is best RSVP online soon, even if you are uncertain, so you don't miss out on any update e-mails.
• There are some RSVP questions about certainty of attending, transport, meeting places, and safety. Answering these will help with planning. Thanks :-)
• See our RSVP Guide (https://www.meetup.com/auckland-hiking/pages/RSVP_Guide) for more details.

See you there :-)