Crosbies Hut overnight hut stay, Coromandel Forest Park

Due to hut availability we are staying on a Thursday night so you will need to take 1 day holiday. Friday 20th June is Matariki and a public holiday.

Day 1 - Waiomu Track (approx 11km, 5hrs)
Day 2 - Te Puru Track (approx 9km, 4.5hrs)
Difficulty rating - 3.5 on our 1-5 scale
*Please note, timings are approximate and depend on the fitness level of the group. Be prepared for each day to take a bit less or more time.

Both days consist of steep, tramping grade tracks and you need to have a decent level of fitness and technical ability to navigate them carrying an overnight pack. Not suitable for beginners.

Important: this hike is only open to fit active hikers who have been out on a level 3 or above hike with Auckland Outdoors before. DOC describe these tracks as Advanced. No beginners. Please be realistic about your fitness level. This trip will be limited to 10 people or fewer if the hut books up prior to Auckland Outdoors members making their booking.

**This hike is an overnight trip and there is not an option to just attend 1 day out of 2. For those that work Thursdays you will need to take 1 day holiday from work to join as we start early Thursday morning.

**Please note, everyone will be put on to the waitlist when you RSVP. Make sure that you answer the 2 RSVP questions. Once I have checked you are suitable for this trip you will be moved across to the 'Going' list. Please do NOT book your accommodation until I have confirmed your attendance. For the group's enjoyment and safety I want us to hike together.

Once I have moved you across to the 'Going' list please book your hut space immediately using this link New Zealand - DOC Booking Service. Cost for 1 night is $25 per person. The hut only sleeps 10. Once your hut space is booked please confirm using the comments section below.

Day 1, Thursday 19th June (Waiomu Valley Track)

9:15am - Arrive 60 Waiomu Valley Road where there is a small carpark at the start of the track. Depending on how many people join this trip and how many cars/drivers we have we might be able to do a quick car shuttle to leave 1 car at the end and save some road walking at the end.

9:30am - Start walking Waiomu Valley Track

Along the way - a few snack stops and lunch break

2:30pm - Approx arrival time at hut*please note, I am factoring in extra buffer time in case of delays due to short winter daylight hours

Day 2, Friday 20th June (Te Puru Track)

8am - Aim to have hut tidy, everyone packed and ready to start hiking

Along the way - a few snack stops and lunch break

12.30pm - Approx finish time. Car shuttle or drivers do short 20min road walk back to cars

Bring: Hat, sunscreen, rain jacket, hiking boots with good grip, 1 hiking pole is useful for the steep sections. Suggest not bringing 2 hiking poles as that can make it difficult climbing up some of the steep sections. You need hands free. Also sleeping gear, toiletries etc. It can get cold at the top so please come prepared.

Food: Bring lunch, snacks and enough water for 2 days (or ability to boil/sterilise water at the hut) plus 1 dinner and 1 breakfast. You will need to bring your own portable equipment to cook food as the hut doesn't have cooking or gas facilities.

Suggest carpooling. Please comment when you rsvp whether you need a lift / can offer lifts, which part of Auckland and your mobile number. It’s up to you to arrange carpooling among yourselves. Please give your driver $30 towards petrol money (either cash on the day or make arrangements to pay them direct via bank transfer).

Donation - Due to increased Meetup subscription costs we ask all members to contribute $2 for this hike. You can either bring a gold coin on the day or make the donation direct to our dedicated bank account:
Helen Kerslake-Forbes 06-0998-0909890-03

Any donation money remaining after our 6 monthly subscription is paid will go towards safety gear for the group.

Be sure to read all the details before you RSVP. If you can no longer attend please update your RSVP immediately to allow others to join. If you cancel within 48 hours of the trip or don't show this will be counted as a 'no show'. 3 no shows will affect your attendance at future events.

As the hut booking is non-refundable this trip will go ahead even if rain is forecast. The only reason I will cancel the trip is if the group's safety would potentially be compromised e.g. heavy thunderstorms, risk of flash flooding.

I look forward to sharing this adventure with you all!
Helen 021 0282 3600