Whatipu: Omanawanui track to Donald McLean (return), Waitakeres

Let's head out to Whatipu and hike the Omanawanui and Puriri Ridge tracks.

Moderate level of difficulty but it won't bother regular hikers. Good level of fitness required. No river crossings but lots of steps! On our 1 - 5 difficulty rating this is a 3 due to the amount of steps and a couple of very steep hills. Please make sure you are ok to hike at a moderate pace including up hills before RSVPing.

Walking Time - 5 - 5.5hrs including breaks for morning tea and lunch. Finish time depends on the fitness of the group.

Three important things for this trip:

1. No jeans - if you turn up wearing jeans you won't be allowed to join the group
2. Please make sure all your clothes and gear are clean. We will use the spray stations before and after entering the tracks to help prevent Kauri Dieback

Distance: approx. 14km

Led by Helen KF (021 0282 3600)

Donation - Due to increased Meetup subscription costs we ask all members to contribute $1 or$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

A great hike in the Waitakeres with views over Whatipu beach and Manukau Heads.

Arrive 8.45am at Whatipu carpark, just past Whatipu Lodge. There are toilets at our starting point.

9.00am – start hiking Omanawanui track, Puriri Ridge track to Donald McLean summit

11.30am - Have lunch at the lookout

12.00pm - Return to Whatipu carpark by the same tracks, option to also walk the Signal House lookout track (20mins return)

2.30pm – approx. finishing time

Bring - Normal hiking gear and have warm base layers like merino or thermal clothes on or in your pack in case of bad weather, a raincoat, strong footwear with great grip. A hiking pole is also useful for some of the steeper sections.

Food - Bring your own lunch, snacks, fruit and enough water (min 2l)

Also please bring a change of clothes and footwear particularly if carpooling.

No guests. If you have friends who want to come get them to join Auckland Outdoors. If you can no longer attend please update your RSVP immediately to allow others to join. If you cancel within 24hrs or don't show up this will be counted as a No Show. 3 No Shows will mean you cannot join another event for 6 months.

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 this among yourselves. Please bring $15 cash for your drivers if carpooling or make arrangements to send them the money via direct bank transfer.

**Please note, the last 15mins drive is on gravel road. Allow plenty of time if you aren't familiar with driving on gravel.

Be sure to read all the details before you RSVP.

I look forward to sharing this walk with you all!
Helen