Name: Hunua ranges, Ernies track
Start: 2025-11-30T09:15:00+13:00
End: 2025-11-30T15:30:00+13:00
Location: Upper Mangatawhiri Campsite

Let's head out to the Hunua Ranges and hike a long loop including Ernie's track.

Slightly harder level of difficulty than standard hikes but it won't bother regular hikers. Good level of fitness required. There are a couple of stream crossings including a river to cross, so you will get wet feet. On our 1 - 5 difficulty rating this is a 3.5 due to distance and steep hills. Please make sure you are ok to hike at a moderate pace including up hills before RSVPing.

Walking Time just over 6 hours including breaks. This will test your fitness!

The start and end of the hike are on gravel roads. Some steep uphill parts in Ernies Track.

Distance: approx. 15km

Led by Helen KF. (mob 021 0282 3600) and Mike F. (mob 027 431 9054)

If this is your first hike with Auckland Outdoors please bring a gold coin donation ($1 or $2) to help cover website costs for running the group.

A great hike in the Hunuas 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…here’s the plan…

Arrive 9.15am at Upper Mangatawhiri Dam carpark, Waterline Rd (carpark is next to the campsite & toilets)

9.30am – start hiking up Waterline Rd

Continue hiking via Ernies track and return via Lilburne Rd

3.30pm – 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 $20 cash for your drivers if carpooling.

**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.

We look forward to sharing this walk with you all!
Helen & Mike

Helen Kerslake-Forbes

Mike Forbes

Auckland Outdoors

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Hunua ranges, Ernies track

Upper Mangatawhiri Campsite

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Hunua ranges, Ernies track

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