Overnight camping at Pararaha Valley (Mercer Bay & Mt Zion tracks)
Details
Join me for this overnight trip camping at Pararaha Valley over Easter.
Day 1 (Saturday 4th April) - We will start at the top of the Mercer Bay loop track and take the cliff-top track down to Karekare Beach. We will then walk the newly opened Mt Zion track over to Pararaha Valley campsite where we will set up our tents.
Approx 4hrs + breaks, 11km
Day 2 (Sunday 5th April) - After having breakfast and packing up tents, we will continue walking the remainder of the Mt Zion Loop track through sand dunes and along the beach back to Karekare before walking back to our cars via the Ahu Ahu track.
Approx 3hrs + breaks, 8km
Walking Time: Total 7hrs + breaks
Distance: 19km
Graded 3 on 1-5 group difficulty rating* while the tracks and distance are relatively easy for regular hikers, you will be carrying a heavier pack than on day walks.
Led by Mike F. (mob 027 431 9054)
Part of the Hillary trail, this is a great hike with a mix of bush walking and coastal views. As some parts of the track are exposed to the elements make sure you bring suitable clothing such as decent sun protection (hat, light-weight long-sleeved t-shirt etc). Also come prepared with something warm and a rain jacket as this is Auckland and the weather can change quickly.
Here’s the plan:
Day 1
9.45am – Meet end of Log Race Road. There are toilets here for us to use.
10:00am – Start hiking
12:00pm - Lunch break at Karekare, optional side trip to Karekare Falls
12.30pm - Continue hike to Pararaha Valley campsite
2.30pm – Approx finishing time / arrive at campsite and set-up tents
3pm - Free time to explore, relax etc
Day 2
8am - Breakfast and pack-up tents
9am - Start hiking remainder of Mt Zion loop track back to Karekare
10.30am - Morning tea break at Karekare beach (optional side trip to waterfalls for a swim)
11.00am - Continue hike up Ahu Ahu track back to cars
12.30pm - 1.00pm - Approx finish 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. No JEANS! Togs & towel if you want to swim at Karekare Falls.
Overnight gear - Sleeping bag, tent (you could share with someone you know and take turns to carry it), toiletries, torch, slip-on shoes for campsite, warm layers as it could get cold at night, quiet entertainment in the form of a book, cards etc.
Food - Bring 2 x lunches, dinner, breakfast and snacks plus plenty of water for yourself (min 3l). There is some water available at the campsite however you will need to either boil it or use sterilising tablets.
Accommodation - We will stay for 1 night at Pararaha Valley Campsite which is $10. Bookings are required. Click here to book your campsite. Pararaha Valley campground
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 driver if getting a lift or make arrangements to send them a direct 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.
No guests. If you have friends or family who want to join get them to sign-up to Meetup and RSVP.
Also please bring a change of clothes and footwear. You are likely to get sandy.
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 pull out at the last minute or don't show up this will be counted as a 'no show'. 3 no shows will trigger a 6 month ban from the group.
I look forward to sharing this overnight trip with you all!
Mike