Whatipu loop - Gibbons & Muir tracks to Pararaha Valley

I’ve added everyone from the waitlist to going so you can start organising your carpool. RSVPS are now closed.

Amazing views over the Manukau Harbour. We will be walking the Gibbons and Muir tracks which have been upgraded to dry-foot status (aka gravel), part of the Hillary Trail. Don't think this means an easy walk in the park ;) as the first 1hr of this walk involves a lot of stairs and requires a good level of fitness. We will also make a side trip to the Whatipu Caves. If anyone is too slow going up the first hill you will be asked to return to the carpark and wait for us.

Distance: Approx 17km
Time: Approx 5-5.5 hrs including stops for photography and lunch

Difficulty: 3 out of 5
**As indicated above, the first 1hr of this walk is all uphill and requires a decent level of fitness. If you are unsure whether you are up to this hike please private message me before signing up. While we will walk as a group and wait for people, if you are too slow that affects everyone's enjoyment so please keep this in mind.

Led by Mike F. (027 431 9054)

Meeting point will be the Whatipu carpark.

Please arrive before 9am so we are ready to start hiking soon at 9am. There are toilets at our starting point.
Set your GPS for Whatipu Lodge and once there keep on the main road straight ahead, don't turn off for the lodge. The carpark is only 2mins further.

Please note, last 15mins of the drive is on gravel road.

No guests, if you have friends who would like to join please get them to join Auckland Outdoors and RSVP.

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.

If you can no longer attend the hike please make sure you update your RSVP immediately so others can have the chance to join. If you decline after 5pm the night before or don't turn up this will be treated as a 'no show'. 3 no shows will mean you will be removed from the group for 6 months.

Limited to 40 people.

Bring - A hat, sunscreen and rain coat are useful as this is Auckland and the weather can change fast. NO JEANS.

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

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 driver if you are getting a lift or make arrangements to pay them via direct transfer.

I look forward to seeing you.

Mike