We will be walking around and up Karangahake Mountain with amazing views over the Waikato and towards Coromandel / Bay of Plenty. Returning via a track next to a stream, which involves a couple of crossings so you will get wet feet.
Walking distance: Approx 18km
Estimated time: Depends on the group and fitness levels, but expect it to take approx. 6hrs (depends on the group) including stops
Important things for this trip:
- No jeans - if you turn up wearing jeans you won't be allowed to join the group
- Please make sure all your clothes and gear are clean. We will use the spray stations before and after entering the tracks
Medium-hard level of difficulty, won’t bother regular hikers. A few stream crossings and the first part of the day will be a long steady climb uphill to the summit to 544m above sea level. The tracks are well maintained though and the remainder of the day is fairly flat or downhill.
On our scale of 1 – 5, this hike is a 3.5. Please make sure you are ok to hike for up to 6hrs at a moderate pace before rsvping. If you are uncertain about this please private message me for a short chat to check whether this hike is for you. If anyone is too slow within the first hour you will be asked to return to the carpark and wait for us. This is to be fair to the rest of the group - it's no fun having to wait half an hour for one or two slow walkers. We don't race from point a to point b however we do walk faster than some groups with less stops so if you haven't been out with this group yet please keep that in mind when deciding whether or not to join.
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 your situation changes and you can no longer attend please update your RSVP immediately. This is to allow other members to join as the group will be restricted to 40 members. If you drop out within 24hrs of the event or don't turn up this will be treated as a 'no show'. 3 'no shows' will mean that you cannot join an event for 6 months. This rule is in place to be fair to others in the group.
Led by Mike F
9:15am - Meet at the main carpark for Karangahake Gorge just off SH 2. We will start hiking shortly after meeting so please don't be late. If the carpark is full there is another carpark back down the road. Use the bridge to cross the river and park there then take the short track back to the main carpark. Suggest making you sure arrive before 9:15am in case you need to park down the road and walk.
9:30am sharp - we will start the hike
Approx 3:30pm finish time (depends on fitness levels in the group, as mentioned above if anyone is too slow going to the summit we will be asking you to turn back to allow the group to finish on time)
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 give your driver $30 for petrol money.
• What to 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, hat, sunscreen, strong footwear with great grip. A hiking pole is also useful for some of the steeper sections. NO JEANS. If you turn up wearing jeans to the hike you won't be able to join the group. A head torch is useful for the short tunnel walk at the end although you can also just use your phone's light function.
Food - Bring your own lunch, snacks, fruit and enough water (min 2l) etc
Driving - allow 1.5hrs driving time from central Auckland and at least 2hrs if coming from the Shore. Also please bring a change of clothes and footwear particularly if carpooling.
Optional - stop for early dinner at the Waikino Hotel before driving back to Auckland. Located at 8541 State Highway 2 (4mins drive from where we finish the hike)
Be sure to read all the details before you RSVP.
I look forward to seeing you.
Mike
