G-O Hike: Mercer Bay Loop and Piha Beach

Hello fellow Get-Outsiders! Join us for a walk on the Mercer Bay Loop Track just out of Piha.

Be prepared for some stunning views, but also a few hills. Following the hike we will head down to Piha for some time at the beach/shop (depending on energy levels and time).

IMPORTANT NOTES & UPDATES:-

• Meet Up Time: 8.30am by the entrance of New World, New Lynn if you need/can offer people a ride (leaving New World at 8.40am) or 9.30am at the Mercer Bay Loop Walk carpark, end of Log Race Rd, off the road to Piha (search for Mercer Bay Loop Walk on google maps). Parking gets pretty busy on Saturdays, but there should be options on the roadside if the carpark is full when we arrive.
We will start walking at 9.45am.

• Difficulty Rating: Moderate due to some steep climbs.

• Suitability: Suitable for confident day hikers with reasonable fitness level.

• Hike Details: After brief introductions we will start the Mercer Bay Loop Walk from the left hand side of the carpark, where you will see the first views. We will then turn left to head towards the Comans track which takes us along the cliffside down towards Karekare beach (we will decide how far to follow this depending on track conditions and group preference on the day), then return up the same path.

We then join back up to the Mercer Bay Track and complete the rest of the loop including some stunning views over the coast.

Total walk time 1.5-3 hours of walking depending on how far we go down the Coman's Track. We will stop for lunch somewhere along the track.

Those who choose may then drive down to Piha for a well-earned swim/icecream stop :)

• Completion time: We will aim to finish the walk by 1pm - this is allowing for generous break times so we may be earlier depending on the group. For those who wish to stop at Piha afterwards, we will leave Piha by around 2pm.

• Footwear: Comfortable walking footwear with good grip, no jandals although you may wish to bring these for the beach stop after the walk.

• Transport/Car Pooling: If you can offer rides to people or wish to request if you can carpool with someone then you can mention this under the 'Conversation' section below on this page and contact each other from there.

• Drinking Water: Bring your own reasonable size bottle/s please. There is nowhere to refill water bottles along the route so best to bring enough for the whole day.

• Bring: Drinking water, packed lunch, footwear/clothing suitable for walking, a rain jacket, sunhat, sunscreen, togs and towel for a swim at the beach, a camera to take great photos, and your passion for the outdoors! :)

• Toilets: Public toilets at the start of the track and at Piha beach.

• RSVP to this event: Please only RSVP Yes to this event if you are genuinely intending on coming. If your circumstances change and you are unable to attend please change RSVP asap to allow other people the chance to attend. Once available spaces are full for the event there is a waiting list option you can join. If you RSVP and don't show up or contact us, it will be treated as a 'No Show'. If you NO SHOW and don't contact the Organizers you may be removed from the group.

• Cellphone Coverage: Cell phone coverage may not be available on parts of the track.

• Weather: You can check latest weather updates on www.metservice.com. If the weather looks terrible, then the event may be rescheduled to a different day.

• Hope to see you there! Happy Times everyone! :)

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SAFETY NOTICE
Get Outside- Auckland and its organizers work on a strictly voluntary basis and hold NO responsibility or liability for any injury suffered during the events organized. By RSVP'ing to the events you are acknowledging that you and anyone you are bringing are legal adults (over 18 years of age) and have read the details thoroughly and are comfortable acknowledging that being outdoors involves inherent risk. Please note that we do not allow minors to RSVP to our events. Any minors coming as companions are under the full responsibility of the adult who has RSVP'd for them. By RSVP'ing you also acknowledge that 'Get Outside- Auckland' or its event Organizers cannot be held liable for any injury caused or suffered by participation in our events. If you are uncomfortable with assuming such a risk we suggest you do not RSVP to the concerned event. Thank you for understanding. The 'Get Outside- Auckland' team.