G-O Hike: Montana Heritage Trail

Hello fellow Get‑Outsiders!

Come join us to hike the Montana Heritage Trail in Cascade Kauri Park this October!

## Overview

A challenging but beautiful Saturday hike to get outside and enjoy nature! This is 4.5 hours of walking and includes some long stretches with lots of stairs both up and down so you will need to have good fitness for this one.

## Plan

• Meet: New World New Lynn at 08.00am or on the grass area near the toilets beside the Cascade Kauri parking area (end of Falls Road) at 09.00am • Difficulty Moderate-hard - 4.5 hours of walking including multiple sections with long stretches of stairs • Duration: Around 4.5 hours walking + breaks • Route: The track starts with a short stretch along the Te Piringa walk beside the stream, before turning off to head up the Upper Kauri Track. This track climbs steadily along boardwalk for around 1.5 hours to Long Road Track. Head south east along Long Road track to link to Fenceline Track which continues to Waitakere Dam passing along the shore of the reservoir. We will stop for lunch near the end of the dam at approximately 12.30pm. After lunch we will walk back along the rest of the Fenceline Track to meet back up with the Te Piringa Track and complete the loop back to the carpark• Finish: Back at the cars by around 2:00 PM, those returning to New World can expect to be back by 3.00 PM • Parking: Plenty of parking available in the park, including overflow areas that open as needed if conditions allow (grass areas). The last stretch of Falls Road is gravel and narrow so be mindful of other vehicles • Toilets: There are public toilets at the start and end point. No toilets along the track.

## What to Bring

• Hiking shoes or boots are strongly recommended for this one, if not comfortable walking shoes with good grip will be needed • Plenty of water • Lunch and snacks - sufficient to give you the energy you need for a longer hike • Weather appropriate hiking clothing, including some warm layers • Rain jacket • Hat and sun protection. • Optional: walking poles, camera.

## Weather

We hike regardless of the weather unless conditions are unsafe (e.g., cyclones or earthquakes). I’ll check the forecast the day before and update everyone if needed.

## Safety

• This is a free, volunteer social walk • You are responsible for your own safety and wellbeing • Please stay on the track and walk within your comfort level • If you feel unwell or need to turn back, that’s always okay.

## Accessibility

• Multiple sections of many stairs • Although most of the track is boardwalks created to protect the Kauri trees there are some sections with uneven ground, roots, and a bit of mud. • Wear hiking shoes/boots or shoes with decent grip that are comfortable for up to 5 hours of walking.

## Transport

• Car pooling is encouraged - you can arrange this in the comments section, or meet at New World New Lynn to get a ride with someone.

## Questions?

Just message in the group — happy to help.

## RSVP

• RSVP to this event: Please RSVP “Yes” only if you genuinely intend to come. If your plans change, update your RSVP as soon as possible so others can join. Late cancellations (within 24 hours) or no‑shows may be recorded as such and removed from the group.

Hope to see you there! Happy times everyone! :)

## SAFETY NOTICE

Get Outside – Auckland is a group of friends running something for the community for fun. Its organizers work on a strictly voluntary basis and hold no responsibility or liability for any injury suffered during events. By RSVP’ing, you acknowledge that you have read the details thoroughly and accept that outdoor activities involve inherent risk. By RSVP’ing you also acknowledge that Get Outside – Auckland and its organizers cannot be held liable for any injury caused or suffered during participation.

***If you are uncomfortable with assuming this risk, please do not RSVP.***

Thank you for understanding. — The Get Outside – Auckland team.