RIVERHEAD FOREST LOOP 20 KM

# RIVERHEAD FOREST LOOP – MAX 15 ATTENDEES

Date: Saturday, 10 January 2026

Maximum participants: 15 (All go on waiting list; Rafick's approval required)

A RUGGED, OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH ADVENTURE

This day hike is for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge and don't mind getting their boots dirty. Riverhead is famous for its "ever-changing" landscape. Because it is a working forest, trails appear and disappear, making it a fantastic place to build your sense of direction and endurance. We’ll be navigating a mix of steep clay ridges and pine-needle-covered tracks.

EVENT SUMMARY

Meeting point: Riverhead Walkway Carpark (End of Old North Road) Kumeu.
Start time: Meet by 8:45 AM, start walking 9:00 AM sharp Route: Full loop (Clockwise or Counter-clockwise depending on track conditions) Distance: Approx. 20 km
Elevation Gain: 400m
Duration: 7 hours return (approx.), including lunch/view stops
Difficulty Level: 4 on a scale of 5
Maximum: 15 people (Rafick approves attendees to ensure a balanced group)

THE TRAIL

The Riverhead Loop is a staple of Auckland tramping. It features a variety of terrain:
The Ascent: Some "lung-buster" hills that will test your fitness. The Trig: We will stop at the high point for views across the forest canopy toward the city skyline. The Terrain: Be prepared for deep ruts, forestry debris, and the legendary Riverhead clay which can be very slippery even in summer.

WHAT TO BRING

2L water (minimum) Lunch and high-energy trail snacks Sturdy hiking boots with deep tread (Strictly required; sneakers will not provide enough grip on the clay) Rain jacket (essential regardless of forecast) Warm layers (thermal top recommended) Hat and sunscreen (the forest offers patchy shade) Hiking poles (highly recommended for the slippery descents) Charged phone with offline maps (e.g., AllTrails or Map.me) Personal First Aid kit Gaiters (optional, to keep clay out of your boots)

YOUR SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

This track is not signposted and can be confusing. We stay together as a group. All participants must ensure they are fit, prepared, and properly equipped. By attending, you accept full responsibility for your safety and participate at your own risk.

TRANSPORT & PARKING

Meeting Point: Riverhead Walkway carpark Old North Road, Kumeu 0892. Carpooling: If you need or can offer a ride, comment below your RSVP (include suburb, seats, and time leaving). Fuel contribution: $10–$15 per passenger to driver (please pay driver directly).

CONTRIBUTION

A $2 contribution is expected to help with group costs (meetup.com fees, navigation, and group safety equipment). Please make a transfer to the Wakahi.com Limited account number 02-0200-0260173-000.