Tanekaha "Grand Loop" – Brynderwyn Hills. Join Waitlist for Approval
Details
This is a premier technical training session designed for experienced hikers looking for "interesting and hard" terrain. We will explore the full Tanekaha complex, combining steep ridge climbs, ancient forests, and rugged stream-side paths to prepare for the Round the Mountain event and the 2027 Quadrilogy.
### Sunday 15 February 2026
- 08:00 AM – Leave Auckland CBD (Allow 1 hr 45 mins due to detour).
- 09:45 AM – Arrive at King Road Carpark, Mangawhai.
- 10:00 AM – Start walking.
- Plan A: The Grand Loop (6 hrs)
- Up: Tanekaha Falls Track -> Puriri Track (divert to 1,000-year-old trees) -> Kauri Dam.
- Ridge: Steep climb to Langsview Track (Te Araroa).
- Trig: West to Brynderwyn Trig (297m) for lunch and 360° views.
- Down: Technical ridge descent via Tanekaha Forest Track.
- Finisher: Botanical Track loop back to the carpark.
- Plan B: The "Safe & Dry" Alternative (4-5 hrs)
- Used if the stream is flooded or Falls track is too risky.
- Ascent and descent via the Forest and Botanical tracks (high ground).
- 04:00 PM – Return to car and drive back to Auckland.
### Route Map & Decision Point
The group will meet at the King Road Carpark.
- The Point of No Return: After the swing bridge (10 mins in), we will assess the stream. If the water is high or rocks are too slick, we immediately pivot to Plan B (Forest Track) to avoid the 8+ stream crossings.
### Getting There
From Auckland, follow SH1 north to Kaiwaka. Turn right onto Mangawhai Road, then follow Cove Road to the King Road turn-off. The trailhead is at the end of King Road (300 King Road).
### Condition Note
This is "old-school" tramping on a rugged, technical track. Expect deep mud in the bush, slippery clay on the steep climb to the ridge, and heavy roots on the Forest Track descent. Multiple stream crossings are required; these are generally easy but rocks can be slick.
### Gear
No cotton or jeans. Bring:
- Sturdy tramping boots (mandatory for stream crossings/mud).
- Thermal top, warm layer, rain jacket (ridge is exposed/windy).
- Backpack with liner.
- 2L+ water, lunch, and high-energy snacks.
- Basic first aid kit.
- Recommended: Hiking poles (highly helpful for balancing on slippery boulders).
### Getting There
Use the Meetup comments to request or offer rides.
- Meeting Point: 300 King Road, Mangawhai.
- Fuel contribution: TBD
- Please ensure drivers are fully insured and stop for coffee/toilets on the way if needed.
### Notes
- Your safety is your responsibility.
- Contribution: $2 per person.
- Take back all rubbish.
- This is a Kiwi Protection Zone; please stay on the tracks to protect the habitat.
Contribution: $2. Please make a transfer to 02-0200-0260173-000 [Wakahi.com](http://wakahi.com/) Limited.