📌Lake Rototoa

On Sunday, the 17th of May, we will embark on a hike that encircles Lake Rototoa and the surrounding reserve. Lake Rototoa is about 30km north of Helensville, and adjoins Te Rau Puriri regional park. The rough track that runs alongside the lake on the south western side is quite overgrown and features numerous windfalls that require climbing over. On the western side, there is no established path, necessitating careful navigation and preparation for challenging terrain in certain areas. On the northeastern side there is farm land to cross. The hike covers a distance of approximately 10 kilometers and features undulating terrain.

The predominant vegetation consists of Manuka and Kanuka, and on the western side boasts one of the largest remnants of native broadleaf species in the South Kaipara heads region. Lake Rototoa is recognized as the cleanest, largest, and deepest of all the ancient sand dune lakes located in the Woodhill Forest area. It is occasionally referred to as "Ototoa," although this is a misspelling of Rototoa.
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❌ New members are welcome.

❌If you find yourself on the "waiting list" and decide to attend the hike on the day of the event, then please be aware that you will need to hike separately from the group. Only those listed as "Going" are considered valid participants.
There are no "plus ones"
If you want to go, then you will need to register with meetup

❌Individuals who are unfit or prefer a slower pace are kindly requested not to RSVP. Slow people will hold up the group, as everyone will have to wait for you to catch up. There are alternative Meetup groups available for those who enjoy walking very slowly.

❌If you are unable to attend, please update your status to avoid a "No Show" being recorded next to your name. Accumulating three or more "No Shows" will result in your status being changed to "Not going." It is always polite to adjust your RSVP status if you can no longer participate. Thank you👍
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🚩Summary of Main Details:
📌 Meet: New World Victoria Park (unless a direct driver)
📌 Map of hike: Refer to link in comments
📌 Hike Duration: Approx 5.5 hours including breaks
📌 Distance: About 10km
📌 Difficulty: 3.5 on our 1-5 scale.
📌 Speed: medium to fast pace
📌 Toilets: only at the start & finish - otherwise find some bushes

🚩 Time Guideline:
07:40 Good time to arrive at New World
07:55 Arrange car pooling
08:00 Leave New World
09:15 All drivers arrive at Ototoa reserve
09:25 Introductions and group photo
09:30 Start hike
15:00 Finish hike (Approx)
16:00 Optional drinks and snacks at Huapai Tavern
17:15 Approx Depart to Auckland
18:00 Approx back in Auckland

🚩 These are the 3 important meeting points to note:
👉1) New World Victoria Park
(Where we meet initially - unless driving direct)
https://tinyurl.com/457d6cz9

👉 2) Ototoa Reserve, Donohue Road
(Start & Finish of hike)
https://tinyurl.com/mtwp9r9v

👉3) Huapai Tavern, 319 State Highway 16, Kumeū
(Where we have optional after hike drinks & snacks)
https://tinyurl.com/yc8mb8tb

🚩 Check list:
✔Day pack
✔Lunch
✔Snack food
✔Plenty of drinking water (at least 2 litres)
✔Extra layer
✔Footwear suitable for muddy tracks
✔Hat
✔Gloves for Pampas grass (Cutty grass) - optional
✔Rain protection
✔Plastic bags, change of clothes & shoes – so you don’t get mud and water in someone else’s car
✔First-aid Kit or items
✔Cell phone/camera
✔$25 cash/online to pay driver - if a passenger

🚩Those wishing to donate directly this is the bank account:
06-0145-0782760-00 - Many thanks

🚩Please check out and follow us on Hiking Aotearoa's Facebook page, for some of the latest trips, Hiking information, and anything useful to do with hiking. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081783504106

🚩 🍔🍗🥂 For after hike snacks and drinks (Optional) : Huapai Tavern
For more information: https://www.huapaitavern.co.nz/bar-menu/

🚩 RSVP question:

1. What is your transport situation for carpooling?
(A) Have transport, can offer rides
(B) Have no transport, need a ride
(C) Driving or passenger direct to Donohue Road Car park