📌Whatipu to Pararaha valley loop

On Sunday the 19th of May, we are starting from Whatipu and taking the Gibbons and Muir tracks to Pararaha valley, and looping back away from the coastline. The first part will involve some hill climbing up and down, but the track is fairly straight forward. Hiking back south towards Whatipu, will mean a more challenging hike, that will be at times, slow going, with some wet areas and some gorse to cross. Be prepared, to be partly muddy/wet. We will also visit some of the Whatipu caves along the way.

If you want to see one of the Auckland regions most spectacular places, that few people get to see, and do not mind some challenge, then this hike is for you.

Unfit, those who are not keen on 'adventure', and slow people please do not RSVP. Remember if you can not attend, to avoid a "No Show" next to your name, then change your status. If you have 3 or more "No Shows" then you will be changed to "Not going". It is always courteous to change your RSVP status, if you no longer can attend. Thank you👍

🚩Summary of Main Details:
📌 Meet: New World Victoria Park (unless a direct driver)
📌 Hike Duration: Approx 5.5 to 6.0 hours including breaks
📌 Distance: About 11.2km (with extra side to Tunnel point 15.1km)
📌 Difficulty: 3.0-3.5 on our 1-5 scale.
📌 Speed: medium to fast pace
📌 Toilets: There are toilets available at the start and Pararaha campsite
📌 Map: https://tinyurl.com/c389shvn (exact route TBA)
For those that have a phone navigation app or device, please DM me for a GPX file of the intended route.

🚩 Time Guideline:
08:00 Good time to arrive at New World
08:20 Arrange car pooling
08:25 Leave New World
09:35 All drivers arrive at Whatipu car park
09:45 Introductions and group photo
09:50 Start hike
15:45 Finish hike
16:30 Optional drinks and snacks at 'Iti', Titirangi
17:30 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/5cx8essk

👉 2) Whatipu (Omanawanui) car park, Whatipu Rd End
(Start & Finish of hike)
https://tinyurl.com/44dsym8n

👉3) Iti Bites & Garden, 421 Titirangi Road, Titirangi
(Where we have optional after hike drinks & snacks)
https://tinyurl.com/56c7mvcy

🚩 Check list:
✔Day pack
✔Lunch
✔Snack food
✔Plenty of drinking water (at least 2 litres)
✔Extra layer
✔Footwear suitable for muddy tracks
✔Hat
✔Rain protection
✔Plastic bags, change of clothes & shoes – so you don’t get sand, mud and water in someone else’s car
✔First-aid Kit or items
✔Cell phone/camera
✔$10 cash/online to pay driver - if a passenger
✔Flashlight/headlight for caves

🚩 🍔🍗🥂 For after hike snacks and drinks (Optional) :
Iti Bar, 421 Titirangi Road, Titirangi
For more information: https://tinyurl.com/mr48hezw

🚩Those wishing to donate $2-$5 (or more) online directly, can use this is the bank account: 'Hiking Aotearoa' 06-0145-0782760-00 - Otherwise a cash donation is always appreciated. Donations are used for First aid kits, Meetup subscription, portable Radio communication devices, Inreach device subscription, and buying PLB's and any other device that needs to be repaired or replaced. 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

🚩 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 direct to Whatipu car park