📌Kakarahi Rock and Te Ariki falls (2 nights)

On the 24th - 26th of May (Fri, Sat & Sun) we are going to complete 2 different hikes in the Kaimai ranges on the Waikato side. We start from the Tuahu track and ascend to the ridge way track, as far as Motutapere hut. At this point we head fairly steeply back down to Killarney lakes through a pine plantation and eventually back to the start. This hike has some of the most spectacular views and terrain in the Kaimai ranges. We have done part of this hike fairly recently, but it is worth repeating.

On Sunday, we will have another attempt to find and view the elusive Te Ariki falls. Our approach will be from the bottom of the Falls only, and we plan to get to the first level of the Falls, which is in two parts.

We plan to arrive on Friday afternoon/night, and we will stay at Opal Hot Springs Holiday Park for 2 nights.

❌❗ Preference given to regulars, those that took part in Te Ariki falls part 1 , and those who are not slow.

🚩Summary of details:
📌Duration: 2 nights
📌Saturday : 6 hrs
📌Sunday : 3.5 - 4.0 hrs approx.
📌Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale,
Saturday : 3.5 (14km)
Sunday: 3.0 (5km)
📌Maximum of 23 people
📌Maps:
Saturday hike:
https://tinyurl.com/57hamnp4 (Kakarahi Rock loop)
Sunday hike:
https://tinyurl.com/4r8uxdfp (Te Ariki falls )

🚩Transport: Drivers & passengers will need to coordinate pick up time and place on Friday. You can arrive anytime you want on Friday, but beware the earliest you can check in is 13:30 at the Holiday Park, and please do not turn up after 20:30. Closer to the time, I will post in the comments, passenger/driver locations. Passengers give $40 to their driver. Bring plastic bags and or change of shoes, in case you have muddy clothing/shoes otherwise you could soil someones car.

🚩The 6 important stopping points to note:

👉1) Opal Hot Springs & Holiday Park,
257 Okauia Springs Rd, Okauia
(Where we stay on Fri & Sat nights)
https://tinyurl.com/2v8769tp

👉2) 433 Wairakau Rd, Manuwaru
(Where we start & finish Sat. hike)
https://tinyurl.com/5n6byjwk

👉3) Redoubt Bar & Eatery, 48 Broadway, Matamata
(Where we have optional dinner Sat. night)
https://tinyurl.com/3cdtk965

👉4) Graveson Rd end, Okauia
(Where we have start & finish Te Ariki falls hike)
https://tinyurl.com/2dxvfspj

👉5) Duck & Cover cafe, 174 Whitaker St, Te Aroha,
(Optional after hike drinks and snacks)
https://tinyurl.com/44mmfepr

🚩Ramora private hot pool ($10/person/30 minutes) I have booked 2 sessions on Friday night, and one on Saturday, which are at :
a) Friday 17:30 to 18:00
b) Friday 18:00 to 18:30
c) Saturday 20:00 to 20:30 (after returning from Sat. night dinner)
Above times confirmed.

You will need to be there at least 5 minutes before the session starts. If you prefer you can also use the free large pool.

🚩 Time Guideline:

📌 Friday: Arrive at Opal Hot Springs Holiday Park anytime between 13:30 and not later than 20:30. Arrival time is up to you, and no activities are planned on Friday. There are hot pools available for those who would like to use them, and I have booked the Ramora Pool for two different 30 minute session.
17:09 Sunset

📌Saturday:
07:18 Sunrise
08:00 Group photos & introductions at Conference room
08:10 Leave Opal Hot Springs
08:30 Arrive at start
08:45 Start hike
15:15 Approx finish hike
15:30 Arrive back at Opal Springs
16:10 Approx arrive at Holiday park
17:10 Sunset
18:30 Optional dinner at Redoubt bar
20:00 Optional use of the private Ramora Hot pool
20:30 Finish at Ramora hot pool

📌Sunday:
07:18 Sunrise
08:30 Pack up at Holiday park & drive to start of Te Ariki hike
08:40 Arrive at start of hike
08:50 Start Te Ariki falls hike
14:15 Finish hike
14:30 Optional drinks/snacks at Duck & cover, Te Aroha
15:30 Approx leave back to Auckland
17:10 Sunset
17:30 Approx back in Auckland

🚩Costs:
$40 if car pool passenger (based on 10c/km & 2 passengers)
$77 - $109 for 2 nights accommodation
$117 - $149 Total

🚩Accommodation:
https://tinyurl.com/tz4wskw3

🚩Check list of Gear: https://bitly.ws/39ubT

❌❗ As with all communal sleeping, please keep noise to a minimum for those who like to sleep early or get up late.

🚩 Payment: Payment for accommodation must be made by 4th May. If payment is not paid by the date given, then you will be removed. Payment can be made into ANZ Bank Hiking Aotearoa account number: 06-0145-0782760-00. Please write "Kakarahi" & your reference name that's the same as your Meetup name, so I can identify you.

🍔🍗🍷 Optional dinner Saturday night: Redoubt Bar & Eatery, Matamata
Menu: https://tinyurl.com/25sz9u5d

🚩Please answer the 6 RSVP questions:
https://tinyurl.com/mr25ec2f