Arataki Visitor Centre tracks

Greetings Everyone - On Sunday we walk the tracks around the Arataki visitor centre. Going down Slip Track to Pipline Rd. to walk along lower Nihotupu Reservoir, one of the Waitakere water storage dams. Along the way will enjoy views over the Manukau Harbour and Lower Nihotupu Reservoir, walking through scenic bush tracks and walking trails.
We then head down Exhibition drive track returning the same way to then head up Beveridge track to complete the loop.
If we finish ahead of schedule we can also explore Parker track and the Arataki nature trail adding approx. 2km

Duration: About 5-6 hours hike including stops.
Distance: Approx 18-20 km.
Max Elevation gain : 210m
Difficulty: 2.5 on our 1-5 scale for day hikes.
Speed: medium to fast
Cost: $6 for Carpoolers
Toilets: at the Visitor Centre

● Important Notes:
For a short section we have to walk along Scenic drive a dangerous road extreme care must be taken to walk in single file at all times.
Some of the tracks can be slippery, care must be taken. Good walking shoes/boots should be worn.

● First Timers & Regulars:
Welcome First Timers to Hiking Aotearoa, we look forward to meeting you. We ask Everyone to bring a gold coin donation to help pay for the website and more safety equipment for the group.
For those wishing to donate directly this is the bank account:
06-0145-0782760-00 - Many thanks

● PLEASE: No smoking, animals, children or guests.

● Health and Safety Information:
Each person who participates accepts responsibility for making their own determinations and for their own safety, conduct and well being; recognising that there are hazards in attending group and outdoor activities and agrees to participate solely at their own risk.

● Preparation is the key to having a good day:

• Check the weather - do you have the correct clothing and shoes?.
• Do you know where the meeting places are?
• Prepare everything you need to bring.

● Meeting Places:

• New World Victoria Park for car pooling
• Direct Drivers - Arataki Visitor Centre Car park.

● Carpooling:

• Carpooling will be arranged for everyone meeting at New World. If you need a ride from New World there's no need to arrange this in advance. Just ANSWER the RSVP question.

● Time Guideline:

• 08:15 - Good Time to arrive New World
• 08:30 - Car Pooling will be organised
• 09:00 - At Arataki Visitor Centre carpark
• 09:10 - Inductions and start hike
• 15:00 - approx. finish hike
• 15;15 - Refreshments at the Olive Kitchen and Bar (optional)
• 16:30 - Arrive back at New World (approx)

● Maps and More Information:
http://bit.ly/38vQYny
The Olive Kitchen and Bar, 233 Scenic Drive http://bit.ly/2X1CmXH

● Bring:

• Food and drink, (1-3L Water)
• clothing suitable for season
• footwear suitable for walking tracks and footpaths.
• emergency rain protection
• first-aid items.

● Biosecurity Information:

• To help prevent the spread of Kauri Dieback disease all shoes must be free of soil and seeds. (we'll also use any footwear cleaning stations provided along the way);
• To help avoid dirtying someone else's car (if you are a carpool passenger; please bring a plastic bag and extra footwear for after the hike).
  All food should be packed in sealed rodent proof containers.

● Notes:
We aim to leave New World on time and start the hike exactly on time, and we will NOT be waiting for late people.
It is safer and generally more fun to hike together as a group. We aim to do this with stops at all track junctions for group to regather.

● RSVP:
If you are unable to come please change your RSVP status otherwise you be marked as a no-show. 3 no-shows will get you barred from attending some hikes, so best to avoid that!

See you on Sunday - Karl