📌Motutapu island Circuit (1 night)

This event involves an overnight excursion to Motutapu Island, situated in the Hauraki Gulf, east of Rangitoto Island. Our itinerary includes a walk around the island's entire coastline over the course of two days, covering a total distance of 21.6 km. The coastline features a diverse range of terrain, including sandy beaches and rocky boulders, with certain sections where swimming a short distance may be necessary. Be prepared to get thoroughly wet in some areas. It is advisable to bring waterproof bags, which will assist in maintaining flotation and keeping your belongings dry. If you do not feel entirely confident in swimming short distances, please inform me so that assistance can be provided when required.

This adventure promises to be an enjoyable two days filled with hiking, swimming, camping and exploring parts of a Hauraki Gulf island that are not frequently seen up close.
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❌❗ Preference given to regulars and those who are not SLOW. Just because you are on the "Waiting list" does not necessarily mean you will get to the "Going List".

🚩Summary of details:
📌Water taxi ride one way: 25 minutes
📌Hiking times and distances:
a) Southern coastline coastline : 4.5 to 5 hours - 11.5 km (estimated)
b) Northern coastline coastline : 7 to 7.5 hours - 17.8 km (estimated)
📌Maximum of 13 people (max on water Taxi)
📌Cost of return trip by water taxi - $80
📌Map of hike on Saturday: https://tinyurl.com/3ppn38uw
📌Map of hike on Sunday: https://tinyurl.com/55pejbpm
📌Map of water taxi route: https://tinyurl.com/y2d5hcxe

🚩This is the important stopping point to note:
👉1) Jetty in front of Akarana Yacht club, 8/10 Tamaki Drive, Orakei
(Where we take the return trip with two water taxis to Motutapu island)
https://bit.ly/3wOxeZi

🚩 Time Guideline:
(Guide only):
📌Saturday
07:17 High tide (17th Jan)
08:10 Good time to arrive in front of Akarana Yacht club building
08:20 Latest time to arrive
08:30 Water taxis depart
08:55 Arrive at Home Bay, Motutapu island
09:05 Group photos and introductions
09:10 Pitch tents and set up camp
10:30 Start hike of Southern coastline
13:18 Low tide (17th Jan)
15:30 Approx. finish hike back at camp

📌Sunday
08:01 High tide (18th Jan)
08:15 Pack up camping gear
09:00 Start hike of Northern coastline
14:02 Low tide (18th Jan)
16:45 Finish hike (estimation)
17:00 Depart Home Bay with Water Taxi
17:25 Back at Akarana Yacht club
17:30 After hike drinks and snacks at "Akarana Eatery"

🚩 Payment: You will need make payment of $80 by 4th January. Payment can be made into ANZ Bank Hiking Aotearoa A/C number: 06-0145-0782760-00. Please write your reference name that is the same as your Meetup name, so I can identify you. Also add "Motutapu to the reference.

❌❗ Important! As previously stated, when hiking around the island, there will be sections where swimming a short distance is necessary. For your own safety, please ensure you bring waterproof bags or waterproof food containers that can fit inside your day pack. These bags or containers will keep your equipment dry and assist with your flotation. Naturally, any electronic devices, such as cell phones, must be placed in waterproof bags. However, the majority of the time spent hiking will not involve swimming, but rather traversing a rocky coastline or beach.

Important! The water taxi departure on Sunday from Home Bay is booked at 17:00, so we all need to be mindful of time.

❌❗ There is no car pooling and we will not meet at New World. You will need to get to the Akarana yacht club at Orakei. If you are driving, then please park behind the Akarana Yacht club building, where there is free parking in the white spaces. Do not park in the yellow spaces. The water taxis will leave on time, please be ready to board when required, and if you are late arriving, then we go without you. Please try to arrive early.

🚩Bio security: Clean dirty gear or footwear to remove all dirt and seeds. Check all gear for pests such as mice, rats, ants, plague skinks and weeds. SEAL your gear properly and avoid stowaways. Pack food in sealed containers to avoid attracting rodents. Your bags must be zipped closed (no open bags). Be vigilant.

🚩Camping: You will need to book your own campsite at Home Bay. The camp spot is very large so there is not much chance of not getting a booking. The cost is $10 per person, and you can book here: https://tinyurl.com/ht4drv4y

🚩 Gear check list: https://tinyurl.com/4dperj8d

🚩After hike drinks and snacks on Sunday: "Akarana Eatery" which is located in the Hyundai Marine Sports centre, next to the Akarana Yacht club. If you are early at departure in the morning, you could buy a quick snack and coffee here. https://akarana.co.nz/akarana-eatery/

🚩RSVP questions:

(1) Please let me know your level of swimming ability?
(A) Confident to handle most coastal swimming
(B) Okay but a little cautious
(C) Not that confident, but willing to give it a try

(2) Please give me your cell phone number in case I need to send everyone a text for a last minute change of plan. Note: Numbers will not be made public, and your number and rsvp answers are only visible to yourself and the organizer. No made up numbers please.