Hiking NZ

Greetings everyone,

On 31st of January and 1st of February you are invited to attend the best 2 day coastal tracks: Waipu Coastal walkway and Mangawhai Cliffs walkway including a section of Te Araroa Trail, with an overnight stay at Uretiti DOC campsite.

Waipu Coastal walkway:
Magnificent coastal views, a small rocky beach, Waipū pancake limestone rocks, native coastal bush and picnic spots.
This walk has been developed by members of the Waipū Lions Club following the vision of the late Alan McKenzie, who was a local resident.

Parking:
Parking and information is available at both entry points. Waipū Cove end has toilets and a cafe.

Mangawhai cliffs walkway:

This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
This walk provides breathtaking coastal views that extend from Bream Head in the north down to the Tāwharanui Peninsula in the south. The Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island/Aotea are often seen on the horizon.
The track starts along the beach, then climbs quite steeply for about 20 minutes to a lookout point. It then winds past ancient pōhutukawa teetering on the sheer slopes before descending to the stony beach below. From here you can walk back along the beach (8 km), but only at low tide. Keep to the marked track as it crosses private property.

Plan for Saturday 31st of January:

Drive from Auckland early morning and arrive at the start of Waipu coastal walkway, 903 Cove Road, Waipu.
Introductions, briefing.

Plan to start our walk at 10.30 AM
We will aim to walk at low tide, however expect to get wet feet and at some sections wade through water, up to knee deep. Wear comfortable quick drying sandals. Once we reach Langs beach, we will stop for late lunch (afternoon tea), swim (optional) and explore the beach, we will then walk the same way back.
Plan to return back and explore Waipu beach, and possibly explore Waipu historic village with Scottish heritage, have an early dinner there or snacks before heading back to Uretiti DOC campsite.

Summary of the walk on Saturday:
Distance: Up to 12/13 km walking in total.
elevation gain: 95 m
return same way
time to complete: Up to 4.5 hrs plus any additional time spent on the beach at either end.
difficulty level: 2.5 out of 5, suitable for all levels, however you must have reasonable level of fitness and be able to hike with a group at a medium pace.

Stay overnight at Uretiti DOC campsite. This is an excellent, affordable accommodation option, $18 per night and includes hot showers, $2 coin operated. It's only 15 min drive, 15 km from Waipu coastal walkway.
This campsite must be booked in advance, online, here is the link to book:

https://bookings.doc.govt.nz/Web/Default.aspx#!park/777/2601

Plan for Sunday:
Wake up, have breakfast, etc. Check out at 9.30 am and head towards Mangawhai.
Drive to Bream tail road, Langs beach. Park at the start of the road as there is a gate with a sign do not drive past this point.

Plan to start our walk at 10.15 AM

Plan is to do a section of Te Araroa trail, which offers farm, bush walk and This undulating farm and bush walk climbs up to offer trampers spectacular views of Kaipara Harbour and Mangawhai Heads.
Then this walk will join with Mangawhai cliffs walkway.
Summary of the walk on Sunday:
Distance: Between 15/16 km total
Time to complete: Between 5/6 hrs total, including stops.
Difficulty: 3, due to overall time and terrain, some steep sections, including stairs on Mangawhai walkway.

Plan to finish around 4 PM. If we finish earlier, plan to visit Bennet chocolate shop and factory on our way back.

Plan to arrive back to Auckland between 6-7 PM.

What to bring: Tent, sleeping bag, pillow, mattress, food for 2 days, including breakfast, dinner, X2 lunches, snacks. Clothes for 2 days, swim gear, water, comfortable shoes. First aid items, personal items.

Please bring $5 to contribute to this group and to contribute towards planning of this event.

If you require a ride from Auckland and back, I suggest $40 to contribute to your driver, that will cover 2 days.

I do have a spare tent I can lend to someone as well...

Note: It is optional to join just for one of those days, either Saturday or Sunday, if you can't do both days or prefer not to camp overnight. If this is your option, please state this so I know what you are planning on doing, thanks!

See you on Saturday 31!

Kristina.