Hunua hills - Massey/Cossey plus halfway point

Due to popular demand (some people were very demanding 🤣😝) we will head to the Hunuas on Saturday. It has been 3 years since we did the basic loop of this walk!

This is a great walk in the Hunua Ranges, southeast of Auckland, along two ridge lines and through a gorge. Highlights include Hunua Falls, gorge, dam, reservoir, long range views, and a variety of native forest. Distance: 10km. Duration: Approx 5 hours (including lunch stop). Difficulty: Mainly on metalled tramping tracks. Includes several steep climbs and descents, and a lot of stairs!
There are a few areas of the track though which will require some careful navigation as they are narrow due to slips and can be slippery. One part of the track is relatively newly re-opened so may be new for most people. Poles definitely recommended for this bit as it is proper tramping track - yay! (for those wanting a slightly shorter walk this part can be omitted if you don't mind walking back on your own!)

We are hoping to see some $50 surprises on the track (or more likely on the old track....... This is a test as to who has read the description and who can decipher the clue.........

http://regionalparks.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/hunuafalls/track/Cossey%20-%20Massey%20Loop%20walk

Map: http://regionalparks.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/hunuaranges/map

What to wear and bring: Hiking shoes/boots, water, snacks/lunch, warm jumper and wet weather gear

If you are car pooling please bring a gear bag or container to put your dirty footwear in for the ride home.

Group members have indicated that they like to walk in a smaller group with a preferred maximum of 25. Therefore the limit on our walks will remain at 25. Thank you for your understanding :-)

***Please note we request a gold coin donation for participation in order to cover some of the costs incurred by the leaders for their organisation. Items such as outdoor magazine subscriptions, safety equipment (eg PLB) and the website costs etc***

Please refrain from attending if you are not feeling well or are waiting on Covid test results.

We will leave on time in fairness to the whole group.