Waihi Beach - Orokawa Bay & Bowentown Headland

On Saturday we will travel to Waihi Beach and Bowentown to do a selection of hikes.

Waihi Beach to Orokawa Bay affords a bush track with a cliff top vibe and easterly aspect over looking the ocean. The beach at Orokawa Bay is lovely and often frequented by surfers that carry their boards in along the same route. WWW stream/bush route is more adventurous with a constant being rock hopping in the stream bed (path of least resistance) and when not possible we take on short stints through an old track with lots of high cutty grass. Its gets a bit gorgy at the end. At Bowentown Headland, we will do a short descent to the coastal area for brief look across the northern entry to Tauranga Harbour in the hope of spotting a seal (safe distance 20m). Our short circuit takes us via a beach as well as some elevation, with the headland providing long views up the coast and down past The Mount.

This event was rescheduled from 3/10 to accomodate with tide at Bowentown and to allow Te Rau Puriri to work with the tide also.

THE DIRT
***Orokawa Bay Track*** - moderate (AllTrails)
Type: out and back 🌳
Distance: 6.3k
Elevation gain: 274m
Terrain: natural track that is a bit muddy in the wet, beach
Duration: 2 hours
Grade: 3.0 moderate to fast, NOT slow

A good track to Orokawa Bay. We may have to time our runs between waves to get to the track start given the tide.

***WWW route (former track)*** - difficult/adventure/bash
Type: out and back 🏖️💦
Distance: 2.7k
Elevation gain: 61m
Terrain: difficult and completely overgrown track and rocky stream bed, slippery terrain some low level scrambling through a rock/log jam is required
Duration: up to 2 hours depending on speed of the group.
Grade: 3.5 slow to moderate speed given the terrain, one can't move quickly in here.

From this point, the route is poor and very likely you will get wet feet (unless you wear waterproof boots) as we walk and rock hop a small stream bed much of the way. When not in the stream bed, we will slip through long cutty grass! Minimum you'll need a good jacket, eyewear, a hat & possibly gloves for protection. If the bush is wet, you'll get wet! It gets a little gorgey with high walls as we near the payoff. This part of the day is 100% an adventure/bash, rather than a hike/walk!

***Bowentown Headland***
Type: loop 🦭🌈🗻
Distance: up to 5k (this can be reduced, depending on time)
Elevation gain: up to 201m
Terrain: natural track, stairs and rocky terrain, beach asphalt
Duration: up to 1.5 hours
Grade: 3.0

We aim to get here for near low tide (0.41m at 1.36pm) and check out the Katikati entrance to Tauranga Harbour. We will do a circuit around the headland. There is a bit of elevation in this circuit despite it being a short but you'll get some good views if the weather plays ball. We will also get to pop down to water level briefly.

Combined
• Time: Approx. 5.5 hours plus 20 minute drive
• Distance: 14-16 km
• Elevation gain up to 536m
• Difficulty: ok for regular hikers, beginners could find it difficult. The adventure aspect of this one will not be to everyone's taste.
• Grade: 3.0

This is a slightly longer day than our winter events. The hike will start on time (we are managing "drivers home time") so please do not be late. To ensure we finish on time, we will need to keep moving. This is important as drivers have the responsibility of getting people home. The intended finish time is so that we avoid driving in the dark. Moving the start time forward by a half hour and/or skipping/reducing the optional refreshments are all options that can be looked at closer to the time and on the day.

An alternative hike to WWW track - host to decide
***Waihi Beach Trig and Forest Loop*** - moderate (AllTrails)
Type: Loop or out and back to Trig, if that's what time allows
Distance: 6.6k (plus 1.6k street walk)
Elevation gain: 234m +
Terrain: well maintained and shaded, 200 steps, forest, street
Duration: up to 2 hours
30 minutes car park (return out and back)
45 minutes Trig (as out and back)
45 minutes Forest (additional for a loop)
Grade 3.0 moderate to fast, NOT slow
The reward is wonderful views.

LOCATIONS
Waihi Beach hike start & finish
https://maps.app.goo.gl/c9DqVQgVU4ux9EMs6
There is a toilet available at the car park at Waihi Beach.

Bowentown lookout hike start & finish
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KPhEpQsqcBUAR5GQA

REFRESHMENTS - optional
Waikino Hotel, 8541 State Highway 2, Waikino.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9mkh4WsBjeryqQBW6

SCHEDULE
6.44am Sunrise
8.50am last time to arrive
8.55am introductions
9.00am Hike Start Waihi Beach
1.36pm low tide 0.41m Bowentown Katikati Entrance
2.00pm arrival at Bowentown Headland
3.30-4.00pm Finish hikes
4.00-4.30pm Waikino Hotel - optional
5.00-5.30pm depart for home
6.30-7.00pm arrive Auckland
7.32pm Sunset

The cost for this hike is $5. Please pay online Moa Outdoors new bank details or pay the host cash on the day.
Noel Keenan
12-3238-0727203-01

If you have enjoyed previous Moa events, please feel free to invite others to attend via Meetup and leave a review.

RSVP QUESTION
Are you ok with what is essentially an off track adventure? One aspect of this day the track is pretty much non existent and we walk a stream bed with bush bash including long cutty grass for 1.5-2 hours.
Have you read the description/disclaimer and are you confident you can hike the trail in the time prescribed?

RSVP opens Monday 14 September.

HOUSEKEEPING
CAR POOLING:
We suggest passengers pay drivers $35 return for this one.
Because Moa is a small and friendly group, it’s super easy to carpool with us. Our driver members are very happy to bring new people along. Post in the comment area below if you need a lift, include your area and a phone number. The willing driver member will contact you. As organisers, we will also monitor and help out. Please be organised and on time for collection, dont withdraw last minute. Please also don’t expect the driver to go out of their way to collect you. You might have to get to a nearby location on their route.
BRING:

• At least 2-3L drinking water.
• Lunch or snack food.
• Suitable footwear - water proof boots will be best today if you have them.
• Appropriate clothing for the season (check above in description) and forecasted/possible conditions.
• A change of clothes.
• First-aid items (at least for cuts and scratches).

PREPARATION:
It is important to be well prepared.
Before we meet

• Know how to get to all meeting places.
• Study hike details.
• Prepare everything you need to bring.
• If you are the driver, have car refueled or recharged ready to go.
• Find and confirm your driver(passengers) whether they go to the pub or going home directly after the event.

TURNAROUND
We don't intend to leave people behind. However, at any time on a hike if it is the opinion of the leader that you are struggling to keep with the group the leader may decide that you are unlikely to be able to complete the hike in the time prescribed. In this case, you may be asked to turn around and make your way back to the car. This decision will not be taken lightly but will be done with the principle of the entire group enjoying their day and everyone completing in a timely and safe manner.

HEALTH & SAFETY:
Our hiking activities come with some hazard & risks; our organizers are volunteers. By RSVP'ing you accept full responsibilities for your own safety and that you have read the description and are you confident you can complete the hike in the time prescribed?
Looking forward to a great day outdoors.
Regards
Noel K - Moa Outdoors