Second Branch River - Puketui Valley

Check out this awesome spot! Shared with permission from Photographer Jaz Morris.

https://jazmorris.smugmug.com/Rock-Climbing/Rock-Climbing-New-Zealand/Tairua-Crag-2018/i-zZxcfx4/A

Under the early morning shadow of The Pinnacles, Second Branch River holds Tairua Crag, a rhylolite buttress from the Kapowai Caldera that was active up to 9 million years ago. We will see the Crag but we may not go further than the camp. Will decide this on the day.

Tairua Crag is located near the Second Branch River, at the confluence of Camp and Scots stream, within the southern sector of the Coromandel Forest Park.

At approximately 5km long but we expect to take 2.5 to 3 hours hours to reach Tairua Camp near the confluence of Camp Stream and Second Branch River, in the Coromandel Forest Park. The route is on Private Land and is marked with white/grey trail markers and orange/blue/pink tape that are quite frequent the whole way. There is windfall, so we need to exercise caution navigating these, being sure to pick up the markers afterwards. The last third has a few steep sections with fixed lines to help get up/down. The track is somewhat messy due to the January floods (2023) so stay switched on! There is GPS reception. Good swimming spots and views for a walk out on a hot day.

The Pinnacles 773m
Tairua Crag 695m
Second Branch River 300m

THE DIRT
• Time: 5 hours
• Distance: 10-11k
• Elevation gain: up to 600m
• Difficulty: hard
• Terrain: advanced tramping (this is not a DOC route, but this is a relevant comparison) natural track, stream/river crossings, slippery stones, well flagged ROUTE BUT the undergrowth is sparce which means there is not a natural environmental corridor keeping you in the right direction. Every attendee will need to be continually focused on direction as well as tree roots and quite difficult terrain both of which would add about 20% each to the exercise load which ultimately makes today harder than our usual terrain. Not to mention the fixed lines to hang on to whilst you climb and descend a couple of tricky spots and at times slippery clay surface.
• Grade: 3.25 relatively slow to moderate.

LOCATIONS
373 Puketui Valley Road
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nVaeNrEYxPWEn9Eu8
Turn right into the paddock toward the river at the cattle bridge - DO NOT DRIVE OVER THE CATTLE BRIDGE

REFRESHMENTS
The Red Fox Maramarua
https://maps.app.goo.gl/J4W3UJ1ERTgYbC8RA

SCHEDULE
9.20am last time to arrive
9.25am introductions
9.30am Hike Start
3.00pm Hike finish
4.00pm refreshments at The Red Fox
5.00pm depart for home

RSVP
Have you read the description/disclaimer and are you confident you can complete the hike in the time prescribed?

What is your mobile number? This is a land owner requirement.
Drivers, what is your car rego? This is a land owner requirement.

If you do not do this as part of the event or message, you will be moved to Not Going. I won't be accepting these details on the day as there is enough to do on the day.

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
Have you read the description/disclaimer and are you confident you can complete the hike in the time prescribed?

RSVP opens Wednesday 21st October 5.10pm.

HOUSEKEEPING
CAR POOLING:
We suggest passengers pay drivers $50 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 for surfaces described. I suggest boots!
• Sun & rain protection.
• Bags for wet and dirty footwear & clothing.
• Appropriate clothing for the season and forecasted/possible conditions.
• First-aid items (at least for cuts and scratches).

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

• Provide your mobile number in the rsvp or direct message to Host. This is a land owner access requirement. If you do not do this as part of the event, you will be moved to Not Going. I won't be accepting these details on the day.
• Drivers to provide vehicle plates and passengers names they are taking. I will complete a register prior to arrival that will be left on site. A land owner requirement.
• 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. This will happen on the Wait List as we can't turnaround people on this event.
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

Moa Outdoors