Te Rau Puriri, Kaipara Harbour

On Saturday we will walk a loop from the top (small car) park, down to the seaside and walk north towards the old prawn farm, then loop back along the beach before climbing back to the cars. As there may be a few cars, please park close to each other, we are all friends here! It’s a very nice walk through a farm, stunning views over the Kaipara Harbour.

There is one toilet at the start, men please use the adjacent cattle yards.

We will go down the loop track, before climbing again then down to sea level. Some of the track is muddy and may be slippery. It is mostly either metal farm tracks or farm paddocks, no formed track. Lunch is at the northern extent, where there is an old prawn farm. There’s a toilet there. After lunch we have about 2 km along the tidal flats, so expect to get your feet wet. The tide goes out maybe a kilometre, so those wanting to walk in the water will need to hurry, as I will be making a beeline for the next marker post taking us back into the farm and the walk back to the cars. From Paraha Point, you get awesome panoramic views of the huge Kaipara Harbour, probably the spot for our group photo.

Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park is a 340 hectare property at South Head on the South Kaipara Peninsula.

This park is unique because it offers access to one of the best beaches on the Kaipara Harbour and the major lake (Lake Rototoa) on the peninsula. We will skip the lake this time, but you will walk along the beach.

This is a simple walk for experienced hikers, nothing technical here, unlike some of our hikes (jumping boulders or negotiating climb downs or bush navigation to name a few - blame Noel). But it’s up and down, we will try to keep moving, so best suited to walkers that can go for 4 hours at moderate pace.

We need to walk along the beach at low tide.

If you want a coffee/ toilet stop before, I suggest you look in Helensville. I did notice the South Head Golf Club cafe but didn’t check it out.

THE DIRT
• Time: Approx. 4 hours
• Distance: 10.6 km loop if you stick near me, other explorers have many opportunities to go off piste, explore the pa, the harbour
• Elevation gain: 279m
• Difficulty: on the easy side, but after 9km, my body began to tell me that was enough, so maybe it’s tougher than it looks?
• Terrain: grass in paddocks, formed farm tracks, coastal pools, sand & rocks.
• Grade: 2.5

Good grip shoes or boots. Something to sit on at lunch time.

LOCATIONS

Hike start & finish.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EecSUpHu2q5aTbjZ9
Near 2886 South Head Road, South Head 0874. The car park is on the right near this address.

There is a toilet available at the car park at the start and by the beach about 1/2 way, our lunch spot. Mostly open farm land.

After relaxation (optional). Let’s go to the Kaipara Tavern (the KT) for a relax, wind down and chat.
88 Commercial Road, Helensville 0800
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nxBsgePW9akQbDcQ7

SCHEDULE
9.50am last time to arrive. (park close to each other)
9.55am introductions
10.00am Hike Start
Noon. Lunch, explore the old shrimp farm
1 ish. Low tide
2.00pm approximate arrival back to carpark
2.30pm refreshments at the KT - optional
3.30pm depart for home

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.

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

HOUSEKEEPING
CAR POOLING:
We suggest passengers pay drivers $15 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 2L drinking water.
• Lunch or snack food.
• Suitable footwear for surfaces described.
  +Sun & rain protection.
  +Bags for wet and dirty footwear & clothing.
• Appropriate clothing for the season and forecasted/possible conditions. Its exposed to wind.
• 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.

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?

We walk as a group. If you are too slow, this holds up the whole group. After the first couple of kilometres, if you are not keeping up, we will ask you to return to the carpark and wait for the hike to conclude. If you have not walked with us before, can you walk up Mt Eden at a good pace, without the need to stop? If you are uncertain, message the organisers, and we can help you decide.

Looking forward to a great day outdoors.

Regards

Moa Outdoors