Descent into Firewood Creek, Southern Hakarimata

On Saturday we will descend a well formed track into Firewood Creek, Southern Hakarimata Scenic Reserve in search of the location of a historic rail trestle bridge the site of the 1933 train crash where on 28 March, in wet conditions, a coal laden train and carriages careered away from Glen Massey shunting yard. The driver stayed on to sound the whistle to alert people along the track and to see if he could gain control of the train, choosing not to jump off when he could. After manouvering it at speed through much of the route the train jumped the bridge at Firewood Creek and crashed into the stream. The carriages followed and landed on the engine killing the heroic driver instantly. It may not be possible to get all the way to the referenced below historic trestle bridge location due to Firewood Creek Rail Platform having multiple bridges now lost to time but hopefully we can find something worthwhile at the end of the trail.

This day starts by firstly climbing to Hakarimata Summit using the stairs from Brownlee Ave Waterworks site. This is very steep and high intensity cardio experienced over 1,349 steps! In all likelihood, we will make it to the top each in our own time. This route is very busy, so it doesn't work well travelling in a group anyway. Go at your own speed and everyone gets together at the top. This is an hour of hard climbing. Please use your own judgement on your ability to achieve this climb. If you can't, the alternative is to return to the car park and wait. Make your choice carefully.

After a short break for all including the last to arrive, we head south along the Hakarimata Range route to connect with the Rail Trail at the junction of Firewood Creek. We aim to explore west at this junction for as far as possible the intention of finding the location of a train crash. This may involve some off the beaten track for around 2k each way. Another part of Firewood Creek is a long-term native fish monitoring site and is vulnerable to disturbance. However, there is one area where attendees may choose to get wet feet rather than do a short step up on potentially loose ground above the creek with no hand holds. After going as far as we can along the old rail platform, we back track this section of the day until we reach the Hakarimata Rail Trail, and then further on we will return to the car park via Waingaro Road. You can expect this to be a bit of a grind.

Kauri Grove, Parker Road
If we finish early/have time, we will pop into Parker Road to check out an estimated 1,000 year old Kauri, Waikatos largest, near the northern start point of the Hakarimata Walkway. This is up to 3k for the loop. We can do an out and back to the grove in 30 minutes.

THE DIRT -
• Time: 4.5 hours
• Distance: 12k loop with out and back
+Brownlee Ave to Summit 2k 1 hour
+Summit to Rail trail 3.5k 1-1.25 hours
+Firewood/Windy Creek return 4k 1-1.25 hours
+Rail Trail & Waingaro Road 3.5k 0.75-1 hour
• Elevation gain: 400m+/-
• Difficulty: Very steep relentless stair climb - hard.
• Terrain: timber stair, very well formed steps on descent, bush walk with some mud and one place above the river on loose ground with no hand holds where extra care is needed (avoiding this is possible by wading in the creek), rail trail and foot path/road
• Grade: 3.0 (stairs 3.5) moderate pace - whilst this is a 3.0, the stairs will sort you out. Exercise caution - if you are a new member, I will most likely move you to Not Going.

LOCATIONS
Hike start & finish
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EehpYF9jY7TdKcdw5

Possible Kauri Loop, Northern Hakarimata - if we finish early/have time
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gcn99dUQwYZzFFfk6

There is a toilet available nearby at Brownlee Ave car park. There is also two long drops at the Rail Trail junction with Hakirimata Track. There are a couple of picnic tables, so we can have lunch here.

REFRESHMENTS - optional
Rangiriri Hotel, 8 Rangiriri Hotel, Rangiriri 3782
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SmA3WZcs6tVoaAFd6

I looked at the Waingaro Hotel and Hot Springs as an option for afterwards with a 9.00am start, unfortunately this place is not suitable.

SCHEDULE
6.31 am sunrise
9.50am last time to arrive
9.55am introductions
10.00am Hike Start
3.00pm Hike finish
3.30pm refreshments at Rangiriri Hotel - optional
4.30pm depart for Auckland
5.30pm arrive Auckland
7.47pm sunset

LOCAL INFORMATION
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EehpYF9jY7TdKcdw5

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_Massey_Line

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 hikes in the time prescribed?

RSVP opens Saturday 12 September.

HOUSEKEEPING
CAR POOLING:
We suggest passengers pay drivers $40 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. Maybe pre hydrate.
• 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.
• 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.
• If you are a new member, you will need to have either completed a Grade 3.0 with us or discussed your recent capabilities with a Host. New members are unlikely to make the cut on this one.
• 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?

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.

Looking forward to a great day outdoors.

Regards

Moa Outdoors