Karamu South & North

Kia Ora, everybody:

On 11th April (Saturday) ,we will walk the Karamu South Track followed by Karamu North Track both of which form part of the Te Araroa Trail. These tracks are described by DOC as;

South - intermediate tramping track
8k one way
195m ascent
3 hours.

North - open farm land
3k one way
120m ascent
45 minutes

Combined
11k
up to 3 hours 45 minutes
315m
grade 3.0 with a solid climb to get you started!

There’s about 5 spaces at Fillery Road but room elsewhere to park without inconveniencing others. Similar parking at the northern end.

Heading eastwards along Kaniwhaniwha Stream, crossing a tributary before climbing into the bush.

There is a steep climb that will get your heart going. Parts of this track will likely be slippery when wet. Under foot conditions in dry weather are firm but dimpled surfaces. In the wet, the ground will likely be pretty soft. Look out for some large tōtara and kahikatea. We can expect to cross gentle rolling pasture studded with outcrops of limestone.

It is possible, if there is a faster group, these hikers could take in a short 3k detour (additional 1.5-2k) in a semi circular clockwise direction beginning at 4k (immediately east of the airstrip) and head around the base of Point 324 and rejoin the Karamu at 7k. We regroup for lunch before Old Mountain Road. The host will make this decision on the day.

On a good day it’s possible to see great views of the Hakarimata Range in the north, Mt Karioi, a wind farm and the coast to the west, Pirongia to the south and Hamilton city and Maungatautari and even Mt Te Aroha to the wider east! The track finishes on the south side of Old Mountain Road. The Karamu Walkway North starts on the other side of Old Mountain Road. This walkway is across private land so respect the owner. Follow the white posts and orange markers along the main ridge. At times, this differs to the marked Topo route.

The track finishes at the car park on the Hamilton-Raglan State Highway 23. This hike is predominately open country and as such is exposed to the elements sun, wind & rain. For this reason, we will have an alternative date (7 days after event), if the weather isn’t suitable on the planned date. It is important to note;

• Keep to the marked route - may differ to Topo.
• Do not disturb stock.

If you must climb a gate, do so at the hinge and be sure to leave it as you find it open or closed/secure. Afterwards, we will adjourn to the Backyard Pub in Whatawhata.

Important locations;
1. The Village Cafe, Whatawhata. There is a toilet available. [https://maps.app.goo.gl/p45tNTaBqRFxsnv37?g_st=ipc](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmaps.app.goo.gl%2Fp45tNTaBqRFxsnv37%3Fg_st%3Dipc%26fbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEwa2JGTTRURzlTeTRYaDJWa3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5x33Dphe2vmvI1vKGfxKSJqgWs9z60oyAUsAN3iCZI5viE-TYnaWYzIR4a-A_aem_K0zydFltn39LHSc4N2Vxhg&h=AT18qVaOs44gTFoacmNjzDLOyOoFdXqeg0hki-UYqXoMEqrNRhz9k-YTWeZWaogCC1diARv0c9JVv_nTf3RTTH6EdRUb3ZPBa4nx_PsMwjoUvjz3xHF1TdoLcuqgmZcbzgX53v24MOA)
2. Fillery Road, Karamu - hike start & car park. All cars meet here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/MnYeSHDAUiNXPV5n8?g_st=ipc
3. Raglan Road, SH23 - hike finish. Car shuttle point. After dropping passengers, all drivers go here, for pick up and return to start. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hg7SyBn1bEyk538P8?g_st=ipc

Schedule (revised) for the day
8.50am - Latest time to meet at The Cafe, Whatawhata.
There is a toilet available.
ALL attendees available for shuttle plan.

The plan is to split the drivers into 2 groups and leave enough cars at the end to carry out the after hike shuttle and rest of cars taking all non drivers/hikers to start point.

9.10 am - Group 1 drivers only leaving cars at track end start drive to SH23 finish point. Picked up by another driver, shuttle to start point.

9.25 am - Group 2 drivers depart The Village Cafe and take all hikers (full cars) to Fillery Road start point. Make sure you have everything you need from group 1 vehicles if you're their passenger.

9.40am - Group 2 Drivers & passengers arrive Fillery Road.
9.40am Group 1 drivers arrive Fillery Road

Note: At the end of the hike, depending on the number of cars we have on that day. Some may need wait 15 minutes for car shuttle.

Hike Timetable:
9.45am introductions.

*\9.50*am Start hike **

1.35pm +/- hike finishes at Raglan - Road SH23.
2.00pm The Backyard Gastro Pub, Whatawhata.

3.00pm depart for Auckland.

RSVP question ***IMPORTANT RSVP*\ DRIVERS GET PRIORITY.
Please answer the RSVP question. If your answer is incomplete, you will not be moved to going list. RSVP closes on Thursday.

Due to the shuttle logistics, please rsvp if you are committed to attend.

Please pay $2 coin to Host or online to Moa if you have bank details.

Passengers Auckland-Whatawhata- Auckland should pay drivers $40.

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Team of Moa Social Hiking.