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. + 11k + up to 3 hours 45 minutes + 315m + grade 3.0 Having dropped hikers at the (south) start, drivers will go to the (north) finish point and be picked up and returned to the start point. We will start at the southern most point, parking at Fillery Road.

There’s about 5 spaces but room elsewhere to park without inconveniencing others. 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.

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. + Use stiles not gates.

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 for the day 8.50am Latest time to meet at The Cafe, Whatawhata.

There is a toilet available. 9.10am Drivers leave The Village Cafe 9.30am Drivers drop passengers at Fillery Road (20 mins drive). Passengers wait 50 mins. 9.55am Drivers go to Raglan Road, SH23 to be collected.

Timetable:

10.20am all arrive and introductions.

**10.30am Start hike **

2.30pm hike finishes at Raglan - Road SH23. 2.45pm The Backyard Gastro Pub, Whatawhata.

3.45pm 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.

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Team of Moa Social Hiking.