Tramp Schedule 2024
14 April 2024: Montana Heritage Trail - Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
The recently re-opened Montana Heritage Trail is a circular tramp that provides access to the largest remaining stand of mature Kauri in the Auckland region. The circuit takes in some of the most magnificent trees in the Waitakeres and offers spectacular views.
From the car park we will cross the bridge onto the Auckland City Walk. After 200 metres we will turn right onto the Upper Kauri Track. This is a steep climb with many staircases surrounded by great old Kauri trees. We will then follow the Long Road track to the Fence Line track and on to the Waitakere Dam. From here we will continue along the Fence Line track back to the Auckland City Walk.
Meeting: Upper Symonds St at 9.30 am (See details of Symonds St meeting place under General Information) or at the car park at the end of Falls Road at 10.00 am.
How to get there: Take the North Western Motorway (16) to the Lincoln Road exit. Turn right into Universal Drive. Take the second exit at the roundabout into Swanson Road (not the first exit which is also Swanson Road) and continue on Scenic Drive North. Turn right into Te Henga Road, then left into Falls Road and park in the car park at the end of the gravel road, past the Waitakere Golf Course.
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Distance: 10.5 km
Level: Easy to moderate with some climbs
Cost: $7 to your driver
Leader: Adrian, phone 027 354 0082. Please let Adrian know if you are joining the tramp. Please also let him know if you are able to offer transport from Symonds St or if you need a lift from Symonds St.
12 May 2024: Shakespear Regional Park
This regional park is at the end of the Whangaparoa Peninsula and has great walks with extensive views out over the Hauraki Gulf. Also swimming opportunities.
Please bring lunch, water, sunscreen and swim wear for the hardy.
Meeting point: At 10.30 am at the main Shakespear park car park at Te Haruhi Bay to the right of the sign ‘Picnic site 5’. At this point there is no pickup from Symonds Street.
How to get there: Take the Northern Motorway to Silverdale. Take Twin Coast Discovery Highway and turn right into Whangaparoa Road. Drive to the end of the peninsula and follow signs to the park. At the T intersection at Te Haruhi Bay, meet at the car park to the right of the sign ‘Picnic site 5’.
Walking Time: 3 hours.
Level: Easy, but some hill climbing.
Leader: Adrian, phone 027 354 0082. Please let Adrian know if you are joining the tramp by ringing or texting him by 8 pm on Saturday evening. There is no pickup from Symonds Street.
9 June 2024: ??
Leader: David
14 July 2024: Rangitoto Island Summit Walk
The Rangitoto Island Summit track is the island’s most popular walk for a reason. Beginning at Rangitoto wharf, this easy trail leads you through lava fields and the world’s largest pōhutukawa forest before giving way to stunning panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. We recommend taking the diversion to the Lava Caves Track where you can explore lava tunnels and caves.
Trevor (wearing a bright red hat) will meet you at the Rangitoto departure pier at the Ferry Buildings for the 9 am departure. The ferry does stop at Devonport. North Shore trampers may choose to board there.
There will be no meeting nor transport from the usual Symonds St/Mt Eden Road carpark.
Bring your lunch, water, winter clothing and rain gear. Good footwear suggested as the scoria track can be rough on ankles.
Return sailings from the island back to Auckland are at 2:20 PM and 4:00 PM – both via Devonport. Return tickets cost $53 return. Book online at the Fullers website to get this price. Walk up tickets are more expensive at $57. Bookings are essential and valid for travel on the time and date indicated on the ticket.
Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7 km
Level: Moderate with a steady climb to the summit at 259 meters.
Leader: Trevor. Probably useful to let Trevor know that you will be going on this trip. Email: trevor@freemansbay.com, Phone: 022 0887390.
11 August: Omanawanui Track
Leader: Craig
8 September: Clevdon Area
Leader: David
October 2024: Nepal Langtang
This trip is organised by Richard Clowes from Outside the Square Travels. I have been on overseas adventures organised by Richard and can highly recommend the experience.
The Langtang is a truly wonderful hike in Nepal. It's really getting away from the crowds and into the mountains. It's also a trek that does not go higher than 4000m, meaning the chances of altitude related problems are minimal. October is a great hiking month in Nepal, and there is the chance to stay on a few extra days if you have the time to experience "Diwali" in Kathmandu, the Hindu, festival of colour.
https://www.ots-adventures.com/nepal-langtang-base-camp-gay-friendly-trek.html
13 October: Exhibition Drive
Leader: Luca
10 Nov: Away Weekend, possible Te Aroha
Leader: Craig
8 Dec: Shakespeare Regional Park
Leader: Adrian