TRIP DATE |
TRIP DETAILS |
LEADER |
GRADE |
6 Dec |
Christmas Walk & Lunch, Taitua Arboretum and Hamilton Gardens |
Colin Standing
|
1 |
31 January | Lake Puketirini - Huntly | Dianne | 1 |
14 February | Luck at Last mine - Whangamata | Keith & friends | 1+ |
28 February |
Valley Walks - Kauaeranga Valley Pinnacles - Thames |
Dianne & friends Carol & friends |
1 3 |
14 March | Tiritiri Matangi - Auckland |
Margaret & Colin |
1 |
28 March | Waihaha Hut - Pureora Forest Park | Colin | 2 |
11 April | Broken Hills – Tairua (Coromandel) |
Keith and Friends Colin and Grant |
1+ 2+ |
25 April |
Dickeys Flat - Waikino Reservoir Loop Road – Paeroa |
Dianne & friends Grant & Ron |
1 3 |
9 May | Hakarimata Southern Loop - Ngāruawāhia | Emma & Carol | 2 |
First trip of the year is a social ramble to start the year off gently, just turn up at the carpark in Collingwood Street and carpool. The walk will take about 1-2 hours (approx. 4km). Easy track, mostly open with no shade. We will start with morning tea then make our way at a leisurely pace around the lake taking some off chutes for fun. Back to the cars for possibly an early lunch by the lake then an ice cream on the way home.
Lake Puketirini is at Huntly, on the western side of the Waikato River. It is a man-made lake developed from a disused coal mine pit and is part of Puketirini, a Waikato District Council owned park. It is 64m deep at its deepest point and is used for many activities such as swimming, kayaking, waka ama, scuba dive training, boating and water skiing.
Depart: |
8.30am |
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Return: |
Early afternoon |
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Cost: |
$5.00 to the driver |
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Leaders: |
Dianne & Friends |
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Bookings |
Not required – Just turn up |
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Contact |
Dianne Lee |
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Phone/Txt |
027 272 6617 |
Sunday 14 February Whangamata Grade 1+
Luck at Last Mine
As far as I’m are aware we have not been here for a very long time, if ever. It will be an early start due to the distance to travel in the vans.
Parts of the mine area are deemed archaeological historical sites. Easy, flat walk to the Luck at Last mine battery site with lots of ruins and equipment. This is one of the best preserved old mining sites on the Coromandel. A network of tracks explores the mine area. A well sign posted track in the forest provides a scenic walk to old gold mine ruins where you can view old mining relics.
Winding through a scrubby, harvested forest landscape, the initially unformed track soon descends to the old level carriageway bounded by native trees and the Wharekawa Stream. There might be opportunity for a quick dip in the stream depending on time. We will be walking 5-6 hours and possible ice cream stop on way home…so bring a change of clothes and extra money.
Depart: |
7.30am |
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Return: |
6pm approx |
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Cost: |
$25.00 (members) |
|
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$30.00 (non-members) |
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Leaders: |
Keith & Friends |
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Open |
Monday 1 February @ 6pm |
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Contact |
Jenny West |
|
Phone/txt |
027 611 0550 |
|
|
tsew.ynnej@gmail.com |
Sunday 28 February Thames Grades 1.5 & 3
Trip # 1109B - Kauaeranga Valley - Grade 1.5
Today we venture back in time to the lovely Kauaeranga Valley situated behind Thames. This was once a very busy place where kauri timber and kauri gum were extracted.
Starting at the information centre and DOC park headquarters (morning tea and toilets). Then we will drive up the valley visiting small walks to places of interest. One smallish hill to climb with a great view. Coming back down the valley we will visit Hoffmans Pool and you might like to refresh in the crystal waters.
Trip # 1109A - Pinnacles – Grade 3
We will start this track at the road-end carpark at the foot of the ranges, 9km (of unsealed road) from the Kauaeranga Valley Visitor's Centre.
This popular and interesting walk will go to the Pinnacles Hut, and if time allows for those who wish on to the summit of the Pinnacles. Here on a clear day you will have spectacular views of the Coromandel Peninsula. The ascent from the start to the summit is just over 500 metres, mostly over high steps and stairs so your legs will get a workout. The terrain is mixed and challenging.
Track option will be decided by the leaders.
For both trips bring lunch, plenty of water to drink, sunhat and extra money for on the way home.
Depart: |
7.30am |
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Return: |
5.30-6pm |
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Cost: |
$25.00 (members) $30.00 (non-members) |
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Leaders: |
G1 – Dianne & Friends |
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G3 – Grant and Ron |
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Open |
Monday 15 February @ 6pm |
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Contact |
Keith |
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Phone |
07 847 4399 |
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Txt |
027 366 6194 |
Sunday 14 March Auckland Grade 1
Trip # 1110 - Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi is a pest-free, wildlife sanctuary, which is located in the Hauraki Gulf. 'It is one of the most important and exciting conservation projects in New Zealand.'
As there is only room for 24 passengers in two vans, bookings will be restricted to members only and full payment to the Treasurer is required to confirm your booking. Seats will fill up fast so you will need to book this in promptly if you wish to go.
The plan is to meet at the usual place in Collingwood Street, at depart at 7am to drive to Gulf Harbour where we take the 9.50am ferry to the Island, a trip of about 20 minutes. When we arrive there is a 90 minute guided walk available - this must be booked when booking in for the trip. Volunteers give very useful information about the various birds and where they can be found. There will still be some time afterwards to wander freely about the island and if the weather is good to have a swim. The ferry leaves the island at 3.30 pm.
Important:
- The vans have to leave at 7am promptly, we can't wait for any late comers
- The last ferry leaves the island at 3.30pm, it also doesn't wait for any late arrivals
- No food or drink available so bring your own food and lots of water to drink
- Check your packs, boots and poles to make sure that you do not carry in any mice, rats or weed seeds
- We have to pay in full when we book the boat, that is why we need early bookings with full payment from members.
Depart: |
7am sharp |
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Return: |
6pm approx |
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Cost: |
Total Cost for Wanderers' adult members
Total Cost for Wanderers' child members:
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Payment: |
Colin Standing: (Treasurer) Bank a/c number 03 0306 0208429-000 Please put your name as reference |
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Leaders: |
Margaret & Colin Standing |
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Bookings |
Open |
1st February |
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Contact |
Margaret Standing |
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Phone : |
07 855 1335 | Txt 021 253 1105 |
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Sunday 28 March Pureora Grade 2
Trip # 1111 - Waihaha Hut - Pureora Forest Park
The van takes us to the carpark on the Waihaha River via the Taupo Western Bypass (toilets available). This track is a shared use walk/bike track so some care will be needed.
This is an easy lovely summer walk alongside the Waihaha River and wanders through shrubland and dense podocarp forest before reaching the gem of a hut on a clearing overlooking the river. We retrace our footsteps back to the van. The track takes about three hours each way and has been a favourite of Wanderers in the past. The trip is graded 2+ due to distance not hill climbing.
Expect to walk about 7 hours including lunch and stops.
Depart: 7.30am Return 7pm
Cost: |
$25.00 (members) $30.00 (non-members) |
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Leader: |
Colin Standing and Friends |
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Bookings: |
Open |
Monday 15 March at 6pm |
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Contact |
Colin Standing |
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Phone |
07 855 1335 |
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Txt |
027 326 6886 |
|
|
standings@xtra.co.nz |
Sunday 11 April Tairua Grade 1+ & 2+
Trip # 1112B - Broken Hills - Grade 1+
Today we travel over the Kopu-Hikuai Highway 25. On reaching Prescotts Garage Corner we turn left and head up Puketui Road to the bridge and road end. We have a few choices, one being going along Water Race Track then climbing up to Collins Drive (very long tunnel – torch required) then either continuing and coming back on a loop track or retracing the same route. There are lots of other historical places to look at and we will endeavour to do so.
Trip # 1112A - Collins Drive – Grade 2+
Starting from the Puketui Valley Road end (probably park van in DOC campsite) it’s about 400m walk along the road for a quick look at the remains of the Government Battery. From here it’s just a few metres more to start the climb up the hill. The climb is steady with steps in places and takes about 1 hour. Don't be put off, there will be plenty of time to climb this hill slowly. At the top of the hill, it’s well worth the extra 5 minutes climb to the lookout for great views. Walking further around the hill brings us to the western end of Collins Drive. This 500m long tunnel was driven through the hill in a fruitless attempt to find a payable quartz reef. You will need a good torch, but underfoot is a good boardwalk – something warm to wear may also help as the through wind can be cool. Part way through, another dead end drive takes off to the left. Almost at the eastern end of the tunnel a boarded-up cross drive gives some viewing possibilities to the huge amount of work done. Once out into the light again we track down the hill and turn right to the Third Branch Track following alongside the Tairua River before climbing up a bit to the Water Race Tunnels Track. This follows the old water race that fed water to the Broken Hills Battery. This picks up the Main Range Track with a short walk back to the van.
Expect to walk about 5 hours including lunch and stops.
Depart: |
7.30am Return 6pm approx |
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Cost: |
$25.00 (members) $30.00 (non-members) |
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Leaders: |
G1+ Keith & Friends G2+ Colin Standing & Grant Svendsen |
||
Bookings: |
Open |
Monday 29 March @ 6pm |
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Contact |
Colin Standing |
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Phone |
07 855 1335 |
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Txt |
027 326 6886 |
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|
|
standings@xtra.co.nz |
Sunday 25 April Waikino/Paeroa Grades 1+ & 3
Trip # 1113B - Crown Track to Dickey’s Flat – Grade 1+
This track showcases beautiful scenery, good swimming holes and interesting mine relics. It passes the remains of the extensive Karangahake Mines, with optional short side trips to view tunnels and the impressive Woodstock Underground Pumphouse. Further up the Crown Track follows a pipeline and other relics from the gold mining days.
A torch is recommended for a 200m tunnel on this track. Weather permitting there could be a swimming opportunity as well. Walk time approx. 5 hours with lunch and stops for diversions. Possible ice cream stop on way home.
Trip # 1113A - Reservoir Loop Road – Paeroa – Grade 3
This tramp is in the hills east of Paeroa starting from the end of Old Reservoir Road. After crossing the Taratiki stream we take a left fork onto a track heading up a ridge through mixed native bush and then downhill past the site of an old scouts hut, across a small stream and then up hill to a fenceline where we climb over into a paddock, which will be our lunch spot. After lunch we head along this fenceline for about 50mtrs or so and climb over the fence and re-enter the bush. It is all downhill from here, sometimes steeply, until we hit the Taratiki stream again and head back to the van.
This is a strenuous tramp which could take 6 hours walking time.
Depart: |
7.30am |
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Return: |
5-6pm approx |
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Cost: |
$25.00 (members) $30.00 (non-members) |
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Leaders: |
G1 – Dianne & Friends |
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G3 – Grant & Ron |
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Bookings: |
Open |
Monday 12 April @ 6pm |
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Contact |
Grant |
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Phone/txt |
021 047 6518 |
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|
gsveny@gmail.com |
Sunday 9 May Ngaruawahia Grade 2
Trip # 1114 - Hakarimata Southern Loop
We will drive to Ngaruawahia and park in Brownlee Avenue. It’s a 335 metre
climb up 1349 steps, but we will have plenty of time. Once we get to the top
of the steps we can relax and go to the summit tower, 374 metres above sea
level. The tower may provide good views out towards the coast and across the
Waikato Basin and down to Ruapehu on a clear day.
Our return will be via the southern section of the Hakarimata Walkway, near
the end of the walk there are picnic tables where we can have lunch before
starting the final walk onto the Waingaro Road. A short walk along this road
takes us back to the carpark.
Depart: |
8am |
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Return: |
2-3pm approx |
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Cost: |
$25.00 (members) $30.00 (non-members) |
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Leaders: |
Emma & Carol |
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Bookings: |
Open |
Monday 26 April @ 6pm |
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Contact |
Emma Juggins |
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Phone/txt |
027 612 6228 |
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|
jugginsemma@gmail.com |