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
Return:	Early afternoon
Cost:	$5.00 to the driver
Leaders:	Dianne & Friends
Bookings	Not required – Just turn up
	Contact	Dianne Lee
	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
Return:	6pm approx
Cost:	$25.00 (members)
	$30.00 (non-members)
Leaders:	Keith & Friends
	Open	Monday 1 February @ 6pm
	Contact	Jenny West
	Phone/txt	027 611 0550
	Email	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
Return:	5.30-6pm
Cost:	$25.00 (members) $30.00 (non-members)
Leaders:	G1 – Dianne & Friends
	G3 – Grant and Ron
	Open	Monday 15 February @ 6pm
	Contact	Keith
	Phone	07 847 4399
	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
Return:	6pm approx
Cost:	Total Cost for Wanderers' adult members boat and fare for van = $100 boat + guided walk and fare for van = $110 Total Cost for Wanderers' child members: boat and fare for van + $60 boat and fare for van and guided walk $60
Payment:	Colin Standing: (Treasurer) Bank a/c number 03 0306 0208429-000 Please put your name as reference
Leaders:	Margaret & Colin Standing
Bookings	Open	1st February
	Full payment by 14th February No late bookings accepted The first 24 members to pay will be on the trip Bookings without payment will be invalid
	Contact	Margaret Standing
	Phone :	07 855 1335   |  Txt 021 253 1105
	Email	standings@xtra.co.nz

 

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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