The group stayed as one until lunch at the “Big Tree” then a breakaway group, led by the intrepid Campbell, set off to the Rat Track (which is unmarked and has no signs of any rats….) and along the Pipeline taking in the very steep Incline- where there were the usual jokes about whether we were “inclined “ to do it or not. Then the best to be forgotten road bash back to Arataki and the shelter of Old Yellow. Our group of selected fit people was ably led by Campbell – who never got lost and assisted by Brian. I tagged along with Sybil the Goose. …….Trish
On a drizzly day 16 trampers turned up to visit a new track in the Waitakeres. How often can one visit a new track in the Waitaks! From the Arataki centre car park a new track (or should one say “path” as it is well gravelled and rather flash) leads to Mackies Rest and was apparently once part of Exhibition Drive. Bill Beveridge was a local ranger with a great love of the Waitakere ranges and Mackie was a local trader who brought out goods like saddles westward in the late 1800’s. The Rest was the spot where he took a break en route to his buyers. The signage in the area is very good and adds an interesting dimension to the walk. Of course en route we had to visit the old train at Jacobsen’s depot – always a photo opportunity. As were the tunnels.
The group stayed as one until lunch at the “Big Tree” then a breakaway group, led by the intrepid Campbell, set off to the Rat Track (which is unmarked and has no signs of any rats….) and along the Pipeline taking in the very steep Incline- where there were the usual jokes about whether we were “inclined “ to do it or not. Then the best to be forgotten road bash back to Arataki and the shelter of Old Yellow. Our group of selected fit people was ably led by Campbell – who never got lost and assisted by Brian. I tagged along with Sybil the Goose. …….Trish
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We got 18 people down the 150m cliff and back up safely. (It took one hour to get down).
The route was a mixture of hanging on to flax bushes, pohutukawa roots, three fixed ropes and a bit of rock scrambling. The tide and swell conditions were spot on and we got through the sea tunnel and around the corner into the sea cave where the cathedral was very easily reached. The water was just up to our knees in the deepest parts. Everyone enjoyed their day. One to remember. Sunday 15 January finally delivered a day without rain which no doubt encouraged a 'bumper' turnout of 30 trampers.
First up the cliff steps to the viewing platforms overlooking the Gannet Colony. A good number of gannets hunkering down on the Otakamiro Point cliff tops and also on Oaia Island a short distance offshore. Inland then up two bush tracks, Quarry and Edwin Mitchelson,to exit onto the southern end of Oaia Road. Not to disappoint our driver Campbell Elliot the next section included the obligatory 'bumper road bash' as we made our way northwards and into the Anglican Church owned Houghton's Bush Camp that provides live in character building outdoor experiences for young people. Out the back end of the camp Houghton's Bush Track drops down to Houghton's Farm through which access had been arranged with owner Glenn Houghton.The route through the farm included crossing a short rather marshy field then working our way around the seaward side of Lake Okaihau. This lake is absolutely beautiful with abundant waterlilly and is well stocked with freshwater fish. As usual there were a few anglers trying their luck as they enjoyed the warm sunny weather. Past the lake and turning seaward toward the coast we generally followed the Okiritoto Stream until we stopped under a rather large tree that provided a measure of shade whilst we had lunch. After lunch again following the stream until we exited at the northern end of Coast Road. Under what was now very hot weather we followed a couple of forestry tracks leading into the southern end of Woodhill Forest. A corner cutting exercise brought us to the foot of Pulpit Rock. A very well named rocky outcrop that looks quite impressive from below. About two thirds of the group opted to do the short but steep bush bash to the top and were rewarded with magnificent views across the forest treetops to the surf and Tasman Sea beyond. A more leisurely way down to exit a bit further to the north where the fit and fast were finally let off the leash for the walk to the coast and back along the beach to the starting point in the southern car park. Us mere mortals remaining formed a larger but slower group that opted to return under the shade of the forest to the northern end of the Coast Road.T hen back along the beach to the car park. We spent around half an hour back at the car park with many taking advantage of the cafe just around the corner for a very welcome ice-cream or milkshake. A lot of good natured humour throughout the day and on the bus ride back to Takapuna. Nice to see that the 30 trampers including 10 non members who hopefully enjoyed a great tramping experience that may encourage them to join up in due course. The day started as it meant to go on, right from leaving Takapuna! Only 11 of us prepared to braved the elements, but I'm sticking to the theory it's near to Christmas and everyone is busy racing around.
Arriving at Karekare everyone dons their raincoats, and boy we will need them today! Both groups head up Ahuahu Track, and our group of 5 head up to the gate on Log Race Road, to admire the view of the rugged, dramatic cliffs, but they were behind a blanket of rain blasting its way across the valley. Back down to the junction to head into the Mercer Bay Loop Track, normally, I do say normally incredible views. Even Coman's Track which normally offers stunning views over Mercer Bay and back down to towards Karekare Beach, you guessed, was saturated. We managed to find a big Pohutukawa Tree with massive limbs to attempt to shelter under to devour lunch. We knocked off the rest of Ahuahu, then headed up the road to link into Taiaire Track. The Karekare Falls surprisingly wasn't as vigorous as one might expect given the weather conditions, it still would have made a lovely photo, if I'd have been brave enough to exhume the camera from my pack. A waterproof camera is required for days like this! No loitering, and up the hill under the canopy of trees, providing us with a bit of cover. A couple of impressively sized boulders one being held in place by significantly large Pohutukawa roots, the other absolutely covered in native lilies clinging to the face. We reach the La Trobe Track junction, expecting to have to retrace our footsteps, as La Trobe was currently closed due to Kauri Dieback trial. But to our surprise, it's only the upper section of La Trobe that's closed, so we complete the loop down lower La Trobe Track back to the bus. We were very grateful of our raincoats today, both as shelter from the wind as much as from the rain. Although it's been a sodden day in the boots, rain literally dripping down your legs and making the insides of your boots wet, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day and virtually no mud! Rough weather just puts a different spin on things. Everything is gleaming, raindrops on the leaves, trees, tracks, water dripping off everything, sheer cliffs, native lilies and orchids in full bloom everywhere, not to mention moody skies. So if in future you plan to do a particular tramp and the weather is inclement, come and give it a go anyway, you never know, you might actually enjoy the variation. Sunday 20 October 2011 brought beautiful sunny weather and this combined with a tramp to two quite different but not far apart areas resulted in a very good turnout of 27 trampers.
Our chariot driver for the day, one Campbell Elliot esq. arrived a little late for the scheduled 9.00am start, however,the Auckland Marathon/Half Marathon was also on that day and although these started in Devonport at 6.10am and 7.00am respectively there was still the resulting residue of slower runners and the traffic congestion to contend with. Campbell confidently told me that he knew the way to our first destination, then in conjunction with his riding up front 'partner in crime' John Hoy, promptly proceeded to give us a very scenic round-a-bout route that eventually resulted in a summons for me to move up front and guide us to the correct starting point. Matuku Reserve is a Royal Forest and Bird Society forest and wetland sanctuary,which at 120 hectares is the second largest one they own. The larger part of the reserve is native forest. The canopy is dense with species that provide flowers or fruit for the abundant tui and kereru. Believe it or not in all more than 250 species of native plants have been recorded in this forest. First up a walk down Snows Lane from Jonkers Road to a viewing stand that overlooks a very picturesque view towards Bethells/Te Henga. Then downhill and off onto a side track that took us past a toppled tree house, across a small stream, up a ladder, then around to the junction with a short track stretching out into the swamplands. Most took the time to check this out and upon their return were prepped for the later chicken encounter with a taped rendition of Ray Stevens 'In the Mood' chicken song. Despite being advised that the words were very easy to learn most stood around looking a bit bemused by this irregular interruption to quality tramping time. However, I make no apologies for this as I have always thought that having a bit of fun along the way is an essential element of a successful tramp. The route then went through more dense bush and up to the cliff face and under a small waterfall without getting wet. Climbing past this the track went up and around the top of the cliff and to another viewing stand that looked south eastward up the Waitakere Valley. Uphill then and along to the 'chicken' turnoff. Some of those who came last year wisely continued on to the designated lunch spot whilst the majority were subjected to another rendition of the 'In the Mood' chicken song as they viewed the size 30 plus hens ,These 'birds' must have heard us coming as they were crowing and clucking away as we walked up the access track. A short corner cutting track took us through to a nice sunny grassy area with a king-sized BBQ table for those that wanted to use this. A very nice comfortable mid tramp place to relax in while we had lunch. After lunch back up through the bush and retracing our steps to the top of Snows Lane and the club bus. A short drive around the corner to the end of Horseman Road where the group then split into two with the 'Magnificent Seven' ably led by Roger fast disappearing on the longer of the two suggested routes in Goldie Bush. The remaining twenty then strolled in as far as the Mokoroa Stream, across the imposing new swing bridge and down to the edge of the stream were we spent 10 minutes or so enjoying the very pleasant surroundings. Trish and Brian decided on going up the western side of the bridge through to Constable Road and back while the remaining eighteen retraced their steps to the end of Horseman Road. The 'Magnificent Seven' surfaced soon after having been up the stream to check out the waterfall closely followed by Trish and Brian. Campbell excelled himself on the return journey and had us safely back to The Strand via the direct route in no time at all. And look Campbell, another successful 'Bumper' tramp with no road bash ! When we most likely do this one again near the end of next year I expect everyone to be 'word perfect' with the 'Matuku theme chicken song”In the Mood' so we can have a rousing input from every tramper present. Take notice. You have been warned! PS Re the marathon some couldn’t get to Takapuna at all due to road closures and diversions – and these closures going on much longer than advertised- Devonport was in virtual lock down. So, Campbell did OK! Photo is from last year’s trip. http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/what-we-do/reserves/matuku-reserve Situated in the hills behind Bethell’s beach, this forest and wetland sanctuary is Forest & Bird’s second-largest reserve occupying a total of 120 hectares. The larger part of the reserve is native forest which is best described as coastally influenced lowland broadleaf forest, with emergent tanekaha and kauri on ridges. Dense with fruiting & flowering species such as puriri, karaka, nikau, rewarewa, kowhai, pigeonwood and mahoe, the forest is a good food source for the thriving tui & kereru populations. In all, over 250 plant species have been recorded in the forest, from perching lilies and orchids to a luxuriant carpet of ferns & sedges that covers the forest floor. At the base of these slopes is the reserve’s 20 hectare wetland, part of the wider Te Henga Wetland, the largest relatively unmodified freshwater marshland in the Auckland region. An un-signposted 60 metre boardwalk allows informed members to experience the dense wetland vegetation and perhaps see some of its birdlife such as fernbird, pukeko, black swan, and mallard. Having acquired the reserve in 1979, the Waitakere Branch is now beginning to see how well the forest is responding to several years of pest control, with a surge in the number of tomtits, fantails, tui and kereru. Most surprising however has been the boom in the insect population, with large invertebrates such as cave weta thriving in these parts. Indeed, in recent years several major entomological discoveries have been made in this reserve, making Matuku a rewarding scientific field for entomologists. A bit hard to believe this title you might think, however, read on. We were white/ brown water tramping up the Wainamu stream, on a number of routes, seeing waterfalls we had never seen before, getting “lost” -we did it all. Now, is that extreme tramping or what?
We started off with a certain amount of toilet humour inspired by the new Portaloo near the sand-dunes at Wainamu. See the photo of the organised queue waiting for the little room, and, of Eileen, bravely posing to show what a little gem the comfort room is…………. Note that the sun did shine for a few minutes at the start of the tramp……………….. This was a stream bash that officially wasn’t a stream bash, quote, “this is not a stream bash in the true sense of the word” Really? A Clayton’s stream bash maybe? We started off as one group, but progress was slow so eight of us branched off with Helen to make our own way to eventually meet up with the Wainamu bush track. We clambered round rocks, sloshed through water, retraced our steps a couple of times and, eventually got to a huge waterfall of Niagara proportions. No one whooping over in a barrel though so couldn’t have been Niagara……..After a wet lunch we retraced our steps again, (I was instructed to say that we loved it so much we did it again.) Then we met up with the slower party who hadn’t yet had lunch, and looked very cold and miserable. Up the left of the said waterfall on a scrambly sort of track then in the stream again. Our group, now minus a few, including Peter, who decided that the slow party was perhaps the safer option, bashed up the stream a bit more then up to Wainamu bush track. We got back to the bus at 3.30 and waited an hour for the other lot. An extreme tramp? Well, it was extremely wet, extremely muddy and, Helen said, to include “extremely confusing”. A challenge definitely. Alan’s young daughter Lydia said she really enjoyed it. She had skipped through mud not daunted by anything all day. Well done, Lydia. Seventeen brave souls turned up on a wet and windy decidedly winters dayto head out to Bethells on the wild west coast to venture off track up the Wainamu Stream.
First up a nice flat walk up Lake Wainamu track that was partly in the lower reaches of the Waiti stream that borders the massive sand dunes west of Wainamu Lake. A rather stunning area as most would know with these dunes being the best part of a kilometre in from the beach and coastline. Lake Wainamu was formed during the last 6500 years when the Wainamu Stream Valley was dammed by huge dunes of ironsand that was slowly blown inland by the prevailing winds. The existing dunes are still moving slowly into the lake but dune stabilisation programmes along the coast have largely stopped the supply of more sand. A lone port-a-loo along the way provided and excellent photo opportunity with us all lining up to 'take our turn' At the easternmost side of the lake the fun began as we edged our way along an unofficial track of sorts at the start of the Wainamu Stream bash.A short way along this 'track' it was a case of now you see him now you don't as the leader found the ledge giving way beneath him as he relived his youthfull skydiving days by freefalling about 5 metres over rock and mud. Apart from a knock to his pride as the rather bedraggled figure clambered back up this fall resulted in ripped shorts, liberal cuts and bruises and a rather sore backside ! At this point in time the group split into two with the faster lot forging ahead under Helen Orchard’s leadership and the slower remaining with thebattered 'Bumper'. A lot of criss-crossing the stream followed as we negotiated our way upstream. Some time later both groups temporarily merged again as we took a not so obvious 'track' past the waterfall. We split again as we were now not too far from where the stream intersects the Wainamu Bush track. Lunch for the slower group was a short stand-up affair as we ate in the rain prior to climbing up the track to eventually intersect with Smythe Ridge and Houghton tracks. Nearly all downhill on Houghton track but very wet and slippery necessitating a steady as you go approach. During the last couple of years the former ARC has created a rather nice track along the southern side of the lake. This used to be private land, covered in gorse in parts and a highly unauthorised way back. Now there is a couple of sturdy bridges, steps and a well formed track that provides a nice alternative way back to the road. Over the sandhills for the last leg of the journey A rather wet and windy quick change at the bus before heading home in failing light. An adventure not without its casualties as, apart from the leader, Pam Burdett took a bit of a knock on her shoulder after a rather slippery fall. I know some during the stream section thought, what the hell have I let myself in for today, but we all got there and agreed it was an interesting tramp with a difference that may perhaps need to be done next time in more conducive weather conditions. The club's trip to Karekare was featured in an article in the NZ Herald by Diana Clement. You can see Diana's article here. Another great Waitakere tramp with a good turnout - people weren’t put off by the prospect of doing the RGB track ( commonly known as the Ruddy Gut Buster in the club.)
A lovely drive along Anawhata Road – unfortunately to the wrong car park for Chateau Mosquito. The troops were up for the challenge, and good naturedly piled back into the bus for the short extra journey to the entrance to the right track. We had three groups - a small, fit, fast and footloose group of three got round their circuit in record time (Jimmy assured us a fair amount of running took place!) The rest of us went more sedately, the medium lot did, among other tracks, Chateau Mosquito, Sisam, Long Road,Upper Kauri Lower Kauri – not to mention RGB, which is probably the best thing to do with it! An excellent track for aspiring commandoes! And all credit to the slower group that they managed it. The bush was lovely, especially the rata, and the large kauris, the birds were singing, kereru bombed round the trees and inquisitive tomtits were seen on the track. The stream crossings were very beautiful and some waterholes quite inviting. The only problem was the wasps – not as many as the week before but enough to sting Bill several times. And Dora, the Explorer looked as if she had been fighting with tigers by the time she got back to the bus with a huge tear in the back of her shorts (You guessed it – on the RGB track!) Memo: don’t forget to put your antihistamine pills and cream in your pack at this time of the year. Thanks to Brian for organising such a scenic trip. Thirty five people turned up for this trip and it was great to see quite a few new and newish people enjoying what was a great day out. It was a perfect day for the views – and what views they are from the lookout above Whites beach. Our group descended to the beach dodging the waves to get to the end of the beach and then up the “track” up to Anawhata road past the site of the former University of Auckland hut, which stood in a grand vantage spot for 70 years until it was burned down.
Down to Piha again via the Nikau grove and usual lunch spot by the stream then on to Mangaroa ridge Centennial Forbes etc back to the Piha road where the bus awaited us. Our party, medium fast, was me, Roger, Lindsay and “that goose” Sybil. No idea how many km we covered but it would have been quite a few on a hot and humid day. Back to the bus before 4 to wait for the other parties. Many thanks Garry for organising this great trip and to Ian for driving us back and forth- and to Whites beach for sharing it beauty with us. Only downside was the wasps! Heaps of them. Photos: The pretty blue toadstool, the fast and med fast group set out along N Piha beach (It was noted that the latter covered rather more ground than the fast group on this trip!) Lindsay and Roger at the site of the Auckland University hut. And other shots of the waves we dodged at Whites, the lookout overlooking Whites – a view you never tire of – and I seem to take the same shot every time I go there ! |
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