CANCELLED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT NUMBERS
Mt Hikurangi/East Cape
Mt Hikurangi (1752m) in the Raukumara Ranges, is the tallest non-volcanic mountain in the North Island, and the first part of mainland New Zealand to greet the rays of the new day’s sun. It is a place of immense spiritual importance to the Ngati Porou people.
The club last arranged this trip in 2019 and, in view of the challenging logistics, it might be another five years before we do it again. If you have ever wanted to climb Mt Hikurangi or explore East Cape, now is your chance!
Trip Grading: Medium (M)
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/east-coast/places/raukumara-conservation-park/things-to-do/mount-hikurangi-te-ara-ki-hikurangi/
Programme
Friday (Public holiday) Matariki - 28 June
08:30am: Depart from Como Street carpark, Takapuna. The drive to Te Araroa near East Cape (travelling via Tauranga and Opotiki) will take about ten hours. Spend the night at Te Araroa Holiday Park and Motel; camping, sleeping on bus or in a cabin. (There may be an additional cost for the cabin - yet to be confirmed).
Saturday - 29 June
8 am: Drive to Ruatoria, then via Tapuaeroa Valley Road to Pakihiroa Station.
The walk up to the Hikurangi Hut is mostly on a 4-wheel drive track next to open farmland and takes about 5-6 hours. Yellow poles indicate the route. Just before the hut we will encounter nine whakairo (carved sculptures) representing Maui and his family, erected to commemorate the new millenium. The hut sleeps 10 people and is described on one website as very rustic. Others camp in tents next to the hut.
Sunday - 30 June
Walk up to the summit (2 hours). The last 400 meters is a steep scree slope. If the weather is kind to us the views will be spectacular, extending to Mt Ruapehu.
If it is not, visibility will be poor. Return to bus at drop-off point by 3 pm and return to Te Araroa Camp. Depending on time, we might drive out to end of East Cape Road and walk to the lighthouse.
Monday - 1 July
Drive back to Auckland, with one or two short stops along the way depending on weather/interest. Arrive back at Como Street around 7 pm.
Note: Monday is NOT a public holiday, you will need to take a day off work.
Organiser
Chris Bilham, widgeon1913@gmail.com, 022-657 3837.
Cost
$230 - there may be an additional cabin cost - yet to be confirmed.
Numbers
In view of the high transport cost, we need a minimum of 12 people to go ahead.
Booking
Via the website. Deposit of $50 required on booking please.
Maps
NZTopo50-BE44 Te Puia Springs (includes Mt Hikurangi)
BD45 East Cape
BF45 Marau Point (Tolaga Bay)
