Mt Hikurangi/East Cape
30 May – 2 June 2025 (King’s Birthday)
Expressions of interest invited
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.
This trip was scheduled last year but had to be cancelled because of heavy rain and flooding. The club last held 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!
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/
Program
Friday 30 May
Note: this is NOT a public holiday, you will need to take a day off work.
08:30 Depart from our bus garage, Akoranga Drive, Takapuna. The drive to Te Araroa near East Cape (travelling via Tauranga and Opotiki). Spend the night at Te Araroa Holiday Park and Motel; camping, sleeping on bus or (for a slightly higher cost) in a cabin.
Saturday 31 May
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.
Alternate Programme if the weather is very bad: drive south to Tolaga Bay and walks to Cooks Cove and the Hole in the Wall (3 hours return). Many participants will also want to walk out to the end of the wharf (650 meters). If time permits, the group can also stop at Anaura Bay where there is a 3.5km walkway. Return to Te Araroa.
Sunday 1 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. 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 2 June (public holiday)
Drive back to Auckland, with one or two short stops along the way depending on weather/interest. Arrive back at Akoranga Drive around 7 pm.
Organiser
Chris Bilham, widgeon1913@gmail.com, 022-657 3837.
Cost
To be confirmed, probably about $200 - $250 (this includes $15 per head for the hut). There will be a small supplement for those who want a cabin (sharing) at Te Araroa.
Numbers
In view of the high transport cost, we need a minimum of 12 people for this trip to go ahead.
Booking
At this stage we are inviting expressions of interest. If you are seriously interested please notify the organizer by email or text.
Maps
NZTopo50-BE44 Te Puia Springs (includes Mt Hikurangi)
BD45 East Cape
BF45 Marau Point (Tolaga Bay)
