North Shore Tramping Club
Mt Pirongia Mini Weekend - Xmas trip training Saturday 12th Dec 8:00 am Leave from Como Street Carpark, Takapuna and drive to Kaniwhaniwha Reserve (Limeworks Loop Road carpark). Return Takapuna Sunday 5:30pm We will start from the Kaniwhaniwha car park and follow a metalled track alongside the river to Kaniwhaniwha campsite. From here the Tahuanui Track leaves the campsite beside the stream and climbs steadily uphill with a few steeper sections nearing top of the ridge. At the junction with the Tirohanga Track we head towards the summit and Pāhautea Hut. Gaining the summit of Pirongia you will find the lookout tower (959 m), which is well worth the effort to climb with views across the Waikato region. On fine, clear days, the peak of Mount Taranaki to the south and Mount Ruapehu to the southeast are both visible from the lookout tower. A further 30 mins walk with some ups and downs brings us to Pāhautea Hut and campsites. For those feeling energetic, an elevated boardwalk and steps will take you to the Hihikiwi Lookout (905 m) around 15 - 20 mins. As this is boardwalk the whole way this can be done in hut shoes later in the day. Great views towards the west coast and to watch the sunset. Sunday 13th Dec, We will return to the bus retracing our steps from the previous day. Notes: The track is a solid climb with some steep sections from Kaniwhaniwha campsite to the hut. Pirongia is known for its mud so make use of the boot washing station at the hut (down by the toilets) before putting your boots inside the cloakroom Temperatures can easily drop into single digits any time of year and there is no fireplace so take warm clothing. Bring a change of clothes and shoes for the bus ride home (can be left in bus) There are 9 bunks in the hut and 6 campsites booked Cost: Bunk (9 available) $73.00 for Members Campsite - tent required (6 available) $65.00 for Members Payment due by 4 December please
Organiser: Garry - 021 269 2196 Driver: TBA Greenlane Pickup available
Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf
