Cossey Massey Loop Track

Given that I had canceled last weekends walk in the Hunua Ranges, Anisha and I took advantage of the Waitangi Day public holiday today to go back and do another track. We started at the Hunua falls for our journey today.

First, we took the Cossey Track which took us to the Cossey Dam. This was a 1 1/2 hour track. From the Cossey Dam we returned to the Hunua falls via the Massey Track. The Massey Track added an additional 2 hours to return back to the Hunua Falls car park.

The majority of both tracks were under the cover of the trees so there was limited opportunity to be exposed to the heat of the sun. As described on the ARC (Auckland Regional Council) website, the tracks contained some steep sections which we experienced and overcame. I did find that the terrain was quite flat compared to other tracks that I have done in the past (or am I just getting fitter?). Sections which were extremely steep had wooden stairs.

On the track we stopped to admire the Kauri trees, and experienced some rock hopping as we crossed the Cossey Creek (See picture).

On the Massey track we walked past dozens of buckets placed in the bush by The University of Auckland for a "Seed Dispersal Study". Small signs were erected stating "Please do not disturb (thanks)". A contact number for an Andrew Pegman was displayed.

The complete Cossey/Massey loop track is 5 km in length with an estimated walking time of 195 minutes (3 hrs 15 mins). We did the track in just over three hours, including the stop to admire the Cossey Dam.


Video: Massey Track - Hunua Ranges

Additional Information: This track is metalled but is steep in places and involves wading or rock hopping across Cossey Creek. Enjoy long range views, impressive native forest, sparkling waters and great Kauri trees along the way. - Auckland Regional Council

Suspension Bridge Loop Track

Today, Anisha and I went to the Hunua Ranges for a walk through the bush. We selected the Suspension Bridge Loop Track today. The estimated time for the walk is 90 minutes, and we achieved this. The total distance walked was 3 km.

We started at the Suspension Bridge, access via Moumoukai Hill Road. This walk climbs through the forest to a spectacular platform above the Wairoa Reservoir. As we experienced with other walks and tracks, the term "loop" does not necessarily mean you arrive back where you started at the end of the walk. Once we completed the walk, we had to still go quite a way to get back to my car. We jokingly called this the "Gravel Road" track.

After the Suspension Bridge Loop Walk, we had lunch. Anisha had made some sandwiches in the morning for us.

Next, we took a drive around to the Hunua Falls. The falls are quite popular, fortunately there was a large amount of parking available. From the car park it is a quick five minute walk to the Hunua Falls. Once we were there I took a couple of snaps, and quick videos. There were also a number of people climbing up the rock face and then plunging into the water. There was also one guy with a dog which was making an awful racket. It echoed all around the enclosed area.

The day before, I bought a Notebook Cooler (Cooler Master NOTEPAL) from INC Technologies for NZ$70. I managed to negotiate a free USB cable from them as part of the deal. For my review of the NOTEPAL click here.


Video: Hunua Falls

Additional Information: The Hunua Ranges frame the region's southeastern skyline and make up Auckland's largest forested landscape. More than 14,000 hectares of native forest filters about 2300mm of rain annually into four dams, which supply most of Auckland's water.

The Wairoa Loop Track

As part of our regular ZeeClub events, we went and did the The Wairoa Loop Track. The Wairoa Loop Track is situated just south of Hunua Falls in the Wairoa Valley. This walk will be a mix of open air country, walking an historic road, and a very scenic mild trek through forest dominated by tall kanuaka and tanekaha trees clothing the landscape in attractive mottled bark.

We met at the beginning of the track at around 10:30am this morning. The total distance of the walk is 6.5km with an estimated walking time of three hours. The grade is described as Easy to Moderate. The track begins at the park at the end of Otau Valley Road. Some of the ZeeClub members met at work while Anisha and I came by car directly. I put the location in my GPS and found it without issue.

I have to say that the first part of the trip was hard-going. It was a steep incline going up the hill. I must have been dehydrated. I had not drunk anything before the walk. I was much better after having some of the bottled water that we brought.

During the trip we stopped at the lookout that overlooks the Wairoa Dam and reservoir. The view was fantastic as you can see in the attached photos!

After the walk back, we had a BBQ with a variety of food including Sausages, Chicken etc. Anisha had made a selection of muffins which we shared with the group.

Afterwards, I dropped Anisha off home. Nigel came over and we had several games of Command & Conquer: Generals.


Video: The Wairoa Loop Track - The BBQ

Useless Information: The sound made by the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is so loud that it can be heard 40 miles away.