A Whatipu Weekend

On Sunday Anisha and I travelled to Whatipu. Whatipu is a Scientific Reserve owned by the Department of Conservation and managed on behalf by the Auckland Regional Council. It is located in the Waitakare ranges approximately 40km from Auckland Central.

A large portion of the road to Whatipu is unsealed which my GPS alerted to me when I programmed in the location. We arrived at the main Whatipu car park in the morning. The first thing we did was walk to the beach. This is the first time that Anisha has seen a black sand beach. We took some photos of the beach, the ocean, the mountains, and the rocks. We took photos of some odd-shaped rocks, with their shape no doubt caused by water erosion.

After the beach we went on the short Whatipu Cave Track. This track was 90% sand which gave our legs a really good workout. We saw and went into about 5 different caves. The caves ranged from small nooks to fantastically large structures.

There is an official camp spot at the end of this walk which is was simply a large open area with a portaloo besides it. We returned via some cut tracks though the long grass which ran parallel with the track we took to get in. Once we finished this walk and came back we had lunch. I had made some rolls the night before. Overall, the weather today was not that hot. It was raining a little, was windy and the sun was barely seen through the heavy cloud cover. Better luck next time.

Unfortunately I have misplaced my Sony Camera (found now) but Anisha took her camera and we collectively took some interesting photos.

The only other exciting this we did this weekend was to see Rouge Assassin at the Silvia Park movie theatre.

Additional Information: Whatipu, at the entrance of the Manukau Harbour, is best known for its remoteness and natural heritage values - its windswept sand dunes, wetlands and wildlife. This unique landscape, now part of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, has long attracted visitors seeking a wilderness experience. - www.arc.govt.nz

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

The Karangahake Gorge

As part of our regular ZeeClub events, we went the The Karangahake Gorge for a tramp. I invited Nigel and Kim as well. We met the rest of the gang at the BP on the Southern Motorway in Bombay.

We then made the trip to the Karangahake Gorge. We began by doing the Windows Walk (15 Minutes), followed by the Crown Tramway Track (30 Minutes). This connected to the Crown Track (1 Hour 30 Minutes). After completing the tramp, we reversed and came all the way back. We traversed through two tunnels, one of which was 180 metres in length. A torch is strongly recommended.

After returning from the tramp, the group had a shared lunch. We had brought the rolls which I had painstakingly made the night before. They did appear to be popular with the children.

After lunch, we stopped in Paeroa and had our photo taken in front of the famous L&P Drink bottle. We then got some Ice Creams from the local dairy. I got a double-scoop. The scoops were amazingly big!

I have uploaded 7 videos for the event to my YouTube Channel.


Video: Anisha to the Rescue!

Useless Information: In the late 1960's, Mountain Dew bottles featured a hillbilly on them. These are now collector items worth five to ten dollars.

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.