Upcoming trips

Let's go tramping

If you are new to our tramps, you are welcome.

If you are not Club member, it is a requirement that you contact the trip leader beforehand. Don’t be offended if they ask some simple questions about your physical fitness and experience.  People new to tramping are usually asked to do several Light tramps before becoming members.

Where to meet up

Unless stated otherwise, meet at Ray Small carpark (next to the Papakura Skatepark), Elliot Street, Papakura.

For northbound trips, often we have a meeting point at the Recreation Ground carpark, Great South Road, (near 295 Great South Road), Papatoetoe.  The meeting time at Papatoetoe will be 20 minutes later than the Papakura meet-up time.

What will it cost?

Trip transport is mainly by carpooling, with car fares currently set at 15 cents/km per person. The cost will be in the trip plan below.

Sometimes we hire a rental van. Per person costs for that will be communicated to participants.

How are trips graded?

For guidelines on this, go to our Information for day trips page.

Sunday 8th December 2024
Omana Regional Park – Orienteering
GradeLight
Leader(s)

Judith Walker - Phone: 09 296 6977 or 027 296 6977

Departs9am at Ray Small carpark, Elliott Street, Papakura. Or 9.30am near Children’s Playground at Omana Regional Park.
Fare$9
Description

We will start the morning with a short map reading lesson before embarking on the orienteering course to test our navigational skills. Please let Judith know if you plan to come so we have enough copies of the orienteering maps. This will be followed by a shared lunch in a suitable sunny/shady spot. (Chairs recommended.) Bring a Silva style compass, and email Judith to send you a copy of the Orienteering map for you to print out.

MTC Grade: Light. DOC Grade: No info.

Description

We will start the morning with a short map reading lesson before embarking on the orienteering course to test our navigational skills. Please let Judith know if you plan to come so we have enough copies of the orienteering maps. This will be followed by a shared lunch in a suitable sunny/shady spot. (Chairs recommended.) Bring a Silva style compass, and email Judith to send you a copy of the Orienteering map for you to print out.

MTC Grade: Light. DOC Grade: No info.

Tuesday 10th December 2024
Christmas Lunch with short walk beforehand
GradeLight
Leader(s)

Olivia Fitzgerald - Phone: 021 907 289

Departs9am at Ray Small carpark, Elliott Street, Papakura, or 9.30am at Clevedon Scenic Reserve, end Thorps Quarry Road, Clevedon. If you prefer, drop your plate off at Heather’s en route.
Fare$7
Description

We will walk up the Clevedon Scenic Reserve (Te Nikau Pa or Stairway to Heaven) past an impressive stand of kauri and regrowth native forest on a well maintained track up to summit for 360 degree view of Auckland, West Coast, Hunua Ranges and Coromandel.

MTC Grade: Light. DOC Grade: No info.

Description

We will walk up the Clevedon Scenic Reserve (Te Nikau Pa or Stairway to Heaven) past an impressive stand of kauri and regrowth native forest on a well maintained track up to summit for 360 degree view of Auckland, West Coast, Hunua Ranges and Coromandel.

MTC Grade: Light. DOC Grade: No info.

Sunday 12th January 2025
Cossey Massey Loop Track, Hunua
GradeLight
Leader(s)

Robyn Hunter - Phone: 021 063 6131

Departs8.30am at Ray Small carpark, Elliott Street, Papakura.
Fare$6
Description

A rewarding and scenic loop starting from the Hunua Falls, the Massey Track climbs steadily to meet the Cossey Wairoa Track. Descend to Cossey Dam and return via Cossey Gorge Track which follows the creek back to Hunua Falls.

MTC Grade: Light. DOC Grade: No info.

Description

A rewarding and scenic loop starting from the Hunua Falls, the Massey Track climbs steadily to meet the Cossey Wairoa Track. Descend to Cossey Dam and return via Cossey Gorge Track which follows the creek back to Hunua Falls.

MTC Grade: Light. DOC Grade: No info.

Sunday 19th January 2025
Kaniwhaniwha: NZ’s tallest kahikatea tree, Pirongia
GradeLight Plus
Leader(s)

Monika Mazur - Phone: 021 211 0237

Departs8am at Ray Small carpark, Elliott Street, Papakura.
Fare$30
Description

From the Kaniwhaniwha carpark on Limeworks Loop Rd, we walk along the Nikau Walk to Bell Track. Before the Bell Track begins its ascent, we continue another 10 minutes to the kahikatea tree, which at 66.5m is the tallest recorded native tree in NZ. We will return from here the same way we came, with option of exploring the campsite. The tramp begins with easy walking, but past the Kaniwhaniwha Caves the track becomes undulating, with uneven ground, tree roots and muddy sections along the way. Approximately 5-6 hrs. Bring a torch to explore the limestone cave.

MTC Grade: Light Plus - Medium. DOC Grade: Advanced.

Description

From the Kaniwhaniwha carpark on Limeworks Loop Rd, we walk along the Nikau Walk to Bell Track. Before the Bell Track begins its ascent, we continue another 10 minutes to the kahikatea tree, which at 66.5m is the tallest recorded native tree in NZ. We will return from here the same way we came, with option of exploring the campsite. The tramp begins with easy walking, but past the Kaniwhaniwha Caves the track becomes undulating, with uneven ground, tree roots and muddy sections along the way. Approximately 5-6 hrs. Bring a torch to explore the limestone cave.

MTC Grade: Light Plus - Medium. DOC Grade: Advanced.

Tuesday 21st January 2025
Mt Donald McLean to Whatipu via Puriri Ridge Track and Omanawanui Track
GradeMedium
Leader(s)

Peter Crane - Phone: 021 621 345

Olivia Fitzgerald - Phone: 021 907 289

Departs7.45am at Ray Small carpark, Elliott Street, Papakura. Or 9.30am at Donald MacLean Lookout carpark. There will be a car shuffle between Donald Maclean and Whatipu.
Fare$20
Description

We will access Omanawanui Track via well maintained Puriri Ridge Track which drops down through the bush to Whatipu Road and across to Omanawanui Track. This track involves 2 peaks of 241m and 180m, a bit of scrambling up rock faces and lots of steps. Spectacular views of South Head and Whatipu along the way. The track has been substantially upgraded during the long closure.

MTC Grade: Medium. DOC Grade: Intermediate.

Description

We will access Omanawanui Track via well maintained Puriri Ridge Track which drops down through the bush to Whatipu Road and across to Omanawanui Track. This track involves 2 peaks of 241m and 180m, a bit of scrambling up rock faces and lots of steps. Spectacular views of South Head and Whatipu along the way. The track has been substantially upgraded during the long closure.

MTC Grade: Medium. DOC Grade: Intermediate.

Sunday 26th January 2025
Puhoi Track Circuit (includes some of the Te Araroa Trail)
GradeLight Plus
Leader(s)

Robert Scott - Phone: 09 533 5964 or 0274 591 592

Diane Treneman - Phone: 027 290 3631

Departs8am from Papatoetoe Recreation Reserve, Great south Road, Papatoetoe.
Fare$25 approximately. Use of a rental mini-van is possible if numbers allow.
Description

This 10km circuit walk has a little bit of everything, starting and finishing from the village of Puhoi. A steep grunt of a hill to start with leading into forestry roads north-westward along ridges offering panoramic views. Later on we move into bush walking (with awkward scrambling in places) westward for an hour or so followed by about 500metres of difficult walking through ugly forestry slash finishing off with a stream crossing to come out on Ahuroa Road, and then returning 4km south-east on a tar-seal road back to the village, where an ice-cream awaits from the Puhoi General Store. Should take around four hours and overall not an easy walk. Bush tracks likely to be muddy if raining in the days beforehand. Poles recommended and no harm bringing your gators.

MTC Grade: Light Plus. DOC Grade: No info.

Description

This 10km circuit walk has a little bit of everything, starting and finishing from the village of Puhoi. A steep grunt of a hill to start with leading into forestry roads north-westward along ridges offering panoramic views. Later on we move into bush walking (with awkward scrambling in places) westward for an hour or so followed by about 500metres of difficult walking through ugly forestry slash finishing off with a stream crossing to come out on Ahuroa Road, and then returning 4km south-east on a tar-seal road back to the village, where an ice-cream awaits from the Puhoi General Store. Should take around four hours and overall not an easy walk. Bush tracks likely to be muddy if raining in the days beforehand. Poles recommended and no harm bringing your gators.

MTC Grade: Light Plus. DOC Grade: No info.

Tuesday 28th January 2025
Cossey-Massey Loop Track
GradeLight Plus
Leader(s)

Heather_Chapman - Phone: (021)714 274

Departs8.30am at Ray Small carpark, Elliott Street, Papakura. Or 9am at Hunua Falls carpark.
Fare$8
Description

We will walk over the new bridge and tramp up Massey Track to Cosseys Dam before returning via Cossey Gorge Track. Native bush, good tracks and steps.

MTC Grade: Light Plus. DOC Grade: No info.

Description

We will walk over the new bridge and tramp up Massey Track to Cosseys Dam before returning via Cossey Gorge Track. Native bush, good tracks and steps.

MTC Grade: Light Plus. DOC Grade: No info.

Sunday 2nd February 2025
Pukapuka Track Circuit, Hunua Ranges
GradeMedium
Leader(s)

Malcolm Allen - Phone: 021 238 8948/ 09 298 3245

Departs8am at Ray Small carpark, Elliott Street, Papakura.
Fare$8
Description

A ridge track through the bush connected to car-free gravel roads at each end. A good track with no stream crossings and little if any mud. Views from Lilburne Road, Mangatangi Trig and the Mangatawhiri Dam. The opportunity to use the facilities at the Mangatangi Camp Ground part way through the walk. One big climb, 4 to 5 hours walking.

MTC Grade: Medium. DOC Grade: No info.

Description

A ridge track through the bush connected to car-free gravel roads at each end. A good track with no stream crossings and little if any mud. Views from Lilburne Road, Mangatangi Trig and the Mangatawhiri Dam. The opportunity to use the facilities at the Mangatangi Camp Ground part way through the walk. One big climb, 4 to 5 hours walking.

MTC Grade: Medium. DOC Grade: No info.

Tuesday 4th February 2025
Waiuku Forest North
GradeLight
Leader(s)

John Campbell - Phone: 09 292 7521/021 132 5940

Departs8am at Ray Small carpark, Elliott Street, Papakura. Or 9am at Wilson Road carpark, Waiuku North Forest.
Fare$14
Description

This tramp includes the pine forest, beach, and road alongside the mining area of New Zealand Steel.

MTC Grade: Light. DOC Grade: No info.

Description

This tramp includes the pine forest, beach, and road alongside the mining area of New Zealand Steel.

MTC Grade: Light. DOC Grade: No info.

Thursday 6th February 2025
Waitangi Weekend – Camping weekend at Dickey’s Flat
GradeAll Grades
Leader(s)

Judith Walker - Phone: 09 296 6977 or 027 296 6977

DepartsTo be arranged.
Fare$33 plus camping cost about $10 per person for the weekend.
Description

Camp at the Dickey’s Flat Trust campsite and tramp or cycle Thursday - Sunday without having to carry an overnight pack. https://dickeyflat.com/ Take Friday as annual leave and enjoy a long weekend or join us for the weekend. Bring all your own food, camping equipment and cooking equipment. Tramps around Karangahake and northern Kaimais, maybe cycle part of the Hauraki Rail Trail.

Be ready to start tramping by 11am Thursday morning (about 2 ¼ hour drive from Papakura). Camp 1 night, 2 nights or all 3 nights.

Please contact Judith to book in.

MTC Grade: All grades. DOC Grade: Various.

Description

Camp at the Dickey’s Flat Trust campsite and tramp or cycle Thursday - Sunday without having to carry an overnight pack. https://dickeyflat.com/ Take Friday as annual leave and enjoy a long weekend or join us for the weekend. Bring all your own food, camping equipment and cooking equipment. Tramps around Karangahake and northern Kaimais, maybe cycle part of the Hauraki Rail Trail.

Be ready to start tramping by 11am Thursday morning (about 2 ¼ hour drive from Papakura). Camp 1 night, 2 nights or all 3 nights.

Please contact Judith to book in.

MTC Grade: All grades. DOC Grade: Various.

Tuesday 11th February 2025
Wairoa Gorge, Clevedon
GradeLight Plus
Leader(s)

Heather_Chapman - Phone: (021)714 274

Departs8.30am at Clevedon Hall carpark.
Fare$5
Description

The track begins at end McNicol Road, Clevedon and meanders alongside Wairoa River, finally coming out at Cossey Access Road. The track is undulating, rough with mud in places towards Hunua while the neighbouring hills are looking bare following the recent harvesting of the timber. This track has been closed for most of 2024.

MTC Grade: Light Plus. DOC Grade: No info.

Description

The track begins at end McNicol Road, Clevedon and meanders alongside Wairoa River, finally coming out at Cossey Access Road. The track is undulating, rough with mud in places towards Hunua while the neighbouring hills are looking bare following the recent harvesting of the timber. This track has been closed for most of 2024.

MTC Grade: Light Plus. DOC Grade: No info.