We will walk to the top of the island and explore lava caves on the way down – bring a head torch! If we have time, we will be able to investigate the area along the foreshore, including the remaining cottages. Please let Vaughan (021 378 827) or Lyn (027 279 0046) know you are going to join us so we know who to look out for at the ferry terminal.

MTC Grade: Light. DOC Grade: No info.

We will walk up through farmland and along some old farm tracks to the high point 492m above sea level, offering 360 degree views. The route we take is mainly open with some pockets of bush. We go near a spectacular rock formation, known locally as Black Rock. We will then head downhill to the start of the walk..

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

Mystery Tramp over sizable hills, good views, slippery and scrambles in places. Boots, raincoats and sunblock needed plus poles for those that normally use them. Unfortunately we have to limit numbers to club members only, so please contact Meryl before Tuesday 5th Nov to be on the list (or waiting list). Meryl Finlayson 0274 239 724 or txt em: merylfin@gmail.com Approx 4 – 5 hrs tramping.

On arrival at Matiatia we will walk up the bush track to Oneroa before accessing Te Ara Hura trail along the undulating northern coast through to Palm Beach. Ups and downs, steps, inter-connecting tracks through reserves, across beaches and bays, native bush reserves and quiet roads. Stunning views over the rocky headlands out to Barrier Islands and Coromandel. From Palm Beach we will catch bus back to Matiatia Ferry Terminal. Togs if wishing to swim at Palm Beach.

MTC Grade: Light. DOC Grade: No info.

This well-formed track offers spectacular views to the North and East, beautiful bush and one of the largest kauri trees in the Waikato.

MTC Grade: Light Plus. DOC Grade: Easy.

The track climbs on a well maintained but steep track through both regenerating and mature forest to the ridge with panoramic views over Firth of Thames and towards Coromandel.

MTC Grade: Light. 14kms. DOC Grade: No info.

The full track is a 2 day walk split by the Ohinewai Road but today we will walk approximately half of the southern track. We will start about 10km from Ohinewai on the Mangapiko Valley Road to the road end; the southern end of the track. This is a track that is not walked a great deal and can be demanding in parts (especially if there has been rain recently). Boots and poles are recommended. The going is slow and anyone willing to carry secateurs might like to bring a pair. The walk starts through farmland across two small streams before and shortly after entering the bush. It climbs steadily through the bush which is overgrown in the early stages and may take patience to navigate. There is a short section following the fenceline after one hour before re-entering the bush. After about 45 minutes and climbing a couple of styles you climb steadily to a viewpoint with great views over the Hauraki Plains. Depending on time, energy levels and weather, we may stop here and return the way we came. Some walkers may, as a group, carry on for another 30 minutes or so before returning to meet up with the rest of the group to return to the carpark. The return trip is mostly downhill. About 5 hours. MTC Grade: Medium. DOC Grade: Advanced for full track.

A different circuit from the usual Maraetai – Beachlands, which will include paths, bush and a small knarly section at Dr Ada Platt Mills Reserve. For those wishing to do a lesser walk there is opportunity to catch a bus back to Beachlands at 7 km point. Togs if wishing to swim at end of the day.

MTC Grade: Light. 13kms. DOC Grade: No info.

From Cascade Falls carpark located at the Waitakere Golf Course, Auckland City Walk, Fenceline Track that traverses beside the Waitakere dam reservoir, then Long Road Track, and return via the Upper Kauri Track back to the car park. The Long Road track I recall is traditionally muddy. Time approx 4.5 hours.

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

We are incredibly lucky to have this opportunity under the leadership of Bruce Chamberlin to tramp from Nocton Woolshed through to Maraetai. The tramp will head out over private farmland into native forest and then to Whitford Forest, walking on the forestry tracks and ending up at Maraetai. There are 3 or 4 reasonable climbs (about 100m vertical each).

MTC Grade: Medium. 9kms. DOC Grade: No info.

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.

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.