Dyke Hikes 2005 - 2006

Unless otherwise stated below, the walks begin at 11am. Bring all the food and water that you'll need, clothes appropriate for the season(s!), good walking shoes, a hat and sunblock in the spring and summer. But you already knew that, of course : )


January 29th Whatipu Auckland Anniversary Weekend
This hike coincides with Rainbow Weekend at Whatipu Lodge. You can stay at the lodge and then join the hike on Sunday. We will take the Gibbons to Pararaha track (6hrs) which is a challenging and beautiful hike with the possibility of a swim afterwards or during the walk. Bring your lunch and some snacks to share for after the hike. No dogs. Grade: hard.

February 5th Cheltenham Beach to Takapuna Beach and back.
To be on the beach this walk must be done at low tide – so we’ll begin 2 hrs before low tide. This walk goes through St Leonard’s beach. Bring togs for a paddle/swim. Approx. 4 hrs. Meet at Balmain Park off Oxford Terrace. Contact Ingrid (email Ingrid@green.co.nz, ph 027 222 0608 or 815 4321 ext 7278) for the start time. Grade: easy

March 5th Wairoa Loop Track, Hunuas.
Fantastic views of the area and the Wairoa Dam and Reservoir. Steep in places. Meet at the Wairoa picnic site (off Moumokai Rd). After the hike a swim in the hot pools at Miranda and fish and chips at Kaiaua are a distinct possibility! No dogs. Grade: moderate to hard. 3hrs.

March 17th and 18th Weekend Trip
Doing the Tongariro Crossing (or some other adventure) is a possibility for this weekend. Contact Ingrid for details ph 815 4321 x 7278 or email ingrid@green.co.nz

April 2nd Chatswood/Chelsea/Kauri Point Cent. Park
We'll be exploring the parks between the Chelsea Sugar Factory and the Navy land on the North Shore. Expect a 2.5 to 3 hour stroll through kauri and other regenerating forest, a visit to a tiny beach and interesting views across the harbour. We'll meet in the carpark at the end of the road that goes into Chelsea Sugar Factory. No dogs. Grade: moderate.

May 7th Karamatura, Huia
This spectacular walk will show us a rata arch and views to the city and to the harbour mouth from the top of Mount Donald McLean. To get there take the road to Huia, drive through Huia and across the one-lane-bridge and bear left towards Whatipu. After about 1km you'll see a sign on your right for Karamatura, turn in there, we'll meet at the carpark. 4.5 to 5 hours. Grade: Hard. Track rough in places – boots a must. No dogs.

June 4th Tamaki River Walkway
This walkway follows the Tamaki River where we'll see wide harbour views, birds, boaties and gracious riverside estates. Dogs okay on this one. Approx 2-3hrs. Grade: Easy.

July 2nd Karangahake Gorge
A gentle walk along well maintained tracks, next to a raging river and through an old railway tunnel. A great winter walk with hot pools not far away at Te Aroha. We’ll start from the first carpark across the river over a metal bridge next to the mine ruins in the gorge at 11am. A great chance to get out of Auckland. Dogs okay on this one. Grade: easy.

August 6th Eden Gardens/Mt St John/One Tree Hill
A meander through one of Auckland’s best Rhododendron/Camellia garden (there is a charge to get in, about $5 and its worth it), hewn out of a quarry by volunteers and bordering onto the Governor General’s Auckland Residence. Then we’ll hit the streets and explore two of Auckland’s volcanic cones, eventaully ending up back at Eden Gardens. Meet at Eden Garden gates at 11am. Grade: this is an easy walk, but it is quite long at 4 hours. Dogs okay on this one, but not in the garden.

August 20th Winery Tour (not definite yet – see July TMLN or return here for confirmation.)

September 3rd Tawharanui Ecology Trail
A predator proof fence has been built at Tawharanui Regional Park to allow birds and plants to flourish. This walk takes us through beautiful white sand and shingle beaches, wetlands, forest and pasture. Native clematis should be in flower now and we may even see some of the bellbirds that have begun to breed here. To get there take State Highway 1 to Warkworth, follow the signs to Matakana. Turn right at the Omaha turn off just beyond Matakana, head along Takatu Road and follow the signs to the park. We'll meet at 11am at the carpark at the end of the road going into the park. No dogs. Grade: moderate, approx. 3.5hrs

October 1st The Cascades – Montana Heritage Walk
The best example of kauri forest in the Auckland region. About 4 hrs. Hilly. Take the road to Bethels Beach through Ranui and turn left into Falls Rd which is before you get to Bethels. Drive to the end of the road through the golf course to the carpark. No dogs. Grade: moderate to hard.

November 5th Matiatia area, Waiheke Island.
A wander around the land surrounding the Matiatia Harbour, where the ferry comes in, ending in a very civilised stop for coffee in Oneroa before we head back to the ferry once more. Meet us on the wharf on the Auckland side at 9:50am or on the Waiheke side at Matiatia wharf at 10:40am. Grade: moderate to easy. There is one steep hill.

December 3rd Maungaroa Lookout, Piha.
Great nikau groves, views of beach and bush. Stream crossings and a 25 minute uphill section. The track can be rough in parts. Dogs on a lead okay. Ice cream and a swim to finish. Grade: Moderate


Hikes will be on the first Sunday of the month unless otherwise stated. For the most up-to-date information check the Tamaki Makaurau Lesbian Newsletter. If you want to join us on a hike please contact Ingrid at 027 222 0608 or 815 4321 ext 7278 (w) or email ingrid@green.co.nz so that we know how many hikers to expect.