2023-07-12 < Weekly activities > 2023-07-26
Activity summary: Wednesday July 19 to Tuesday July 25
Percy Scenic Reserve/Whareroa Hills/Eastern Harbour/Ōtaki Forks Area/Karori Wright's Hill
Wednesday
EM Trip ‘Percy Scenic Reserve’ led by Carolyn Jenkins, Wed 19/07
It was an overcast day and a strong northwesterly. Luckily we were sheltered in the bush much of the time. We started by going along the Percy Scenic Reserve Waterfall track to the waterfall, then up past the Jagger seat and along the stream. We had morning tea partway up the Kohukohu Cimb and continued to Sugarloaf Rock. We didn’t linger too long there because of the wind. We crossed over the road to the Puketirotiro Lookout and went along the track to Titiro Moana Road. Then we continued down Singers Road, visited the Centennial Lookout and down the pathway to the bottom of Galbraith Gully. We walked back along the stream in Galbraith Gully, and had lunch at the park at Te Whiti Grove. We returned to the carpark via the Maungaraki Pines. Total trip time 4 hours
M Trip ‘Whareroa Hills and Kapiti Coast’ led by Bob Buckle, Wed 19/07
Sixteen members participated in this trip around a circuit in the Whareroa area of the Kāpiti coastal plain and the Whareroa hills. The hike commenced at Paekākāriki township soon after 9 am and took just over 6 hours, covering about 19 kilometres. It included a variety of terrain including regenerating coastal hills and plain, blocks of vibrant native bush, a steep climb, a more gradual descent over grassland, and a variety of exhilarating coastal views.
From Paekākāriki, our route followed the beach pathway before linking onto one of the coastal tracks over undulating hills heading north through the Whareroa coastal area (QE2 Park). We continued on a track that eventually circles around to Mackays Crossing. Particular features were frequent close-up views of the Kāpiti coastline and beyond to Kāpiti Island, grass tracks and flourishing regeneration of native flora.
We crossed into Whareroa Farm Reserve (via the pathway through Mackays Crossing). After entering the Reserve, we turned south along the Te Ara Ramaroa Track. This track follows a stream through native trees in Ramaroa Bush hosting kererū, tūī, pīwakawaka (that we saw or heard). Beyond Ramaroa Bush, a wide and gradual grass track followed the stream to the head of the valley. Thereafter, a stiff climb up a grass covered zig-zag farm track to Rocks Lookout at an elevation of 357 metres, was achieved by most of the party in just 20 minutes. This effort was rewarded by a lunch break with a spectacular view of the Kāpiti coastline and Kāpiti Island.
The return route was down the Ti Kouka/Rocks Track through Matai Bush, along the Farm Race Track, then through Mackays Crossing to the US Marines Memorial. After a break for drinks, we took the track through the lakes behind the memorial site, that links onto the Te Ara Whareroa Track back to Paekākāriki.
Although intermittent showers were forecast, we were fortunate to miss those apart from a brief burst at the start of the hike. A variety of wonderful scenery, fabulous company, and abundant conversation (notably during the steep climb to Rocks Lookout), were memorable aspects of the day. Other features of this area are the ease of access by railway train, and options to vary the route.
SF Trip ‘Eastern Harbour’ led by Joan Basher, Wed 19/07
Wednesday's SF was a satisfying loop in the Eastern Harbour area in fine weather. Ten of us started from Days Bay, trudging up the Kereru Track then crossing over onto a trapline to nip down into Gollans Stream. We followed the stream right down to the Butterfly Creek picnic area, with lots of stream crossings and lots of wet feet. Fortunately, since there has been little rain lately, the water level was low.
From the picnic area, we headed up behind the toilet, following Middle Ridge, along a well-marked track to .343, where we joined onto the Hawtrey Track. Our day finished with a scramble down the Keruru Track to Days Bay. The total climb was about 700m, the distance about 15km, and the time about 7h30.
MF Trip ‘Ōtaki Forks area’ led by Bill Allcock, Wed 19/07
Six members, 1 non-member
Despite the supplejack defences, we successfully ascended the spur on the TR of Pukeatua Stream. Conditions were damp and an occasional light shower penetrated the forest canopy.
Morning tea at the top of the grand slip that can be seen from the road. We descended to the Waiotauru R. valley via Te Araroa track and made a sidetrip to view the condition of the active big slip about 15 mins upstream.
Then followed the lower (eastern) part of the Fenceline Track and hence one last steep off track bit down to the unused road; and back to the cars .
Just under 8 hours for the day.
Weekend
Afternoon Trip “Karori Wrights Hill” led by Virginia Ashcroft, Sun 23rd
Five club members gathered yesterday afternoon at Karori Park. The aim was to walk up to Makara Peak, an easy walk that would have taken about 2 1/2 hours.The forecast and the actual weather were somewhat different and we set off in our wet weather gear. We walked through some bush up to the Skyline Walkway and then headed along to the start of the Makara Peak walk off Makara Road taking the T4 track. This winds slowly up giving us foggy views of Karori and beyond.
The light rain/drizzle continued as we wound our way up on the shared bike/walking track. After about an hour's walking and a snack of chocolate we decided that we'd leave going to the top of Makara Peak to another day and returned via Makara Road and another short bush track and eventually to the Karori Park Cafe where the somewhat sodden participants enjoyed hot drinks to revive them.
Tararua Lodge, 21-24th July
Adrian Davis and Kevin Christiansen had a pleasant drive up after work on Friday. Traffic was light, and we got to Lodge at 11:30.
Saturday was bluebird day and Valley and Delta were open. We skied all day and skied back down to the car several times. There was enough snow but it was firm and icy in patches. Rock Garden is skiable but rocks in places. We were able to ski mostly to the lodge, just had to walk a bit up Tennants. Another group of four from the school group came up on Saturday and left on Sunday.
Sunday was more of the same as Saturday. Bluebird day is still firm and cold. Knoll T was running but no Ts on it yet. Monday was blue sky but with the odd cloud rolling in. Packed up in the morning and dropped gear off in the car. Still firm snow and quite icy in patches. Left the ski field at 3:30 and headed home. Overall a great fun trip and good weather. Shame about the lack of powder, hopefully next time.
Approximately 28 members and 1 non member in the hills and mountains