Trip Reports: March-April 2026
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26 April 2026 - Karangahake Gorge - Big Day Out
On a beautiful sunny Sunday, our group of 36 made an early start from Auckland. After a short break at the Refinery Café in Paeroa, we headed into the Karangahake Gorge. It looked spectacular with its autumn colours on the trees and the sun shining on the rocky river.
We turned off onto Waitawheta Road and immediately made a stop to view the lovely Owharoa Falls and also to pick up Simon, a local guy who lives close by and is a friend of Paul’s. Simon accompanied us on our walk today and shared his local knowledge of the area and the bush, as well as being a great extra “helping hand” as we traversed the tunnels along the track.
Our bus transported us up to the Dickey’s Flat campsite, where our walk began. We followed the Waitawheta River as it tumbled and gurgled its way down through the gorge to join the Karangahake River at the bottom. As we walked, we had constant glimpses of the river below, through the trees.
On a beautiful sunny Sunday, our group of 36 made an early start from Auckland. After a short break at the Refinery Café in Paeroa, we headed into the Karangahake Gorge. It looked spectacular with its autumn colours on the trees and the sun shining on the rocky river.
We turned off onto Waitawheta Road and immediately made a stop to view the lovely Owharoa Falls and also to pick up Simon, a local guy who lives close by and is a friend of Paul’s. Simon accompanied us on our walk today and shared his local knowledge of the area and the bush, as well as being a great extra “helping hand” as we traversed the tunnels along the track.
Our bus transported us up to the Dickey’s Flat campsite, where our walk began. We followed the Waitawheta River as it tumbled and gurgled its way down through the gorge to join the Karangahake River at the bottom. As we walked, we had constant glimpses of the river below, through the trees.
A short way into the walk, after crossing a couple of swing bridges, we stopped in a lovely glade of mature trees. Here Shirley gave us a talk on Three T’s, namely tawa, totara and tree ferns. We learned how to identify these trees from their trunks and leaves, and heard about some of the uses they are put to.
The next feature was a 180 meter long tunnel, hand carved from the rock, to take the pipeline that carried clean river water from further up the valley to the town of Paeroa, their first source of drinking water. This tunnel had a low roof and rough-hewn sides, with an uneven bottom that had many puddles along the way. Members had been instructed to bring good torches for this part of the track, and many had brought head-torches which were excellent for the task as they left hands free to balance on the walls. With lots of co-operation, encouragement and helping hands, all our members made it through the tunnel and out into the light beside a big pool in the river. Quite a challenge, well done everyone!
The next feature was a 180 meter long tunnel, hand carved from the rock, to take the pipeline that carried clean river water from further up the valley to the town of Paeroa, their first source of drinking water. This tunnel had a low roof and rough-hewn sides, with an uneven bottom that had many puddles along the way. Members had been instructed to bring good torches for this part of the track, and many had brought head-torches which were excellent for the task as they left hands free to balance on the walls. With lots of co-operation, encouragement and helping hands, all our members made it through the tunnel and out into the light beside a big pool in the river. Quite a challenge, well done everyone!
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We continued along the easy level path, enjoying the lovely river views and accompanied by the sounds of rushing water and some birdsong.
Gradually the river dropped away from our path, lower into the gorge, and we had the feeling that we were getting into a narrower and deeper part of the gorge. The old black metal pipeline that carried the water supply back in the day was a constant companion. |
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Eventually, we ascended a set of narrow, steep steps to the entrance of the Windows Walk. This was a roomier tunnel, as it had been carved out to take the small train carriages that carried rock from the valley above and the mines in the side of the gorge, down to the crushing batteries beside the river. |
Every now and then a short side tunnel branched off with a “window” at the end - a hole in the rock wall of the gorge which afforded stunning views down to the river and across to the other side of the gorge, where a walking tunnel had been carved out. These windows allowed quite a bit of light to flow into the tunnel - it wasn’t as dark as the first one.
Once through the Windows Walk, the track took us down some steps, closer to the river level, and we finally arrived at the Talisman Battery area with many relics and remains of the gold mining days. Informative signboards showed pictures of how the area would have looked back in those days and had explanations about some of the equipment.
We walked over our last swing bridge, and then a more solid bridge across the main river, to reach the Karangahake Gorge carpark, where our bus & driver were waiting for us.
At that point we had a 10 minute bus ride through the Gorge to the historic old Waikino Hotel, where we enjoyed a lovely lunch. The walls of the hotel were hung with old mining tools and photos, which gave it great interest.
After lunch, Simon told us a bit about the different methods that have been used to extract gold from the rough rocks, such as the battering rams, and methods using cyanide and acids. Mining has not been kind to the environment in this area due to some of the methods used. Back in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, men were not so aware of the consequences of some of their mining methods and were hell-bent on getting as much gold from the rock as they possibly could - by any method.
Well exercised and well-fed we headed for home, with a short stop at Pokeno for ice creams. It had indeed been a Big Day Out but one that all the members agreed they had really enjoyed.
Special thanks to today's leaders: Sandra T., Paul, Shirley J. and Kevin.
Text: Sandra T. Photos: Paul, Kevin, Linda
Text: Sandra T. Photos: Paul, Kevin, Linda
15 March 2026 - Mt Albert
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The 29 walkers who joined this walk were rewarded with an interesting and varied walk on a lovely autumn day. Beginning in Mt Albert Memorial Park, we learned first all about the central interceptor, the largest wastewater project in NZ, which will run for 16 km under Auckland city. Further along we were informed about the lengths Maori went to in order to safely eat karaka berries, which was quite involved and took days. At the same time, we were able to admire the “redwood tree” sculpture. Fowlds Park was our next port of call. Initially a tip, it opened as a park in 1933 with a focus on trees. Gribblehirst Park was our morning tea stop. Covering 5.9 hectares, it was originally a swamp. The Gribblehirst and Hirst families donated the land to the Mt Albert Borough in 1928. |
We then wended our way to the Roy Clements Walkway, which was developed by Roy Clements who taught at Mt Albert Grammar School for a number of years. Again, the focus was on trees. No tour of Mt Albert would be complete without looking at MAGS, established as a boys’ school in 1922. In 1933 a 20-acre farm was added that is still operational today.
From there we ventured down several leafy urban streets admiring the many delightful old homes.
From there we ventured down several leafy urban streets admiring the many delightful old homes.
Alberton House was our lunch stop, but first we were treated to a fascinating 15-minute address by a knowledgeable staff member on the history attached to this grand property. The cost of this was generously subsidised by the club. At our leisure, we were then able to wander through the house and enjoy a glimpse into the past.
A short bus ride took us close to the summit of Owairaka, followed by a walk around the crater offering expansive views over the city.
Back on the bus for a short trip to Phyllis Reserve for the last walk of the day. We joined the Unitech Pathway, which led onto a pretty portion of the Oakley Creek Walkway. Oakley Creek is one of Auckland’s longest urban streams and is rich in Maori and European heritage with many native and exotic trees.
Back on the bus for a short trip to Phyllis Reserve for the last walk of the day. We joined the Unitech Pathway, which led onto a pretty portion of the Oakley Creek Walkway. Oakley Creek is one of Auckland’s longest urban streams and is rich in Maori and European heritage with many native and exotic trees.
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Today’s leaders are especially grateful to our helpers, who knew the area far better than we did. Without their considerable input, this walk would not have been as successful as it was. So special thanks to Liz, Jenny P. and Jennifer N. We could not have done it without you.
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And, a very big thanks to Gil and Jenny L. today's leaders! As usual - well put together - a great day!!
Text: Jenny L. Photos: Jenny L.
Text: Jenny L. Photos: Jenny L.
1 March 2026 - Tanekaha Tracks
Some fifty keen walkers set off to the Tanekaha Track Complex nestled in the Brynderwyn Hills behind Mangawhai despite some forecasts of rain. However, fortunately, the sun remained shining for most of the day and the beautiful native forest around us glistened in the light.
Group A set off at a firm pace following the Tanekaha Track, steeply climbing in part along the streams and waterfalls which are a feature of the track. After lunch, by the side of the stream, the group briefly inspected the remains of a small kauri dam, a relic of the area’s history of intensive timber felling during the mid-1800s.
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They then proceeded along the Puriri Track which is home to two ancient 1000-year-old puriri trees, the oldest in New Zealand, whose gnarled trunks and roots, branches and flowers make a valuable contribution to the food of fruit eating birds such as kereru. After a brief stop at the lookout which looks back across to views of the cascade of waterfalls they had passed earlier, they proceeded downwards to rejoin the Tanekaha Track.
The B group walked up to the First Waterfall along the Tanekaha Falls track where we had lunch to the sound of the waterfall and stream. We then followed the Puriri track a short way to inspect one of the 1000-year puriri trees before heading back to the waiting bus and then on to the chocolate factory/café at Bennetts in Mangawhai Village for some well-deserved chocolate treats. |
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This is a beautiful area of dense native bush and trees including regenerating kauri, puriri, totara trees and groves of Nikau palms alive with the sound of bird calls. The tracks are not wide, and are steep in part, but there is a strong sense that the walker is really immersed deep in the beauty and sounds of the bush and forest around. A very special walk - big thanks to: Leaders: Anuschka and Joy Helpers: Naomi and Jan L. Text: Anuschka Photos: Katherine, Graham. |