Got To Get Out Hike Te Whara Track - Whangerei Heads! Overnighter

Have you #gottogetout on a fairly hard but awesome hike? Amazing overnight stay?

Join us!

Details below.

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Where?

For this adventure we will drive from Auckland up to Whangarei Heads, Bream Head Scenic Reserve and hike the Te Whara Walkway Track.

Read about the track here: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/whangarei-heads-area/things-to-do/te-whara-track/

We will be leaving Auckland early on Saturday morning. After about a 3 hours drive to Whangarei Heads we will go straight to the track-start, and begin the hiking adventure!

It goes STRAIGHT up hill! You need to be fairly fit.

The track is quite hard 5-6 hours one way. It involves steep ascents, stunning views from narrow pinnacles, bush, and then a descent down to the beach.

At the beach / reserve, we will explore old gun emplacements, put our feet in the ocean (weather permitting).

Optional: walk back to accommodation camp (another 5km road walk) or get on the bus which we will have relocated to the trail-end.

Accommodation:

Our lovely modern style lodge has space for 15 guests in bunk beds (3 bunk rooms), a fully equipped tidy kitchen, two bathrooms, two toilets and a big deck outside with an amazing sea view. It is part of a large 'camp Manaia'. Beautifully cared for.

Saturday evening we have dinner together with potluck from everyone in the group, and reflect on the day. You need to BYO something to share.

Sunday morning we wake up, have an optional kayak (minor extra cost for those who want this) around the waters edge, and have breakfast before together cleaning the lodge, we will leave it just as clean as we got it the previous day.

Pack up and drive back to Auckland mid to late morning.

Back in Ponsonby, mid afternoon Sunday (lunch along the way)

Schedule:

Saturday:

7am - meet outside Archie Cafe in Ponsonby

10am (ish) begin hike

4pm (ish) wrap up hike - Arrival at our lodge. Get a good sleep after shared dinner@!

Sunday:

8am - morning kayak, or chill / read a book

10am - clean hut

11am - depart

12 - lunch on the way

3pm return Auckland (ish).

ABOUT HIKE

The Te Whara track follows an ancient Māori trail from Ocean Beach to Urquharts Bay. This track is believed to be at least 700 years old and is part of the Te Araroa Trail.

The track passes through some of the best coastal forest in the North Island. The first bit of the track goes up hill 476m to the the Te Whara/Bream Head summit passing the ruins of a WWII radar station along the way. After the climb, enjoy the incredible panorama at the summit, take in views of Cape Brett (Motukokako) in the north to Cape Rodney (Tawharanui) in the south, as well as the Poor Knights islands Tawhiti Rahi and Aorangi, Taranga and Marotere Islands in the Hen and Chickens Islands group, with Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier and Great Barrier/Aotea Island in the far east.

Once you've climbed up onto the ridge, the track becomes undulating and relatively easy-going. The last bit of the track is downhill and we will finish off with a rest or a swim at the crystal white Smugglers bay beach.

NOTE: This is an intermediate track with a LOT of uphill, so a good fitness is required.

You will be hiking approx 6ish hours on this day.

The rules:

- can be any age, as long as can walk this far!

- Ideally you need to have done a few hikes before, preferably with Got To Get Out (not essential). It's quite tough.

- Good quality boots / grippy footwear essential, these will be checked pre-departure. Ankle support / warmth / grip recommended but not essential.

- Good quality backpack and gear (light weight gear recommended)

- Essential is your own emergency blanket, whistle, food, torch (cheap from most stores).

- PLB a good idea though Rob has his. Minimal phone service.

- Your own food for the weekend (+ something to share for dinner or other times)

- Full gear list will be sent out to participants before departure

Extra:

- You should be self-sustaining, have your own gear and know how to use it.

- It's a good idea to have your own map, checked weather.

- Sorry not dog friendly

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Note: yes this is a guided trip but is a collective experience with everyone 'pulling their weight' and helping to finish. We are in it together. This is great team building.

Rob your guide will have;

- emergency comms

- first aid and training, including some emergency food

- maps

- vehicle to and from (bus) and all driving

- concession to be legally hiking on this land

- emergency training

- Great chat, stories of Nepal, and maybe some inspiration!

Your fee covers;

- Transport

- guiding

- trip hosting (two days)

- 1 night accommodation

So then, who's #gottogetout?

JOIN US!