Have you #gottogetout on a hard but awesome hike?

Have you already done a number of hikes with Got To Get Out (or on your own) but want to push yourself a bit harder, longer, faster than usual?

Got To Get Out group founder Robert Bruce (NZOIA bush trained guide, Peak Outdoors first aid trained, New Zealander of the Year semi-finalist) is inviting you along for this adventure.

Details below.

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Where?

For this adventure we will drive up to Whangarei, Bream Head Scenic Reserve and hike Te Whara 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 Friday after work, after a 3 hours drive to Whangarei we will check in at our lodge and get a good nights sleep before our early start the next day.

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.

Accommodation:

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

Saturday evening we have dinner together with potluck from everyone in the group, and reflect on the day.

Sunday morning we wake up, have an optional kayak around the area 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.

Friday 7th May:

7pm - meet outside Archie Cafe in Ponsonby

7:15pm - Depart Auckland

10pm - Arrival at our lodge. Get a good sleep!

Saturday 8th May:

7:45am - Drive to track start - Ocean Beach Car Park (Ranui Road)

8am - Start the hike

2pm - Finish hike

Evening shared dinner (please bring something suitable to share).

Sunday 9th May:

7am - Optional Sunrise group Kayaking

10am - pack up and drive back to Auckland

2pm (ish) back in Auckland.

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 6-8 hours on this day.

The rules:

- You need to have done several hikes before, preferably with Got To Get Out.

- 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 and guiding

- 2 nights accommodation

- use of kayaks Sunday morning

- Hike One Give One (we will take out a kid in need another day)

- Support of Got To Get Out

So then, who's #gottogetout?

JOIN US!