Day Trip - Sunday 30 September 2012

The start of daylight saving was not enough to deter 21 keen trampers from turning out for what promised to be a superb day in the Hunuas. A quick bus trip saw us at the start of the track at the entrance to what used to be the Hotel du Vin in Lyons Rd, but is now run by Dilworth School for their fourth formers’ year.

The start of the track is not obvious, just a small sign to the right of the gated bridge at the school entrance leads onto a single file track marked with orange markers, skirting first stream, buildings and small paddocks, before dragging us up an open hillside, providing an expansive view of the Dilworth complex, and beyond. Then over a stile and onto a not that old bulldozed track which goes up and down in the edge of the bush, with a few muddy patches, before dropping us down to a long swing bridge across the Managtawhiri River

Note: For future trips, if at this point the river is in flood, think carefully about whether to continue, as there is another crossing of the river upstream where there is no bridge.

Already a warmer day than recent weeks, and so it continued - our first day of the summer!

The track then climbs steadily on a good track up onto a ridgeline that provides the western boundary of the Hunuas. From there it follows the ridgeline northwards staying in pleasant forest most of the way. An early lunch was called (a few grumbles) at a 300m point, but that was a good time to catch our breath and then prepare for a continuing climb over some rougher sections to point 445.

A special feature of the track increasingly frequently, was the vigorous supplejack - a note for future trips is to tell the energetic contingent to bring secateurs and send them on ahead to clear the way for the main party, and so prevent them from getting too far ahead of everyone else. But not today, since the track is not a familiar one, the party kept together, stopping frequently to ensure everyone was accounted for.

From the high point it was steep downhill to a fenceline and a more open ridgetop, and a chance to debate which side of the fence to follow - in the event we tried both, but made sure that when the marked track dived off to the right, that we did not continue straight ahead. From here is was an enjoyable downhill, with some useful sections of newish wooden steps until we reached Mangatawhiri River again. And this time no bridge, so a refreshing stream crossing that was deep enough to reach your shorts.

Lower Managatawhiri Campsite

A time then for some R&R in the sun at the Lower Managatawhiri campsite, deserted except for us and passing mountain bikers because it is no longer permitted to drive there.

From there we followed the old road that stays at the level of the river, with some pleasant patches of sunshine and shade. A steep little side stream crossing part way along to ensure our feet stayed wet, before we soon joined the well metalled ARA Drive, which then crosses the river one last time (on a bridge), with Big Blue then less than 1km away.

A total distance of just over 21km, estimated time 6 hours, actual time 5.75 hours.

A key point for encouragement during the first section of the tramp (until point 445) is that it gets easier and easier as the track progresses - our early lunch spot at point 300 was 2 hours and 4 kms into the trip (less than one fifth of the distance). Another lunch option, depending on the party and progress, is to push on to point 445 before having a later lunch - we could possibly have reached there without the first stop between 12:30 - 12:45.

It is useful to retain the warning for new trampers that it is a longer trip with some good hills to go up and down, with some rougher sections of the track, and no easy option for turning back. Track surface is generally good enough, but in rainy conditions it could easily become that bit more slippery and slower.

But today was a summer’s day with the sun never far away, with a great group of members and non members who all managed well. What better reward, than a stop at Hunua for an ice cream on the way home!

Leader/Scribe: Tony Walton