This is the dyke hikes list for the year. Hikes will be on the first Sunday of the month unless otherwise stated. For the most up-to-date information check this site or our Facebook page.
If you want to join us on a hike please contact Ingrid at 027 222 0608 or by email hike @ lesbian.co.nz .
The walks are graded into easy (okay for regular walking shoes, not many hills), moderate (boots recommended, expect a few hills and maybe a stream crossing) and hard (boots required, tracks may be rough, steep hills, reasonable fitness helps to enjoy these ones).
If you are not an experienced hiker we require you to have completed two moderate hikes before you join us on a hike graded hard.
28th January: Dunns Bush
This track is part of the Te Araroa trail and goes through private mature bush and some pasture. Meet the intersection of Ahuroa Rd and Remiger Rd, Puhoi. 3 -4 hours. Grade: Moderate to hard.
4th February: Awhitu Peninsula
We’ll visit a few short walks, the lighthouse and some of the bays of the Awhitu Peninsula. Bring your togs if you feel like swimming. Meet next to the bus stop at the Pukekohe Train Station (Station Rd, Pukekohe) for carpooling. 4 hours. Grade: Easy.
4th March: Mt Karioi
Spectacular if challenging walk at Raglan. This mountain is often covered in cloud, creating a lush forest. There are ladders and a chain section and mud. We’ll walk to the top of Mt Karioi from the coastal side, and back down the same way. Amazing views from the summit, of Raglan and Kawhia Harbours as well as Mt Pirongia and maybe even Mt Taranaki. Carpool to the Te Toto Gorge car park. From Raglan, take Wainui Rd which becomes Whaanga Rd. The car park is sign posted off Whaanga Rd. Approximately 6-7 Hours. Grade: Hard
1st April: Duder Regional Park
We’ll take the Farm Loop and Sustainable Trail out to Whakakaiwhara point where there is a Pa site, and come back along the north edge of the Farm Loop. This park has good views over mainly open farmland. Meet at the Duder regional Park carpark. 3 – 3.5 hours. Grade: Easy to moderate.
6th May: Tanekaha Forest track, Brynderwyns
This is a newly developed walk through public and private land. The track goes through regenerating forest with Kanuka and Tanekaha as well as mixed broadleaf and Podocarp forest in parts. There are great views from the top and a swing bridge to cross. Meet at the access point just off King Road. King Road is off Cove Road, on the right hand side coming from Langs Beach and just past the Mangawhai heads turnoff. Meet at the access point which is from 3km up King Road via an unsealed road on the right just beyond the second bridge. 5-6 hours. Grade: Hard
3rd June: Kaipatiki Explorer
This walk goes through a variety of parks, urban streets and reserves on the North Shore. It begins at Smiths Bush, at the cricket clubrooms off Northcote Road. We will relocate some cars to the end of the walk at the end of Rawene Rd before we start as this is not a loop walk. 3-4 hours. Grade: Moderate. Meet at Smiths Bush.
1st July: Puweto Loop at Waitawa, near Kawakawa.
A more open hike through young regenerating bush, fields and pine forest. Lovely views of the harbour and islands. This is a relatively new park. The tracks cover hilly areas. We will walk to Waitawa Bay and Mataitai Bay. About 3-4 hrs. Meet at the car park within Waitawa Park near the shore. Grade: Moderate
5th August: Oakley Creek/Mt Albert
This urban walk starts at Harbutt Reserve. We’ll explore the changes around Oakley Creek and the Waterview interchange as well as exploring the lush streets of the area taking us up Mt Albert for good views and a bit of cardio. Meet at Harbutt Reserve at the end of Harbutt Avenue, Mt Albert. .3- 4 hours. Grade: Easy to moderate.
2nd September: Rangitoto Island
We’ll take the ferry over to this rocky volcanic island. The island is covered in mainly pohutukawa with a some great kidney and other ferns. Astelia and other epiphytes grow out of the rocks rather than in the trees, making this forest very different. The walk up to the summit is worth is for great views of the surrounding harbour and city. Bring all the water and food that you need as there is none on the island. Meet at the ferry terminal in time to buy your ticket and catch the 10:30 am ferry. 3hrs Grade: Moderate.
7th October: Tapapakanga
We will zig zag through this coastal reserve south of Clevedon, and wander along the beach for part of the hike. Meet at the carpark in the middle of Tapapakanga. The Park is at the end of Deery Road. Grade: Moderate.
5th November: Long Bay
Lovely coastal views and sea air! Meet at the end of the Long Bay car park at 11am. Hike will be about 3 hours. Its a moderate hike with some hills in mainly open coastal tracks. Some coastline walking if tides permit. Moderate.
2nd Dec
Waikowhai tracks. These are a series of walkways through reserves linked by suburban footpaths. We’ll walk back along the coastline. Lovely harbour views with some muddy parts – be prepared! Moderate. Meet at the carpark by at the end of Waikowhai Rd in Blockhouse Bay. 3-4 hours.
Please contact Ingrid at 027 222 0608, the email button below or by email hike @ lesbian.co.nz for new November hike details.