Hikes will be on the first Sunday of the month, starting at 10 am unless otherwise stated. If you would like to join us on a hike please send a message from our facebook page, at www.facebook.com/dykehikesnz or contact Ingrid by email at hike@lesbian.co.nz or call or text 027 222 0608.
Please stay at home if unwell.
Bring all the food and water you’ll need, clothes for any season, a hat and sunblock. The walks are graded as easy (okay in strong walking shoes, not many hills, good tracks), moderate (boots recommended, expect a few hills and stream crossings are possible, moderate fitness needed), and hard (boots required, tracks may be rough and difficult, steep hills possible. A reasonable level of fitness will help you to enjoy these hikes). If you are not an experienced hiker, we require you to complete two moderate hikes before you join us in a hike graded hard.
Kauri Die Back: this disease is killing Kauri in the Waitakere Ranges. To avoid spreading this disease please ensure all boots and walking poles are clean before entering any park or reserve and follow instructions for disinfecting boots on arrival at infected and at risk sites. For more information go to www.kauridieback.co.nz
1st February: Manukau Harbour – Northern Edge
This track meanders along the urban edges of Hillsborough and beyond with coastal sections accessible at low tide. There are lots of steps/uphill to start off with. but your efforts are rewarded by views across the harbour. Time: 3 hours approx.. Grade: Moderate due to the many but small hills.
8th March: Please note this is not the 1st Sunday of March
Omanawanui Track. This track goes from the carpark below Mt Donald McLean to Whatipu Beach. We will be hiking it as a there and back walk, starting at the top end. There are incredible views across the Manukau harbour and out to sea as the track progresses. Limited shade, so bring sunblock and a hat etc. Meet at the carpark at the top of Whatipu Road (before heading down to Whatipu. I expect the walk will be between 3.5 and 4 hours. As it’s a there and back walk, hikers can choose to turn back earlier.
5th April: Massey-Cossey Loop track, Hunua
This loop walk through the bush takes around 3-4 hours. it includes a few hills and has a well formed track. Grade: Moderate.
3rd May: Tawharanui
This peninsula has a predator proof fence and many NZ birds rarely seen elsewhere including saddleback. There are open fields, clifftop views and a large area of mature bush. The beach is also very beautiful and inviting. I recommend carpooling as it’s quite a way north of Auckland City. Grade: Moderate to hard. Time: 4 hours plus. Meet in the carpark at the end of the road into the Park.
7th June: Pukekohe Hike
This hike will cover part of the 5 Summits walk created by the Pukekohe Tramping Club. Meet at the corner of John St and Harris St in Pukekohe. this is ab out a 20 minute walk from the Pukekohe Train Station. We will walk the southern half of this track, returning to the meeting point. this walk will take us up Pukekohe Hill to views of the surrounding landscape, and through urban parks and streets. I recommend wearing boots as thee track my be slippery in places as it has rained recently. Dogs on a lead are welcome. Time: around 3.5 hours. Grade : moderate due to hills.
5th July: Long Bay
This walk covers the coastal edge of Long Bay and is a there and back walk. If the tide is out there are parts that can be walked along the beach if desired, with a range of rocky and slightly muddy conditions. Grade: Moderate Time; Flexible – mas 4 hours but usually 3.
2nd August: Eden Gardens- One Tree Hill Loop.
The walk starts at the beautiful Eden gardens which will be full of flower now. There is an entry fee for the gardens. This hike follows urban streets connecting parks and green spaces and returns to Eden Gardens. Grade: Easy Time: 4 hours
6th September: Waiheke Island Walk
details to come
4th October: Billy Goat Track, Kaueranga Valley. Spectacular walk through bush and the historical gold mining area. Fantastic views. Mature bush, Steep in places with tallish steps. River crossing at the start of the track. Recommend carpooling as it’s quite a drive. Traveling from the south into Thames turn tight into Banks Road to get to the track. The tracks start 9 km past the Visitor’s Centre on a gravel road. Time: 5-6 hours. Grade: Hard. Meet at the car park at the end of the road past the Visitor’s Centre.
1st November: Fairy Falls if open
6th December: Cascades Track
This loop track takes up up into the Waitakere Ranges through some of Auckland’s best Kauri forest. This is a well maintained track. Expect Kauri and other interesting plants of the area, hills, views, and birds. Grade: Moderate Time 3.5 hours. Meet in the capark at the end of Falls Road, which goes through a golf course.
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