Auckland Baptist Tramping Club 2004

Everybody was on time, first aid kit stowed, weather perfect, roll call completed, instruction issued, car seats allocated and we were off by 8.03am.  (A record?)  At 9.20am 20 people began the tramp from the Whatipu Carpark beginning the Kura Track about 250 metres back up the road from the Whatipu Lodge, and followed markers across very puggy farmland. The track then entered the bush and meandered alongside the Whatipu Stream for about 40 minutes. There were several river crossings and the track had recently had maintenance done to a good standard.  Wet and muddy feet were the order of that part of the day!  We then climbed fairly steeply to meet the Puriri Ridge Track.  Unfortunately Helena, while resting on the hill section had her stick collapse and she impacted heavily on a protruding root with her right knee.  First aid was ably applied by Gary and she was able to hobble the last 15 minutes along the track to where it meets the Whatipu Road.  Lawrie set off at a trot for the Whatipu carpark to get his car but managed to hail a passing car and was back in good time.  He then transported Helena to her car at Whatipu where she waited for us to complete the tramp and he rejoined the party for lunch. After lunch we entered the Omanawanui Track, following a gentle undulating ridge before descending to briefly meet the road again. We then re-entered the bush and continued along the ridge with some steep sections, by compensated very breathtaking views of the Manukau Harbour, its entrance, Awhitu Peninsula and Whatipu. It was very disappointing to have to negotiate thick gorse which has been allowed to grow over the track and spoil what is undoubtedly one of the best tracks in the Auckland region. Scrambling down steep slopes with only gorse to grab onto is not anybodies idea of fun but that, sadly, is the situation.

What a nice surprise we had at the final summit where, who should we meet up with? None other than Laurie and David King, who, having missed booking on the tramp, decided because it was such a beautiful day to meet us on the track from the opposite direction. From there the track descended steeply to Whatipu Carpark. Four members decided to take the return trip to the Signal House which branched off to the left and followed a ridge to the site of the Signalman’s House above Paratutae Island. On the return journey to The Bracken and home we were waylaid by Lawrie and Margaret  at their new bach at Huia. Devonshire tea/coffee with fresh scones added the final touches to the end of a great day. COST: $4.50