On Saturday, 27th November 12 of us set off to do the circuit of Mangatawhiri Reservoir in the Hunua ranges via Ernies Track. The day was warm and sunny. After about an hour's walking around the western side of the reservoir along Waterline road, we entered Ernies track. This took us across the Mangatawhiri river  and then onto a climb of approximately 300m to the top of the track. After a lunch stop at the top we followed along a ridge before dropping down to Piggot's hut & Campsite before returning to the cars along Lilburne Road.  Although there were some quite muddy patches on the track there have been some big improvements with new boardwalks and bridges.  We did manage to hear a Kokako at one point but weren't able to sight any. The total length of the track was 14.4km and this took us just over 5 hours hiking.  A good training track for us all toward the summer South Island tramps.