Under the threat of dark skies a merry band of 16 drove 52km north to the Moirs Hill Walkway and took the track through pleasant bush to the waterfall (1/2 hour) before continuing to Warkworth for morning tea. Then driving west we joined SH16 north to Mount Auckland (Atuanui). We started 11.45am from Kaipara Hills Road (on the ridge) walking north through farmland before entering luxuriant native forest and stopped for lunch at 1pm. Ruth led devotions based on 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ‘in everything give thanks’, and how even during trials God provides a way, and a reason to give thanks. She referred to the example of Joni Erickson Tada who although paralyzed was moved to continually give praise and thanks to God. There were periods of light rain but as we continued there were extensive views across the Kaipara Harbour and the inland hill country. Side tracks to large Kauris in the valley below appear to have been abandoned and closed, with the signs removed. This may be a measure to prevent the spread of Kauri Dieback disease? We reached the summit (305m) at 2pm. Although bush clad, the summit platform provides some views.

The track until now was gradually upwards and carpeted in leaves whereas now on the descent the track was steeper and in some parts slippery. We reached the north-western end of the track at 3pm on SH16 where we found there was a car park that was not visible from the road (behind closed gate). We had ferried our cars which were parked on the road nearby. There we said our goodbyes and drove back to Auckland as the heavy rain set in. COSTS: $15 per passenger