| Base map extracted from NZ TopoOnline July 2006. Crown Copyright Reserved. |
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Our route began at Whatipu carpark & took us up the Kura Track to Whatipu Rd (includes 5 minutes of the
Puriri Ridge Track), and then back down the Omanawanui Track, returning to the carpark. The Signal Hill
Track was included as a side trip. Not many booked to come, probably due to concerns with the weather.
However, the day dawned clear & blue with light winds, and the trip was blessed. The lower Kura was muddy as expected, but this soon passed. The group of 4 stream crossings (on the Whatipu Stream) half way up the Kura caused some wet socks, but also clean boots! On to the upper Omanawanui. The first lookout gave magnificent views over the Manukau, and we came to another lovely cliff-top lookout, well sheltered from the southerly wind by virtue of its cliff-top position. This was a little distance before Mt Omanawanui, and is recommended for lunch stops on this route. We had lunch here & Rose gave a devotions about the authorship & inspiration of 2 famous hymns; O Love that will not let me go (a hymn born out of deep loss & suffering), and When I survey the wondrous cross. The group excelled by also singing both hymns very well and in such a lovely place. (The stories behind the hymns can be seen at http://www.igracemusic.com/hymnbook/hymns/o08.html and http://www.joyfulministry.com/isurvey.htm) The steep descent down the west side of Omanawanui, described in books as treacherous in the wet, was negotiated safely in the dry conditions prevailing. The southerly had started to blow up a bit during the morning, but by mid-day was easing. So much so that the group paused to sunbathe like lizards on a rocky knoll on the track west of Mt Omanawanui. We had come prepared for strong cold winds, but were instead blessed with warm sun & light winds, and great fellowship. The heights of the Omanawanui Track gave everyone a good workout & a sense of achievement. The group retired, as is the club's habit after tramping at Whatipu, to the Huia Dairy for apres tramp ice creams, coffees, etc. With the balmy weather we had lingered long at lunch & view stops, and total trip time was 5 hours. This trip offers a great variety of terrain and outlook in a small area, and we recommend that it is repeated regularly as a local favourite. COST: $8 |