Mangawhai Walking Weekend
Programme

8.45 am – WELCOME
We look forward to seeing everyone at the welcome and opening of the 2012 Walking Weekend at the School Recreation Centre, Insley Street.

Brynderwyns Bush Tramp to Marunui Trig – a special treat
An energetic bush walk on private, covenanted conservation land in the Brynderwyns.  Starting from the valley floor you will climb, occasionally steeply, through mature and regenerating bush to reach the Marunui Trig at 397m.  Here you can enjoy expansive coastal and rural views before descending to an early kauri logging, streamside clearing.  We then ascend to the summit of historic Pa hill at 225m (locally called Spioenkop) with views over the Tara and out to Mangawhai.  The final descent takes us back to the start and refreshments.  Good fitness and walking boots essential.  Small stream crossings.
Departs: 9.30am, 5 hours - Grade 4-5
 
Doggy Walk - a walk with your best friend
Bring your well socialised dog on a farm walk,enjoy a leisurely walk across rolling farmland, towering trees and walking tracks through regenerating native bush located at the base of the majestic Brynderwyn range. Be prepared to share the great fun along with your dog.  Experience total freedom as all areas are "off the leash". This is a real doggy walk.  No plastic bags required!  Come and discover another aspect to Mangawhai.  Carpool.
Departs: 9.45am, 3hrs - Grade 2

Estuary to the Ocean – time out
Birds, seaside plants, sand and ocean will be experienced on this memorable walk with a life long resident of Mangawhai. Learn the amazing story of the bund wall and the importance of the bird refuge to all of New Zealand. Discover the native riparian plants that line the estuary. Stories to be told. Time for a swim and a climb up the sand hill if you wish. Led by members of the Fairy Tern Trust. Car pool.
Departs: 9.20am, 4-5hrs - Grade 3
 
How the Spirit of Mangawhai Saved the Harbour – community challenge
A visionary group of local volunteers who were to become the founding members of the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society decided to save their harbour and community by closing the storm-caused breach, reopening the historic inlet and revegetating the sand spit dunes.  The story of this successful 18 year long project will be the focus of a Walking Weekend tour. Includes a boat trip. Car Pool.
Departs 9.45am, 4-5hrs - Grade 3                                      

Kaipara Explore - variety, old bush, history
See a new view of Kaipara. Arriving by bus at Paparoa we will walk the beginnings of a new Kaipara tidal river track, including a board-walk through mangroves, finishing in the rich bush of the Pa site adjacent to Paparoa township. The bus then drives to Ruatuna House, the 1888 Coates Homestead (Historic Places Category 1), home of the first New Zealand born Prime Minister. We will finish with a one hour guided tour of Matakohe Kauri Museum. Admission is included in your walk booking fee. This is a trip through the heartland of the Kaipara.
Departs: 9.15am, 5hrs - Grade 3
 
Kayaking – make a change
We are delighted to offer a kayak paddle on the estuary as part of the programme. Beginners welcome. Professional instruction will be given. The tide will be the deciding factor when it comes to the route we take. Come prepared.
Departs: 8.30am, 4-5hrs - Grade 2
 
Mangawhai Cliff Top Walk - a very popular walk
Part of the national walkway system, this track takes us along the cliff tops north of Mangawhai Heads. Vistas stretch from Whangarei to Pakiri – Hen and Chicken Islands to Coromandel.  Picnic at Paradise Bay and swim in the clear water. Departure times are staggered and are dependant on numbers. Your departure time will be enclosed with your confirmation information pack. Car pool.
Departs: 9.15am, 4-5hrs - Grade 4

Natural Treasures - of Te Arai
Journey through time and space discovering the flora and fauna of Te Arai and their environments. The walk will traverse beach and forest to enjoy varied landforms and ecosystems that make up this beautiful area. Chris Wild, a bio- geographer and long time resident of Mangawhai will share her passion for the land as she leads this walk. Car Pool.
Departs: 9.45am, 4hrs - Grade 3+

Pakiri Cliff Walk - get out your camera
Discover the natural wonders of Pakiri. The walk begins at the school, rises up to the heights, travels along the ridge, past the pa site and back down to the beach. Magnificent views and landscape colours can be seen on this special walk. A longish bus ride but the rewards are worth it. Magnificent photos come from this walk
Departs: 9.30am, 4-5hrs - Grade 4

Panoramic Mangawhai – take in the tops
This year Ann will take her ‘best views in Mangawhai’ walk on a new track built by the “Summer Wine” men on their Friday track days. It takes in a paper road with a number of short climbs and steps. As well, this walk will explore hidden access ways and rise to vantage points with views of the coast and islands in the Upper Hauraki Gulf. Enjoy lunch above the surf at the Heads. Car pool.
Departs: 9.15am, 4hrs - Grade 4

Ramblers’ Food Experience – exploring the ways to harvest the land
Avocados, vineyards, farmland, olives, pomegranates plus a dash of history; a versatile mix of five new and established life-stylers will share their passion and knowledge and tell us  how they utilise and live on their land. See the largest pohutukawa. A showcase of what Mangawhai has on offer. Bus to start.
Departs: 9.00am, 5-6hrs - Grade 3

Bike Ride - family fun
Enjoy vistas on a mountain bike ride for walkers who like variety, or bikers indulging their Walking Weekend mates. A gentle 25km mountain bike ride suitable for all ages, through Mangawhai’s rolling farmland, forest and beach, to Te Arai Point and magnificent coastal views. Lunch at the beach then there is the option of a ride to the trig for those needing a bit more of a work out, then home along the beach.
Departs: 9.30am, 3hrs - All cyclists

A Clayton’s Walk – an outing for the unfit
For those who find an all day tramp a bit much and always who have always felt left out of our wonderful weekend, our local fitness expert has designed a companionable and sociable introduction to exercise that includes a short flat walk. After an easy-paced warm-up we set off from the school for a walk round to the Domain via the lakes. En route we will be faced with a number of little challenges where you will be encouraged and supported to do amazing feats – some may have you sitting down! If you can put one foot in front of the other this is the choice for you. An al fresco lunch will be the reward for your effort followed by a stroll back to school.
Depart: 10.00am, 3hrs - Grade 1

Dome Tearooms to Govan Wilson Road – an outing for the very fit
A bus will take trampers to the start and will be back for the pick up. This hike is on steep terrain. We begin with views as we rise up from SH1 - remember to look behind you! What follows are forestry tracks, 4WD roads, some good bush especially kauri, streams, rocks and DOC’s Totara Scenic Reserve. We end with the steps down to the bus waiting to pick us up. All details can be viewed on the Te Araroa web site. www.teararoa.org.nz  This is a long tramp so a high level of fitness is required - distance being a main factor. Make sure a number of training tramps have been undertaken in preparation.
Departs: 8.00am, 8hrs - Grade 5+

Thornleigh Farm Walk - the evolving landscape
For thirty years the farmer has been employing sustainable farming techniques. While walking over part of the 170 acres that includes indigenous forest of kauri and kahikatea we will learn how every aspect of the land is cared for and reused. Historic events will be explained along with discussions on the changing environment/land-use. Be stimulated and challenged as we consider how land could be better utilized with a slight change in thinking. Of particular interest is the home orchard and we will lunch in the homestead gardens. Car pool.
Departs: 9.30am, 3-4hrs - Grade 3

WaipuCaves Experience - an experience of a lifetime (on the bucket list)
This is a great experience for those seeking an underground adventure.  A two km walk over moderately steep farmland with good views brings us to the entrance of the first cave.  We begin with a short walk into this public cave followed by, the Stevens private cave which runs under a hill.  The adventure will involve exploring underground for 1-2 hours with the occasional crawling on hands and knees and clambering over rocks. The exiting of the caves involves a short, wet dip through an underground pool in the stream.  You will need your own torch or head light, a wet suit, a helmet (bicycle will do) and a change of clothes. Bus provided.
Departs: 9.30am, 5hrs - Grade 4+

Waipu Coastal Trail – new and natural
Lions Club members have built the walkway we have been waiting for! Beginning at the Waipu Cove tidal stream, the track takes us along the coast almost into Langs Beach. A portion covers private ‘Riparian Rights’ along the esplanade reserve. To avoid disturbing the natural landscape the track is rough and narrow so best suited for the reasonably fit. Be prepared to be blown away by the magnificent coastal views and spectacular sedimentary limestone rocks. Some road and beach walking included. Camera essential. Car pool.
Departs: 9.15am, 4-5hrs - Grade 4

Bald Rock and Pukekaroro – that’s the hill on SH1near Kaiwaka
This walk through private property takes us through a deer farm to the DOC administered volcanic hill with the double top. Maori pits abound. The track is relatively steep but short through excellent bush. We will then drive round to and take the short climb up Bald Rock. This distinctive landmark of white rock sits on one of the last areas still owned by the Coates family. These two areas were very familiar to Mangawhai people of the past. Now another generation can enjoy these local favourites. Car pool.
Departs: 9.45am, 3-4hrs - Grade 3

Brynderwyn Trig - A trek not for the faint-hearted
It would not be a Walking Weekend without one trip to the tops of the iconic Brynderwyns; the dark, brooding backdrop to Mangawhai. At the summit it is all light and beauty with breathtaking views of this magical coastline; the rewards for the climb from the magnificent Sanctuary development to the Brynderwyn Ridge. The track edges along stands of puriri and follows bridle paths as it passes through the ‘kissing gates’. Look for the double-barrelled kauri, virgin bush, the old sawmill and the original homestead. Finally, the route wends its way down to Cove Road where the bus will be waiting.
Car pool to start and bus back to cars.
Departs: 9.30am, 4-5hrs - Grade 4+

Estuary to the Ocean – time out
Birds, seaside plants, sand and ocean will be experienced on this memorable walk with a life-long resident of Mangawhai. Learn the amazing story of the bund wall and the importance of the bird refuge to all of New Zealand. Discover the native riparian plants that line the estuary. Stories to be told. Time for a swim and a climb up the sand hill if you wish. Led by members of the Fairy Tern Trust. Car pool.
Departs: 9.40am, 4-5hrs - Grade 3

Geology – the earth has a history
Come and examine some of the local chapters of the Earth’s history revealed in the rocks of the Mangawhai surf beach foreshore and beyond. Volcanism, deep water deposits and more. Some boulder hopping along the beach. The leader of this walk is Dr Garry Carr, geologist, teacher and part time resident of the Mangawhai Heads for the last twenty years.
Departs: 10.15am, 3-4hrs - Grade 2+

Historic Ramble – relive the 1900s
We begin our ramble in historic Tara with a visit to the old Tara Road School, currently under restoration. We have the opportunity to visit a bog garden created by springs that feed the river. Across the road is the old stone house and dairy with a NZHPT category rating, certified organic orchard with exotic fruit trees and a walk to the waterfall. Then it is lunch at the school.  A short drive takes us to Louis Wintle’s home where we hear stories of the pioneers and the furniture now at Mansion House. Take a peek at the bush reserve. Learn of the great value this special piece of volcanic land contributes to the area, past and present. Car pool.
Depart: 9.45am, 4hrs - Grade 1

Home & Garden Tour - a personal tour of Mangawhai
After the success of last year we just had to have this outing on the programme. Share with us an assortment of Mangawhai's diverse homes and gardens. Let us chauffeur drive you to some of Mangawhai’s hidden treasures and meet some of the local residents. You will be pleasantly surprised to find what is tucked away off the beaten track. Be inspired by the houses and gardens you will walk through. Virtually no walking but it is important we move together.
Departs: 9.30am, 4hrs - Grade 1

Honeylea Farm – with Devonshire teas
Enjoy an afternoon tea with home made bread and jams in the glorious garden after walking and learning of Eric’s long love affair with the land he settled 35 years ago. Share stories of the hard yards and the great results that followed. Spend the last hour strolling with Jill through her large splendid garden and home orchard. There may even be some jams and relishes to take home.
Departs: 9.15am, 3-4hrs - Grade 4

Tomarata Lakes to the Beach – discover the serenity of isolation
This flat beautiful walk takes us from the car park at the southern side of Te Arai Point through pine forest, around the Tomarata Lakes and out to the southern section of Te Arai beach with its brilliant white sands, wild waves and isolation. Look out for the sea birds and the memorial seat as we return on the loop track. A life-time local with inspirational stories to tell of what was; what might have been and what is, leads the walk. Bus to start and return
Departs: 9.45am, 3-4hrs - Grade 4

Logues Bush - local native bush
For those keen to learn more about New Zealand bush a walk through Logues will is a treat in store. Some years ago this land was obtained by the Mid-North Forest and Bird Society. Join the guides to explore and discover a local hidden icon. Car pool.
Departs: 10.00, 3hrs - Grade 2

Mangawhai Cliff Top Walk – a very popular walk
Part of the national walkway system, this track takes us along the cliff tops north of Mangawhai Heads. It is a classic Department of Conservation track and known as one of the best coastal walks in New Zealand. Vistas stretch from Bream Head to Pakiri and Coromandel. Departure times are staggered and are dependant on numbers. Your departure time will be enclosed with your confirmation information pack. Car pool.
Departs: 9.30am, 4-5hrs - Grade 4

From Bush to Bach -  Marunui Conservation, King Road
This walk highlights some special features of regenerating and mature bush on private conservation land in the Brynderwyns. You will experience walking through established bush, mostly on formed tracks, while seeing how cottages are designed to be eco-friendly, self-sufficient and fit within the landscape. The primary focus will be on the bush and Marunui’s conservation management. We will follow a network of paths between cottages, connecting through stands of tanekaha, kanuka, nikau, kahikatea and mature kauri and along a stream. Waterproof, heavy-soled boots or heavy track shoes essential for stream crossings. The walk concludes at one of the cottages for refreshments. Car pool.
Departs: 9.30am, 3-4hrs - Grade 3-4

Photography Walk – take your best shot
Sand dunes, water, boats, plants, people, landscapes….Gain creative control over your camera – hints on framing, composition, depth of field to suit the occasion, correct exposure, film types etc. Peter Davis, professional photographer from Waipu, is our guide. Car pool.
Departs: 10.15am, 3-4hrs - Grade 2

Romance on the Kaipara – literature and history    
We meet two women thwarted in love as a little section of Kaipara history is revealed. Tucked onto the harbour edge, behind Kaiwaka, our visit will bring to life the landscape that influenced our first known woman novelist, Jane Mander as she wrote ‘The Story of a New Zealand River’’ (recommended prior reading). Secondly we meet the historic Gittos family, original missionaries; and visit their house little changed from1866. As there are a number of ‘rustic’ stiles and fences and some steeper pitches walking up the clear grass ridges to the pa site, some agility is required. Excellent views from the top. Car pool.
Departs: 9.30am, 4hrs - Grade 2-3

Hills and Vales of Te Arai – in early morning the valleys hold the veil of mist or arai
Stunning rural and sea views will be visible on this tramp that takes in the farmland of new lifestylers and regenerating covenanted remnant bush. It is an area where many past and current fortunes have been made and lost as people, in an effort to make a living, have attempted horticulture of an exotic nature. Experience the beauty of a challenging country outing as the route roams over the hills of this area.  It finishes with a ramble round a country cemetery.
Departs: 10.00am, 3-4hrs - Grade 4

Waipu Caves - advanced level with abseiling
An all caving day. For those wishing to increase their skills and experience high adventure this is the outing you have been waiting for. An extended visit to Stevens Cave includes abseiling within the cave. Taken by an experienced and certified instructor you will be well supervised. You will need a torch or head lamp, full wet suit, helmet (bicycle will do) and change of clothes. Maximum number is seven for this trip.
Depart: 9.20am, 4-5hrs - Grade 5

A Clayton’s Walk – an outing for the unfit
For those who find an all day tramp a bit much and always felt a bit left out of our wonderful weekend, our local fitness expert has designed a companionable and sociable introduction to exercise that includes a short flat walk. After an easy-paced warm-up we set off from the school for a walk round to the Domain via the lakes. En route we will be faced with a number of little challenges where you will be encouraged and supported to do amazing feats – some may have you sitting down! If you can put one foot in front of the other this is the choice for you. An al fresco lunch will be the reward for your effort followed by a stroll back to the school.
Departs: 10.00am, 3hrs - Grade 1