3277B - Kaimanawa's (Easy/Medium Trip)

Kaimanawa's

Trip 3277B Kaimanawa's Medium-Fit Trip 29 Jan – 01 Feb 2027

This Auckland Anniversary Weekend there will be two trips in the southern
Kaimanawa Ranges. A "fit" trip will be lead by Mike Peck and, Les, will lead a
"medium-fit" trip.
Friday 29 January – Travel to our Campsite at Urchin or Waikoko late afternoon.
Saturday 30 January – Les will drive to the Carpark of the Southern Access
Corridor track to drop-off the "Fit" group. On the return, the "medium-fit" group will
drive to the Urchin Track Carpark to start our tramp.
Today, we ascend to Urchin Trig (1392m) then continue to the track to the track
that descends to the Waipakihi River. We descend this track. Once at the River, we
walk upstream about 1.5km to the entry of the Thunderbolt Track, at where we will
camp. There will be several river crossings (hopefully OK).
Sunday 31 January – Today we ascend Thunderbolt track to Pt 1526 then,
Motutere (1646m) and follow ridgelines to our campsite under Pt 1558. Here the
"fit" group will meet us and also camp here. If we have time and anyone interested,
we can do an afternoon walk to Thunderbolt (1633m) via Pt 1594 and 1583.
Monday 01 February – Today, both groups return to the Urchin Carpark via the
Thunderbolt and Urchin Tracks. Then the drive home with a welcome coffee stop
along the way.
Naturally, both trips are full camping and self-sufficient trips. This area is a
wonderful area to explore but the tops will be at the mersey of the weather.
As usual, Leaders will send a group email out closer to the trip with further details.