Pakiri Beach to Dome Valley 27 km

Pakiri Beach → Dome Valley (Reverse Traverse)
Date: Saturday, 9 January 2027
Starting Point: Pakiri Beach (after car drop at Dome Valley)
Finish: Dome Valley Car Park, SH1
Distance: 27 km
Elevation Gain: ~800 m
Duration: 9-10 hours depending on the track conditions
Difficulty: Hard (4/5 difficulty level)

Event Description
We're running the Dome Forest–Pakiri traverse again, this time in reverse: starting at the sand and finishing in the bush. From Pakiri Beach we climb into Omaha Forest and follow the Te Araroa ridgeline south, over the summit of Dome (336 m), past the Dome Forest Lookout, and down to the Dome Valley car park on SH1.
Running it this way puts the beach at the start while legs are fresh and saves the best-formed descent for the end of the day — which matters in August, because we will be finishing in low light.
Expect winter conditions: deep mud, slick clay, exposed roots, and slow going on the steeper ridge sections. The track is well marked, but this is a serious day out requiring good fitness, real experience on long hikes, and proper gear.

Meeting point and timings
Dome Valley is directly on the way to Pakiri, so we all meet there, leave the shuttle cars, and continue through together.

Hike Schedule
Depart Auckland: 6:15 am (or earlier)
Everyone to arrive at Dome Valley Carpark: 7:00 am (arrange car shuttle)
Depart Dome Valley Carpark: 7:05 am
Arrive at Pakiri Beach: 7:45 am
Briefing & Introduction: 7:55 am
Start Hike: 8:00 am
Expected finish: 5:30–6:30 pm

Light

Sunset is 8.43 pm so normally we won't need headlamps (I do not want to repeat my Kaimai Ridgeway Walk experience so only those I know and those who attend training events will be able to join).

Weather call

If there is significant rain within 48 hours of the event, the ridge becomes very slow and we risk running well past dark. The hike will then be postponed or shortened, with a decision posted here the day before.

Who this is for

Numbers are capped at 12 and signups will be reviewed. This is not the hike for your first long day with the group — please only sign up if you have completed comparable 25 km+ days at pace with us.

What to Bring

Gear

Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
Headlamp with fresh batteries (mandatory)
Weather-appropriate layers and a waterproof jacket
Warm hat and gloves — the ridge is exposed and cold in August
Spare dry layer in a dry bag
Walking poles (strongly recommended for muddy descents)

Food and Hydration

At least 2–3 litres of water
Lunch plus extra snacks — this is a long day

Important Notes

Your safety is your responsibility.
Need a ride? Comment below! A $25 ($20 if more than 2 passengers) contribution to your driver is suggested.
Meetup Contribution: A small $2 contribution helps cover Meetup fees and equipment costs. Transfer to Wakahi.com Limited acct number 02-0200-0260173-000.

Sand to summit to bush. See you on the trail.

Dome Valley meeting point:
Dome Valley car park, 1721 State Highway 1,
Dome Valley — the Te Araroa trailhead beside Dome Café.

Trailhead: Pakiri Beach Holiday Park, 261 Pakiri River Road, Pakiri 0972