G-O Hike: Cape Rodney Walkway & Goat Island Marine Reserve

Hey there Awesome Get-Outsiders! Come and join us for another Saturday Hiking the Cape Rodney Walkway & Goat Island Marine Reserve.

Distance from CBD: Approx. 90 kms, 1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 30 min drive (3.5 km from Leigh, following the signposts to Goat Island).

Meet Up Time: Please meet at Carpool Meet Point, e.g., Albany Bus Station / Oteha Valley Park & Ride by 8:00am or at the Goat Island Marine Reserve carpark (https://maps.google.com/?q=Goat+Island+Marine+Reserve+Carpark+Leigh) at 9:15am. (Note: This is a very popular spot with high pressure on parking on weekends—be prepared to park further down the road and walk down to the start of the track if the main lot is full).

• Difficulty Rating: Moderate - a few ups and downs over beautiful coastal views.

• Suitability: Suitable for people with MODERATE to GOOD fitness.

• Completion time: The return walk takes about 1 hour 30 minutes (25 minutes return to the First Lookout; 1 hr 15 min return to the Cape Rodney Lookout). We expect to finish the walk and have plenty of time for lunch, swimming, or snorkelling by 12:30pm. You are welcome to stay around after and relax at the beach for another couple of hours if the weather is nice!

Footwear: Proper walking/hiking footwear is advised for the steep climb and coastal gullies. Bare feet/jandals are not advisable on the walking track due to the risk of injury.

• Drinking Water: Please bring your own plenty of water—the initial climb is hot work!

• Toilets: There are public toilets and picnic areas by the beach/carpark before the walk starts.

• RSVP to this event: Please only RSVP Yes to this event if you are genuinely intending on coming. If your circumstances change and you are unable to attend please change RSVP asap to allow other people the chance to attend. Once available spaces are full for the event there is a waiting list option you can join. If you RSVP and don't show up or contact us, it will be treated as a 'No Show' and may be removed from the group.

• Cellphone Coverage: Cell phone coverage is likely to be patchy in places along the coast..

Main Details:

• Meet: We will gather at 8:00am at our carpool meeting point (or 9:15am at the Goat Island carpark).

• Further Details: After brief introductions we will drive up via Leigh to Goat Island. Once we get there, we will set off on the coastal walkway to the east of the island. We will climb steeply up to the first lookout (where there is a wooden seat to rest and take in spectacular vistas north over Goat Island, Pakiri, and Te Arai), and then continue through shaded coastal bush to the second lookout facing Little Barrier Island and Cape Rodney before returning the way we came. (Please note: Goat Island itself is a scientific reserve—while visitors can rest on the rocks, entering the bush on the island is strictly prohibited to protect resting seabirds and blue penguins).

• Duration: The walking will take about 1 hour 15 minutes return, and we will stop to eat lunch together at the beach/picnic area after. The narrow channel between the island and the beach teems with marine life (snapper, blue maomao, red moki, and crayfish) and is great for swimming and snorkelling (unless easterly winds make the water rough). Bring your togs, wetsuit, and snorkel gear if you fancy a swim! Snorkelling gear, wetsuits, kayaks, and glass-bottom boat tours are also available for hire at the beach, and the Marine Discovery Centre is nearby (entry by fee).

• Transport/Car Pooling: If you can offer rides to people or wish to request if you can carpool with someone then please mention this under the 'Conversation' section below on this page and contact each other from there.

• Bring: Drinking water, lunch, sun cream, sun hat, clean and sturdy footwear suitable for walking, suitable clothing for the weather, swimming/snorkelling gear (if you are keen to get in the water at your own risk) and a relatively dry bag if you are bringing your camera and/or phone with you on the walk. And your passion for the outdoors! :)

• Costs: This is a free event (optional gear hire, glass-bottom boat, or Marine Discovery Centre entry are at your own expense).

Weather forecast checks (especially for easterly winds) during the days leading up and provide an update to everyone! Hope to see you there! Happy Times everyone!

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Get Outside- Auckland and its organizers work on a strictly voluntary basis and hold NO responsibility or liability for any injury suffered during the events organized. By RSVP'ing to the events you are acknowledging that you and anyone you are bringing are legal adults (over 18 years of age) and have read the details thoroughly and are comfortable acknowledging that being outdoors involves inherent risk. Please note that we do not allow minors to RSVP to our events. Any minors coming as companions are under the full responsibility of the adult who has RSVP'd for them. By RSVP'ing you also acknowledge that 'Get Outside- Auckland' or its event Organizers cannot be held liable for any injury caused or suffered by participation in our events. If you are uncomfortable with assuming such a risk we suggest you do not RSVP to the concerned event. Thank you for understanding.

The 'Get Outside - Auckland' team.