📌Motuihe island

On Sunday 11th October, we will discover one of the Hauraki Gulf’s true gems. Join us for a memorable day out on Motuihe Island, known for its sweeping coastal vistas, pristine beaches, and rich natural history. We will start the day with a quick 25 minute water taxi ride across the gulf. Once ashore, our walk begins with by a loop track that leads up to the island's highest point for panoramic views over the gulf, followed by a low tide coastal circuit around the island’s edges. There maybe a few tricky short stretches of coastline to go through, and perhaps swimming a short distance, although this is unlikely. Most of the route is flat and easy terrain. The hike to the highest point will not be rushed as we do need to wait for low tide to complete the coastline circuit. After catching the water taxi back to the mainland, we will cap off the day together with some well-earned drinks and snacks at the Akarana Yacht Club Cafe. Important note on the route: This is a coastal circuit timed with the tide, however there may be a couple of short sections where wading (or even swimming - but unlikely) across narrow gaps is required, so come prepared with water proof bags and to get wet! For your own safety, please ensure you bring waterproof bags or waterproof food containers that can fit inside your day pack. These bags or containers will keep your equipment dry and assist with your flotation. Naturally, any electronic devices, such as cell phones, must be placed in waterproof bags. However, the majority of the time spent hiking will not involve swimming, but rather traversing a rocky coastline or beach. If the weather is poor then this event will be postponed to another date, and refunds will be given back. . ❌❗ Preference given to regulars and those who are not SLOW. Just because you are on the "Waiting list" does not necessarily mean you will get to the "Going List". 🚩Summary of details: 📌Water taxi ride one way: 25 minutes 📌Hiking times and distances: a) Circuit around island : about 4.0 hours (estimated) - 8.7 km b) Climb to highest point (loop) : about 1.5 hours (estimated) - 5.6 km 📌Maximum of 17 people (max on water Taxi) 📌Cost of return trip by water taxi - $60 📌Map of hikes: https://tinyurl.com/yh8xrhjn 📌Map of water taxi route: https://tinyurl.com/2s3dp3h7 🚩This is the important stopping point to note: 👉1) Okahu Bay Boat Ramp (next to Akarana yacht club) (Where we take the return trip with a water taxi to Motuihe island) https://bit.ly/3wOxeZi 🚩 Time Guideline: (Guide only): 📌Sunday 08:34 High tide 08:35 Good time to arrive at boat ramp next to Akarana Yacht club 08:50 Latest time to arrive 09:00 Water taxi departs 09:25 Arrive at Motuihe island 09:35 Group photos and introductions 09:40 Start first loop to highest point 11:15 Finish first hike loop 11:30 Start circuit of island 14:27 Low tide (11th Oct) 15:30 Finish and back at wharf 15:45 Depart Motuihe island with Water Taxi 16:00 Back at Akarana Yacht club 16:15 After hike drinks and snacks at "Akarana Eatery" 🚩 Payment: You will need make payment of $60 by 26th September. Payment can be made into ANZ Bank Hiking Aotearoa A/C number: 06-0145-0782760-00. Please write your reference name that is the same as your Meetup name, so I can identify you. Also add "Motuihe" to the reference. 📌 If you are interested in history, then this story about a Prisoner of war on Motuihe may interest you: https://tinyurl.com/yc67drkw 📌 There is no car pooling and we will not meet at Wellington st. You will need to get to the Akarana yacht club at Orakei. ❌❗ Important for drivers!!! : Recently AT have made all parking around the yacht club paid parking. If you want to park there, it will cost you $22 for the day. First 90 minutes are free, but $3 per hour subsequently. The other option is to park (free) on Tamaki drive, or one of the side streets such as Okahu street - this may mean a fairly long walk to get to the jetty. Drop your bags off first and then park, may make it easier. 📌 The water taxis will leave on time, please be ready to board when required, and if you are late arriving, then we go without you. Please try to arrive early. 🚩Bio security: Clean dirty gear or footwear to remove all dirt and seeds. Check all gear for pests such as mice, rats, ants, plague skinks and weeds. SEAL your gear properly and avoid stowaways. Pack food in sealed containers to avoid attracting rodents. Your bags must be zipped closed (no open bags). Be vigilant. 🚩 Gear check list: TBA 🚩After hike drinks and snacks on Sunday: "Akarana Eatery" which is located in the Hyundai Marine Sports centre, next to the Akarana Yacht club. If you are early at departure in the morning, you could buy a quick snack and coffee here. https://akarana.co.nz/akarana-eatery/ 🚩RSVP question: Only one question - to make sure you have read (or attempted to read) the description: (1) What time is a good time to arrive at the boat ramp next to the Akarana Yacht club?