📌Whangamata, Coromandel (2 nights)

Join us for a two-night escape to one of the most distinctive and spectacular coastal regions on the Coromandel Peninsula and arguably all of New Zealand coastline. After recently exploring a portion of the route north from Whiritoa, we are returning to complete the full, breathtaking route, this time all the way to Whangamata. Anyone who caught a glimpse of it last time will agree that this stunning stretch of coastline is well worth a second visit. We will be again staying at Wharekawa Lodge in Opoutere, a fantastic spot we have thoroughly enjoyed on several trips in the past.

📌The weekend line up:

Friday Logistics & Hike: You are welcome to arrive at the lodge anytime on Friday (check-in is from 14:00, but you can arrive earlier and leave your car there). Please try to arrive no later than 21:00. For those getting there early, we’ll meet at the northern end of Onemana for a 13:30 warm-up hike to the semi-famous Pokohino Beach. This walk takes about 2.5 hours including breaks.

The Main Event (Saturday): The full coastal route from Whangamata to Whiritoa. While swimming could happen on the last stretch, it is probably unlikely, however you must pack a waterproof backpack or dry bags to protect your gear and provide buoyancy just in case.
Sunday Circuit: A predominantly flat and not too demanding but highly scenic loop around the Whangamata town area. We’ll follow the shoreline along the ocean beach and estuary, finishing back at our starting point near the Surf Life Saving Club and local cafe.

📌Important information:

Fitness & Pace: The Saturday hike is a demanding coastal route. You will need a good, steady pace to keep up with the group, so please ensure your fitness matches before RSVP'ing. Newcomers who are fit and capable are highly welcome, though regular participants will receive priority.
The Sunday Commitment: This is a full-weekend trip. If you plan to skip Sunday’s hike, please update your RSVP to "Not Going." To keep things fair for everyone, skipping the final day may impact your ability to get on the "Going" list for future overnight trips.

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🚩Friday hike:
You can arrive at any time on Friday, but for those early we will have a hike at about 13:30 to semi famous Pokohino Beach. We start at the northern end of Onemana. The hike should talk about 2.5 hours including breaks. Check in time is 14:00 at the lodge, although you are welcome to arrive earlier and just park your car at the lodge. Please try not to arrive after 21:00
📌 About 5.7km
📌 Time taken: About 2.5 hours
📌 Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale, about 2.5
📌 Map : https://tinyurl.com/ptt6ytf3

🚩Saturday hike:
Whangamata to Whiritoa coastal - we start at the southern end Whangamata ocean beach\, and cross the estuary\, where we either follow the coast or bush bash a reasonably short distance to avoid a tricky coast line. This is the only part of the route which could be slow going. Once we are back on the beach the terrain gets better\, although there are a few hills to climb. The further we get to Whiritoa\, the better the quality is of the formed track. There may be sections of the coast where you could get partially wet\, so it is advisable to bring waterproof bags. As the hike is only 9km we will likely have the time and opportunity to enjoy a swim at Papakura Bay\, before completing the route back to Whiritoa. Including breaks and a possible swim it should take about 6 hours.
📌 About 8.8km
📌 Time taken: About 6 hours (including breaks)
📌 Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale, about 3.5
📌 Map : https://tinyurl.com/3cpvrwr8
For those who use a navigation device, please request a GPX file from me.

🚩Sunday hike :
Whangamata town loop: Starting at the southern end of Whangamata's Ocean beach we head north and up to the Marina. At this point we head in land along the edge of Moanaanuanu estuary. Parts of the upper reaches may have some swampy ground, until we reach SH25 where we cross over to go uphill and down to the Otahu estuary. We follow this estuary back to our cars, where we finish with optional drinks and snacks.
📌 About 11.1km
📌 Time taken: About 4 hours (including breaks)
📌 Difficulty: On our 1-5 scale, about 2.5
📌 Map : https://tinyurl.com/5n79ybb3
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🚩 These are the 5 important stopping points to note.:

👉 1) Wharekawa Lodge, Opoutere
(Where we stay for 2 nights, & initially meet)
https://tinyurl.com/8kr3ne27

👉 2) Onemana Beach car park
(Where we start & finish Friday's hike)
https://tinyurl.com/2bch63mv

👉 3) 103-109 Pohutukawa Crescent, Whangamatā
(Where we start Saturday's hike)
https://tinyurl.com/2vpc8sxc

👉 4) Pohutukawa Reserve Public Toilets, 32B Fishermans Bend, Whiritoa
(Where we finish Saturday's hike)
https://tinyurl.com/ykxm69d7

👉 5) 503 Lowe Street, Whangamata
(Where we start & finish Sunday's hike)
https://tinyurl.com/5n6hpyvu

👉6) Whangamata RSA, 324 Port Road, Whangamatā
(Where we have dinner on Saturday night)
https://tinyurl.com/yccfy2a6
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🚩Time line (guide only)
📌 Friday: Arrive at lodge anytime between 14:00 and not later than 21:00. Arrival is up to you. For those that arrive early then there is a optional hike to Pokohino Beach.
09:47 Low tide (4th Dec)
13:15 Drive to Onemana to start hike (optional)
14:00 Earliest time to check in
16:12 High tide (4th Dec)
17:00 Back at lodge
20:30 Sunset

📌Saturday :
04:51 High tide (5th Dec)
06:46 Sunrise
07:40 Shuttle drivers leave to Whiritoa
08:00 Remainder leave lodge
08:20 Everyone at Whangamata
08:30 Start hike
10:46 Low tide (5th Dec)
14:00 Approx finish hike
14:15 Drive back to start & pick up cars
14:55 Approx arrive back at lodge
17:39 High tide (14th Feb)
18:30 Group dinner at RSA Whangamata
20:24 Sunset
20:15 Leave approx.
20:30 Approx back at lodge

📌Sunday: :
04:52 High tide (6th Dec)
06:45 Sunrise
08:30 Pack up and leave lodge
08:50 Arrive at start of Whangamata circuit
09:00 Start hike
11:43 Low Tide (6th Dec)
13:30 Approx finish hike
13:40 At Blackies cafe for optional drinks and snacks
14:30 Approx drive back to Auckland (Note: cafe closes at 14:30!)
17:00 Approx arrive back in Auckland
20:23 Sunset
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Other information:
❌❗ If there is poor weather, then this trip will go ahead regardless, so be prepared for wet weather if this is the case.
🚩 Check list of items to bring: https://tinyurl.com/5kpp3uds
🚩 Metvuw rain forecast : https://goo.gl/9zpzs9
🚩 Just some hiking group etiquette: http://bit.ly/2ZmOmEG

📌Accommodation: Accommodation is pre booked at Wharekawa lodge, and there are seven various rooms and cabins. If you plan on staying elsewhere, then please do not RSVP. More information on Wharekawa lodge https://www.wharekawalodge.co.nz/

🍔🍗🍷 Saturday night Dinner:
On Saturday night we will go to the Whangamata RSA for an optional dinner. They have both Thai and European menus. Remember you need to take dirty dishes etc back to the tray afterwards. 😉
Menu: https://www.whangamatarsa.com/menu

🚩 Costs:
$40 to your driver - if only passenger
$30 to your driver if one of two passengers
(based on 10c/km with 1 passenger)
$66 to $100 for 2 nights accommodation
Extra for Saturday night optional dinner
$126 to $150 Total

🚩 Payment: When rooms are allocated, you will need make payment by 9th November. Payment can be made into ANZ Bank "Hiking Aotearoa" A/C number: 06-0145-0782760-00. Please write as a reference "Whangamata" and your name that is the same as your Meetup name, so I can identify you. Please do NOT leave payment until the last minute.

RSVP Questions: https://tinyurl.com/msxutum3
Thanks 😊
Russell
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