Walked from Mount Donald McLean to Whatipu and back, staying overnight at Whatipu Lodge. Weekend was forecast for no rain so we thought we should take advantage. But set out in drizzle and cloud just the same - luckily it did clear up later.
Took Donald McLean track north from the carpark, diversion via Bob Gordon track to see the site of an old kauri dam (no traces of the dam to be seen), then followed the Walker Ridge track and Gibbons track to Whatipu. 4 hours, mostly in bush until we got towards the end of the Gibbons track, when we were rewarded with some lovely vistas of forest, beaches and Tasman Sea. Much slipping and sliding on some hard pale brown surface - a bit like mud halfway to becoming rock.
Whatipu Lodge was really special (photos here - the red-roofed white buildings are the lodge). Facilities were a bit like a backcountry hut (bring your own bedding, food and a torch) but atmosphere very different. It is an old homestead with pretty bedrooms, old furniture and lamp shades, plates decorating the kitchen walls, and a full-sized snooker table. Someone was having a 70th birthday party there. This time we had toted a bottle of wine in and were glad of it. We will definitely go back, probably walking from Karekare next time (one way through the forest, one way along the beach).
Back to the car along Omanawanui track, a series of peaks beside the sea. Views fabulous, taking in hills, beaches, sea and the enormous Manukau harbour. Best view Tim has seen since Ben Lomond on a really clear day last April. Also lots of young kauri trees. 3 hours. We'd love to go back with a few friends.
Kura track also looks fun. We're told the Whatipu end can be so wet as to be impassable, so best to start it from that end.
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