Waitakere Branch
This is a great opportunity to visit and enjoy a major fenced mainland island in the Waikato where many rare and interesting creatures enjoy special protection from predators.
When: 8.30am Saturday 24th March 2012
Return: No later than 6pm from Southern Enclosure, Tari Road, Pukeatua, Maungatautari
Cost: $24 per person (bus transport based on 24 people participating) or $32 (van transport based on 12 people participating).
Meet at: Swanson Railway Station (We can offer two other pick up options from Henderson and Auckland Central if needed).
RSVP at: waitakere.branch@forestandbird.org.nz by Sunday 15th February 2012.
The goal for the trip is to provide participants with two options; the first allows people to explore the smaller enclosures where yellow-crowned kakariki, kaka, kiwi, stitchbirds and whiteheads have been released. The second option allows trampers to walk the mountain’s ridges and assess the general health of the sanctuary. For both options you need to organize both lunch and dinner.
Option One: Visit both the Northern Enclosure (off Hicks Road) and Southern Enclosure (off Tari Road). This option will give you plenty of time to explore both Enclosures.
Attractions: Forest tower and aviary in the Southern Enclosure and walk to Pukeatua Peak from Southern Enclosure (allow three to four hours for return trip).
Option Two: Over the Mountain (OTM) Track (this option will only occur if there is a minimum of four people willing and able to go).
You will be dropped off at the Northern Enclosure and will then walk to the Southern Enclosure. The suggested duration is 5-6 hours and the grade is”moderate to difficult”. The transport will be waiting for you at the top of Tari Road.
Check http://www.maungatrust.org/Over_Mountain.cfm for further details.
