WHATIPU
WHATIPU lies within the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park .... beautiful, wild remote with significant Maori associations & many historic sites. From the 1850s until the 1920s the area was a logging and timber production centre and a large mill was built in the Whatipu valley in the 1860s.
It is a spectacular area of coastal dunes and wetlands. It is also the breeding ground for endangered species such as the New Zealand Dotterel.
Whatipu's wild beauty and sense of history have attracted holidaymakers to the Lodge since the 1920s.The Whatipu Sands area was classified as a Scientific Reserve in 2002 and is one of the most ecologically significant in the Auckland Region.
FRESH AIR, EXERCISE, AND CACHES...
We are planning some group walks on Saturday 9th February. to encourage people to get to caches that require a bit more effort and harder terrain. There are walks along the beach or the more challenging ones into the Waitakere Ranges. Please refer the "Announcement" in the logs section below for details.
OR YOU CAN JUST COME ALONG FOR THE BBQ
The BBQ will be fired up starting at about 4 pm. Please bring your food to grill, and a salad or side dish to share, along with plates, cutlery etc and something to sit on. Please note there is no phone coverage in the valley, so we will organise a sign at the posted coordinates if the BBQ is not within immediate view of the coordinates. Last supermarket and petrol are in Titirangi.
...AND STAY FOR THE CAMPING TOO
For those opting to stay you can join those camping overnight ....or for something more luxurious, there is the option to book a room in the Whatipu Lodge. (visit link) The LODGE accommodates up to 37 people in 17 bedrooms and the campground can host up to 80 people. While the lodge is reasonably equipped, the campground has basic facilities with toilets and showers (cold).
PLEASE BOOK EARLY!!! THE LODGE WILL FILL UP QUICKLY
HOW TO GET TO WHATIPU
WHATIPU is approximately 45km from central Auckland and 35km from Titirangi.
At Titirangi, go through the shopping centre, take Huia Rd and follow this all the way to Huia.
Continue through Huia, round the foreshore and across a white bridge. Turn left. The road arrives at little Huia. Cross the stream and turn right. This is Whatipu Rd. The last 6km is gravel and there may be oncoming cars so drive carefully.
The Lodge and the campground are on the right just before the end of the road and the driveway is clearly marked.
ALL ARE WELCOME, COME ONE, COME ALL
Please bring any Travel Bugs and Geocoins for others to enjoy and if you want some Travel Bugs and Geocoins to travel please bring them along too.
If anyone wants to attend but has logistical difficulties such as transport or camping gear, log a note and anyone who can help out please respond. If need further info, txt or phone GreenblAt (Alan) on 027 4664164 or KiwiLeon (Leon) on 0275 943973.
DOGS
Whatipu is a wildlife reserve and dogs are banned from the beach and wetland. There is a "no dogs" policy in the Campground.