Hillary Trail bookings open

9 December 2009

The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) is now taking bookings for the Hillary Trail, which officially opens on 11 January 2010.

The Hillary Trail is a multi-day tramp through the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park and along Auckland’s west coast. The four day trail includes overnight stays at back-to-basics ARC campgrounds and connects existing regional park tracks to form a 70 km wilderness experience.

Trampers wanting to do the trail can phone the ARC on 09 366 2000 now to book Hillary Trail campgrounds from 11 January onwards and find out more information.

Bookings relate to where trampers are staying. If you choose to stay in one of the Hillary Trail campgrounds (Karamatura Campground, Pararaha Campground or Craw Campground) or any other ARC accommodation near the trail, you will need to book in advance and take your camping permit with you on the trail. Campgrounds cost $5 per adult per night.

Admission to the track network itself is free.

Cr Sandra Coney, Chair of the ARC Parks and Heritage Committee, strongly recommends that all trampers considering the Hillary Trail prepare before they set out.

“The Hillary Trail is not a walk in the park,” says Cr Coney. “It is a challenging wilderness adventure designed for people – especially young people and families – who have some tramping experience and are committed to preparing themselves for the challenge, as they would for any other long tramp.”

Sections of the trail offer quite difficult terrain with steep climbs, muddy and slippery areas, and different track surfaces. There are some unbridged stream crossings and short stretches of road walking.

ARC park ranger Stu Leighton suggests that trampers drop into the Arataki Visitor Centre on Scenic Drive to talk to a ranger or staff member about the trail.

“As well as information on the trail and a display at the Arataki Visitor Centre, people can talk to one of our team and work out the best way for them to do the Hillary Trail,” says Stu. “We can advise on starting times, required fitness and tramping ability, and also help people work out whether they do the trail in one go or attempt sections at a time.”

The ARC is currently putting the finishing touches on a booklet about the trail which includes maps, track notes, information about the Waitakere Ranges and some suggestions for preparing for the tramp. This will be available from the Arataki Visitor Centre and from the ARC contact centre on 09 366 2000.

Information is also available on the ARC website www.arc.govt.nz/hillarytrail and, once complete, the booklet can be downloaded from the website too.

About the Hillary Trail

The Hillary Trail connects a network of existing regional park tracks and basic backpacker campgrounds. It takes trampers through the Waitakere Ranges, past the Arataki Visitor Centre, Huia, Whatipu, Karekare, Piha, Anawhata, and either winding north to Muriwai via the Department of Conservation's Te Henga Walkway, or through Cascade Kauri Park and onto Swanson.

The Trail epitomises the sense of adventure and personal achievement that Ed Hillary himself championed and was renowned for. It is not a walk in the park - but a chance for well-prepared trampers to experience the diverse, and often challenging west coast. The ARC hopes that creating an opportunity like this, in close proximity to urban Auckland, will inspire Aucklanders to get outdoors and experience the wilderness that exists on their own doorstep.

For more information about the Hillary Trail go to www.arc.govt.nz/hillarytrail

Hillary Trail campgrounds

There are three basic back-country campgrounds on the Hillary Trail – the Karamatura Campground, the Pararaha Campground and the soon to be completed Craw Campground. The Craw Campground will be available to trampers and campers from 11 January 2010, when the Hillary Trail officially opens.

These basic campgrounds have a relatively flat area, a toilet and shelter only. Water is available from the nearby streams, and at Craw Campground there is a tank supply. Boiling and/or water treatment is recommended.

Trampers may also choose to stay in other ARC accommodation, including other campgrounds, baches and lodges. These can be booked through the ARC on 09 366 2000.

There are also privately owned or operated lodges, campgrounds and B&Bs near the trail. Go to www.arc.govt.nz/hillarytrail for links to alternative accommodation providers.

ENDS

© Scoop Media