Leaders

Ruth E. Henderson

Cell Phone Number

021 298 8120

VHF Call Sign &/or Vessel Name

Rudolph ZMS 4968

Vehicle make, model, registration, colour

Toyota Corolla SW CFT347

General Plan

Explore at leisure the Raglan Harbour – limestone rocks, waterfalls and narrow fingers on Saturday and go to the very end, to the Waingaro Landing and perhaps beyond on Sunday.

Congregate Friday night at the Raglan Kopua Holiday Park at the ‘backpackers’ kitchen – whether in one of the bunkrooms, tenting or in a Tourist Flat.

Saturday

Meet 8.30 at Raglan Kopua Holiday Park. On the water at 9.00. Carry boats thru gap in the sand dunes, near the ‘backpackers’ cabins. Cross harbour to Marotaka Pt to see limestone formations. Continue up harbour past the wharf, past Lorenzen Bay towards The Narrows. Ignore the first estuary/creek entrance; go in to Okete Bay hugging the coast to find the waterfall.

On exiting head for the Narrows. Want to get there at about 1130, explore, have lunch and depart about 1230 before the bay dries out.

Possible pit stops – a) as enter Okete Bay, past the house b) on shallow beach on right before hit the Narrows c) in Haroto Bay where the Paritata Peninsula narrows – but this can be muddy.

On exiting the Narrows head for Motukokako Pt to get in the tidal stream for a fast ride back. Do not get too close to the wharf!  

Saturday night – go out for a meal. Cambodian Licensed Restaurant and Café has delectable food. Appetizers about $8 Mains about $20.

Sunday

Two options.

One way: Early birds do car shuttle or have your shuttle bunny organized to meet you.

Paddlers on the water at 10.00. Head to wharf, then head around Motukokako Pt and head past the small Island and Te Teko Rock to head in to Waingaro Landing. If get there on the top of the tide, carry on up the Kerikeri River. Exit back at Waingaro Landing.

Return trip: turn around and paddle with the outward going tide back to Raglan.

Latest Time Off the Water

1300 or 1530

Distance

20- 23 km to either Okete Falls and Narrows return; 12 - 13 km to Waingaro Landing or 25 km return.

Minimum Ability level

Intermediate 2B

Tide

SAT Low 1740 0.3m;

SUN 1830 0.4m

SAT High  11.40 3.1m

SUN High 12.30 3.4m

Weather Parameters

20 knots or less headwind.  

Communications

We will be communicating as a group on VHF Channel 4 boat to boat; Coast Guard 86; weather 22; emergency 16

Facilities /Car Parking

Raglan Kopu Holiday Park – Backpackers area.  For Friday and Saturday I have booked two ensuite (small) bunkrooms, sleep four each, $32 per person. Plus one standard (spacious) bunkroom sleeps eight, $28 pp. If you want to share one of these, let me know and I’ll save you a bed. Or phone 07 8258283 to book your own Tourist flat or tent site. Say you are with the kayak group.

See www.raglanholidaypark.co.nz for more info.

Equipment

Usual paddling and safety gear, breakfasts, snacks, lunch. Winter woolies. Sleeping bag.

Emergency Exit Points

Many along coast.

Additional info

Very tidal. Want to use the outgoing and incoming tide and ride the tidal stream back. Do not underestimate this current – beware of the wharf, and make sure you do not get swept along past the camp.

Alternative Plan

Plenty of cafes, interesting shops, Bridal Veil Falls walk, Wainui Reserve for views, statues – great spot for Tai Ci, yoga, contemplating your navel, or descend to the wild west coast beach for a walk or go for a short paddle in the SW inlet or drive to Waingaro Hot pools.