YYNS - Kawhia (the far side) - Te Maika - 11 August

Leaders - Organiser

Ruth Henderson

Bach owner      - Jude and Spencer Neal

Cell Phone Number

021 298 8120

021 1150 695

VHF Call Sign &/or Vessel Name

Rudolph ZMS4968

Vehicle make, model, registration, colour

Toyota SW, CFT347

General Plan

Explore the limestone rocks, inlets and coastline on the Southern side of Kawhia Harbour over two or three days, without worrying about the tide going out. Limited to eight hardy people.

Saturday – an early start unless you have family or friends to stay with the night before in the Waikato. Drive towards Kawhia (3hrs from N.S.), turn off at Kawhia Harbour Road, drive for 30 – 35mins. Meet at 9.30am and launch at Te Wairere, paddle to bach at Te Maika just inside the entrance to the harbour, exploring en route. Next day paddle up harbour to Okura Pt and its gorgeous rock chasms, then paddle on past Opeope rocks and its bird life (spoonbills). If you have to leave…then back to the Te Wairere boat ramp…if you can get Monday “off” head back to the Bach.

Meals – BYO breakfasts, snacks, lunches, drinks. Sat and Sun dinners –we’ll split into 2 cooking groups, one for each night – sorting out before we leave home – sharing costs.

Alternative activities – low tide walks around rocks, to Ocean Beach, uphill amongst farmland and wild horses. Lots of board-games in bach!

Cost – for eight people -  $30 each for the weekend bach rental.

Latest Time Off the Water

Variable - 1600

Distance

Variable – 12 - 25km

Minimum Ability level

Intermediate. Able to paddle confidently in 15 – 20 knots with some chop for 2 hrs before getting out…but plenty of pit-stops available.

Tide

N.B. HT + 2hr 48 and LT +2hr 38 on Auckland Charts.

High

Sat 9.30; Sun 10.30; Mon 11.30

Weather Parameters

15 – 20 knots  (CH 19 Nowcasting)

Communications

We will be communicating as a group on VHF Channel ___8__

VHF Channel __16__ for emergencies and_02_for_______ Coast Guard.

Excellent cell-phone reception.

Facilities /Car Parking

At Te Wairere, by boat ramp, uphill, next to public toilets. CAR POOL as limited space.

Equipment

Usual kayaking and safety gear, plus wheels, hot water bottle, winter woolies, solar shower. Charger for phone/camera only on USB or cig lighter fitting. Bach is very basic – no mains power, no heating, gas stove top only, room for 4 sleeping inside and 4 in tents on lawn.

Emergency Exit Points

Plenty, but limited roads

Additional Risk Factors

Very tidal – avoid main channel at mid outward tide, stick to S side of Te Motu Island, head for channel at Nathan Pt.