Easter Weekend Hokianga Harbour

Trip Name: Easter Weekend Hokianga Harbour
Date: Easter Fri 29^th March – Mon 1^st April                                                                

Leaders	Dave Evans
Cell Phone Number	021 415405	Home: 09 4327047
VHF Call Sign &/or Vessel Name	RUASKUA	Email: davejacqui@clear.net.nz
Vehicle make, model, registration, colour	Nissan Tino Hatchback (White) DKJ296
General Plan	The tradition of a club trip to the Hokianga for Easter weekend has been resurrected!  The drive north is worth the effort to experience the visual delights and an area steeped in history from the early settlement of NZ. The tidal flow will carry you past the waterfront settlements of Kohukohu and Horeke, the Koutu Boulders and many other landmarks that surround the harbour. Be prepared to get your feet a little muddy as this is a very tidal harbour.  If your partner is not a kayaker there is plenty to see and do in the Hokianga region so bring he or she along for a great weekend. The Rawene Holiday Park is on a hilltop sheltered by native bush and offers fantastic views of the Hokianga Harbour. There are a wide range of accommodation options from tents $15.00, ensuite unit $90.00, kitchenette cabins $60.00 , standard cabins $75.00 and budget cabin $45.00.  Park  facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, BBQ and outdoor seating, bathrooms with free hot showers and a lounge area. The Rawene Car Ferry runs every 30 minutes from 7.30am to 8.00pm to Kohukohu on the northern side of the harbour.   Please make your own bookings. Website : http://www.raweneholidaypark.co.nz/index.html Phone: 09 4057720 Address: 1 Marmon Street West, Rawene   Driving directions: From Constellation Drive on SH1 via Kaikohe 265km / 3 hours 30 minutes Or                                               SH1 via SH12 Dargaville 270km / 3 hours 30 minutes   Further info re the Hokianga > http://hokiangatourism.org.nz/                                                         http://rawene.co.nz/                                                         http://www.wairereadventurepark.co.nz/ Topo Map of Hokianga Harbour > http://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-35.39998,173.439908&z=11   Paddling Plans: Friday > To be decided depending on who has driven up on Thursday night. One option is to meet at Opononi and paddle across the harbour for a play in the sand dunes. Others may choose to take the day to drive up stopping off at Matakohe Museum and the Waipoua Forest. Gather at the camp by late afternoon for a drink and nibbles to discuss plans for the weekend.   Saturday > 8.00am Launch from the boat ramp at Rawene and paddle up the Kohukohu arm to the Mangamuka bridge on SH1. This is approximately a 40km return paddle but tide assisted both ways. A highly recommended picturesque  paddle by all accounts. If this is too far for some there is the option to stop off at Horeke then paddle back – about 18km return. The historic Horeke Hotel is worth a visit for lunch and a beer – however last time apparently they had run out of beer! Pod leader volunteers will be requested if we split into two Pods for either destination.   Sunday > 8.00am  Organise a 20 minute car shuttle to Opononi . Aim to get on the water by  9.30am and  explore up the harbour with the incoming tide.  Check out the Koutu Boulders amongst other sites to be seen along  the way. Distance approx. 20km   Monday > Drive to Omapere and paddle out to the harbour mouth on slack tide. This can be a dangerous piece of water with very strong currents so extreme care must be taken and only for very experienced paddlers. A short paddle across the harbour to play in the sand dunes – remember to bring a piece of plastic to slide on! Otherwise drive out to the Arai-te-Uru Heritage Walk only a short drive from Omapere  to get a fabulous view of the Hokianga Harbour entrance. Then adjourn to the Copthorne Hotel and Resort for brunch/lunch before heading home.
Latest Time Off the Water	4.00pm
Distance	20km up to a Maximum 40km (tide assisted)
Minimum Ability level	Suitable for confident Beginners who can paddle for 2-3 hours without a break
Tide	Fri 29th  LT 05.50am Sat 30th LT 06.32am Sun 31st LT 07.18am Mon 1st  LT 08.09am	Fri 29th HT 11.58am Sat 30th HT 12.42pm Sun 31st HT 1.28pm Mon 1st HT 2.20pm
Weather Parameters	Paddle in up to 15 knots gusting 20 knots
Communications	We will be communicating as a group on VHF Channel 6 VHF Channel 82  for Coast Guard or  Phone 09 3031303
Facilities /Car Parking	Good car parking at Rawene boat ramp Car parking at Opononi and Omapere unknown – will discuss launch point
Equipment	Usual kayak safety gear and high vis hat, vest or flag
Emergency Exit Points	Numerous beach exit points within the harbor can be used if required
Additional Risk Factors	Strong tidal flows Rawene Ferry crosses the Rawene Narrows every 30 minutes from 7.30am to 8.00pm
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