Greetings Everyone - Join us on Sunday as walk from Te Koiwi Park to the Sri Ganesh Temple and onwards to the Red Hill Paa. A walk of different cultures.
🟡 Some words to Inspire you:
This Sunday’s AGT walk explores one of Papakura’s most surprising green corridors. We set off from Te Koiwi Park and wander towards the Auckland Sri Ganesh Temple on Dent Place, a peaceful spot open to the public and well worth a look.
From there, we follow Croskery Road into Keri Downs Park, looping clockwise through Carrisbrook Reserve before weaving through Fairdale and Sheralee Reserves. An accessway leads us into the Children’s Forest, then on to Margan’s Bush and out to Gibbs Crescent. A short stroll up Red Hill Road brings us to the historic pā site at number 97, followed by an exploration of Red Hill Reserve. We finish by looping back via Dominion Road and Huna Road to the cars.
And as always, the day ends perfectly at Urban Soul Karaka — one of our favourite after‑function spots to relax, refuel, and share stories from the trail.
Duration: About 2.5 - 3 hours hike including stops.
Distance: Approx 8 - 10 km.
Difficulty: 2.25 on our 1-5 scale for day hikes.
Costs: $10 for car poolers. Please pay the driver cash at Freemans Bay, otherwise you may not be able to come.
Toilets: At the start and along the way.
🟡 How the Grading Works:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17iZoaM7SFaQcuyBF-AecNY8YBZeUpdxIvUmqpPfv1wo/edit?usp=drivesdk
🟡 Post-Hike Gathering (Optional):
After our adventure, you're welcome to join us for some well-deserved relaxation and camaraderie at Urban Soul Cafe - Karaka.
🟡 PLEASE: No smoking, animals, children or guests.
🟡 First Timers & Regulars:
We kindly request a $5 donation to support our website and enhance the safety of our group and extend a warm welcome to newcomers. You can pay your donation in cash on the day or directly to our bank account 12-3430-0791504-00 - many thanks.
🟡 Important Notes:
Take care when crossing the road. Stay in touch with the leader as this event is an explore and you may lose the group if you stray too far away.
🟡 Health and Safety Information:
All Auckland Global Trekkers organisers work on a strictly voluntary basis and hold NO responsibility or liability for any injury, or loss suffered during the events organised.
Each person who participates accepts responsibility for making their own determinations and for their own safety, conduct and well being; recognising that there are hazards in attending group and outdoor activities and agrees to participate solely at their own risk.
🟡 Preparation is the key to having a good day:
Check the weather
Do you have the correct clothing and shoes?.
Do you know where the meeting places are?
🟡 Meeting Places:
AGT - 100 Wellington Street Freemans Bay
Te Koiwi Park, 29R Hunua Road, Papakura
Urban Soul Cafe and Bistro, 71 Hingaia Road, Karaka
🟡 Carpooling:
Carpooling will be arranged for everyone meeting at Freeman's Bay. Best efforts, no guarantees.
Just ANSWER the RSVP question.
🟡 Time Guideline:
09:00 - A good time to arrive - 100 Wellington Street. NISHIKI
09:30 - Everyone arrives Te Koiwi Park
09:45 - Introductions and Hike starts.
14:00 - Hike finishes. (Approx).
14:15 - 15:15 - Urban Soul - Karaka
15:45 - Arrive back at Freemans Bay (approx)
🟡 Maps and More Information:
https://www.urbansoul.co.nz/contact-karaka
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QSWXP7je3QfjfrSaDYzY9p4iHh08Nz3BB_WSnFjmTWo/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.kvo8q86fue38
https://www.abtc.net.nz/redhilljul06.html
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gmcfVAA3ve6wmSuh9
http://www.aucklandsriganeshtemple.com
https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/parks-recreation/find-park-beach/park-detail/2799.html
🟡 Walk Description & Directions:
Starting from Te Koiwi Park make your way to Auckland Sri Ganesh Temple - 4 Dent Place, Papakura. Have a look it is open to the public. Continue along Croskery Road till you arrive at Keri Downs Park. Do a loop clockwise to Carrisbrook Reserve - returning to Palisade Place. Take a left into Fairdale Reserve - following the path into Sheralee Reserve via the accessway. Cross over the road to Fulmen Place and use the accessway into Children's Forest.
Going left into Margan's Bush then, exit Margans Bush on to Gibbs Crescent, turning left giving the Red Hill Road - look for Number 97 - should be on the left. This is the Paa. Explore.
Cross over the other side of Red Hill Road and try find the entrance to the Red Hill Reserve. Explore.
Then walk down Red Hill Road towards Dominion Road and then walk back to Croskery Road and then Huna Road - right towards the park and cars.
🟡 Capture the Moment:
Share your best photos of the day to have a chance to be featured on our Instagram Account.
🟡 What to Bring:
Appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
Comfortable shoes suitable for a variety of terrains.
Sun protection and emergency rain gear.
Personal first-aid items
🟡 Additional Notes:
Safety and togetherness are our priorities. We will make stops at all track junctions to ensure the group stays together.
Punctuality is key, and we will depart on time, so please be prompt.
We can't wait to go trekking with you on Sunday - Jodi and the AGT Team