Vining Walkway
Alert/Important notice
Farm section open
Take care around stock, crossing stream and near quarry site. The farm is operated as a quarry. Quarry operations are year round, but well away from the track section. There may be occasional light vehicles driving past. Farmland section of track generally closed for lambing season (Aug-Oct). This route is suitable for experienced trampers only.
Tramping track
Time:
2 hr 30 min one way
Distance:
2.6 km one way
Getting there
Vining Walkway is sign-posted next to a farm gate and stile, off Kaiaua Rd, 6 km from the Mangatangi Rd turnoff.
Description
The route is marked with orange poles and triangles and follows a fence line across paddocks, crosses a stony stream and follows the stream to an open paddock, before entering the steep hills of Vining Scenic Reserve.
The track follows a razorback ridge through open forest including kanuka, puriri, beech and kauri, before joining the Auckland Regional Council Ring Track on the main ridge. Turn right to reach the grassed summit at Mangatangi trig and panoramic views.
Plan and prepare
- Dogs are not permitted on the tracks because of the threat they pose to stock and wildlife. Exceptions include certified guide dogs and permitted hunting dogs.
- Track may be closed for lambing from 1 August to 1 October, check with DOC.
What to expect on a tramping track:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
- Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Tramping/hiking boots required