Visiting Auckland from the US

Hi Darren, welcome to our forum. Leaving from Auckland puts you a bit behind the ball from the outset. Most of the more interesting (but not all) tramping is at least 4-5 hours further south starting at Tongariro National Park. The more remote areas like the Kaimanawas, Ureweras, Kawekas and so on all come with challenges of one sort of another. If I was going to these places for my first tramp in NZ I'd not want to go on my own into these areas. Do-able, but very weather dependent. If I had 3-4 days at that time of year I'd probably be thinking about the weather which is likely to be bloody cold, wet and generally miserable, transport, and the fact that tramping solo at that time of year in a terrain I'm not familiar with isn't terribly smart. Actually my first choice to 'get away from it all' is the Waitakeries, a range of really nice little hills just west of Auckland. Lots of interesting tramps, great beaches and views and it's quite easy to find quiet little camp spots by a stream and have the entire valley to yourself. A bit further south there is some good tramping around Coromandel, or the Kaimai's. This site is a pretty good resource to be researching, and certainly the DoC (Department of Conservation) has plenty of info.

Thanks for the quick response Phillip. At first glance, the Waitakeries look interesting. Not the snow capped volcanoes in my dreams but given the logistics, time fame and season, it may very well be my most logical choice. Any specific 3 day suggestions there? Tongariro looks to be the most interesting within a few hours drive but never having been there, I am mostly dependent on advice of others. Solo travel doesn't bother me and I have a lot of solo experience in places like Yosemite, Zion, Mt. Whitney, etc but I'm also not looking to carry an avalanche beacon or put my self arrest skills to the test on this trip either. Would this rule TNP out?

waitakeres are a damp mudbath at this time of year.

Waitakeres have some very nice tramping, but waynowski is right, This time of year will be wet, chilly and very muddy.

Well it's not much better anywhere else either. TNP is definitely the most attractive option within striking distance of Auckland, but the huts there are almost always busy and a three day window just strikes me as a bit too rushed.

Could possibly make it a four day... Get nearby Fri night and car camp. In Sat... Out Tues

TNP would be fine as long as the weather is good and you know what you are doing with crampons and ice axe. Shouldn't be too busy mid-winter. Check out the Kaimai Ranges. Not big mountains, but it is nice bush and the main ridge has plenty of open places for great views. Lots of good places to camp, as well as a couple of huts. It's only 2 hours away from Auckland so you wouldn't waste too much time travelling. In the Waitakeres, check out the Hillary Trail (it takes in the most scenic parts of the coast line) although there are a myriad of tracks which you can link up to make big loops. Camping is only allowed in designated places. http://regionalparks.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/tracks/Tramping%20track

If you go to the kaimais the section from Motutapere hut north is themost intetesting. A series of old volcanic plugs similar to Aussie's glasshouse mountains, but incorporated into the backbone of the Kaimai Range. Maybe north from there to karangahake which has some fascinating history in a stunning setting. Check weather and snow level for the ridgeline stuff - but likely to be free of snow/ice even in winter.

Thanks to each of you for your input. You have given me plenty to research and think about. Leaning towards TNP with the Hilary and Kaimais as fall backs depending on conditions. Pumped!