The desire to tramp an 'old friend' of a track in the Waitakere hills brought 35 women to the limited carparking strip at the Cutty Grass Track access off Scenic Drive.  Jenny B particularly welcomed the visiting friends, Kirsten, Lois and Josina, and gave us a preview of track highlights previously reconnoitred by Jenny and Kay. 

A wide, rammed pebble road led us up to the first of these, the excellent Alpine Sports Club Hut (off Anawhata Road) in time for morning tea. Facilities included a basin with handmade rainbow soap but the bog was fairly standard! Cutty Grass Track then narrowed attractively through pretty bush until we crossed the Anawhata Road to follow McElwain Track up to its old and impressive wooden lookout over the entire area. Then we backtracked up Cutty Grass to enjoy lunch at the Auckland Tramping Club Hut, tucked away at the end of a short side track made of spongy little ponga logs. 

This tramp concluded with a short visit to Spraggs Bush, just up the road past Mountain Road with its own large carpark. It’s one not to miss, with its particular atmosphere and HUGE specimen kauri right beside the track, which has been boardwalked to protect it.  It was a lovely day walking with so many good women.  

Tip: U-turning across Scenic Drive to Cutty Grass Track access is not fun; perhaps better to approach from Titirangi end so you are facing the right way.  

Sue M.

For photos by Elaine S-W, Jill T and Jin N, click here