16/7/2023 - A5XY Mangatangi

After fellow ZL1AA (Auckland Amateur Radio Club) member ZL1LZ Matt posted in our club Slack group showing his SOTA trip to Mangatangi, I immediately knew I wanted to head up there.

It is based in the Hunua Ranges close to one of the many WaterCare dams. The walk up to the trig site from the dam is not too tough - it's a steady gradient the whole way, enough to remind you you're exercising but not too bad that you are cursing under your breath (or what's left of your breath). But be aware the last stretch up to the trig site is a punishment, I have to take it quite slowly myself.

Regardless, it is an enjoyable walk and very peaceful.

Being winter, I was treated to a good amount of rain during my time there, but I had a fantastic time. I have since returned to do this site as a SOTA and had another fantastic experience, on and off the radio! (Check out my post in the SOTA section of my xOTA Blog page)

Anyway, this time around I made contact with ZL4AX Paul on (I think) Musick Point repeater - my notes are a bit wonky from the pounding rain.

After that I got ZL1GSG Greg on Klondyke, and ZL1AAF Rosco on Mercury Bay.

I would definitely recommend heading up to Mangatangi! There's also plenty of cool antennas and radio equipment up there to look at.

(I thought this sign was hilarious......)