20/1/2024 - ZL1/AK-027 Pukekohe Hill

A short drive south from Auckland City to Pukekohe, and a very easy beginner SOTA summit – drive to the top and park up. With trepidation I called CQ SOTA on 146.500 MHz.

My buddy ZL1SKL Soren was kind enough to put a spot out for me, and was my first contact.

A few minutes went by and then a Pukekohe local – ZL1TZP Steve also came back and was my second contact.

After that I was away with ZL1SRP (another Steve) from Grey Lynn, ZL1NE John from New Windsor, and ZL1JRW Jason – another Pukekohe local.

While waiting for UTC rollover I enjoyed the view and also went geocaching – luckily there was one at the top of the hill.

After rollover I was able to nab ZL1SKL again, ZL1TZP again, and ZL1JRW again.

Pukekohe Hill is an excellent starter hill for people wanting to try SOTA. All my contacts were on 2m so you don’t need HF to get a successful activation.