April 25 2023
For Anzac day, we had a later time to leave Havelock North of 10am. This allowed time for anyone to attend an Anzac day service and also low tide was at 3.30 pm. It was the most perfect day for a beach walk, sunshine, no wind and the tide was low in the afternoon to see the large area of this marine reserve.
Eleven of us started our beach walk from the Aramoana car park and we headed south towards Blackhead. Just as we started we were entertained by a seal who was enjoying the sun then we watched it disappear out to sea. The first 20 minutes of walking was on a sandy quad bike track, then a very short distance walking on clay like beach stones. The tide was now receding as we walked the firm flat sand to Blackhead.
Blackhead was our turnaround point stopping for lunch around 12.30 pm, where we were again entertained by seals swimming in the surf. From this point to the carpark we were able to explore the marine reserve looking for any creatures of interest in the rock pools. A variety of birds were also visible. Families with children were using nets hoping to catch a crab . There were mainly snails, shells and seaweed plus a patch of eelgrass ( a dead eel was seen) and large beds of Neptunes necklace. Families with children were using nets hoping to catch a crab . There were mainly snails, shells and seaweed plus a patch of eelgrass ( a dead eel was seen) and large beds of Neptunes necklace.
The next hour we continued north towards Pourere along the wide expanse of sand where there was evidence of bike and car tracks along this designated area. At Aromoana nine of the group walked north for further hour then returned to the van by 3.45pm. A short time for refreshments then we were on the road to home arriving at Havelock North at 5pm.
The day was enjoyed by everyone which included 3 visitors for this club outing. Approx 4 hours of walking .Party: Christine L, Barbara P, Janice L, Simon W, Denise & Lindsay D, Daniel H, Susan L, Robyn W, Murry A, Stephen B