Waipatiki Reserves 3 December

On a sunny Wednesday morning 8 of us drove through to Waipatiki beach. The first walk of the day was up to the lookout in the domain to get great views down to the beach. One very slippery bridge saw amember slide off with one small tree halting the descent into the stream below – fortunately there was no major injury.

We returned to the beach for lunch after which we followed the coast line northwards for a short time. There are some quite interesting fossils in the rocks there. It was then a short drive down to the start of the DOC Waipatiki Reserve where we walked the loop track. There were plenty of Kereru to view as well as the immense stands of Nikau to admire

Christine L, Karene F, Anne D, Donna W, Selina C, Keryn D, Glenda H, Peter B

Flat Rock, Tangoio and Esk Hills 17 December

The morning started with a walk north from Tangoio Beach to the Pakarutahi Stream mouth and lagoon.

Most then walked out to Flat Rock. The track is not as good as it once was but is still passable although there was a bit of rock hopping as well. After enjoying the view from Flat Rock we returned and drove to to Eskview Road (off Hill Road in the Esk Hills) and had lunch near the pond beside Pond Track.

After lunch we walked a loop taking in the Weta, Tui and Ocean View tracks on the NE side of the hills. We were impressed with the conservation work that has gone on there. There are a number of other walks in this area so we will be back.

Judith M, Donna W, Selina C, Lou C, Christine L, Peter Mc, Peter B, Glenda H, Susan L

Stanfield Hut. 14 January

Five of us gathered at Glenda’s place and Donna kindly offered to take her vehicle as no driver was available. We drove to the West Tamaki car park, where there were several vehicles, including the Whanganui Tramping Club van. Crossed the stream and entered the picnic area to view the DOC signboard and obligatory loo stop. Across picnic area, over a small waterway, through scrub, then a 100-120 metre climb through bush to Holmes Ridge. Wandered up this old road, looking across the valley to where pines have been planted to stop erosion on three large slips. Came to a large triangle then zigzagged, initially downhill, then sidled, crossing two water courses before dropping into the West Tamaki stream. Wandered upstream for about a kilometre before climbing up to Stanfield Hut, where we stopped for lunch – this hut has had work done on it by the Back Country Trust. On our return journey, kept in the stream, winding our way through the willows and tree lupins, easily following the pink tape till we climbed out onto a good track, marked with blue organza ribbon. It was an undulating track out, and only Susan saw the track entrance up to the A Frame hut. It was a great day, with good weather and a great group of HTC members. We arrived back in Havelock North about 5.15pm. Thanks Donna for driving.

Party: Unathi Q; Donna W; Lou C; Christine L and Susan L.

Haumoana to Cifton and Mohi Bush 28 January

Cloud and some drizzle suggested a damp Wednesday walk along the coast. Glenda, Peter, Susan and Anne were dropped at Black Bridge around 7.50am to re revisit the estuary and walk on to where Steve, Selina, Colin, Judith and Donna had left the van in Haumoana so they could move it further along and we could leapfrog up to Clifton.

As we walked the beach the drizzle turned to light rain and the coastline became invisible. At least it was warm. Luckily the weather cleared as we came to Te Awanga. Slowly the outline of the Bay emerged, the sea hardly had a wave – it was rather surreal. After crossing the Maraetotara Stream where it met the beach we walked past a group of tree stumps on the edge of the beach with their roots exposed like long fingers stretching along the shingle.   

 Regrouping at Clifton we headed to Mohi Bush. A stop at Red Bridge for Coffee and cake was a great way to joke and chat. Around 11am we were on the road again to Mohi Bush. Lunch was had at the covered table area. A light breeze and sunny skies were left behind as we entered the track and walking along with tall trees, Tree Ferns, bright fungi and what was to be our nemesis – Supplejack. Partway along the main track it was decided to try and find the old path. We became aware quite soon this mission was marked for failure so a quick bush bash up the hill following Peter should get us back to the track. What followed was a loud, laughing chorus as we became entangled in the Supplejack. We emerged on the top track a short distance from where we had left it. Mohi Bush never disappoints – peaceful, mystical but enticing.  

After leaving the bush, a walk up the fenceline through the grass granted us a view to the sea then back into the bush we walked up the stream bed through the tall trees and emerged to walk the long grass back to the van. Judith had never been to Mohi Bush. A great day ending in sunshine and laughter. Many thanks to Peter and Steve for driving. 

 Party: Peter B, Glenda H, Susan L, Anne D, Selina C, Steve B, Colin J, Judith R and Donna W