August- September 2025

Trip Reports: August - September 2025

14 September 2025 - Eden Gardens & Cornwall Park

On Sunday 14th September we visited Eden Gardens and Cornwall Park. Our timing for Eden Gardens was excellent as it was their Tulip Festival weekend so the gardens were looking wonderful. Unfortunately the weather was very windy, and had been so for days, but the tulips still looked amazing.

The whole group walked to Wilkies Lookout, an easy walk with a few steps. The group then split, with the A group heading up to Hilary Heights where there is a wonderful view across the city and the harbour. We then made our way back to the bus, managing to resist the food and market stalls, but enjoying the live music.

Our next stop was Cornwall Park. We completed a circuit of the park, with the A group walking to the summit of Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill, a steep climb, and with wind gusts of up to 90km making for an exciting experience. Both groups returned to the rotunda for an early lunch

At 12.30 we were joined by Ian Mclean, the Regional Representative for Birds New Zealand, who led us for a talk and walk on the more than 30 species of birds that make Cornwall Park their habitat. Ian’s talk was fascinating and most informative.

Unfortunately the wet and windy weather meant that many of the birds were sheltering, but we saw and learned about several species, and about appreciating and preserving Auckland's bird life.

A rather windblown group then returned to the bus.

A huge thanks to the team for such a varied day - Liz, Dot, Debbie and Shirley.
Text: Liz Photos: Valerie and Linda

31 August 2025 - Leigh, Matheson Bay and Omaha

Despite the weather report on T.V showing that a dreaded black cloud was going to drop heavy rain on our Sunday trip, accompanied by gale force winds, 39 walkers still boarded the bus for the trip.

It was an interesting drive north with waterfalls cascading down the sides of the new motorway link to Warkworth. Our driver however drove steadily and carefully through the surface water sluicing across the road, slowing at times to cope with the strong wind gusts buffeting the bus. Anxious chatter rippled through the group and an unexpressed question arose as to whose idea it had been to do this!

However, by the time we arrived at Leigh wharf, the rain had ceased, and we were able to enjoy a short walk along the Leigh Harbour Walkway to a bridge from which a lovely view of the pretty harbour could be taken in, even though low hanging mists still hung in patches. After returning to the bus on the same track, walkers ate their morning tea and walked around the wharf area.

As the sun broke through the clouds, the bus took us to Leigh Cemetery. Here Graham read out some interesting information about the cemetery, mentioning the Matheson family graves and the official war grave of a World War One rifleman Angus Matheson. The name Matheson having significance in the area with the bay along the coast named Matheson Bay. As well as admiring the stunning view from the cemetery, we had time to walk around and reflect on some of the sadness and hardships of earlier times.

After our driver expertly handled the steep road down to Matheson Bay, we quickly set off on the bush track behind the bay, passing through the boot cleaning station at the start. This walk followed the Kohuroa Stream on boardwalk and steps and took us beside beautiful native bush that included mature kauri, pohutukawa, rimu, totara and kahikatea. We did see kereru but not any kaka which inhabit this bush. Due to recent rainfall, the numerous waterfalls were in full spate.

Lunch down in the bay was experienced while enduring strong wind gusts. So much so that one walker’s lunch went up in the air and into the bush beyond! However, the view over the bay was still eye catching and it didn’t rain while we were eating.

As we boarded the bus after lunch the rain started again but stopped when we arrived at the northern end of the Omaha Peninsula. With the wind nearly blowing some of us off our feet, we had a quick look at the bird sanctuary through the predator proof fence, read the information panel about the birds and turned to walk in more sheltered conditions on the concrete path to the Omaha Surf Club.

The modern houses alongside with extensive views brought forth both admiration and criticism from some of the group. Before the next section of the walkway, a break at the few shops by the Omaha Surf Club provided time to buy coffee and ice cream. With the sun shining again, sun hats and sunglasses appeared while we walked the undulating concrete path through the well planted dunes to a small wetland area which then led out to the road and our bus.

At appropriate times during the day, relevant information was read out or handed around the bus about Leigh Settlement, Leigh cemetery, and Omaha including the bird sanctuary.

A wild but wonderful day!!
Special thanks to today's leaders: Heather & Graham and Fiona
Text: Fiona Photos: Fiona and Linda

17 August 2025 - Parnell Rose Garden to Michael Savage Memorial

Despite some heavy rain the night before and ambivalent weather forecasts, 32 walkers set out from the Parnell Rose Garden where some early roses were already blooming in colour. From here it was down to Judge’s Bay so named for the two judges who first set up their homes in the Bay in 1841 and then to the immaculate St Stephen’s Chapel with its fascinating collection of grave-stones dating back to early colonial times.

Then via Resolution Point for misty views of the Harbour, up St Stephens Avenue with its immaculate, fine (and expensive) homes and down to the Hobson Bay Walkway. The Bay is home to white faced herons, gulls, kingfishers and shags, and MANY mangroves! The walkway follows the coastline, via paths, beaches, boardwalks and mangrove swamps to the Thomas Bloodworth Park, fortunately empty today, where we enjoyed morning tea.

From there we continued the trail up Shore Road, then back down to Wilsons Beach and more boardwalks to the Orakei Bay Shopping Centre. Because of the rain we stopped at the Centre to enjoy hot coffees and have our lunch there rather than brave the soggy elements outside.

By the time we left however, the weather had cleared and we set off around the beautiful Orakei Basin Walkway. A tidal basin, the crater was formed about 130,000 years ago following volcanic activity. It is now home to lovely native bush and birds with homes and gardens nestled by the shoreline, along with various water-sports clubs.

Finally, back at the Orakei train station we met up with the bus and headed up to the nearby Michael Savage Memorial for more views and history. Bastion Point, on which the memorial stands, is well known for the 506-day occupation that took place there in 1977-78 against forced land appropriations before being given back to the Ngāti Whatua Orakei tribe who once owned it. While Michael Savage, was well known for the social security system he implemented as New Zealand’s first Labour Prime Minister. We ambled briefly around the memorial, newly planted with spring seedlings before another burst of rain to finish the day.

The walk was approximately eleven kilometres long but enjoyed by all with its diverse history, coastal views, mangrove swamps and varied plant life.

Special thanks to today's team of 4 - Anuschka, Jan L., Kevin and Christine
The weather didn't dampen our sprits at all - a great day!! Text: Anushka Photos: Kevin and Linda

3 August 2025 - Pakuranga Rotary Trail & Howick Historical Village

It was a lovely sunny day as we commenced our walk on the Pakuranga Rotary Trail via the Wakaaranga Creek entrance.

This is a “shared” pathway and being a Sunday, and such good weather, we met numerous cyclists, scooterists, joggers and families just out walking and we felt it necessary to walk in a single file.

We walked first to the Pakuranga Sailing Club where we stopped for morning tea – enjoying sitting at the picnic tables provided by the beach.

We then carried on along the walkway. For many years the Pakuranga Rotary Club has been gradually extending a formed path to create an all-weather access with concrete walkways and boardwalks. At certain points on the walkway, where there was a significant point of historical interest, and there were a few, there was a short but very informative information board on the area concerned, some having old photos.

We walked right to the end of this trail where there were the original old cattle yards used to send or receive cattle being transported to and from Gt. Barrier Island, Waiheke and other offshore islands.

It was here, at the end of this trail that we walked over the new Panmure Bridge and met our bus at the end of Bridge Street, where there is a turnaround suitable for cars and a small bus. We decided a smaller bus (36 seater) was required due to the lack of finding suitable parking for the bus at other entrances to this trail.

Once aboard, we then headed south down Pakuranga Road to the Howick Historical Village located in Lloyd Elsmore Park which was a short drive away.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a staff member who gave a brief talk about the village and how it came to be set on seven acres. Each member was issued with a self-guided brochure which was very easy to follow and guided us through all the lovely old historical buildings – most of them being open so members could stroll through them.

If it had been wet weather the Howick Historical Village would have provided us with access to Private Henry Brindle’s Fencible Cottage to have lunch, but, being a lovely sunny day, we had options – a coffee or lunch in their café, or we were able to use the outdoor seating in their picnic area.

The Pakuranga Rotary Trail and Howick Historical Village - a combination that made for an interesting outing.

Special thanks for a great day to:

Leaders: Heather C. and Eeva, with help from Thelma and Shuk Yee.
Text: Heather C. Photos: Heather C. and Linda S.