Trip Reports: March-April 2026
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15 March 2026 - Mt Albert
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The 29 walkers who joined this walk were rewarded with an interesting and varied walk on a lovely autumn day. Beginning in Mt Albert Memorial Park, we learned first all about the central interceptor, the largest wastewater project in NZ, which will run for 16 km under Auckland city. Further along we were informed about the lengths Maori went to in order to safely eat karaka berries, which was quite involved and took days. At the same time, we were able to admire the “redwood tree” sculpture. Fowlds Park was our next port of call. Initially a tip, it opened as a park in 1933 with a focus on trees. Gribblehirst Park was our morning tea stop. Covering 5.9 hectares, it was originally a swamp. The Gribblehirst and Hirst families donated the land to the Mt Albert Borough in 1928. |
We then wended our way to the Roy Clements Walkway, which was developed by Roy Clements who taught at Mt Albert Grammar School for a number of years. Again, the focus was on trees. No tour of Mt Albert would be complete without looking at MAGS, established as a boys’ school in 1922. In 1933 a 20-acre farm was added that is still operational today.
From there we ventured down several leafy urban streets admiring the many delightful old homes.
From there we ventured down several leafy urban streets admiring the many delightful old homes.
Alberton House was our lunch stop, but first we were treated to a fascinating 15-minute address by a knowledgeable staff member on the history attached to this grand property. The cost of this was generously subsidised by the club. At our leisure, we were then able to wander through the house and enjoy a glimpse into the past.
A short bus ride took us close to the summit of Owairaka, followed by a walk around the crater offering expansive views over the city.
Back on the bus for a short trip to Phyllis Reserve for the last walk of the day. We joined the Unitech Pathway, which led onto a pretty portion of the Oakley Creek Walkway. Oakley Creek is one of Auckland’s longest urban streams and is rich in Maori and European heritage with many native and exotic trees.
Back on the bus for a short trip to Phyllis Reserve for the last walk of the day. We joined the Unitech Pathway, which led onto a pretty portion of the Oakley Creek Walkway. Oakley Creek is one of Auckland’s longest urban streams and is rich in Maori and European heritage with many native and exotic trees.
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Today’s leaders are especially grateful to our helpers, who knew the area far better than we did. Without their considerable input, this walk would not have been as successful as it was. So special thanks to Liz, Jenny P. and Jennifer N. We could not have done it without you.
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And, a very big thanks to Gil and Jenny L. today's leaders! As usual - well put together - a great day!!
Text: Jenny L. Photos: Jenny L.
Text: Jenny L. Photos: Jenny L.
1 March 2026 - Tanekaha Tracks
Some fifty keen walkers set off to the Tanekaha Track Complex nestled in the Brynderwyn Hills behind Mangawhai despite some forecasts of rain. However, fortunately, the sun remained shining for most of the day and the beautiful native forest around us glistened in the light.
Group A set off at a firm pace following the Tanekaha Track, steeply climbing in part along the streams and waterfalls which are a feature of the track. After lunch, by the side of the stream, the group briefly inspected the remains of a small kauri dam, a relic of the area’s history of intensive timber felling during the mid-1800s.
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They then proceeded along the Puriri Track which is home to two ancient 1000-year-old puriri trees, the oldest in New Zealand, whose gnarled trunks and roots, branches and flowers make a valuable contribution to the food of fruit eating birds such as kereru. After a brief stop at the lookout which looks back across to views of the cascade of waterfalls they had passed earlier, they proceeded downwards to rejoin the Tanekaha Track.
The B group walked up to the First Waterfall along the Tanekaha Falls track where we had lunch to the sound of the waterfall and stream. We then followed the Puriri track a short way to inspect one of the 1000-year puriri trees before heading back to the waiting bus and then on to the chocolate factory/café at Bennetts in Mangawhai Village for some well-deserved chocolate treats. |
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This is a beautiful area of dense native bush and trees including regenerating kauri, puriri, totara trees and groves of Nikau palms alive with the sound of bird calls. The tracks are not wide, and are steep in part, but there is a strong sense that the walker is really immersed deep in the beauty and sounds of the bush and forest around. A very special walk - big thanks to: Leaders: Anuschka and Joy Helpers: Naomi and Jan L. Text: Anuschka Photos: Katherine, Graham. |