TRIP REPORTS: May-June 2024
30 June 2024 - Mill Bay and Cornwallis
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A party of 42 keen walkers visited the coastal settlement by the Manukau Harbour at Cornwallis, west of Auckland.
We saw a stand of nikau palms and kahikatea trees at Mill Bay. We then did a circuit of the Jubilee Walk finishing at Cornwallis Beach for lunch. The walk presented us with great examples of kauri, lancewood, several ferns, and tanekaha. There were views across the harbour glimpsed through the bush. The surrounding geology was highlighted including the Manukau Breccia which underlies the Waitakere Ranges and also underlies the monument hill seen south of the beach. |
After a relaxing lunch we strolled along the beach and then out to the end of the wharf.
On the way back by bus we stopped at the Orpheus graves site, a memorial to NZ's worst maritime disaster in 1863, where 189 lives were lost of a total of 259 on board.
The day was pleasant and the pace was gentle - a happy outing for all. Thank you to John for being tail-end Charlie and to Janet for the counting.
The day was pleasant and the pace was gentle - a happy outing for all. Thank you to John for being tail-end Charlie and to Janet for the counting.
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It was very apparent how much research today's leaders had done on the area! Special thanks to Catherine & Bruce. Text: Bruce Photos: Catherine & Bruce, Julie. |
16 June 2024 - Atiu Creek Regional Park
Atiu Creek Regional Park is one of Auckland Council's largest parks.
It was gifted by Pierre and Jackie Chatelanat and opened to the
public in 2008. The farm park is on the Okahukura Peninsula
opposite Kaipara Heads and it fronts the Oruawharo River. There
are a number of walking, cycling and horse riding trails in the park.
Twenty six of us set out from the car park on a cool but dry morning and soon came to Kaitiaki Pou on either side of the road.
A Group - From the Kaitiaki Pou the A walkers continued on the Oruawharo River Trail. This is a loop track, the first part of which is along the heights of the park. The ground was muddy from recent rains but mostly flat and open so that we had great views of the river and hills. We passed pine plantations on our right and later native trees before arriving at a bare hillock. This spot looked down to the metalled road leading back along the coast. Here we met a pig hunter just setting off with his four well behaved and friendly dogs. (The B Group subsequently met the hunter, with a pig on the back of his truck!).
We descended the hill to the road end and walked on to the large Oweka Tapu Pou. We had lunch there on a nearby grassy bank. We continued on to the campground and its well-appointed toilet block and then met the B walkers who had just returned from Ti Tree Point. All of us walked on past the pump house to the start of the Kauri Point Track where we split up again.
Eighteen of us took this loop track which was challenging due to long climbs on still-wet grass. There was a small lookout through the trees which was worth the look and the return leg took us through a pleasant, wooded area, the only cover of the day. We passed beneath the attractive Courtyard House to return to the road. From here we walked to the concrete woolshed and up the long road to the carpark and our bus.
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B Group - After admiring and photographing the two Pou Kaitiaki welcoming us to the park, the B group started off on the Clearfell Track which essentially was the farm road, so reasonably dry underfoot. Every so often, we’d stop and identify a tree. The puriri tree was in full flower. |
It was very peaceful and quiet except for when the paradise ducks spotted us
coming and they advised us not to get too close.
We continued up the hill from Solomon’s Bay to have a look at the Oweka Tapu Pou overlooking the bay then back to the bay for our lunch stop. After lunch we took the Ti Tree Point Trail through the paddocks to get another view of the Kaipara inlets.
What a great day in the country!
Special thanks to our leaders - Anne and Don.
Text - Anne and Don
Photos - Anne, Don and Linda
coming and they advised us not to get too close.
We continued up the hill from Solomon’s Bay to have a look at the Oweka Tapu Pou overlooking the bay then back to the bay for our lunch stop. After lunch we took the Ti Tree Point Trail through the paddocks to get another view of the Kaipara inlets.
What a great day in the country!
Special thanks to our leaders - Anne and Don.
Text - Anne and Don
Photos - Anne, Don and Linda
2 June 2024 - Highbrook Business Park and Fisher House, and Local Reserves
In the grounds of Fisher House
An overcast morning start when we arrived at Fisher House soon brightened up when Mark Nicolls, General Manager/owner of the business at Fisher House had our complete full attention with the wonderful history of Sir Wolf Fisher and Lady Fisher and the development of Ra Ora Stud, Fisher House and the Fisher & Paykel story.
Members thoroughly enjoyed their tour around the house noting the beautiful woodwork and oil paintings of Ra Ora's finest racing horses.
A casual walk across the road had us admiring Marti Wong's sculpture,
“The Swirling Bull” followed by another easy walk connecting us around the edge of the Tamaki River which backs onto the Highbrook Business Park Buildings.
At the completion of this walk we met up with our bus and headed off to Murphy's Bush and its historical buildings.
Praemi identifying trees.
The sun came out making our walk through Murphy's Bush very light and pleasant, although we did notice a lack of birdsong while we were having our lunch in a lovely grass clearing.
Plenty of time was had admiring the fauna and clusters of mushrooms that have appeared.
The sun came out making our walk through Murphy's Bush very light and pleasant, although we did notice a lack of birdsong while we were having our lunch in a lovely grass clearing.
Plenty of time was had admiring the fauna and clusters of mushrooms that have appeared.
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As we came out of the bush, we finished the day by 'walking by' the old Flat Bush School House and school teachers' cottage and Baverstock historical cottage whom were either moved or built onto the Murphy's farm many years ago. |
A protected pohutukawa.
Special thanks to Heather today - her first time leading.
Well done Heather!
A big thanks to John and Naomi too who helped pull the day together and provided amazing support.
Text: Heather
Photos: Barbara, Praemi and Linda
19 May 2024 - CUE Haven
CUE Haven (Cultivating, Understanding and Enlightenment) a biodiverse ecological restoration project
The day began early with the sun breaking through to herald, what was to become, a beautiful autumnal day. On the bus drive to CUE Haven, which is approximately 100k north west of Auckland on the eastern shores of the Kaipara harbour, many of the trees along the way were either turning or finishing their displays of autumn colours. A spectacular time of the year. We stopped at Helensville for a coffee break before continuing on to CUE Haven, another 30 minutes north.
On our arrival to CUE Haven we were greeted by Thomas and Mahrukh Stazyk, the original owners, who had gifted the property to New Zealand. After a very welcome cup of coffee and morning tea Mahrukh gave us a very interesting and informative talk. She spoke about the project and how it had evolved from a dairy farm to the sacred place it is today.
The day began early with the sun breaking through to herald, what was to become, a beautiful autumnal day. On the bus drive to CUE Haven, which is approximately 100k north west of Auckland on the eastern shores of the Kaipara harbour, many of the trees along the way were either turning or finishing their displays of autumn colours. A spectacular time of the year. We stopped at Helensville for a coffee break before continuing on to CUE Haven, another 30 minutes north.
On our arrival to CUE Haven we were greeted by Thomas and Mahrukh Stazyk, the original owners, who had gifted the property to New Zealand. After a very welcome cup of coffee and morning tea Mahrukh gave us a very interesting and informative talk. She spoke about the project and how it had evolved from a dairy farm to the sacred place it is today.
We then broke into two groups and began our walk up to the viewing platform where we were to meet for lunch. We were very fortunate that either Thomas or Mahrukh (and including a stalwart of the project Joy), led each group. This gave us the added opportunity to learn more about the project, the flora and the wild life as well as the connection, involvement and support of the local Iwi (tribes) and hapu (extended families), students and businesses.
We walked and climbed up several flights of well prepared and maintained steps through the canopy of over 170,000 recently planted NZ native trees and bush. Alongside several of the 7 kilometres of walkways runs a waterway which was of vital importance to early Maori and settlers to the area.
We then broke into two groups and began our walk up to the viewing platform where we were to meet for lunch. We were very fortunate that either Thomas or Mahrukh (and including a stalwart of the project Joy), led each group. This gave us the added opportunity to learn more about the project, the flora and the wild life as well as the connection, involvement and support of the local Iwi (tribes) and hapu (extended families), students and businesses.
We walked and climbed up several flights of well prepared and maintained steps through the canopy of over 170,000 recently planted NZ native trees and bush. Alongside several of the 7 kilometres of walkways runs a waterway which was of vital importance to early Maori and settlers to the area.
The native bird life, for example piwakawaka (fantails) even in the middle of the day, was amazing as were the insects, for example, puriri moths, wetas and their habitats. The fungi were also prolific on and beside the pathways which involved many a photo shoot stop for enthusiasts. Some of these photographs were just stunning, taken by some very clever photographers amongst us.
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Along the path we came across beautiful sculptures completed by students (Secondary and Tertiary) and volunteers, including those from the Duke of Edinburgh Trust. There were also fascinating structures throughout the walk which added interest and stimulated and increased discussion. |
NZ jasmine on young rimu
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 Possum damage to a puriri
It was also quite sobering to see the damage done by the frequent storms and the cyclone had had on the land and the trees and the property in general. However, encouraged to hear about the ongoing restoration and the recovery from this damage. There was always an air of positivity and optimism. |
We looked at, and discussed, the regenerating forest floor that included manuka, kanuka, karamu and a variety of fungi and native ferns. There is also an on-going project of continuing to plant kauri, totara and pohutukawa as in-fill planting.
CUE is also an active participant in the Forest Bridge Trust. This Trust is working towards forming a predator-controlled corridor from East to West. The concept is to enable the safe passage, protection and flow of our native species and birds.
CUE is also an active participant in the Forest Bridge Trust. This Trust is working towards forming a predator-controlled corridor from East to West. The concept is to enable the safe passage, protection and flow of our native species and birds.
On arrival at the highest point of the property, at the incredible viewing platform, we were able to look out over CUE Haven to the Kaipara Harbour beyond. This also included looking at some of the Gibb’s art works that we could see in the distance.
As we ate our lunch and took in the incredible vista Mahrukh talked about the concept and development of the platform. She spoke about the people involved, Iwi support, the generosity of so many individuals, tertiary providers and businesses committed to the completion of the platform. She also talked about her vision for the future of this amazing project. She included the early and recent history of the land around CUE Haven and how it evolved into this magnificent and generous project. New Zealand and its people are so fortunate to have CUE Haven as an integral part of our heritage.
As we ate our lunch and took in the incredible vista Mahrukh talked about the concept and development of the platform. She spoke about the people involved, Iwi support, the generosity of so many individuals, tertiary providers and businesses committed to the completion of the platform. She also talked about her vision for the future of this amazing project. She included the early and recent history of the land around CUE Haven and how it evolved into this magnificent and generous project. New Zealand and its people are so fortunate to have CUE Haven as an integral part of our heritage.
With all this information to ponder, and our tired feet we meandered back down, following a different pathway, learning more about the project along the way. We arrived back to the centre for more teas/coffee, buying some of the delectable home-grown honey before climbing back onto the bus for the drive home.
Thank you to Naomi for introducing us to Thomas and Mahrukh and this outstanding project.
Thanks also to Cristy, Philippa and John for helping put together such a wonderful day for us all to enjoy and appreciate.
Text: Philippa
Photos: Barbara, Philippa and Valerie
Thank you to Naomi for introducing us to Thomas and Mahrukh and this outstanding project.
Thanks also to Cristy, Philippa and John for helping put together such a wonderful day for us all to enjoy and appreciate.
Text: Philippa
Photos: Barbara, Philippa and Valerie
5 May 2024 - Hakarimata and Ngaruawahia
Huntly - Bridge over the
Waikato River
The trip started with a “new” bus with (almost) stadium seating and a panorama roof to boot. However, once we had left the city all that we could see was fog which put a bit of a damper on our expectations for a great view from the Hakarimata Summit Lookout. Surprise, surprise the fog had lifted by the time we got to the reserve and the mood was upbeat!
Praemi capturing Wetlands information
We started the walk alongside Waingaro Road and after crossing a small parking lot arrived at the entrance to Hakarimata Reserve. The trail led us through the grassy, level part of the reserve to a picnic area where we stopped for morning tea. At its conclusion the group split into A and B walkers.
The A walkers started immediately to the Hakarimata Walkway. 1387 stair steps to the top sounded a bit daunting but John led the group in a well measured routine of 40 steps or so followed by a short rest period where everybody could take a closer look at the beautiful bush walk surroundings. Parataniwha and nikau were two of the predominant plants on the track. Everybody made it to the top and in very good time to boot!
The A walkers started immediately to the Hakarimata Walkway. 1387 stair steps to the top sounded a bit daunting but John led the group in a well measured routine of 40 steps or so followed by a short rest period where everybody could take a closer look at the beautiful bush walk surroundings. Parataniwha and nikau were two of the predominant plants on the track. Everybody made it to the top and in very good time to boot!
Yeah, the top!
A well deserved lunch break was had at the foot of the Hakarimata Summit Lookout with a wonderful view over a green landscape to the distant mountains in the west and towns and hills to distant mountains in the East.
1496 stair steps took us back down the mountain to Brownlee Road where the B walkers were already waiting for us. We embarked the bus in hopes to go for ice cream in Pokeno but, alas, street works in front of the ice cream store prevented the bus from stopping there and after following a circuitous detour we headed back to the motorway and straight home. The beautiful fall weather and the great achievement of hiking up the mountain kept everybody cheerful albeit a bit tired.
Stunning Bush
The B walkers ventured an extra 5 minutes into the bush to see the cascades before returning to the bus that then dropped us closer to civilisation. Most of us admitted to knowing little about Ngaruawahia - only ever driving straight through the town. We knew nothing of what the surrounding streets had to offer and we were in for a wonderful surprise!
Our first stop was at Turangawaewae House (a Category 1 Heritage Building, built in 1919 and designed to house the Maori Parliament) and the Kingitanga Reserve immediately opposite.
Kingitanga Reserve has significant cultural and heritage values. The site is an urupa – the first king’s remains were placed in a timber mausoleum on an earth mound. After the death of the second Maori King, the premier Richard Seddon commissioned a monument to be erected on the mound. In the Reserve, there is also an impressive sculpture of the facial tattoos of the first two Maori kings – “the Kings’ Mask”.
Our first stop was at Turangawaewae House (a Category 1 Heritage Building, built in 1919 and designed to house the Maori Parliament) and the Kingitanga Reserve immediately opposite.
Kingitanga Reserve has significant cultural and heritage values. The site is an urupa – the first king’s remains were placed in a timber mausoleum on an earth mound. After the death of the second Maori King, the premier Richard Seddon commissioned a monument to be erected on the mound. In the Reserve, there is also an impressive sculpture of the facial tattoos of the first two Maori kings – “the Kings’ Mask”.
A short walk then had us arriving at The Point, the confluence of the Waikato and Waipa rivers.
This is another area with significant history, including a turret from “the Pioneer”. The first naval vessel built for the NZ Government, it was part of the river fleet used in the British invasion in 1863, carrying up to 500 troops at a time.
At The Point’s far end stands a 1912 band rotunda. It was built by the Ngaruawahia Regatta Association. The first regatta was held at the Point back in 1892 and based on the historic photos displayed on a 10m waka-shaped display, people came from far and wide to line the river banks to watch the excitement.
This is another area with significant history, including a turret from “the Pioneer”. The first naval vessel built for the NZ Government, it was part of the river fleet used in the British invasion in 1863, carrying up to 500 troops at a time.
At The Point’s far end stands a 1912 band rotunda. It was built by the Ngaruawahia Regatta Association. The first regatta was held at the Point back in 1892 and based on the historic photos displayed on a 10m waka-shaped display, people came from far and wide to line the river banks to watch the excitement.
After lunch, we followed the path along the river. No monuments along here, but a continuous stream of large old trees, including London plane trees and several camphor laurel, shedding their leaves, reminding us that winter is definitely on the way.
Oops, we were so engrossed by the scenery, we missed our turnoff and walked a little further along the river than we should have. It was time to turn around and make our way back to the bus.
The plan was for the B walkers to then head into the beginning of the Waterworks Walk and to meet the A’s as they were coming out. But, the A walkers had made such good time, they actually appeared before the B’s could even enter the track!
The plan was for the B walkers to then head into the beginning of the Waterworks Walk and to meet the A’s as they were coming out. But, the A walkers had made such good time, they actually appeared before the B’s could even enter the track!
Paddle steamer Manuwai loaded with spectators watching Maori horse swimming race, Ngaruawahia Regatta 1930's.
Thank you to today's leaders - John & Linda
Text: Karin and Linda
Photos: Karin, Linda and Barbara