Trip Reports: May-June 2026
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10 May 2026 - Waitakere Walk
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We started the morning at the Aratiki Visitors Centre, where members had a little time to visit the facilities and the gift shop, and also view the ANHWC exhibit that had been presented to the Centre prior to the club’s 100th, before setting off on the Arataki Nature Trail. Group A proceeded via the Lower loop to visit the Kauri Cathedral, while Group B did two short walks, the first along the Plant ID trail and later, the Beveridge Track. They also had some time to watch the video screening at the Visitors Centre while waiting for the A Group to return. |
Both groups then went by bus for the Upper Nihotupu Dam Walk. By this time it was raining very heavily. We waited for a while in the bus for the rain to abate slightly before donning our wet weather gear and setting off for the dam. It continued to rain on and off, so a few members decided to return to the bus and wait there, but the rest of the group, 27 of us, continued along a fairly easy walk to the dam itself, where there was a shelter where we could have our lunch, along with a few other families who were visiting the dam.
We were able to identify various types of trees, fungi, weta hotels, and berries on the walks, as well as listen to the birdsong along the way.
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On our return from the walk, we were taken by bus back to the Arataki Centre, where we had another twenty minutes to take photos of the surrounding area, visit the gift shop or use the facilites – or just treat ourselves to coffee and/or a delicious danish delight icecream! We got back to Auckland around 3.30 pm after a very enjoyable day, in spite of the rather patchy weather. |
Special thanks to today's leaders: Sandra W., Robyn and Ayesha.
Text: Ayesha Photos: Ayesha, Linda, Kevin
Text: Ayesha Photos: Ayesha, Linda, Kevin
24 May 2026 - Waipu Caves Farm Park
Our bus was chokka with 50 keen walkers as we headed north on an overcast morning in May.
After a quick stop at Wellsford, we arrived at the Park and settled onto seats and rocks around the office to have our morning tea.
After a quick stop at Wellsford, we arrived at the Park and settled onto seats and rocks around the office to have our morning tea.
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The owners, Ian and Cindy Fox, then talked to our group about the history of this area and, more specifically, of their ownership of this 320 acre property and the work they have carried out since they purchased it in 2018. They have built infrastructure, created tracks, set out two camping areas and opened up an entrance into the glow worm cave with a concrete path running through the cave for safe passage.
This Milky Way Glow Worm cave, which had been a secret to all but a few local people for about 100 years, was opened to the public in 2023, so everyone could enjoy guided tours of this amazing place. |
We then divided into three groups, each having three activities to complete during our day - a guided tour of the glow worm cave (1hr return), a charming walk along the small river, with it’s crystal clear water (around 30 minutes), and the Tomo Track through the bush on the facing hillside to view some of the weird and wonderful Jurassic rocks (45 mins). Plus a break for lunch.
The guided tour through the Milky Way Glow Worm Cave was the highlight of the day. Everyone was given a small light to hang round their necks and we set off down some wooden stairs to the entrance into the cave. As we walked along beside the small stream that runs through the cave, we were immediately entranced by the cave structure, with it’s varied sizes and shapes of stalactites, coming down from the roof of the cave, and stalagmites which form from the floor of the cave in an upward direction.
Our Guide explained how this structure develops and just how long the process takes, with growth of only 2-3cm every 100 years.
Our Guide explained how this structure develops and just how long the process takes, with growth of only 2-3cm every 100 years.
As we progressed further into the cave our eyes adjusted to take in the clusters of glow worms. Once again, our Guide provided a very informative explanation of how these little creatures exist in this dark, cool environment, what they feed on and what their life cycle involves. Not only was it a memorable experience, but we all learned a lot.
Turning our lights off and standing in the dark listening to our Guide was a special moment. As we gained our night vision, we were surprised how many more of the glow worms we could see. The cave roof was not far above our heads, so these little creatures with their bright lights and “fishing lines” to catch their prey were easily visible. We all emerged from the cave with a newfound knowledge and appreciation of the humble glow worm.
Turning our lights off and standing in the dark listening to our Guide was a special moment. As we gained our night vision, we were surprised how many more of the glow worms we could see. The cave roof was not far above our heads, so these little creatures with their bright lights and “fishing lines” to catch their prey were easily visible. We all emerged from the cave with a newfound knowledge and appreciation of the humble glow worm.
It was a happy group that climbed back onto the bus for our trip back to the city, through the lovely green fields and autumn colours of Northland, looking lovely in the afternoon light.
A great day enjoyed by all!
Thanks to Sandra, and the other leaders - Joy, Heather & Graham, Linda & Ann Marie
Text: Sandra Photos: Sandra, Nicola & Linda