Trip Reports: November - December 2024
1 December 2024 - Hamilton Gardens
Our club’s final event for the year was a trip to the stunning Hamilton Gardens. Some had been before, but not for a while. Others had never been. So there was a sense of excitement on the bus as 41 of our members travelled south to the hub of the Waikato. The day was a bit grey and drizzly, but forecast to improve, which it did - we were able to wander round the Gardens in our small groups, admiring and appreciating the amazing sights. |
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These Gardens are a top attraction in NZ and draw over a million visitors from our country and internationally every year. They were started in the 1950’s by community groups & volunteers, who put in thousands of hours of effort to transform acres of riverside land that had been a rubbish dump.
When Dr Peter Segel became Director of Hamilton Gardens in 1979, he had the vision to tell the story of civilisations through the Gardens, making them unlike any other public garden in the world.
When Dr Peter Segel became Director of Hamilton Gardens in 1979, he had the vision to tell the story of civilisations through the Gardens, making them unlike any other public garden in the world.
In the “enclosed gardens” we saw examples of Italian, Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Egyptian and English gardens, plus imaginative spaces such as the Surrealist and Mansfield gardens, and practical areas showcasing herbs, vegetables, tropical plants and a Maori garden growing kumara.
There was no problem spending several fascinating hours and many members would have gone home inspired to make some additions or alterations to their own gardens over the holiday period.
There was no problem spending several fascinating hours and many members would have gone home inspired to make some additions or alterations to their own gardens over the holiday period.
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We finished our visit by gathering together on the steps overlooking Turtle Lake for a time of sharing, both of friendship and Christmas treats provided by the club, before rejoining the bus for our trip back to Auckland and farewells to one another until next year.
Special Thanks to:
Sandra T: leading and text
Cheryl and Julie: photos
Special Thanks to:
Sandra T: leading and text
Cheryl and Julie: photos
3 November 2024 - Waipu Coastal Trail
Twice we were ready to set off on this walk – BUT – twice Auckland went into Covid lockdown.
Finally, third time lucky!!
Finally, third time lucky!!
Waipu Museum
Our day started with 45 members heading up the Northern Motorway to the Waipu Scottish Migration Museum. We learned the fascinating story of one thousand Gaelic speaking emigrants from the western highlands of Scotland who escaped the notorious Highland Clearances and headed to Nova Scotia before finally arriving in Waipu. A small museum with a very big story.
Following a brief stop in Waipu Cove, where we walked the beach to check out the Dune Restoration Project, we made our way to Langs Beach.
After walking to the northern end of the beach, members divided into two groups – the B’s opted to have lunch here (with coffee and ice cream close by!) and the A’s headed over to Ding Bay and then up the 72 steps onto the Coastal Trail.
Following a brief stop in Waipu Cove, where we walked the beach to check out the Dune Restoration Project, we made our way to Langs Beach.
After walking to the northern end of the beach, members divided into two groups – the B’s opted to have lunch here (with coffee and ice cream close by!) and the A’s headed over to Ding Bay and then up the 72 steps onto the Coastal Trail.
Dolpins in the bay.
As the B’s were making their way back down the beach, they were delighted to see a pod of dolphins. Next stop, just across the road, the Langs Beach Scenic Reserve. The Wairahi Charitable Trust has had volunteers building and extending over 6 kms of tracks in the reserve. Predator control has been undertaken and we saw the planting that has begun in newly cleared areas – all natives, including sedges, reeds, manuka, kanuka, cabbage trees, kowhai, kahikatea and flaxes.
Back on the bus, the B’s returned to Waipu Cove. First challenge, to cross a small stream to reach the northern end of the Waipu Coastal Trail. Thanks to a large log most of us made it across without getting wet feet! The magnificent coastal views were immediately apparent and all the cameras were very busy.
As the B’s were making their way back down the beach, they were delighted to see a pod of dolphins. Next stop, just across the road, the Langs Beach Scenic Reserve. The Wairahi Charitable Trust has had volunteers building and extending over 6 kms of tracks in the reserve. Predator control has been undertaken and we saw the planting that has begun in newly cleared areas – all natives, including sedges, reeds, manuka, kanuka, cabbage trees, kowhai, kahikatea and flaxes.
Back on the bus, the B’s returned to Waipu Cove. First challenge, to cross a small stream to reach the northern end of the Waipu Coastal Trail. Thanks to a large log most of us made it across without getting wet feet! The magnificent coastal views were immediately apparent and all the cameras were very busy.
The A’s as they headed north, also spotted dolphins and observed a diverse variety of land and sea birds. They walked through mature coastal pohutukawa forests and regenerating native bush. Sedimentary limestone rock formations (Pancake Rocks) are also a feature of the coastline.
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As planned, 25 minutes in, the B’s found the A’s coming in their direction! They turned around and accompanied the A’s back down the track and up onto the historic pa site, offering 360 degree views. A lovely way to end a great day!! |
Thanks to today's leaders - Don and Linda, and their helpers Graham and Heather.
Text: Linda Photos: Don, Linda and Sue
Text: Linda Photos: Don, Linda and Sue