Trip Reports September - October 2016
9 October - West Harbour & Hobsonville
Standing on the yellow bridge.
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The kumarahou had been even better on the recce two weeks ago!
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Our walk took us through the fast-changing landscape of one of Auckland’s outer suburbs: we began at Westgate and crossed the distinctive yellow bridge over the north-western motorway, where we observed the extensive native bush planting. From Moire Park the track continues through the bush, with many flowering Kumarahau shrubs by the track. We crossed a wooden bridge and the blue bridge over the stream and mangroves, with views to the Te Atatu Sailing Club and Auckland City.
This took us to West Harbour Drive and into Luckens Reserve for morning tea by the children’s play area. From there we followed the Luckens Coastal Walk to the Westgate Marina with a large number of moored pleasure craft and ferries to the city. Then up the road to Reflection Drive and into a walkway that took us to Mako Street and into Wiseley Road.
Walking through the side streets, we reached Williams Road where we inspected a notable smooth-barked apple tree (Angophora costata), actually a very large gum tree, reputed to be the largest of this species in New Zealand. We also saw an old workers’ cottage from the clay and brickworks days and the more impressive Clark House that had been the home of the founding family and now occupied by the RNZAF Aviation Medicine Unit.
The group ate lunch at the historic Hobsonville Church in Scott Road but, as the rain arrived quickly, some of the group decided to continue in the bus and but most went on to De Havilland Road walkway and on to Bomb Point Trail, ending up at the Hobsonville Point Ferry Terminal where we met up with our bus. This land was the Hobsonville Airbase where de Havilland and Catalina aircraft were stationed. The very secure and strong bomb storage buildings are also still in place. At the wharf there were photographs and information about the area.
We had viewed this developing area with houses and apartments being built and filling the land, and we were pleased to see that green areas and walkways had been retained. This walk was full of interest, especially to those members from other parts of Auckland and showed the amazing growth in the area.
This took us to West Harbour Drive and into Luckens Reserve for morning tea by the children’s play area. From there we followed the Luckens Coastal Walk to the Westgate Marina with a large number of moored pleasure craft and ferries to the city. Then up the road to Reflection Drive and into a walkway that took us to Mako Street and into Wiseley Road.
Walking through the side streets, we reached Williams Road where we inspected a notable smooth-barked apple tree (Angophora costata), actually a very large gum tree, reputed to be the largest of this species in New Zealand. We also saw an old workers’ cottage from the clay and brickworks days and the more impressive Clark House that had been the home of the founding family and now occupied by the RNZAF Aviation Medicine Unit.
The group ate lunch at the historic Hobsonville Church in Scott Road but, as the rain arrived quickly, some of the group decided to continue in the bus and but most went on to De Havilland Road walkway and on to Bomb Point Trail, ending up at the Hobsonville Point Ferry Terminal where we met up with our bus. This land was the Hobsonville Airbase where de Havilland and Catalina aircraft were stationed. The very secure and strong bomb storage buildings are also still in place. At the wharf there were photographs and information about the area.
We had viewed this developing area with houses and apartments being built and filling the land, and we were pleased to see that green areas and walkways had been retained. This walk was full of interest, especially to those members from other parts of Auckland and showed the amazing growth in the area.
You can enjoy a bush walk even in the suburbs.
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Shirley had some fun at our morning tea stop!
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Angophora costata or "smooth- barked apple tree."
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The ferry terminal at Hobsonville had lots of information.
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Thanks so much to John and Marilyn, our leaders today.
(Text - Marilyn. Photos - Sue)
(Text - Marilyn. Photos - Sue)
25 September - Cambridge and Lake Karapiro
The club's latest walk was to the Waikato area. Thirty two members left Auckland in heavy rain but by the time we reached Lake Karapiro the rain had mostly cleared and we had an enjoyable walk over the Karapiro Dam, through the Mighty River Domain and beside the Waikato River.
We stopped for lunch under cover in front of the rowing administration building while a few hardy rowers launched their canoes.
After walking back across the dam we went on to Cambridge where some members did the historic walk of the town, while others just relaxed in the town's cafes enjoying a well-deserved coffee or hot chocolate.
Thank you to Janet and Wendy, today's leaders.
Photos - Sue. Text - Wendy
Spring kowhai in Cambridge
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More Spring blossom
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Cheerful in spite of the weather
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One of the equestrian street art mosaics in the main street of Cambridge
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11 September - Orewa Millennium Walk and Alice Eaves Scenic Reserve
On Sunday 11th September on a beautiful spring day, 30 Members and guests were dropped off from the bus at the Pinewoods Motor Camp Park. We were taken on a walk round the perimeter following the pathways through the quaint permanent homes and the spectacular views of Orewa Beach and beyond. From here we made our way down to a little beach where we had morning tea, after which we continued on to cross the estuary to the Orewa Art Centre and the beginning of the new walk/cycleway. We walked a short way before crossing to Mangrove Lake, following the lakeside and joining up with the Millennium walkway - across Victor Eaves Park into Kensington Park Estate which lead us into Alice Eaves Scenic Reserve. This reserve is named after Mrs Alice Caroline Eaves, whose family bequeathed the land to the nation in 1960.
The fitter of the group did the higher loop walk through the reserve and the others did the lower track with its abundance of native trees, the highlight being the mature kauri.
From the reserve we crossed over to Orewa Beach where we had lunch and then followed the beach to the Surf Club to meet up with the bus and to finish the day we indulged ourselves with coffee and ice cream.
Thanks to Shirley and Frankie, leaders for this walk.
Text - Shirley. Photos - Sue
The fitter of the group did the higher loop walk through the reserve and the others did the lower track with its abundance of native trees, the highlight being the mature kauri.
From the reserve we crossed over to Orewa Beach where we had lunch and then followed the beach to the Surf Club to meet up with the bus and to finish the day we indulged ourselves with coffee and ice cream.
Thanks to Shirley and Frankie, leaders for this walk.
Text - Shirley. Photos - Sue
Leader Shirley took a fancy to this lovely seat
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Orewa Beach
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