TRIP REPORTS: SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2026
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26 September 2026 - Kauri Point to Takapuna Beach
Chelsea Sugar Works
It was lovely to have 32 enthusiastic walkers join us for our Kauri Point to Takapuna walk. We started at Kauri Point Centennial Park in Chatswood and enjoyed a wonderful mix of Auckland’s history, native bush, volcanic landscapes and coastal scenery.
From Sugar to Bush
Our walk began with views of the historic Chelsea Sugar Refinery, an Auckland landmark established in 1884 and still an important source of sugar products for New Zealand.
From Sugar to Bush
Our walk began with views of the historic Chelsea Sugar Refinery, an Auckland landmark established in 1884 and still an important source of sugar products for New Zealand.
We then faced our first challenge — the steep climb to Birkenhead Library. Our "A" walkers took on the hill, while some of our "B" walkers sensibly opted for the bus! We all met again at the library for morning tea, arriving just as the rain began. It was a welcome chance to get out of the rain, enjoy a cuppa and have a good chat.
Through Le Roys Bush
Refreshed, we headed into Le Roys Bush, following the newly repaired track through this beautiful pocket of native bush. It was hard to believe we were still so close to the city.
After crossing Onewa Road, we continued through Kauri Glen Reserve, where we enjoyed one of the highlights of the day — the magnificent 60-metre treetop walkway, standing about 18 metres above the ground. Opened in 2024 and featured on national television, it gave us a wonderful view of the bush from above.
Refreshed, we headed into Le Roys Bush, following the newly repaired track through this beautiful pocket of native bush. It was hard to believe we were still so close to the city.
After crossing Onewa Road, we continued through Kauri Glen Reserve, where we enjoyed one of the highlights of the day — the magnificent 60-metre treetop walkway, standing about 18 metres above the ground. Opened in 2024 and featured on national television, it gave us a wonderful view of the bush from above.
We then made our way down to Onepoto Basin for lunch. This crater-shaped landscape was formed by a volcanic eruption around 20,000–30,000 years ago, adding another fascinating chapter to our journey through Auckland's volcanic history.
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Tuff Crater and the Final Stretch
After lunch came another short climb, with the bus once again available for those who preferred a gentler option. We continued to Tuff Crater, where Forest & Bird's North Shore Branch has been restoring the area since its Millennium planting project began in 2000. From there, we crossed the motorway, walked through Patuone Reserve and made our way towards Takapuna. The new pathway linking the town centre to the beach led us to our final destination — Takapuna Beach. By then, we had certainly earned a little treat! Some of us enjoyed a cream refreshment before boarding the bus home. A Memorable Day Together It was a wonderful day of walking, exploring and good company. We enjoyed beautiful bush, interesting history, Auckland's volcanic heritage and a little coastal scenery along the way. There were hills to conquer, rain to dodge, plenty of conversation and lots of smiles. |
Patuone Reserve
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It was indeed a memorable day. Many thanks to those involved -
Leaders: Graham and Heather G. Assisted by Linda L and Kevin
Text and Photos: Kevin
Leaders: Graham and Heather G. Assisted by Linda L and Kevin
Text and Photos: Kevin
13 September 2026 - Clevedon: Hololio Estate, Stairway to Haven and Clevedon Heritage Trail
Upon arrival at Hololio Estate we gathered around the owners’ swimming pool for morning tea. Josephine then guided us over their property, telling us wonderful historical stories of events that involved the property when Clevedon was first being established. She also explained that the small bee hives we saw are used for breeding "Queen Bees" that they export overseas.
Even though we walked in a brisk, cold, south-westerly wind, the beautiful landscape was very much appreciated by all. We had a leisurely lunch at Camp Sladdin, in Clevedon's Scenic Reserve, before the A and B walkers went their separate ways.
A Walkers – group of 14 – crossed Taitaia Stream and entered Te Nikau Pa/Clevedon Scenic Reserve. Coming to the information board, the group started the climb on the Stairway to Heaven (anti-clockwise), along the Loop Track. Stairway to Heaven is one of Auckland's most vertical short walks and locals call it “a quick leg-burner with a big pay-off”. There was a green tack to mark every 100 stairs, making it easy to monitor our progress. And, after 40-50 minutes of steady climb, with several breaks, we reached the top.
Step number 1,000 led us to a viewing platform with 360 degree views over Clevedon Valley, the Hunua Ranges, Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City. We were lucky to have a break in the changeable weather and were able to see Auckland's Sky Tower and the CBD with high-rise buildings in the skyline.
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After admiring the view and taking obligatory photos, we started our descent (anti-clockwise) via the older section of the track, winding through a kauri dieback area and native bush.
Towards the end of the loop track, we were able to admire a sizeable kauri grove and the largest of them all called “The Mighty Kauri.” |
Before reaching the information board, we took a short detour to Thorps Quarry Waterfall. There, a small cascade flows down the quarry for much of the year into a pond at the base before continuing through wetlands.
B Walkers – group of 33 – also crossed Taitaia Stream and entered Te Nikau Pa/Clevedon Scenic Reserve, but then took the middle well-formed path to Thorp Quarry Waterfall.
This waterfall is part of the Heritage Trail being a remnant quarry where greywacke is the main rock that was used in the construction of the first roads and footpaths built in Clevedon around early 1880.
Leaving Clevedon Scenic Reserve, we passed Camp Sladdin, noting the historical schoolhouse and headmaster’s house still being used as a camp for current youth. The few remaining kahikatea trees were mentioned – as being cut down in this area and used for butter boxes in 1884 at Wairoa South Butter and Cheese factory previously located in Clevedon.
This waterfall is part of the Heritage Trail being a remnant quarry where greywacke is the main rock that was used in the construction of the first roads and footpaths built in Clevedon around early 1880.
Leaving Clevedon Scenic Reserve, we passed Camp Sladdin, noting the historical schoolhouse and headmaster’s house still being used as a camp for current youth. The few remaining kahikatea trees were mentioned – as being cut down in this area and used for butter boxes in 1884 at Wairoa South Butter and Cheese factory previously located in Clevedon.
The B Walkers then followed the Clevedon Heritage Trail to the following points of interest, where Heather had plenty of historic information for us.
* Norfolk Pines of Beckby, Beckby Way (2 protected Norfolk pines)Joshua Thorp’s homestead built here in 1855.
* All Souls Anglican Church, North Road (built 1861) * Wilson Homestead (built late 1850’s or early 1860’s)
* Clevedon Post Office, Main Road, Clevedon (built 1908)
* The Blacksmith, 21 Main Road, Clevedon
* The Bootmaker, 17 Main Road, Clevedon
* Hawthorne and Munro – Butchery, Main Road, Clevedon
* St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Main Road, Clevedon
Graves of early pioneering families found here - McNicol, Hoyes and Bain.
* Norfolk Pines of Beckby, Beckby Way (2 protected Norfolk pines)Joshua Thorp’s homestead built here in 1855.
* All Souls Anglican Church, North Road (built 1861) * Wilson Homestead (built late 1850’s or early 1860’s)
* Clevedon Post Office, Main Road, Clevedon (built 1908)
* The Blacksmith, 21 Main Road, Clevedon
* The Bootmaker, 17 Main Road, Clevedon
* Hawthorne and Munro – Butchery, Main Road, Clevedon
* St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Main Road, Clevedon
Graves of early pioneering families found here - McNicol, Hoyes and Bain.
Special thanks to Heather and her team who put together an interesting and varied day. Leaders: Heather, Eeva, Julie & Shuk Report: Heather Photos: Eeva, Barbara and Shuk |
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