TRIP REPORTS
Thursday Tramps to - Comans Track 5th June
Thursday Tramps to - Te Piringa / Cascade Kauri 8th May
Hobsonville Point 15 June
The rain seemed a bit heavier than what was forecast when we arrived at the meeting point on Sunday. Despite this we had 8 attendees, including Neil Ericksen who had travelled up from Hamilton to catch up with us. After a brief discussion we decided that going straight for a coffee would be the way to go so we tried our luck at Fabric café by the wharf. That was booked out, so we walked the 20 mins or so to Catalina café. Then it was back to the wharf and our cars. All up we did walk approximately 45 minutes, so it was a worthwhile day. Neil took the attached photographs. We can do the walk another Sunday in the future.
David Holl
Eastern Beach Walk Sunday 25 May
Nine members met up for a pleasant walk through Murivale Reserve and McLeans Park to Eastern Beach. A nice combination of bush and beach with a few ups and downs. We had lunch at a playground where energetic children were playing on the flying fox.
Thanks to all who came.
Vanessa Tait and Joan Martin
MINI GOLF AT THE ENCHANTED FOREST 26th April
OAC managed to get a last game of minigolf in before the course closed the next day. The decision to close early because of lower numbers in the winter season (in my opinion) was a great pity and the Council's ability to close the course giving just 3 weeks' notice. The course was scheduled to close for redevelopment in the area anyway.
We were lucky weather-wise and as a grand finale - by chance? - everyone shot at least one hole-in-one. ( the frustrating extra shots to par won't be mentioned)The end of an era - sad- but we spent a pleasant hour or so together enjoying the setting, each other's company while getting gentle exercise.
Thursday Tramping Group trip to Waiheke 24th April
The Thursday Tramping group enjoyed each others company on a tramp to on Waiheke Island.
Thursday Tramping Group trip to the Cascade Kauri trails
Another enjoyable tramp with some nice photos this time.
BRASS BAND CONCERT AT PAH HOMESTEAD
We were lucky to have perfect weather for this outdoor concert: trees and sculpture in the grounds gave a choice of sun or shade. There were plenty of chairs provided though some brought their own. Apart from the occasional plane flying overhead or dog barking.we enjoyed a varied performance or work such as 'Georgia on my Mind,' a sea shanty ( the conductor telling us he'd had a hard job getting the band to sing) and the theme of 'Hawaii 5O'. One member had gone to Tahuna Torea in the morning, then the concert in the afternoon. Even living in West Auckland so this was on the way home, this is dedication. The conductor said he hoped to be back next year so hopefully more will come then. You missed a treat -and it was FREE.
Vaana Langdon
The Pink Pathway, Ponsonby Walk Sunday 6 April
Fine weather for our walk, after recent heavy rain. We walked around the base of thecliffs at St Mary’s Bay where storm damage from Cyclone Gabrielle was in clearevidence. Efforts were being made to build retaining barriers on the cliffs in front ofhouses which were in danger of one disappearing down the bank. A very expensivebusiness. We then worked our way through Victoria Park up to the Pink Pathway, acycle/walkway across the motorway from Union St. to behind K Road. Lunch washeld at Western Park where we all squeezed around the one table. Then off downPonsonby Rd for a coffee in Jervois Rd before returning to the cars.
David Holl
Thursday Tramp to Rangitoto 3rd April
The thursday tramping group enjoyed a guided tramp up and around Rangitoto
Walk Glendowie Sunday 23 March
Nine of us were out for a walk in Churchill Park, where we had lovely views from the Riddell Road lookout. Then walked across to the Torea Tahuna Bush Reserve, where a beautiful Tui looked quite unperturbed to see us. Excellent coffee at the end and a very nice day out.
Vanessa Tait and Joan Martin
NEW SCULPTURES STROLL
A really pleasant party! The sculptures were duly admired, starting with the large hawk, keeping an eye on Auckland before strolling to the three granite stones (a 'waterfall' ) flanked by two unfurling ponga fronds. The three migrant women sitting on the top flat stone: 'We wondered why so many were stopping here!' The fernery was deliciously cool as we looked at the native birds in a realistic setting ( All sculptures) After lunch under the shady pergola, it was into the revamped glasshouses, now very ordered, the temperate house a riot of colour . A descent via the Centennial Walkway to see three more sculptures then the slog uphill. It was quieter in The Domain so we assumed many would be at Farmers Santa Parade so we scored! A delightful day had by all.
Vaana Langdon
Herne Bay Walk Sunday 16 March
Fine, sunny weather saw seven of us gathered at Pt Erin Baths for a walk aroundHerne Bay towards Cox’s Bay and Westmere. Walking through Herne Bay (one ofthe poshest parts of town) it was clear that most property owners take pride in theappearance of their houses and gardens. In the bright sunlight the cleanliness of thepaintwork of the houses stood out and hedges and gardens were neatly manicured.Many pay a professional gardener to take care of things.At lunchtime we sat in the shade of the sports pavilion at Cox’s Bay watching touchrugby players go through their training exercises.Later, five of us stopped for a well-deserved coffee on Jervois Road.
David Holl
Undergrand on 15 March at Cornwall Park N.B. it's undergrand, not underGROUND
A few OAC members enjoyed a relaxed afternoon on Saturday in perfect weather with a choice of shade or sun, listening to classical music by Schuber and Chopin. Flavio Villani played without a musical score, an amazing feat. He gave us our moneysworth ( albeit a FREE concert) playing his own compositions at the start and finish, the last being a 3 minute lullaby after a stirring piece by Chopin. I was fortunate in having a deck chair for the second part of the concert though many came with their own picnic chairs or blankets . A relaxed holiday mood prevailed amongst the good - natured crowdA lovely way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon:
Vaana Langdon
Green Bay Beach walk March 9th
A group of eight set off on a lovely sunny day to walk from Green Bay Beach to Blockhouse Bay navigating some steps and paths in the bush. We also enjoyed wonderful views over the water. The day ended with coffee at the Bolton Street Cafe. Thanks everyone who participated.
Margaret
Walk - Auckland Botanic Gardens Saturday 12th January
The Auckland Botanic Gardens walk was a great day for everyone
Kathleen Barlow
Bayview/Glenfield Walk Sunday 15 December
Today it was fine, hot, and humid, but thankfully we were in the bush most of the time. The trusty leader (me), took the wrong track for a short time so we saw a little more of this lush bush than we’d planned. Lunch was in Lynn Reserve at the children’s playground where we sat in the shade, alternately munching and talking. During our walk we saw a couple of large tuis flying about, then settling on a tree branch so we were able to admire them. Wonderful sight.
Elizabeth Hindmarsh
Tawharanui Tramp and more! Thursday 19th December
On a lovely summer’s day six trampers met at the lagoon carpark at Tawharanui and set off east up the South Coast Track. Lots of ups and downs and many rabbits seen. Signs indicated that pest control would happen that night. We then joined the North Coast Track until we met the top of the Ecology Trail. We headed down to a lovely gap on the side of the track for lunch, hearing lots of birdsong. Some commented that it was the best they’ve heard at Tawharanui. We saw kaka, tui, bellbird, kereru and saddleback and heard others. After lunch we headed further down the trail to Anchor bay. No sign of takahe or robins.
We then set off on the West End Track at the back of the campground. Lots more ups and downs so after about 4hrs of walking we decided to head back to the cars with a short walk down the road. A lovely day and 2 trampers drove back to the beach for a swim. Great waves. Thank you to my tramping friends for an enjoyable outing.
My family were staying at Tawharanui so I joined them for the night. Met Deeks, the rabbit shooter who was going to work from 9pm to 2am. He had ridden on his bike from Beachlands and would return home in the early hours of Friday morning. He has been contracted for many years but for 2 years the council didn’t fund rabbit control so the following year he shot 3000 rabbits. He cuts up the rabbits and freezes them for sale to the many trappers controlling our pests.
After dark, about 9pm, my sister and I headed out to look for kiwi. We joined the Mangatawhari track across the road from the lagoon walking through the cattle in the paddock with our red torches. Some lazily stood up and moved out of our way, but then one attacked and bypassed me in a white shirt and headed for my sister all in black. Luckily it veered off after she waved the red torch. A close call. We quickly moved to the gate and contemplated a different route back home.
Setting off on the flat track in the bush we immediately heard kiwi rustling in the undergrowth. We spotted a large brown adult about 5m away. He/she was not bothered by our torches or presence and we tracked for a short while until it went into denser bush. We also saw the back end of another and heard several more.
We decided to take the loop track (a mistake). Dense undergrowth and no sightings. Around the loop and rejoining the main track, without a map, we then were a little confused about which way to go. Ended up at the top where it joins the West End Track. Then a long walk back down a paddock, thankfully without cattle, to the road and back to the house about 1030pm. Phew, a long but enjoyable day.
Claire de Luen
Prior Trips
Sunday 10 November, Bayswater
The grand total of eight people turned up for the Sunday Walk in the Bayswater area.The weather was fine apart from a brief shower just before lunch at midday.We started off from O’Neill’s Point Cemetery, traversed a walkway crossing a mangrove filled branch of Shoal Bay, through Northbrough Reserve and then crossed the peninsula to Takapuna Beach. Lunch was held at the southern end of the beach. We then headed south along Seacliffe Avenue and back to towards our starting point. We stopped at Vanilla Café in Willamson Ave before undertaking another 5 minutes’ walk back to the cars.
David Holl
Sunday 22 September 2024, Lake Pupuke
Seven of us enjoyed our walk around Lake Pupuke on a lovely fine day. We walked through Sylvan Park and Kitchener Park beside the lake, before walking through the grounds of the local school and on to Shakespeare Rd. Then it was along the road to North Shore Hospital where we looked at the coots, swans, and ducks on the water, and carried on over the boardwalk to the Kayak Club premises on the lakeside. We kept mainly by the lake and went through Killarney Park where we had lunch at a table near the wharf and the Pumphouse Theatre. Then onwards along Hurstmere and Kitchener Roads, looking at the beautiful mature trees and greenery until we reached our cars at Sylvan Park. There was lots to see on this lovely urban walk Elizabeth Hindmarsh
Sunday 6 October 2024. Browns Bay Walk
Just four of us gathered at Browns Bay for a walk around the coast to Mairangi Bay. Perhaps others were put off by the weather forecast, but we had no rain and little wind.We followed the paths along the clifftops above Rothesay and Murrays Bay. As the tide was in and the sea a little choppy, we also took the higher route around the cliff top rather than the concrete walkway at sea level between Murrays Bay and Mairangi.Lunch was in the sun at Mairangi Bay and we returned to Browns Bay via the roadside footpaths. David Holl
Sunday 13 October 2024, Round the Bays (North Shore)
Four of us met at Rothesay Bay on a lovely fine day, luckily before any of the predicted rain at 1.00pm. Firstly we walked south along the sandy Rothesay Bay beach. The tide was half way in, so we walked as far as we could on the sand then started over the rocks. Well, it’s a long time since I’ve had to scramble carefully over rocks and clamber over boulders. It was interesting to study the cliff face as we passed by below, because there had been a few recent slips there. We had a little wading to do in the beautifully clean and clear water as we got near Murrays Bay, but luckily we all reached the end of the rocky bit with no falls or injuries. Then we moved on down Murrays Bay beach looking at the yachts sailing way out in the Gulf. We had lunch sitting on a bench overlooking the water as we made our way back to Rothesay Bay via the foreshore and clifftop paths. An enjoyable walk.
Elizabeth Hindmarsh
Tuff Crater and Onepoto Basin - Sunday 18 February, 2024
Yet another fine, hot day for our walk around Tuff Crater Lagoon and Onepoto Domain.
Tuff Crater, a vast, extinct, volcanic crater is filled with mangrove swamp and we walked the whole of the exterior from The Warehouse Way to Heath Avenue. Then we moved on to Onepoto Reserve and had our lunch under the huge trees near the children’s playground. A lovely day out for the 10 of us.
Elizabeth Hindmarsh
Mini Golf Onehunga - Friday 16 February, 2024
An urban oasis: flowing water, lush growth, food (for the birds anyway). No dates or camels but I did spot 3 elephants - the artifacts are amazing when one pauses to look.
Everyone managed to par and there were even several birdies. Strategising seemed to work for some golfers but when I tried "a hit and hoper", it was worse. After a disastrous first half, I was the only one to par on the hole guarded by the dragon! (It is the Year of the Dragon so perhaps that's what brought me luck). It was pleasant, having the course to ourselves for almost 2 hours, enjoying ourselves in compatible company.
Vaana Langdon
Kepler Track 9-13 Feb 2021
Covid-19 delayed plans for the 20/21 summer season, and when Kepler Track bookings were opened in November they were abruptly closed again after an unexpected surge of bookings. This allowed little time for OAC members interested in the Kepler to book with the required prepayment. As a result some members unfortunately missed out leaving only three with bookings confirmed. With safety in mind we joined the Milton Rotary Tramping Club.
Leaving home on 2 Feb we flew to Dunedin to allow for a week’s sightseeing in the Catlins area and Dunedin surrounds before meeting our fellow trampers in Dunedin on 9 Feb and traveling with them to Te Anau to stay for a night before starting the track.
We had prepaid for our packs to be helicoptered up to Luxmore Hut so that we could enjoy the 1200 m. climb without carrying full packs plus 2kg of food for the next three nights. However we received with dismay the news that helicopters could not land at Luxmore due to low cloud.
Kepler Day 1 To our delight we could see the cloud clearing from the tops and we greeted the very welcome news that they would fly after all. We were on our way with day packs carrying only lunch, water, rainwear and extra warm clothing. After the easy flat shady walk along the West shore of Lake Te Anau we began the climb and arrived at Limestone Bluffs by lunch time. Our leaders boiled the billy for tea or soup, an unexpected luxury. Continuing on our upward trail the climb became steeper and more zigzag. We heard the sound of the helicopter flying overhead, unseen due to forest cover but reassuring. Emerging from the bush we walked the last part of the trail through snow tussock as the mountain vista unfolded and looking back we could see far below Te Anau nestled on the lake shore. After carefully making sure our boots were inside out of range of any mischievous kea,we found the hut comfortable and warm in the living and kitchen area where we enjoyed a very satisfying 2 course meal - all carried up by helicopter, and rain began to fall.
Day 2 This morning the hut warden read out the weather report: “-2 degrees, 53 kmh wind “ Then added “marginal climbing conditions, do-able, but take great care”. Now carrying our main packs, and wearing many layers of warm clothing and rain wear, plus our share of food for the next 2 nights, we set off on the narrow rocky trail up Mt Luxmore. There were 23 in our party and we were instructed to keep close together to help one another to stay upright against the diabolical wind gusts carrying snow, and sleet. After a 200m climb we were all relieved to cram into the Forest Burn Emergency Shelter for a brief respite from the elements. On setting off again we started on the down and up trail to Hanging Valley Shelter where we stopped for lunch and magically a billy boil-up to add hot water to our personal packets of powdered soup - so good! Now in clear calm conditions and able to enjoy panoramic views over the tops and into the valleys we descended sharply by zigzags and a series of stair cases to re-enter the bush and enjoy the bird life—riflemen, South Island robins, a kakariki and others, all quite tame and trusting. Every few meters we passed a DOC stoat trap to help these birds along. At the end of a tiring day it seemed a long way to our night’s resting place, Iris Burn Hut - 6 hours.
Day 3 Leaving the Iris Burn Hut we crossed a small rise, then settled into a steady mainly downward trail through beech forest and eventually along the bank of the scenic Iris Burn until its mouth where it joined Lake Manapouri. From then on we were treated to sun drenched views between the trees across Lake Manapouri. Soon we reached Moturau Hut, set on a beautiful site above the white sandy shore of Lake Manapouri’s Shallow Bay. With the cold and wind far behind us now, many went for a paddle but no-one seemed keen to totally immerse themselves in this gorgeous but mountain fed water. As this was our last night together our leader thanked us all for our co-operation and good cheer throughout, and arranged us in rows on the sloping ground for a group photo which we expect posted or on line in the near future.
Day 4 The next 2-3 hours were a gentle stroll along a smooth track carpeted with beech leaves, lined with forest giants - beech, rimu, totara and others, They are left to fall as they die and are soon covered in a variety of ferns and “meadows” of rolling moist green moss, a truly beautiful sight. On arrival at Rainbow Reach our bus was waiting for us to load packs on board and either stay with the bus or walk the final 9.5 km. packless, following the bank of the Wairau River to our start point at the Control Gates, thereby completing the Kepler circuit. After a final boil-up and lunch we were on our way back to Dunedin.
However this was not the end of our adventure - the bus broke down and in spite of efforts by the driver, instructions from base, and our knowledgeable farmer guards we waited 2.5 hours by the roadside for a replacement bus which brought us back to our Dunedin start point.
Barbara Hall
Thursday 11 February, Karamatura Track, Huia.
Today was a day for wooden steps, flights of them; in fact someone counted 1430 of them before giving up. And that doesn’t include the return journey! We were on the reopened Karamatura Track beyond Huia, and walked (stepped I should say) on to Donald McLean Track and up Mt Donald McLean. What a magnificent view from the top, over all the bush and hills to the sea. Hardly a house in sight. We had lunch at the lookout at the top, then it was back to the cars, via all those steps! Thanks to Alan Wild for a strenuous tramp. Elizabeth Hindmarsh
Sunday 14 February, Beach Haven Hellyers Creek Track
We met a full tide at Shepherds Park beach and we continued around the cliff edge viewing mangroves, estuary inlets and some interesting backyard gardens. Trudging nimbly over a narrow tree rooted track, we reached Beach Haven Road and entered the bush reserve again to find a fitness trail, toilets, picnic area and the rest of Shepherds Park. We ate lunch at Beach Haven Wharf and walked to the shops for icecreams and curiosity. Ruth Hyde
Saturday 20 February, Ihumatao and Otuataua
14 heritage enthusiasts joined me for an informative walk to the controversial and proposed land and housing development at Ihumatao. The locals had erected some interesting buildings and gardens. Also visited was the Ihumatao Museum featured on TV’s Heritage Rescue, but unfortunately it was under renovation. We continued to look at the Otuataua stonefields and the historic avocado orchard. There was good information on the signboards. The area is often overlooked and not visited by many people. We returned via the airport industrial area to view some interesting and innovative commercial buildings. An informative and enjoyable walk for those who attended. Mike Maran
Sunday 21 February FAB FEB FUN
Vibrant, vivacious, variety. A swirling kaleidoscope of colour, sensations and movement. This was Maureen’s 80th birthday bash. So much was going on from a delightful granddaughter providing name tags to the efficient drinks dispenser (the punch as good as ours at Christmas). Then the music : the guitar player sang as he strummed items many knew from ‘The White Cliffs of Dover’ to ‘Auld Lang Syne ’ which had us all joining in. A soloist was another star turn before the ‘surprise’: a graceful hula dancer enthralling all with this sensuous dance. No one could take their eyes off her. Spellbinding. Maureen warmly welcomed us, making OAC members part of the whole group of family and friends. She stressed the importance of working at friendships in present times as well as speaking of her own family lineage, acknowledging the past but living in/for the present. The invitation included afternoon tea. This was scrummy and being catered for was greatly appreciated. Of course there was a birthday cake: a traditional celebratory fruit cake to mark this important milestone - 80 years. A delightful day! Vaana Langdon
Monday 2 – Thursday 14 November Kapiti Coast – Wellington
10 of us made our way by three cars and one plane/train to Paekakariki Holiday Park where we had 3 Tourist Flats for 4 nights.
Wednesday saw us all up bright and early for an 8 o’clock bio-security check in at Paraparaumu Beach for our trip to the Kapiti Island Nature Reserve. 20 people on a fast boat to the Island (15mins) which is 10km long by 2 kms wide. We landed at Rangitira Point in the middle on the East side, one of two approved landings on the Island, where we met our guide and host for two days, Pania. She is a direct descendant of the original Maori tribe with Te Rauparaha in the 1820’s and her family have been on the island ever since.
Her knowledge and Whanau history made her the perfect guide for our conducted tour of the flora and fauna at Rangitira Reserve which is managed by Doc. Kapiti has been predator free since 1989 and farming ceased in the fifties so we saw a lot of birds including one of two Takahe, Stitchbirds(Hihi), Whiteheads, Saddlebacks, Robins etc. around many bird feeders and wonderful regenerated bush
We all opted to tramp to the lookout at the top (521m ASL) up the hard and steep Trig track (2km long but took 2hours.) Wonderful 360deg views over the whole Island, and could see the top of the South Island, and a very distant Mt Taranaki in the north. Only took 1-1/4hrs to come down despite being 1.8km longer but a much better track.
At 2.30 our boat returned to take us to Waioura Bay at the northern end where our tour company has a lodge, several glamping tents and cabins. We had 5 cabins reserved and were very comfortable. Pania greeted us with history and fauna details then some went in a hot tub (max 4 at a time) then followed nibbles and drinks followed by a Hakari (3 course feast) expertly presented.
After that we had free time to enjoy the locals... hungry Kaka, nosey Weka, fat Kereru, screeching Kakariki and raucous Tuis all in abundance. They say the Kereru there are 20% larger than on the mainland and we concur. They were plentiful also I counted 35 within 10 metres of our cabin at one time and they were feeding on grass and tree lucerne. We must have seen over 70 in 3 hours.
At 9.30 we were split up into two groups to find the Little Spotted Kiwi. Apt name as my group couldn’t spot one. The other group got a fleeting glimpse of one, but we all heard their distinct calls, male and female. We did see numerous Little Blue Penguins trekking inland at night to feed their chicks in the nests.
Thursday after a cooked breakfast and on another fine day, we went bird watching at the northern tip where we saw Royal Spoonbills, Black Backed Gulls (Karoro), Variable Oyster Catcher ( Torea), all nesting behind a freshwater lagoon. We got quite close. There were great views from a lookout over the exposed western coast. Then back to the lodge where a final hakari awaited.
Then our boat again back to the mainland. The skipper told us that 3 humpback whales were spotted the previous week in between Kapiti and the mainland and 2 Blue whales (very rare) were seen recently off the south western tip. A great experience, wonderful hosts and highly recommended.
Friday. A sunny day. We all caught the 9.15 train from Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay (free with Gold Card) a 10min journey, where we started the Escarpment Walkway which slowly climbs above SH 1 and the Main Trunk to 220metres. We traversed about 1200 steps, over two suspension bridges, through tussock and bush, all with spectacular views of Pukerua Bay and Kapiti Island and the highway beneath us. Track was 10kms long and took us 4-1/2 hrs including many stops, lunch, and then took us back to our cars.
Please always contact the event organiser before attending an event Events may be cancelled at short notice