Our walk began at the beach and gently wound uphill, with blue skies, offering views over the Hauraki Gulf, with islands such as Kawau Island in the distance. The track passed through native bush, farmland, and past historical buildings.

The park is home to regenerating native bush including species like pōhutukawa, mānuka and kānuka. Birdlife was abundant with tui, piwakawaka and kererū spotted along the trails. The coastal area is also rich in marine life, and the calm bay is a great spot for observing dotterels and shorebirds wading in the shallow waters.

We then walked from Scandretts to Martins Bay. There were several places along the trail where we stopped to take in panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding areas. Some parts of the trail passed through native bush, providing shade and a cool, tranquil atmosphere and home to a sleepy ruru perched high in a tree fork.

Elizabeth M.
Click here for photos by Elizabeth and Ann W.