Eleven WOPpers gathered in the Karekare carpark initially on a brooding sort of day portent of a change in the weather? Karekare has several Pou Whenua, see 1st pic of one positioned near the carpark. It signifies the spiritual guardianship of 'Te Kawarau a Maki of the place'. The earliest inhabitants of the Karekare valley were people known as Ngaoho. The Pou also recognises that Karekare is a "special place to be enjoyed & respected by all". It certainly is all of that in my opinion.

So, we started our tramp by a short side walk to Karekare Falls, looking very picturesque as usual although not a huge amount of water. The height of these falls is 30m & the type is called a "horsetail". After viewing the falls & the other water area nearby Elizabeth's plan was to head up Comans track, Mercer Bay Loop then back down Ahu Ahu track, which was reopened last year, instead of retracing our way back down Comans which we usually do. It is a steady zig zag climb up the Comans track (see pic of start of the many steps!) gradually getting higher & higher. The track is good quality & metalled although watch for drop-offs along the cliff but perfectly safe. The views are a photographer’s dream, so for your efforts one is well & truly rewarded with stunning vistas all the way up. Weather more cloudy today but good nor easterly so quite humid. Luckily, no fierce westerly blowing in off the sea. We enjoyed morning tea in a wee glade spied just off the track part way up, then headed off again enjoying the lovely grottos of bush as well as lots more steps to test us. The whole area is very wind-shorn with trees bent over in places making a shady canopy. Of course, there is the rocky bit with the chain for handhold (see pics, one of yours truly going down on her backside) thanks Roz, at least not wet & slippery today. 

We then turn off onto the Mercer Bay Loop & stop at all the various lookout points. There is another Pou Whenua at Mercer Bay. The Pou depicts Hinerangi a young Ngaoho noblewoman, the Pou on the spot where she kept vigil. Briefly Hinerangi chose a young warrior as her partner. Sadly, he was drowned fishing off the treacherous rocks in the area. Hinerangi was distraught & after scanning the seas for days took her own life to join her beloved. Her disconsolate face is etched forever on the rocky cliff face on the headland. The area therefore became known as Te Ahua O Hinerangi (the likeness of Hinerangi). Today lots of other walkers & family groups about, particularly around Mercer Bay area. We decided to stop for lunch just past the Te Ahua Pa area lookout (see pic Maori once lived in a small settlement on the headland as mentioned previously), where there is a fenced area & stone seating. Good spot to soak up the stunning views. On the short distance to the South Piha carpark & top Mercer Bay we pass 2 new viewing areas - can now get better views looking down to the sea & of the Piha settlement. Then, down the other side of Mercer Bay Loop, this part is in process of being widened, bit skiddy with metal everywhere & piles of black plastic webbing obviously new pathways are going to be constructed. Before heading down the Ahu Ahu track one last look at the views. See pic of rocky outcrop perhaps a pirate face?! 

The last 3 pics are of the Ahu Ahu track which takes roughly 40 mins. It is a good downhill stretch for the legs. A fairly wide metalled track. We pass a sign saying beware of falling branches & decided it must be to do with the dead Wilding Pines in the area. Very attractive native bush towering Manuka etc. It would be a long slog coming up as all uphill but a refreshing change coming downhill after all the steps of Comans. The metal track was quite skiddy no doubt due to the dryness. 

Another great day, a good workout & the rain stayed away. A special thanks to Elizabeth & to everyone for an enjoyable day. 

Colleen W. 

Click here for pics from Colleen & Roz