I had been wanting to walk the coast-to-coast route from Onehunga to Downtown ever since I walked it from Downtown to Onehunga a few years ago. My wish came true when on Tuesday 14th June I joined 16 other WOPpers at the Onehunga Train Station. 

We set off at a brisk pace only to stop 3 minutes later to don coats as the first of many light showers passed our way. From Princes St we turned right into the aptly named Hill Street and the first test of our fitness as we climbed 50 metres along the 1km road to Jellicoe Park.  Leaving the park Jeanene calmly led us through several streets and up Onehunga Mall to Cornwall Park. Along the way we paused to shed our coats as the sun briefly shone through grey clouds. 

The beautiful Cornwall Park was our morning tea stop right on the dot of 10.30am.  Cornwall Park is so large it could just about be a WOPs walk all on its own. Skirting the summit we walked through the park, crossed Green Lane West and along Puriri Drive. By 11.30 having endured another brief passing shower we were at Ranfurly Road West having walked about 7km. We made our way through the University of Auckland Epsom Campus. In an interesting variation to the official route at one stage we entered one door and out another door.

Then it was up Cecil Road to a pathway to the mighty Maungawhau. We reached the summit around 12.30pm by walking clockwise around the mountain along charming paths and climbing a million steps before the last very steep climb up the side of the mountain. Some chose to take the longer but less steep walk up the road. During lunch on the summit, we were buffeted by high winds and a passing shower which did not dampen our enthusiasm as we soaked in the stunning views and refuelled our bodies.

Taking the Clive Road exit we walked along Mountain Road past Auckland Boys Grammar, over the motorway, past St Peter’s College to the Domain where we met a man who gave us the lowdown on the real coast-to-coast race from the west coast of the South Island to the east including a run of 30.5k over the mountains, a 70km kayak down the Waimakariri River and a 70km bike ride to New Brighton Pier.  Most of us decided to stick with WOPs for now.

From the Domain there was one last climb up Constitution Hill, then along Princes St and Eden Crescent to the little-known Emily Place Reserve where there is a memorial to The Rev. John Frederick Churton. Here ancient pohutukawa trees have been allowed to spread over the footpaths making them impassable.

People peeled off to their various destinations with a small group making their way to Britomart to ride the train back to Onehunga. Thanks to Jeanene for guiding us along the way. A very enjoyable day that sped along and allowed at least one happy WOPper to tick another item off her bucket list.

Dianne M.