On a cold sunny morning, 21 of us (including 3 off duty leaders) joined Kay to walk the recently opened Gibbons/Muir track from Whatipu to Pararaha. We soon warmed up as we climbed the advertised 570 steps to the lookout, and once there the views looking over Whatipu were lovely. The track then headed north along the ridge until we got stunning views up the Pararaha Valley. Down into the valley, all now stepped - although the chain used for negotiating the rocks is still there.

Lunch was down at the Pararaha campsite, but before that those of us who hadn’t seen the new bridge over the stream headed off to admire this beautiful structure. The valley was warm and the nikau were in flower attracting the local silvereye. After lunch, I made an early start to tackle the climb out of the valley, so I could take it slower and enjoy the views. I was soon caught up by the rest of the group and Chris (who counted the steps) informed us that we had climbed 840 steps coming out of Pararaha!

Walking back towards Whatipu we were joined by a very friendly male tomtit, who flitted along the side of the track just ahead of us. He was just too far ahead to get a decent photo with the phone (but he is just about recognisable as a tomtit). Enjoying easier walking along the ridge we observed the signs of spring (hebe in flower and kawakawa flower spikes forming) and the recent rain (lots of basket fungi - a member of the stinkhorn family). Then down the steps back to Whatipu, enjoying glimpses of the sea, wetlands and beach as we descended.

Back at the carpark, the sign said “Pararaha campsite - 2 hours 50 minutes” - I’m glad I hadn’t noticed that on the way in! But we did walk between 13-14 km and were at the cars by 2:30pm. Awesome day, thank you, Kay, and everybody else who made it such an enjoyable walk.

Alison F.

To see Alison and Elaine’s photos, click here