Twenty WOPpers enjoyed an adventure in the environs of Warkworth today.  Our walk took us on paved pathways, some road walking, bush & of course lots of mud. A bonus of fine weather as well! We commenced with the Sesquicentennial Walk, through bush alongside the Mahurangi River, then the Town Riverbank Walk, Lucy Moore Memorial Park & on the way back, the Kowhai Reserve.  

The aim was to get to the Mahurangi Cement Works ruins which didn't disappoint in my opinion.  Its gothic-like ruins were once a site of NZ's first Portland Cement manufacturing back in the 1880's. This area has a lake which is used as a swimming hole but is actually a flooded quarry.  On our way, we encountered very friendly chooks & a curly coated pig who ran to the fenceline to be patted & fed. 

We continued on up a metalled road for about half an hour past magnificent stands of kauri to arrive at Parry Kauri Park.  This area is well worth a visit. Absolutely beautiful stands of bush. The area is under renovation (nearly finished, the workers told us) with boardwalks & new railings. One can follow these pathways to view many native species: kauri, kahikatea, puriri & taraire, to name a few. This park also has a neat museum & little gift shop plus toilets!  See pic of the McKinney Kauri which is over 800 years old.   

After lunch here we retraced our steps back to the Cement Works then followed a different path back to the Riverbank Walk. On the way back we had to step back into our childhood & have fun on the flying fox at the Lucy Moore Memorial Park. About half a dozen of us had several rides. See pic of Carole & Lynda having a race. Let's say they were a tie for 1st place! 

The Kowhai Reserve by the Hill St intersection is interesting although partially closed - you guessed it: storm damage - but we had a bit of a stroll & passed by the historic lime kilns (see pic) apparently constructed in 1866.   

We finished our day by going back through the Sesquicentennial Walk to enjoy views of the river, bush & the mighty rapids!!

A great day had by all with lots of highlights. Thanks heaps, Jeanene.

Colleen W. 

To see Colleen’s photos, click here