17 refreshed WOPpers joined Linsey on the trails for one of the first walks of 2024.   We navigated Cutty Grass Track which is off Scenic Drive in the Waitakeres, and visited two local tramping club huts, Alpine Sports and Auckland Tramping which were very well hidden in the bush.  We walked to the McElwain lockout for spectacular views over Piha, and saw where an old track up to the lockout was completely overgrown due to track closure.   We then walked back up Cutty Grass to the cars to transfer to the start of Spragg Bush.  

Spragg Bush was full of lush natives as well as many impressive healthy kauri trees, well worth a visit.  There were some great examples of kauri “scales" falling off as well.  Waitakere Cemetery lies at the  beginning of the track.  It was established in the 1860's and appears to have been the only public cemetery in the area until the Waikumete Cemetery was opened in 1886. The majority of those buried in the Waitakere Cemetery are believed to have been members of the Bethells, Colebrook and Russell families.  

Thanks Linsey for being our leader today.

Keryn M.

Click here to see Keryn's photos