Twenty three WOPpers gathered at Phyllis Park Reserve in a rather chilly wind ready to do the Oakley Creek Walkway and beyond.  We started off by viewing The Sanctuary Mahi Whenua Gardens & Food Forest on the Unitec Campus Grounds. The place is over 100 years old and one of the volunteers there kindly spoke briefly to give us some history. We then did a loop and continued on the walkway to view the Oakley Creek waterfall.  It is Auckland's only natural waterfall and Oakley Creek is one of Auckland's longest urban streams. 

We eventually crossed over to Pt Chevalier side and followed walkway running alongside the motorway to Eric Armishaw Reserve and from there we walked along the mud flats and battled the cold wind but the kite surfers etc were enjoying it. At Raymond Street reserve had lunch see pic of our group huddled against the wind.

On returning crossed over and joined walkway under the motorway ramps to see more areas steeped in history. This area used to be a flour mill and tannery and all this was discovered when archaeological investigations were done. The boiler from the tannery is on display. Also went on the Howlett Reserve walkway also historical area which has been upgraded as part of the Waterview motorway upgrade. So all in all a very informative day and we succeeded in walking about 15 kms! so although not bush tramping we still had a good work out.

Many thanks to Kay our leader.

Colleen W.

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