Trip Snip Tapapakanga Regional Park Tuesday 29^th October

History of the park- The Ashby Homestead

In 1899 James and Rebecca Ashby purchased 737 acres of land for 7 pounds & 6 pence per acre and 80 head of cattle. They settled on the land and in 1900 built the homestead beside the beach where they raised their 14 children. An information board in the colourful cottage tells visitors that a Post office and school were established in the front room of the four-bedroom house in 1913. In 1916 the Ashby’s built a tennis court and installed a telephone line. Electricity was supplied in 1948.

The house remained in family ownership until 1990 when Auckland Regional Council purchased the last block of land and officially opened the Tapapakanga Regional Park in 1995.

The Location is simply stunning and unspoilt- it’s not hard to imagine the family members going about their business on the land, beach and sea in this awesome spot.

4 of us arrived in the one car to be greeted by Jeanene on what turned out to be a beautiful walk, escaping the forecasted rain and instead some lovely sunny weather. We started off walking the coastal track visiting the cemetery, where members of the Ashby family are buried. The walk then continues along the coast with stunning views looking out to the huge expanse of the Firth of Thames. Amazing views looking across to Coromandel and further up the coast and back to Orere Point and beyond. Eventually stopping at Waikaha Stream Campground for morning tea. With such a small group it was lovely sitting in the sun listening to the birdsong with not too much chatter. After leaving the campsite we then had quite a steep climb up to the trig where we soaked up the expansive views of the Coromandel, inland to farm and bush and up the coast to Waiheke and beyond. On down the hill where we encountered some not too friendly looking heifers, we decided to bypass them on the other side of the fence and continue on the farm walk up to a beautiful view point for lunch although one of the group ,not mentioning any names managed to sit in a cow poo which was rather unpleasant for her.

On we went eventually crossing back to the Coastal walk and over the Lagoon, back to the campsite where we discarded our packs and had a walk around the Ashby Homestead, on up a track behind the house to the Seaview campsite and lookout point and eventually back to our cars. A wonderful day, finished off with an ice-cream at Kawakawa Bay.

This is the 3^rd time I have visited this park this year and has become one of my favourite destinations. It was quite different walking in a small group, extremely relaxing and most pleasant. Thank you Jeanene for such an awesome day.

Carol W

Click here to see photos by Carol

Click here for map of walk