Today was the first walk of Term 3 with a choice between our walk & the Hunuas. Eight hardy souls including our leader Elizabeth arrived in the small carpark by this Regional Park on a slightly chilly morning. It is certainly great to be out with WOPs again after a long break due to Covid 19. A very special welcome back to Zahra & Sam who are back tramping after an extended absence.

This walk is set in the Waitakere foothills & starts from 114 Te Henga Road by the stockyards & crosses rolling farmland up to a high point with views to the west coast & east including Rangitoto Island on a clear day. This park is a working farm but also on the lower level has a Disc Golf Course, apparently quite popular & there were several individuals playing when we started walking. The area is bordered by the Waitakere bush which sadly is out of bounds due to the Rahui. We start off steadily climbing & traversing in some places over stiles meant for giants with electric fences so that kept us on our toes. Nobody got a shock thankfully! The cattle were quite interested in us (see pics) also lots pukekos & bee hives around. Our morning tea stop was on a higher point where a campsite is available to the public (no vehicle access) only water & toilet there but toilet still shut due to covid! Very tranquil area & nice views, would be great in the summer with Waitakere bush nearby which is part of the Cascades area.

We continued on joining up with the Whatitiri track which continues up to the junction of Long Road Track & Long Road. When we reached this junction I recognised I had been here in this area before with WOPs (Whatitiri-Cascades Aug 2016) Long Road Track winds upwards to a junction & lookout where we rejoin the Regional Park & continue on up to the summit. Long Road Track carries on into the bush & Cascades area but was closed off. We also saw where a fellow WOPper was tree planting with a community group last week which in a few years will be a lovely bush reserve. From the highest point the clouds had cleared so we could look to the east & clearly see Rangitoto Island in the distance. It was clearer to the west & stunning views of Bethells Beach area, Te Henga walkway area, Lake Wainamu area, Muriwai & way over  to Kaipara Harbour (pics attached). As it was cool & windy we found a more sheltered spot for lunch down by the fenceline which was near the track which takes you to Lake Wainamu (also closed!) More beehives close by & Judy D. gave us a very interesting talk on bee keeping. She has several hives on her property.

To return we retraced our steps till we reached Whatitiri track then skirted back over the western side of the Park. Pae o Te Rangi Regional Park is a hidden gem & well worth a visit with plenty of hills, mud, farmland, tracks, so something for everyone. A great start to the term & many thanks to Elizabeth for finding this spot & leading us.

Colleen W.

Click here for photos from Colleen