Tawharanui Open Sanctuary

Wet weather gear all ready

Paradise Ducks

This time we made our way to Tawharanui Open Sanctuary on 8 September. This was another 4 and 1/2 hours 12km Sunday routine for the fitness fanatics, I guess.

Wooden Bridge at end of Eco track

As usual, our route planning was haphazard and we almost missed the whole of the ecology trail. But this time it was only 50 m off the mark back. The well maintained track on the Eco trail made it easy on the legs. There were plenty of bird life, especially Tui and Fantail, along the Eco trail. After crossing a wooden bridge, the Eco trail is joined by the Fishermans track.  We were fortunate to sight a Kereru on  top of a tree.

Kereru (Wood Pigeon)  on Fishermans Track

At the end of  the Fishermans track, we were quite confused with the direction   and we headed back to where we started. May be we were exhausted, disorientated or a bunch of scout and guide dropouts, and trying to get lost in this Open Sanctuary! Never mind the mistake though. Just relax and have our brunch or late morning tea under the shade, have a rest before starting another long walk.

Beautiful coastal view

So far we have been walking on well formed tracks .  Next destination was heading to Maori Bay on the Hauraki Gulf. There is no DOC sign at the beginning of the track.

KC, Our City Tramper

 The track from the junction of Eco trail and Fishermans track to the Maori Bay was narrow and slippery, with mature tree roots spreading onto the surface of the track. Nothing difficult but just have to watch your steps. You can see clearly Kawau Island from the Maori Bay viewing area.

Long march to Trig

Tokatu Point

Undecided ?

Then it was another gradient climb, fortunately gentle slope, to the Trig and Tokatu Point. But with those loads on your back and after nearly 4 hours of dragging ourselves, the slope was still too much for the city folks! The route up to the Trig was mainly on  pasture land. The 30min effort to Tokatu Point rewarded us with the beautiful coastal scenery and the foggy view of Little Barrier Island at the far end.

Trig

Kite Surfer at Anchor Bay

It was time to head back along North Coast Road for the final part of the walk. The Northerly coastal wind was pretty strong in the open area. The final dash to Anchor Bay was to make sure there was still kite surfers there for our photo shoots. Fortunately there was still a lone surfer doing his routine.    

Finally we successfully completed our weekend adventure and working hard to achieve our goal.

Next destination is Okura Bush Walk.

Atiu Creek Regional Park

This was our 2nd week of training for the biggie at the end of the year. We decided to venture to Atiu Creek Regional Park, about 113 km from Auckland.  It was a relatively new park which was only opened to public in 2008. It took us 1 and 1/2 hours to get there. It helps when you have your GPS settings pointing at the right direction!

The entrance to the Park was not very well sign posted. Without the usual larger than life sign, we were uncertain whether we were at the right place.

Scene from car park area

Lone walker on private land

Walking on private land

The beginning of the track was pretty easy, pretty level then moving downhill until the "private property" area. Without reading the map properly, we headed into the private area and wasted a good 2km return. The sign for the track was partly hidden and was blocked by branches.

Atiu Creek Estuary

We decided to go to the Kauri Point track and it was bloody hard getting up the steep slope. With shower, strong wind and creating you own path as you walk, it was real tough getting up there. Once we 'conquered' the Point,  it was time to have our snacks, taking photos and stretching our legs while enjoying the beautiful scene of the Atiu Creek Estuary. Coming down was equally hard where negotiating the uneven slope, muddy ground, avoiding potholes and sheep droppings required every bits of concentration. We were so pleased to walk on level metal track once more.

Heading towards Soloman Bay

Soloman Bay

Next stop was Soloman Bay, with  two Maori sculptures, Oweka Tapu Pou, situated nearby. Time to take a rest before heading skyward again. The wind was pretty strong, and at times we were unable to walk straight. My guess of the wind speed was 60+km/h.

Reservoir

Now it was time for another rest before tackling the Reservoir track. At least this area was sheltered from the coastal wind and the track was well formed. Once we passed the reservoir, it was time to head back to the car park. This last section of the metal track was good but it was another 'steep' gradient. After an exhausting 4+ hours of walking, it was a long, very slow small-step-at-a-time approach to get back to the car park.

Residents of the park

Exhausted Trampers returning home

Rest room

Overall the 15km walk was quite challenging.  Climbing over locked gates were, at times, testing your co-ordinations and balancing skills! Al least we managed to complete the distance and it was time to head home for a well earned hot shower.

Map