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