View from the sideline 旁观者: Okura Bush Walk

Okura River

Another September Sunday, another bush walk. This time we thought we were having a party, with 5 new recruits. However 2 pulled out in the early morning and a ' non-regular' went along the same path, after having a late late Saturday night out (till 5am!).

Bridge over Okura

At the entrance to the suspension bridge, there is a cleaning station for boot cleaning in order to prevent the spread of Kauri Dieback Disease.

Happily going down the steps

Not long after crossing the bridge, there were several flights of steps waiting to test your climbing ability. The next best thing , after going up those steps, was the downhill descend where less energy was required.

After crossing 2 bridges and passing a little cascade waterfall, it was time to get upward again. The is an odd shape huge kauri next to the step. I decided to head down the shell spit for some photos.

Shell Spit

Puriri Arch

Then climbing back up, passed the Puriri archway to the top and following the fence line,Karepiro Bay is just a distance away. From here it was a 50+ steps downward to the beach and the Cottage. It was lucky we were going down those steps. There is a shallow 2 m wide stream to cross before getting to the Cottage. Our city trampers took a good 20 min trying out all sorts of way - building bridge, laying plank, deciding on the narrowest crossing etc, to get across without getting wet or taking out their boots. I don't know how they did it but they managed.

Karepiro Bay

Dacre Cottage

Dacre Cottage was built in 1863 by Henry Dacre and was restored in 1984 as an historic building. It was party time (lunch time) at the Cottage garden.

Dacre Point

Mudstone Rock

The 50+ steps up would have frightened some of us. Fortunately this time low tide was on our side. We took the coastal route back to the sand and shell spit. From here we headed back to the trail.

Puddle Rock

The way back from here was not too hard mostly. However going up those flight of steps really taking tolls on the tired legs and body. We managed to get back to the car park in few pieces, ie after removing the boots, jackets, backpack, camera etc.