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.