READERS VIEWS
New Zealand Walks
Waikanae River Loop Track
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s a Waikanae resident, and regular walker of the river tracks, I can assure Judy and your readers that the tracks continue from the Te Arawai swing bridge up to the State Highway 1 road bridge, where a footpath enables walkers and cyclists to complete the full loop. This is why there are no signs. The “friendly local walker” gave Judy incorrect information, which meant she missed out on an extra 3.30km of track with some lovely bush sections. The river track on the north (true right) bank does cross private land in places, acknowledged by signs on fence lines. Dick Bellamy
Gibbons Track, Pararaha Valley Track and Muir Track entrance to Pararaha Valley The Gibbons Track Walk in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park is a 14-kilometer long, medium-difficulty track for the enthusiasts. The track starts from Company Stream Bridge that’s behind Karekare Beach. In your way to conquer the track, you will come across some enthralling views of flora that’s found in the particular region only. Completing the track can take somewhere around three hours depending on whom you are travelling. The elevation is 276m, and it can be a little difficult to walk upwards. The walk has good mobile coverage, and you get access to public toilets. Dogs aren’t allowed on Gibbons Track Walk, and the track has no wheelchair access. The Pararaha Valley Track starts from behind a large sand dune at the www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz
The track follows the northern bank of the Pararaha Stream, fording the stream to the junction of Muir Track by a large grassy area and shelter. The track is just over a kilometer long and takes about 20 minutes. The Muir Track starts from the Pararaha Valley Track by large grassy clearing and shelter. A steep track ascends around a rocky outcrop and up a tributary valley to meet the Gibbons Track and Walker Ridge Track. The track is over one kilometer long Allow 45 minutes.
Judy Eva replies I had my sister with me and we were told by a man on a bike as well as the friendly local lady that you had to cross the Te Arawai Bridge to get back to the other side due to the private property further along. The correct information is that the loop continues by going up onto the main road. As for the comment about needing a sign on the big foot bridge that you had to cross to continue the loop we had kept going past it thinking we were on the correct side to do the loop and ended up on a side road. Thanks to a local we were directed back to cross the foot bridge. Had there been a sign on it with information to cross it to start the loop it would have saved a lot of foot work for us and probably other walkers that are not local. Judy Eva
Ouch! Sore feet while walking? Hikers Wool is 100% New Zealand wool. Cushion your feet to prevent pain, rubbing and blisters. Buy online or at selected stockists For more info visit www.hikerswool.co.nz Walking New Zealand, issue no 291 - 2022
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