Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest

Above: Noel negotiating the “stepping stones”, having investigated the Janie Seddon shipwreck at low tide near Motueka. Photo by Claire Woodhall, Havelock North.

Below left: My Partner Gail on The Ngatoro Loop Track on Mount Taranaki . Photo by Ken McNicol., Papamoa.

Below right: Topping up the water bottle on the Old Ghost Road. Photo by Sue Dinsdale, Mt Maunganui.

PHOTO CONTEST

Above right: Walking the Paekākāriki Escarpment. We caught the train from Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay then walked back to Paekakariki. I like the 3 tracks here - walking, train and road! Photo by William Fuller, Russell.

Below left: Walking along the road from Stony Bay Lodge on Day 2 on the the Tora Coastal Walk, Southern Wairarapa. Photo by April Anstis, Paeroa.

We are looking for the best digital photos each month depicting walking

Now the time to get your digital camera out or look through your digital images and enter the

Walking New Zealand Digital Photo Contest

The image could be a scenic scene, a walk on the beach with the dog, a bush walk, a street walk or anything walking that takes your fancy. The rules are simply: there must be a person or persons walking in the picture either front, side or back on, and can be in the distance. We require an emailed image in high resolution mode, in jpeg format as an attachment, and NOT embedded in Word or in the email, and NOT a link to a website to be downloaded. The subject line must have the words “Walking New Zealand Photo Contest” and the email must include the NAME, POSTAL ADDRESS and phone number of the person who took the photo and a small caption. In this contest only ONE emailed photo accepted per month. Entry in the contest automatically allows us to print the image. The person who has their photo published will receive a six month subscription or a renewal to Walking New Zealand magazine of six months. If a picture is chosen for the cover page the person will receive a 12 month subscription or renewal.

Email your entries to: walkingnz@xtra.co.nz with subject line

Splendid isolation walks at Lake Wanaka

The Minaret Peaks line the towering ridge between the Estuary Burn and the Minaret Burn on the western side of Lake Wanaka, and on the eastern side of the Main Divide. They reach 2209m, and are shaped like the tow- By ers of a Mohammedan Phillip Donnell mosque. They form the backdrop for a wonderful walk along the western littoral of the lake.

It’s a little-known and seldomvisited neck of the woods. That may be because there are so many other great walks in the vicinity, but if you want peace, solitude and grandeur, this one is well worth a visit, especially on a calm summer day which maximises the reflections.

The walk traverses one of the rare publicly-accessible, yet undeveloped, shorelines of Lake Wanaka. Fabulous lake/mountain views greet each turn of the track along the entire route. It’s akin to a dream come true, as the surroundings are 100% pure NZ – not a house in sight! The trail begins at Homestead Bay, near the end of West Wanaka Road, which exits the Matukituki Valley Road beyond Glendhu Bay but before Diamond Lake. A short sandy side road leads through a couple of gates to the carpark, adjacent to the mouth of the Matukituki River, the “dashing stream” which flows down the long valley from Mount Aspiring, before it sluggishly enters the southwest corner of Lake Wanaka.

When the lake is low, the pastelcoloured mineral deposits at the mouth look as though they came from one of the thermal hotspots of Rotorua.

There’s a map-board at the carpark showing the route, but the map states that Colquhoun’s is only 4km away. It’s wrong – the beach is more like 4 miles, or 7km, taking a solid 90-minute one-way walk.

The short path down to the actual beach is signed towards the northern end of the bay. If you’re not up for a 7km one-way walk and maybe want an easier outing, then Homestead Bay, where the track begins, is a nice Opposite page: A poplar canopy at Colquhoun’s Beach. Above: The view looking toward Wanaka township with Motu Tapu on the left and Roy’s Peninsula to the right.

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Splendid isolation walks at Lake Wanaka

spot to linger, explore and picnic.

Also, along the track just 10 minutes is an accessible swimming cove, the only one on the Colquhoun’s route.

Unlike most walking tracks near Wanaka, this one doesn’t require any steep climbing. It undulates gently along the sparse hillsides, mostly about 100m above the shoreline. It is mostly on an old farm road, which is good. The wide flat surface allows your gaze to wander over the mountains and coves and blue-blue lake without having to watch your steps.

To your right are glorious views of “The Island” (a huge scrub-covered sandbank surrounded by two channels of the river), Roy’s Peninsula, Bishops Bay and Mou Tapu. Looming to your left are the steep slopes and escarpments of Lookout Hill (1029m). The occasional creek tumbles lake wards.

About two hours (6 km) from the start, you descend to Colquhoun’s Flat. A few cattle and sheep sometimes greet you.

At 7.5km, a track leads off to

Above: Unnamed outcrop above Colquhoun’s Flat. Below left: Colquhoun’s Beach. Opposite page below: At the mouth of the Matukituki River with Mt Roy in the background.

the right, escorting you to the wild and pristine Colquhoun’s Beach. A clump of poplars are the centrepiece of this sweeping 1.6km arc of silverywhite pebbles. with mountains all around and Mou Waho Island front and centre in Lake Wanaka, seemingly within arm’s reach. Parallel wave-created terraces along the beach are slightly mesmerising.

Mou Waho is the famed island which has a little lake upon it dotted with its own small islands. From the beach, 2,339m Mt Alta peeks from high left.

There’s more driftwood on the beach than you could burn in a lifetime, so maybe bring hotdogs and a lighter for a fun BBQ picnic. The odd boat may venture past, but chances are that it’ll be just you on this heavenly beach.

It is a pleasant place to swim and picnic, but you will need something to combat the sandflies. There are flats for tents behind the beach if you want to stay overnight.

It is possible to proceed beyond Colquhoun’s Bay to Station Creek, at which point you are in the conservation area of the same name and following the Minaret Burn Tramping Track.

At Station Creek there is a 4WD road heading off to the left, which takes you behind Lookout Hill and down the Soft Burn, but you would need to obtain permission to follow this circular alternative route back to the West Wanaka Road.

You can enjoy this and many other magnificent walks on the Footsteps “Soul-building Southern Lakes” excursion, 9-15 April, 2023. The autumn colours will be a bonus!

Contact them for more information (021 172 3244, footstepsanz@ gmail.com) or visit their website www.footstepswalkingclub.com.

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Rapaki Loop Walk for spectacular views

The Rapaki Loop Walk just out of Martinborough, across farmland has spectacular views of the Wairarapa valley and Martinborough vineyards.

Near the highest point, a stile takes walkers to an optional viewpoint over the scenic Te Muna Valley.

The walk takes about one to two hours with some moderately steep slopes and several stiles which need to be negotiated to get up and down from the upper terraces of the track. Still they are easily negotiated and make for one of the best Wairarapa family activities.

Large cattle with horns may be encountered and it’s best to

walk around the perimeter of their paddock and pick up the track on the other side. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Children must be supervised at all times. Do carry a cell phone in case of an emergency.

This is a farm and dogs are not permitted.

Please note the walk is closed during September and October for lambing.

The track starts 1 km from the eastern end of Dublin Street on Shooting Butts Road, Martinborough. Opposite Page: A view of the township of Martinborouigh from the top of the walk. Below left: Cattle take an interest in walkers. Below right: The sign says it all. Above left: An info sign on the way to the start. Above right: The view from the top looking back to the east. Right: A farm bridge to cross.

Palliser Vineyard Walk

The Palliser Vineyard Walk in martinborough is a 50 minute loop walk that takes you around Palliser Vineyard towards the river and back through the centre of the vineyard.

Start the walk at Considine Park on the corner of Kitchener and Princess Streets.

Just follow the limestone path behind the Top 10 Holiday Park. After going through a gate at the end, turn right into Dublin Street. At the end of Dublin Street go through the gate on your left and turn right which takes you around the perimeter of the vineyard towards the river.

The exit is through the centre of the vineyard onto Weld Street. The walk is open weekends only, or weekdays after 5pm, depending on the season. It is closed in March and April during harvest.

Pekapeka Wetlands has a high

diversity value

The wetland at Pekapeka Regional Park is one of the few remaining large wetlands of its type (palustrine) in Hawke’s Bay, a 10km drive south of Hastings alongside SH2.

Its a great spot to stop for a short walk when driving as it is beside SH2.

It has a high biodiversity value and is ranked as the second most valuable wetland, ecologically, in Hawke’s Bay by the Department of Conservation.

The wetland has substantial cultural significance and since 1997, Pekapeka Wetland has had waahi tapu status under the Historic Places Act 1993.

Pekapeka is a remnant of a much larger wetland complex and today covers 98 ha. Tree roots have been found beneath the peat that suggests the wetland was once forested – more than 10,000 years ago. The wetland is 4.5km long, only 800m wide at its widest point but the perimeter is 11.3km.

Protected bird species that you might look for are - NZ dabchick, little black shag, little shag, white faced heron, Australasian bittern, mute swan, grey teal, marsh crake, spotless crake, pied stilt, shining cuckoo, morepork, kingfisher, welcome swallow, North Island fantail, silvereye, black shag and Australian harrier.

There are over 82 species of plants within the wetland (both native and introduced, including weed species).

There is a parking area, picnic areas and nine educational/explanatory signs. Pathways and board walks offer easy strolls of five to 10 minutes each, including to a derelict maimai. The lookout is at the top of a rise, two minutes walk.

History

For many years the area was used as an illegal dump and amongst other things the site has the remains of the demolished Pacific and Mayfair Hotels! Some of the rubble and reinforcing rods have been purposely left exposed to serve as a stark reminder of how we have treated wetlands in the past.

The origin of the name Pekapeka is not known, but here are some possibilities. Pekapeka can be a nocturnal bat, known to roost in caves in the area; it can be a toy windmill made of flax leaf; a greenstone ornament; the lateral arm of a fish spreader or of a catching spear; a hook for hanging a spear, or a plant; a plait of flax string; even a carpet shark…or a starfish. You decide!

Above: Above left: A general view looking from the top of a once illegal tip. Below left: A boardwalk across the swamp. Opposite page below: Tree stumps in the swamp.

Restoration

The primary aims of the restoration of Pekepeka that started from 1998 are to enhance the wetlands environmental and ecological function. For example, its capacity to effectively regulate adverse weather events ie flooding and increase the natural biodiversity that resides in and around the wetland.

The railway on the eastern side caused a bit of a problem until a decision was made to incorporate it into the design of the car park using railway materials. Because of the highway and railway, wildlife in the wetland are truly “acclimatised” to disturbance and loud noise so are quite happy to be observed from the viewing areas without taking flight!

History The Poukawa catchment was a major source of eels and birdlife for Maori. Three pa sites are immediately adjacent to the wetland and were used for eel catching and barter.

When British settlers arrived the land was sold as the Pekapeka block and was owned by the Campbell family. It became known by them as Horonui, but Pakipaki Maori refered to the Campbells as “the people of Pekapeka”, never the people at “Horonui”.

Through drainage, irrigation,

grazing and introduction of exotic plants the wetland came to be in a very degraded state. In the 1960’s it was estimated that the wetland had 5% coverage of willows, but by 1986 this had increased to an estimated 60%. The impact that this was having on the wetland was that it was essentially choking and drying out the wetland.

In 1998, an ecologist, Dr Geoff Walls, undertook the first independent monitoring report. He reported that: Willow cover had expanded markedly since the previous 1986 estimate of 60%; Many previous raupo areas had become totally dominated by willow; The area of previous open water had shrunk by 50%; Areas of sedges and rushes had shrunk by well over 50% This serious decline led HBRC to implement management plans to restore and manage the wetland to ensure its ecological and cultural values are maintained as well as its usefulness in flood control. It covers 98 ha, mostly now owned by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council but some portions on private land. It is a remnant of a former extensive wetland system covering the majority of the

Pekapeka is also closed to the public in the first weekend of May each yearfor game bird shooting (in return the shooters have provided great assistance with the enhancement work). The odour (hydrogen sulphide) emitted from wetlands in the height of summer is actually a positive in an environmental sense and occurs when nutrient, in the form of gases, are being released from the wetland biomass into the atmosphere as opposed to staying in the waterway. Pekapeka Wetlands has a high diversity value Above: The track wanders the south end of the wetlands. Insert:: One of the many bird species that abound in the wetlands. Below left and right: Two of the many interpretation signs.

Fact file

Pekepake Wetlands is 10km south of Hastings alongside State Highway 2. There is a parking area, picnic areas and nine educational/explanatory signs. Pathways and board walks offer easy strolls of five to 10 minutes each, including to a derelict maimai. The lookout is at the top of a rise, two minutes walk. There are no toilets and visitors will appreciate it when you take your rubbish away with you. Pekapeka is also closed to the public in the first weekend of May each year for game bird shooting (in return the shooters have provided great assistance with the enhancement work). The odour (hydrogen sulphide) emitted from wetlands in the height of summer is actually a positive in an environmental sense and occurs when nutrient, in the form of gases, are being released from the wetland biomass into the atmosphere as opposed to staying in the waterway.

By Judy Eva

Mangaotuku Loop Walkway follows the stream

The Mangaotuku Loop Walkway is a less known and pleasant loop walk that is well worth a visit if you to happen be in the western area of New Plymouth. It is one of the lesser known gems probably, not well known by visitors to the region.

There are various access points to the walkway including points off Calvert Road, Lawry Street, Seaview Road, Devon Street, Wirimu Place, Cook Street, Vancouver Place and Endeavour Street. The path follows the Mangaotuku Stream.

Approximately three years ago the New Plymouth District Council up graded the walkway between Endeavour Street to Devon Street and through to Calvert Road a connection well received by locals.

The extended second and newer path which is 303 metres long was once a swamp until the NPDC did some work in that area, from there they were able to put in a concrete path creating a link to Omata Road from Botany Place where the loop ends. Eventually the area will be planted to enhance it. The first part of the walkway is also known as The Wirimu Reserve.

We started the walk from the corner of Devon Street (the main street through New Plymouth) and the Seaview Road entrance which is signposted but does not give information on the loop walk only on the street exits. The sign needs to be updated. From here you can do the complete loop.

Keeping to the main path you will not get lost, do not venture along any side ones as they lead to suburbs.

The first part of the path is in good condition and mostly grass and fine gravel sometimes a bit muddy if it has been raining ,the later newer extended part being concreted. The scenery changes frequently from bush and trees with a quaint little bridge to cross and branches out into a more open area while all the time following alongside the meandering stream.

However it is all flat and easy going. One part involves walking through a reserve behind several houses. There are two streets to cross, Vancouver and Endeavour in that order and the entrance to the rest of the path is straight ahead, the second entrance taking you into a more grassy almost country area and several paddocks where sometimes horses are grazing.

This path winds slowly uphill where it then ends in Botany Place off Omata Road. This is where you will turn back. The walk takes about an hour at leisurely pace.

The walk is dog and bike friendly.

If you have time to spare when you return to Devon Street you are very close to the port end of the coastal walkway (about a 20 minute walk)and by crossing

Above left: A rustic bridge crosses the Mangaotuku Stream. Below left: The outdated sign referred to in the story.

straight across Devon Street from the Mangaotuku Walkway exit (be careful, a busy road) turning right and left into Lawry Street, walking to the end of Lawry to the Moturoa Shopping Centre, cross the road at the lights, turn left and then right into Bayly Road and at the bottom of the hill on the beach front turn right into Ocean Parade Road and to the beginning of the Coastal Walkway.

Probably easier to park in Seaview Road close to Devon Street or in Lawry Street to do the Mangaotuku Walk as there are yellow no parking lines along and outside the entrance. You can drive to the beginning of the port end of the Coastal Walkway if you wish. Above left: The country part of the walk. Above right: The Mangaotuku Stream flows alongside the walkway. Middle right: The walkway crosses two streets. Below right: The open area of the walk.

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Did you know you can now buy the latest copy of Walking New Zealand magazine posted to you at the retail price of $9.50 inc postage or you can subscribe and SAVE.

You can buy a copy by:

* Visit www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz/magazine * Email to walkingnz@xtra.co.nz with your postal address and credit card details * Ring Freephone 0800 walking, and have your postal address and credit card details handy.

Above top: A view of the wharf and ocean on the South Hill Walkway. Above: The Oamaru Precinct with historic buildings. Below left: Picnic time after a walk in Oamaru Public Gardens.

3 walks in historic Oamaru

Work up an appetite with

one of Oamaru’s scenic walks. Choose the challenging Skyline Walk or the South Hill Walkway or a walk in Oamaru’s Public Gardens. The Skyline Walk

Go up high into the hills and enjoy a good workout on the Skyline Walk. Beginning at Fenwick Park, the 4.6 kilometre track is uphill most of the way, but your motivation is the amazing views from the top.

Tall pine trees, fantails, bellbirds and native forest make the walk scenic as well as challenging. At some points you’ll be able to see the whole of Oamaru; you’ll also pass the Astronomical Society’s observatory.

Distance 5km

The South Hill Walkway

Running between Takaro Park and Lookout Point, the two-kilometre South Hill Walkway takes you through Oamaru’s historic precinct.

Many of Oamaru’s majestic Whitestone buildings reside within this historic precinct. Once the business

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hub with banks, hotels, grain and wool stores, today it is being revitalized with shops and galleries. There is an option to make a detour to the penguin colony.

The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is New Zealand’s largest scientifically monitored blue penguin colony. An ecotourism venture sitting on the Waitaki Coast beach front. Daily tours through the colony allow a natural insight into the lives of the world’s smallest penguins.

From Lookout Point the views of the town and ocean are spectacular.

Distance 7.8km

Oamaru Public Gardens

Renowned for their beauty, the Oamaru Public Gardens established in 1876 are among the oldest in New Zealand and encompass 13 hectares. It is an urban oasis reflecting the passion and vision of former curators Canopies of mature trees create a variety of tranquil spaces filled with themed plantings linked by pathways that meander around streams and ponds, providing relaxing places to unwind.

The 1.8km loop walk takes about 25 minutes.

These gardens are set out in a series of Victorian inspired “rooms” linked by a series of user friendly walkways.

These gardens have a 5 star ‘Garden of Significance’ rating and have captivated and charmed visitors for over a century.

The gardens have entrances on Chelmer and Severn Streets, Oamaru. They are open seven days per week Above: The bank building in the Main Street. Rarangi to Whites Bay between . Picton and Blenheim in Marlborough is a scenic walking track connecting the popular Whites Bay Beach, and the small settlement of Rarangi.

The walk climbs up from Rarangi near Monkey Bay track, before following the road, then descending down through a pine forest into

Rarangi to Whites Bay walks Whites Bay. The track is 4.5km one way and rise to 360m. Allow two and a half hours. DOC campsites are located at both Rarangi and Whites Bay, a great place to spend a couple of nights. How to get there: Follow State Highway 1 to Tua Marina (9km north of Blenheim). Turn off at Tua Marina and continue through to Rarangi, stopping at the car park at the base of the hill beside the sea. Above: Whites Beach. Below: The steps to climb.

Seaview Gardens Reserve an historic elevated garden

eaview Gardens Reserve is an

Shistoric, elevated garden at the south end of Foxton’s Main Street, in the Horowhenua, that offers a a short walk up a hill.

The gardens contain native trees in a hilltop park, with extensive views of the surrounding town and rural areas. This area up and around the water tower was once called Ferry Hill. People used to walk up the hill to

Above left: The new signage and gardens are a welcome site at the end of Main Street.

Above right: The water tower at the top of the hill.

Left middle: Plantings have improved the historic site

Below left: A quiet day on Foxton’s

Main Street, from a little up the

Seaview Garden viewpoint..

Below right: Looking out over the

Manawatu River loop, whee coastal ships once sailed.

watch the ferries go across the river below and to watch the ships enter the river entrance at the Manawatu Heads (Foxton Beach).

The ferry enabled travellers and the Wellington-Wanganui stage coach to cross the river to Foxton after travelling up the coast. Ferry Hill became Seaview Hill and with the planting of the gardens, became Seaview Gardens.

In the 1930s the gardens included terraces, plantings, fish ponds, ponga shelters and a bird aviary.

Following a cutback in Borough spending in the 1950s, the gardens had gradually “disappeared”, until recently the council have constructed the walking tracks and planted flax and placed signs.

The water tower was constructed in 1923 and still provides pressurised water distribution for Foxton and is now also used for a mobile phone tower. Two new books of interest to walkers has a handy introduction to the unique birdlife of New Zealand, for the backyard, bach, and backpack.

Part of the new Te Papa Te Taiao Nature Series, this accessible, handsomely illustrated guide to Aotearoa New Zealand’s native bird species has wide appeal.

Native Birds of Aotearoa describes sixty of our most interesting species – forest, garden, wetland, coastal, alpine and marine birds – reflecting the range of subtropical, temperate and subantarctic habitats across our islands.

Written by Birds New Zealand editor, Michael Szabo, and with an introduction by Te Papa Curator Vertebrates, Alan Tennyson, it is published in collaboration with Birds New Zealand. Native Birds includes ornithologist notes on each species and insights into the museum’s

Two handy fieldwork and collections. Charming original illustraguides on tions from the 1930s have been complemented in the

NZ birds same style by illustrator Pippa Keel. and plants Part of the new Te Papa Te Taiao Nature Series, this accessible, handsomely illustrated guide to the commonly encountered native plant species of Aotearoa New Zealand has wide appeal. Native Plants of Aotearoa describes and beautifully illustrates fifty of our most interesting and commonly encountered species. Written by Te Papa botanists, it includes useful descriptions on each species and insights into the museum’s fieldwork and collections. The illustrations are from Te Papa’s collections, based on sketches from fresh plant specimens collected by botanists Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander on board HMS Endeavour during the 1786–71 expedition. Each book in this lightweight, hardback series – designed by award-winning designer Tim Denee .

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