Mercer Bay Loop Track for great west coast views

slice into the Tasman Sea as each wave continues its ceaseless endeavor to reach shore.

Our favourite place means many photos are taken, we pause and just take the view in, letting it envelop us physically and mentally.

Eventually we slowly head back up the steps for morning tea on the seat beside the pou sculpture that marks the site of the former pa.

We continue back to the trail fork this time heading right towards the ComansTrack all the way down to the northern end of Karekare Beach and a beautiful green seat that ‘yes’ is free for us to relax and eat our lunch while watching the beach scene below us.

Lunch is quiet because we are in our special place, again bringing a peaceful silence.

Deciding to take the wider more straightforward Ahu-ahu Track back we start our climb to return to our car, mostly in shade the track winds slowly upward on a gravelled trail. We both hope this first day of 2023 spent in such beautiful surroundings is a good sign for things to come in 2023.

Above left: On the way down the steps.

Below left: Time for a sit down.

Below right: A view from the steps.

The Mecer Bay Loop Walk is 2.2km long. Time: Alllow just under an hour. The start of the walk is 38km from Auckland. Driving time 45 minutes. Above: The sign says it all. Below left: Looking out into the Tasman Sea from the step.