Wonder Walkers | Walk Talk

WALK: Mutukaroa-Hamlins Hill - Penrose

Wonder Walkers — Sun, 19 May 2013 21:29:00 +1200

Mutukaroa-Hamlins Hill Regional Park offers a pastoral landscape in the middle of the city. It is surrounded by industry but is visible from the Southern Motorway. Mutukaroa-Hamlins Hill is 48 hectares in area. The park is still under development. An extensive native planting programme is underway to enhance this green sanctuary which also has cultural and archeological significance. The Maori name for the hill means "the end of many battles" and many battles were indeed fought for control of this strategic access way between the two large harbours of the Waitemata and the Manukau. Both harbours were tremendous sources of seafood and easy access past Mutukaroa to this food source was highly desirable. On the northern part of the Hill are remnants of early European farming activities, including stone wall fences and hawthorn hedges. In more recent times a number of freezing works in the surrounding district used the hill's fertile grazing as holding paddocks.

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WALK: Onehunga Heritage Walk - Manukau Walk

Wonder Walkers — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:04:00 +1300

From Spring Street turn left into Princes Street, right into Alfred Street and follow Alfred Street until you reach Neilson Street and the Waikaraka Park – 175 Neilson Street. This was once the home of horse racing around 1893 and now used for stock car racing.

Walk back to 1 Alfred Street – Waikaraka Cemetery. The first burial was here in 1890. The burial ground has large areas of Returned Servicemen and the Sisters of Mercy. From Alfred Street turn right into Grotto Street. The grotto is sunken lava flow formed in a period of volcanic activity from Maungakiekie. At 4, 6, 12, 14 Grotto Street are fine examples of early villas built by William and Thomas Kemp between 1885 and 1897. Walk back along Grotto Street turn right into Alfred Street and then left into Grey Street. 177 Grey Street is NZ Industries. This was built in 1887 by the Kemp brothers. This home has the coat of arms over the bay window and is described as being that of 'NZ Industries.'

Walk to Mays Road. At 16 Mays Road is Emerald Hill a villa built by the Kemp brothers. Leave Mays Road and walk to 111 Victoria Street...

11 Ladies Wanting to Do Catered Walk - Any ideas

AmandaJayne — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:16:00 +1300

Hi there – hoping some one can help me with some options. 11 of us did the Tora Coastal Walk last year and have just come back from doing walk Gisborne. Looking for something next year. We are based in Taupo and Auckland so ideally want somewhere that the Auckland people can drive to instead of flying. Any ideas at all? Have seen the Kaipara2Kaipara walk and the Catered coast walk in Langs Beach, but apparently there is something down Tauranga/Waihi way? Also Coramandel way. Ideally not guided. We have been generally spending about $500 for 3 days which includes our meals so ideally around that price range. Would love it if anyone can help us? Many thanks

WALK: Waikato River Walkway

Wonder Walkers — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 11:12:00 +1200

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WALK: Pinnacles - Rangihau/Moss Creek Junction

Wonder Walkers — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 09:51:00 +1300

A steep climb leads to the jagged summit of the Pinnacles, with magnificent panoramic views. Take care at the summit. 50 minutes each way.

30 minutes from the hut the track drops steeply into the main Kauaeranga River above the gorge. A remnant of the Kauaeranga Dam lies 10 minutes off the track, downstream of the river crossing. Cross the river (no bridge) and climb steeply through scrubland for an hour to the Rangihau/Moss Creek junction. 2 hours each way.

After crossing a side stream drop steadily through scrubland towards the Rangihau Road, end. It is a further 10 kilometres along a rough 4WD road to Coroglen. 4 hours each way.

Visit DOC website for further information on accommodation facilities.

Also visit Sunkist Backpackers website for another great accommodation choice. View Walk Details.

WALK: Hunua Falls / Wairoa: Cossey Massey Loop

Wonder Walkers — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 09:31:00 +1300

Combine Cossey gorge track with the Massey track to create a rewarding loop walk. The track is metalled and benched but is steep in places and involves paddling or rock hopping across Cossey Creek. This walk offers long range views, native forest, sparkling water and giant kauri trees. View Walk Details.

WALK: Cudlip Point Loop Track – Mahurangi West

Wonder Walkers — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:54:00 +1300

The sheltered bays, native bush, open pasture and historic sites of Mahurangi Regional Park straddle the entrance to the beautiful Mahurangi Harbour, which gives the park its name.

The park is divided into three "fingers" – Mahurangi West, Scott point and Mahurangi East. Mahurangi West provides a backdrop to three pohutukawa-fringed bays – Sullivan's (Otarawao) Bay, Mita (Otuawao) Bay and Te Muri Bay.

**Cudlip Point Loop Track**This often windswept track leads up to the open pastures of Cudlip Point then down to the foreshore and back.

Scott Point includes the historic Scott Homestead, while the remote Mahurangi East is only accessible by sea.

The park is a favourite stop for boaties all year round. It takes on a festive air at Auckland Anniversary Weekend in January, when hundreds of classic vessels revel in the Mahurangi Old Time Regatta.

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WALK: Mataitai Forest (Ness Valley) - Clevedon

Wonder Walkers — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 10:30:00 +1200

A network of marked tracks in the Mataitai Conservation Area, near Clevedon, suitable for experienced trampers. Use the on-site sign to plan your walk before leaving the carpark. Access to all tracks is from the main carpark via the track across the pedestrian bridge. The tracks are being upgraded over time and you can get up-to-date track information from the DOC Auckland Visitor Centre. View Walk Details.

Papamoa Walking Group

SuzyV — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:31:00 +1300

WALK: Lake Kainui Walking Track

Wonder Walkers — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:02:00 +1300

The lake edge has been planted in a mix of native and exotic species and a walking track formed around the lake (1 hour circuit).
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WALK: Pukete Circuit

Wonder Walkers — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:07:00 +1300

The pathway is cobbled, flat and easy. The walkway goes through Braithwaite Park and then crosses over the Pukete Road Bridge up River Road and returns to Braithwaite Park via the Pukete Footbridge to make a circular walk. View Walk Details.

WALK: Kawakawa Bay Walking Track

Wonder Walkers — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:18:00 +1200

The track to Kawakawa Bay begins at the western end of the beach to the right of the parking area. The track entrance is signposted. Glorious views feature as the track climbs from Whangamata Bay and sidles along the top of a broad cliff. The bush is dominated by rewarewa but look out for the giant matai too. Once you reach the rocky lookout, the track drops down to Kawakawa Bay. View Walk Details.

Tauranga Walkers - joins us for fun weekend walks

ktaylor — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:43:00 +1200

Hi Tauranga girls. I have so far had a couple of walks with girls I have met thru this cool site. What can I say, but, it is HEAPS easier to walk with a friend. You know you cant really change your mind, and I really look forward to the little "Chats" you have with new people. I have met 2 really cool fun people to walk with and really look forward to our weekend walks. So, if you are from Tauranga and keen to join us, let me know and we can "hook up". I will be a guaranteed fun, rewarding time.

WALK: Okura Bush Walkway

Wonder Walkers — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 07:48:00 +1300

This track takes you through regenerating coastal kauri forest along the Okura River estuary and edge of the Long Bay – Okura Marine Reserve to Karepiro Bay and historic Dacre Cottage, and on to Stillwater. From Haighs Rd the track follows the Okura River estuary through mixed coastal forest, with groves of nikau, pohutukawa and regenerating kauri. After a 20-minute hill climb the track drops down to the rivers edge where you may see a variety of wading birds such as stilts and oystercatchers. It then climbs to a headland before dropping quite steeply to Karepiro Bay, where the restored historic Dacre Cottage is located at the northern end. Dacre Cottage was built in the 1850s by Henry Dacre, son of the retired sea captain Ranulf Dacre, who bought the Weiti block in 1848. If heading to Stillwater, you can follow the coastline at low tide, or take the overland track, climbing steeply above the coastal cliffs, with good views of Karepiro Bay and the Hauraki Gulf, before dropping back to the Weiti River estuary. From here the track follows the river, crossing private land to the Stillwater car park.

Haighs Access Rd to Dacre Cottage 4.8 km, 1.5 hours...

WALK: Te Whara Track

Wonder Walkers — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:37:00 +1200

The Te Whara track follows an ancient Maori trail from Urquharts Bay to Ocean Beach. Te Whara was the principal wife of the rangatira Manaia.

A reasonable level of fitness, skill and experience is needed to walk the main tracks at Bream Head Scenic Reserve. The hill access leading on to the Mt Lion, Ocean Beach and Peach Cove tracks are all steep.

From Urquharts Bay, the track climbs steeply up Mount Lion until it reaches the ridgeline. Once on the ridge the track becomes undulating and easy going. The ridge track eventually intersects with the Peach Cove track. From there you climb to the Te Whara / Bream Head summit. From the summit, the track heads down to Ocean Beach and passes a WWII naval radar station.

The track passes through some of the best coastal forest in the North Island. At the Bream Head summit, you can enjoy a magnificent coastal panorama taking in Motukokako (Cape Brett) in the north to Tawharanui (Cape Rodney) in the south and includes the offshore islands Tawhiti Rahi and Aorangi (Poor Knights), Marotere (Hen and Chickens group), Hauturu (Little Barrier) and Aotea (Great Barrier) in the far east.

To minimise disturbance to...

WALK: Hunua Ranges Suspension Bridge Loop

Wonder Walkers — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:36:00 +1200

This loop is made by combining the Suspension bridge track with part of the Wairoa Cossey track. The track can be walked in either direction. Viewing platforms give pictorial views across Wairoa reservoir and the Hunua Range. View Walk Details.

WALK: Taraire Water Gardens

Wonder Walkers — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:36:00 +1300

Water garden and native bush world. The entry and exit is through native bush. The bush features giant burrs, vines, massive volcanic boulders covered in lichen and native orchids. Kiwis and glow worms are a feature at night.

The water gardens were created from a large swamp.

The garden has many bog plants along with a large selection of waterlilies and a Japanese segment.
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Walkers in Masterton

Isla Allanah — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:15:00 +1200

Are there any wonder walkers members in Masterton who would like to form a walking group?

WALK: Whatipu

Wonder Walkers — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:49:00 +1300

The Whatipu area is a Scientific Reserve owned by the Department of Conservation and managed on behalf by the Auckland Regional Council.

It is a spectacular area of coastal dunes and wetlands. It is also the breeding ground for endangered species such as the New Zealand Dotterel. Due to its status as a scientific reserve no dogs are permitted at Whatipu.

Swimming is not recommended at Whatipu beach as the surf and tidal conditions are extremely dangerous.

Caves Track
From the car park, cross the wooden footbridge and walk past the information shelter. At a smaller footbridge to the left of the shelter, a signposted walk leads to a very large cave and several smaller caves.

**Kura Track**This track follows the Whatipu Stream for a while and passes the Gibbons timber mill site, which is a significant part of Auckland's industrial past.

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WALK: Te Aroha Mountain Summit

Wonder Walkers — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:19:00 +1300

Starting at the Mokena Geyser, the track continues up beyond the lookout across a small saddle then rises steeply to the summit (952m). The track is well defined and there are steps on the steep sections. As the track climbs the forest changes with windswept vegetation near the summit. From the top the 360 degree view is spectacular with Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki visible on a fine day. View Walk Details.

WALK: Tangimoana Walkway

Wonder Walkers — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:57:00 +1300

Tangimoana (meaning "crying sea") is located at the river mouth of the Rangitikei River and is a popular place for fishing and sailing. The wetlands on the northwest side of the village are a significant wildlife area for migrating birds.

Follow the track around the landscaped pond, past the playground and up Paua Street. Walk behind the campground, and then through the reserve to the edge of the Rangitikei River flood plain. The sandy track leads to Tangimoana Road with exit routes to picnic tables. When returning walk back briefly along Tangimoana Road and follow the metal vehicle track towards the boat ramp. Walk back along the sand dunes to the beach. There are many uphill sections. The e triangular boat guiding marker at the beach is a good reference point.
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WALK: Southern Pegasus Bay Track

Wonder Walkers — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:21:00 +1300

Runs almost the entire shoreline from Spencer Park through New Brighton to South Shore. Parts of the track follow the crest of the dunes to take in the great views. Facilities encountered along this track include surf lifesaving clubs, toilets the New Brighton Pier, picnic areas, children's play areas and information panels. View Walk Details.

WALK: Mt Tauhara

Wonder Walkers — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:00:00 +1200

An uphill hike that takes you to the summit of Mt Tauhara (1088m). This volcano was last active 30,000 yrs ago. The views from the summit are amazing and take in all of Taupo and the surrounding area. View Walk Details.

WALK: Looking Glass Garden

Wonder Walkers — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:31:00 +1200

This is a garden on a grand scale – twenty acres spread over valleys and hillsides. On clear days there are views out to Cape Runaway in the distance. This garden has plantings of magnolias, michelias, camellias, beeches and many other rare and exotic trees. Many native birds take advantage of the cover. In mature areas where shade is predominant, moss has established making an unusual and attractive ground cover. Hostas, polygonatum (Solomons seal) and dwarf agapanthus provide perennial cover. In spring the hillsides are a sea of gold when thousands of daffodils bloom. Lilies are a feature in summer. In keeping with the name of the garden many whimsical references to the theme are found throughout. Sculptures in stone and other materials also feature. Comfortable walking shoes are advised.

Try out the staircase that has 196 steps for you to accomplish.

Tariff: Adults $5.00 and Children $2.50

Opening hours:

10 am to 4 pm View Walk Details.

WALK: Clevedon Scenic Reserve walk

Lexxl — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:15:00 +1200

Can someone share their experience on the Clevedon Scenic Reserve walk please, really want to try it out but not sure of the terrain and distance..

Thank you...Lexxl