Woodhaugh Walkways

A series of walkways run along the banks of the Leith River and through Woodhaugh Gardens. We entered the path at the back of the Woodhaugh NZMCA Park where we were staying—we could see people walking along the path from the window of our rig and decided to explore.

Heading in one direction, we walked along the edge of a stream.

Along the way, we passed the site of the former Woodhaugh Quarry, which operated until 1949. Also a sign mentions a deserted explosives store—I suspect this is it.

Having seen numerous people exercising their dogs off lead on this walkway, we let Lucy run free. However, at one point we came across another entrance to the walkway, where a sign advised us that dogs should be on leads. There was a $300 fine for ignoring this! Sorry, Lucy . . . back on the lead.

This is the entrance to a motor camp and near where we saw the warning about dogs off leads.

Steep cliffs run along both sides of the river in places.

Eventually, we could go no further.

The next day, we decided to walk in the other direction. This tree is eking out an existence on the side of a cliff. Just "hanging in there"!

The track comes out of the trees onto Woodhaugh Road where we crossed over the bridge by the Hotel and, walking down steps on the other side, reconnected with the walkway. Looking back . . .

This time we entered Woodhaugh Gardens. The walkways were not signposted and wove through some of the tallest trees in New Zealand. The area was just magical.

While walking through the Gardens, we came across a children’s playground, and further around near the road was a pond; seagulls were on the grass and several fat ducks of various types.

I’m certain we have not fully explored the walkways. There are so many different paths and magnificent trees.

This was the NZMCA Park, with the entrance to the walkway hidden directly behind where we were parked.

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Day's Park Hamilton

While back in Hamilton last week, we went to visit Lucy's happy place—Day's Park. Hamilton has a number of dog parks where you can exercise your dog off lead. Our favourite would have to be Day's Park. When living in Hamilton, this was the one we would drive to every day, and Lucy soon knew what the word "park" meant—the reaction was the same as for "walk". This trip, as soon as we turned into River Road, she started to get excited. She'd remembered the way.

The main car park is small, often overflowing to where people park on the grass next door. But that's only suitable for those vehicles that can safely drive over the curb.

Our second choice of access (although you could also park on the side of River Road) is down at the end of Arran Road. This is the entrance.

Day's Park is a well-maintained area, right next to the Waikato River. There is a wide, loop walkway around the park or, if you prefer, you can just walk across the field.

Looking up towards the main car park you can see this part of the path is paved.

As you come down from the main car park, there is a huge rock where the path diverges.

And on the rock a plaque acknowledging Eric Day's gift to the people of Hamilton—this magnificent area.

There are a variety of different, beautiful trees.

Many of the trees have seats under them where you can rest for a while.

Day's Park attracts dogs of every size and type—mostly bigger ones today.

There is a walkway down to the river, where you will often see dogs swimming, retrieving sticks, etc.

The river is a popular place for rowing practice and most days, if you wait long enough, you'll see some pass by.

There are also a couple of picnic tables at the top not far from the main car park.

Walking around the park, there are a number of places where you can see or access the water.

Lucy heading back up the path towards the car parked on Arran Road . . . .

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