Waikareao Walkway

We took our rig back to Tauranga for its 12-month service and ended up staying longer than we expected. We have a problem with our batteries, and this means we have to hang about over the weekend while they try to get the issues sorted out for us. 

It's a stunning day today (Saturday), and just across the road is the start of the Waikareao Walkway.

The blue dot (just to the lower left of centre of the map) shows where we were parked up, and the walkway starts near here. We walked along the western side of the estuary—you can see Motuopae Island in the middle of the estuary.

Not too far into the walk, the pathway goes onto a wide boardwalk.

Looking over the estuary with Mount Maunganui in the distance.

A closer view of the port.

To our left, as we walked along, were people's homes. I noticed these two white-faced herons walking around on the first floor verandah of one of the houses.

The one closer to the window appeared to be trying to get inside, flying up against the glass. Perhaps he can see the reflection and thinks there's another heron inside!

Still puzzled . . . 

Looking back off to the right across the water is Takitimu Drive, the main road between Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.

A small side path winds down toward some of the houses.

The walkway is really popular with bikers, runners and walkers. Although there aren't many in my photographs, we came across at least two dozen cyclists and just as many walkers and runners out for their morning exercise. The Waikareao Walkway is well-used.

That's Motuopae Island in the middle of the estuary, with Mount Maunganui in the background.

A slightly closer view with the Mount on the far left and the port visible off to the right of the island.

We eventually reached some bush. There didn't seem to be any signs around, so I assume it's McCardles Bush as per the signage at the beginning of our walk.

Time to head back.

Home . . . for the next two nights at least!

If you cannot see "Post a Comment" below, click here (and scroll down to the bottom of the post) to talk to me! 

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.

If you cannot see "Post a Comment" below, click here (and scroll down to the bottom of the post) to talk to me!