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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