We had perfect weather conditions to explore one of Auckland’s newest regional parks. 9 of us set off from the top car park following the orange then blue trails downhill, knowing full well on our return it would be an uphill slog.  Oh well, what goes down must come up. As well as enjoying the distant views over the shimmering Kaipara Harbour we were on the hunt for mushrooms and milk weed, plus we played a game of memory madness!! We came across a local farmer who was happy to share local knowledge with us right down to the tonnage from his maize crop!  We asked him so many questions that at one point he asked if we worked for the IRD? He said he rarely saw anyone using the walkway so was thrilled we were using it. The park is a working farm so the leader Jill was expecting us to have to cross through paddocks with bulls in, as happened last year, but no excitement like that on this trip. Our destination was the old prawn farm at Omokorito Bay Reserve. We returned via the beach and enjoyed lunch on the seashore before our return up the hill. At the lunch spot we used the binoculars to observe the many wading birds. In the hunt for spoonbills the sculptures on Gibbs Farm were spotted.

Welcome to the two new WOPpers and 1 returning WOPpers. Hope to see you all again.

A very enjoyable walk, great company and perfect weather

Jill B.

Click here to see Jill’s photos