A great group of 10 WOPpers led by Elizabeth set out to explore Hobson Bay Walkway, Orakei Basin and Kepa Bush. The Hobson Bay Walkway wound through the mangroves and overhanging pōhutukawa trees. We reached some tranquil sandy beaches and checked out the artwork by local school children, including mosaic-covered poles, paintings and iron animal sculptures. There were two elevated lookout points to capture the view across Hobson Bay.

We then walked around the Orakei Basin using the boardwalk and bridge across the Purewa arm of the basin. This beautiful tidal lagoon was formed 85,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption.

We then enjoyed Kepa Bush, walking on one of the main trails which goes around the outside of the reserve, listening for bird song. The trails are a mixture of flat sections along with a few fairly steep steps, but mostly easy to navigate. The southern edge of the reserve looked out over the Purewa Creek and there were a couple of lookouts that provided good views across the railway line to Meadowbank in one direction and the Orakei Basin and Remuera in the other.

Elizabeth M.
Click here to see photos by Dianne