Haighs Access Rd
Auckland
Okura Walk
Join the Swiss club for an easy bushwalk, close to Auckland, next Sunday 12 January
Where? Meet at the end of Haighs Access Rd. Take the motorway exit at Oteha Valley Rd, turn right onto Oteha Valley Rd, 1.7k to North Cross, turn left into East Coast Rd, 4.5k, Haighs Access Rd is on your right. There is a small car park at the end, and marked parking along the road.
When? We will start the walk at 10.30.
What? Beautiful NZ bush, including Nikau, Kauri, Puriri etc etc. Birdlife: apart from the usual land- and seabirds you’ll see oystercatchers, perhaps even dotterels.
Who? The track is very well maintained, suitable for the whole family, take your visitors and friends! Best wear some walking shoes. Sandals not recommended although it has been done.
How long? The walk from Haighs Access Rd to KarepiroBay takes about 1 ½ hours. We will have lunch there. There are longdrop toilets, a swing, sand, nice grassy bits, even some shade under a tree, and you can admire Dacre Cottage (NZ history) from the outside. No shops, no fresh water. Not suitable for swimming, it’s a very tidal beach, we are there near low tide.
From KarepiroBay you have several options:
Walk back the same way, it will look quite different.
Or go on further to Stillwater. It takes another hour. This part can all be done along the coast, at the bottom of the cliff and later at the edge of an estuary, or you can climb up again through more lovely bush, get great views, and then go down to the Estuary halfway. Once in Stillwater, you can walk back – which makes a five hour walk in total, good for fitness after the Christmas indulgence. But if you’d rather not do the whole stretch twice, we can organise a carpool: One of us would pick you up at Stillwater at 10am, you leave your car there, and we’ll drive you to the start of the walk. Only you like to take up this offer, contact Nelly Steinemann at 4794038, 021892727 or nsteinemann@xtra.co.nz.
What do I take? All your food and drink for the walk. Sunscreen and hat, insect repellant, toiletpaper.
What not to take? Your dog is not allowed as it’s a reserve.
How to register? No need to register, unless you want to take up the option of a carpool
Looking forward to walking with you
The Swiss Club Committee
