New Zealand Walks: Bay of Islands Walking Weekend
Bay of Islands Walking Weekend has huge variety of walks
The Bay of Islands Walking Weekend has a huge variety of walks. We walk many of the islands and remote spots on the peninsula that are hard to access as individuals – the walking weekend makes it cost effective and hassle free.
These walks are spectacular with breath taking scenery, amazing flora and fauna.
This month we will look at two of our favourite walks – both very different experiences.
The first and an all-time favourite – the Moturua and Motuarohia Island Walk. Travel aboard the R Tucker Thompson, which is a total experience in itself – this amazing olde tall ship with it’s fantastic crew is a real treat and a perfect way to travel to your destination in the Bay of Islands.
Sail past the spot where Captain Cook anchored in 1769 just before we land barefooted on Motuarohia Island.
Hear some history of Cook, the firing of a canon and the theft of kumara from the locals. Learn of the ghastly murder of the whole family of Robertons who farmed there. Re-join the ship for the short voyage to Moturua Island. More murders happened here…lots more.
Stand where the French, under the command of Marian du Fresne set up their hospital and find out why he never sailed again…anywhere. See where the WWII Bay of Islands mine field was operated from and the history of an alcoholic survivor in a Kentucky rest home.
Marvel at stories of a Royal visit in 1974 as told by caretakers who survived
it! Skirt around an early Maori midden from the 1300’s and imagine the human bones it contains. Visit the bay where the Clendon family farmed and find out how far some cattle can swim. Observe the feathered wild life, saddlebacks, tui, fantails, North Island robin, (who is the latest release on the islands), and the very endangered dotterel who insist on nesting near the high tide mark which further endangers its existence.
The views, lagoons, beaches and bush leave you breathless on every step of the journey. The walking is fabulous and you journey to some beautiful spots. This day trip is truly entertaining with its stories and majestic in its beauty. Totally unique and a real must do in the Bay of Islands.
Our second walk is from Russell and includes a little bit of luxury! Alex Clayton one of the Walking Weekend guides shares his experience on the Omata Estate Walk. This is a walk for those who like a small reward at the end (read a few glasses of wine and some good food!).
We gather at the Russell Bowling Club for what is usually a very light hearted walk with myself and Donna as the guides, the enthusiasm starts to build.
Fair enough too, the walk is by no means a stroll in the park, but the destination that we are all heading for is well worth the effort! We head through the township, past some significant heritage buildings, then up ‘Constitution Hill’ which signifies the real start of the walk.
From there it is an easy pleasant walk down to sea level and through the mangrove boardwalk, stopping briefly to learn about the fascinating
history of Tikitikiioure and its mining heritage. The stories of manual labour and a hillside village that was, at its time, larger then Russell township.
Russell was not all about whalers and wenches! – you have all heard those stories, but few know of our mining heritage. There are tales of flying foxes and large ships in Orongo Bay, ready to carry the mining spoils to far away lands.
With this new knowledge taken on board, our walkers carry on, thankful that we live in a day and age where manually chipping away at the mineshaft is behind us. We now stroll around the boardwalks of Orongo Bay, taking in the extensive oyster farm operations.
One more steep climb up and over Te Wahapu ridge through wellestablished native bush. Plenty of bird life on offer and a rather cheery atmosphere to keep you well entertained, - your glass of wine will be well appreciated.
After a further hour of talk talk walk walk, you come to the beautiful grounds of Omata Vineyard, with its expansive views out to Paihia.
The land was purchased from the local Maori in 1831,by captain John Wright, Omata was a key destination point for European immigrants to New Zealand. This began Omata’s involvement in Russell under European ownership. In 1883, the Deeming Family purchased 70 acres from John Wright’s estate. This land was passed down through generations until 1994 when the land was developed to make today’s Omata Estate.
Omata Estate is now owned by the Cashmore Family and under the guidance of Bruce Soland (viticulturalist) and Rod McIvor (wine maker) Omata has established itself as one of Northlands premier wine growing sites.
Here we are met by Bruce the resident viticulturist who humorously and skilfully presents a taster of all the wines Omata Estate have in their stable.
Noting that everyone is famished, Bruce lays on homemade pizzas fired up in his pizza oven or platters (depending on which walk you choose ) – which you can wash down with a glass or two of Omata wines.
As if sent by the angels themselves, we are then ferried back to Russell by our friends at Russell Mini Tours in their mini bus. An excellent walk with good food and wine at the end in a magical spot.
Friday afternoon/evening we have a walk that takes you to the vineyard for wine tasting and delicious wood fired homemade pizza!
Saturday walk to the vineyard for a daytime experience of wine tasting and sumptuous platters! Its’ a hard choice!!
If you want to board the R Tucker Thompson for the islands it goes both Saturday and Sunday and is a full day of adventure at its best!
For information on all walks visit www.boiwalkingweekend.co.nz.