Upgrade to popular Camborne Walkway
We soon pass a stone on the bank in memory of one beloved dog who obviously enjoyed walking here.
Fingers of water reach in towards the path as it winds round the foreshore. The wide expanse of Porirua Harbour stretches out before us – Wellington’s famous wind is blissfully absent.
There are groups of seagulls at water’s edge looking very much as though they’re having a good old gossip. Several elegant herons too – in particular the dainty little white-faced heron (heron egretta novaehollandia, to give it its official name).
Along the Camborne Walkway there are several spots where you can exit (or join) the walk – its accessibility is another reason for its popularity with locals.
Soon we’re walking alongside the colourful row of boatsheds/baches that give a special character to the Camborne Walkway. We pass a bright red bach, followed by a tall blue one, then white, orange, pale blue, grey…….bright colour is obviously the only design rule here.
A few baches have paintings or photos on their outer walls, including one of Sam Hunt and his beloved dog.
One black bach has a conglomeration of fishing nets, an old outboard motor, water carriers and snorkelling gear decorating its frontage.
We emerge from the strip of baches and walk further on along the walkway to find a lunch spot.
On a grassy bank, near Pascoe Avenue, we settle down with our packed lunches and revel in the gorgeous view of blue water, distant hills, and houses, scattered on the other side of the harbour amongst trees.
The walk only takes 45 minutes one way, so our there-and-back walk from the Grays Road end, with a leisurely lunch, took us just about two hours.