Herekawa Stream and Clifftop Walk
For an interesting and pleasant stroll taking in a rural, beach and clifftop view the Herekawe Stream walk is the one for you giving three different and charming changes of scenery.
The Herekawe Stream begins to take shape in the farmland of Omata with a large proportion of the water coming from urban western New Plymouth which has formed the wetland area of this walkway. It is also home to threatened native fish and many native plants and also supports a great concentration of bird life.
This walkway project was started in 2002 and had three aims, to establish an all weather walkway along the stream to link with residential areas and the coast, to establish natural habitat through the plant
ing of native trees and to provide a recreational facility for the Taranaki community.
Over 6,000 native trees were planted by more than 800 community volunteers. A subsequent grant from the TSB Community Trust allowed bridges to be built over stream crossings to ensure an all weather surface for this walkway which follows the stream finally exiting into the car park and coast at Back Beach.
The walk starts at the bottom of Manadon Street cul de sac on the left hand side in the suburb of Spotswood behind the Countdown Supermarket on South Road. It is signposted Herekawe Stream Walkway on the foot path entrance with information retaining to the wetland area. There is a flight of stairs leading down to a grassy area.
Once at the bottom of the stairs turn right and enjoy the rural walk with the stream and wetland on your left.
You may even get a glance of Mt Taranaki through the trees if it has decided to show its snowy head among the clouds and enjoy the beauty of a small waterfall bubbling down from the wetlands.
As you walk along you will be treated to changing scenery. Keep veering left following the stream as there are several grassy tracks lead
ing up onto streets on your right. There are several little rustic bridges to cross.
Following the path you will be surprised to see a tunnel that burrows through the hillside and through which you will exit from rural to the coast, the smell of salt water, the beach and a car park.
You are now at Back Beach.
Walk through the car park and continue down the bank onto the beach veering right.
This beach is quite wild and rugged at times and a popular surfing spot. There are high cliffs on the right hand side that have eroded away over time due to heavy seas and exposure to the weather and has become dangerous to walk too close to them but it is a great beach to stroll along. In the distance you will see the three sugar loaf Islands amongst the tide and Paritutu Rock on the top of the cliff.
As you get to the end of the beach
Herekawe Stream and Clifftop Walk
there is a wooden staircase on the right that will take you to the top of the cliff with fabulous views over the coast. There is a viewing platform on the way up.
The staircase is relatively new as the original one which had been there for many years was removed after it was damaged by a king tide and ex cyclone Gita and became unsafe.
The removal of the old one sparked howls of protest from beach users and the council officers recommendation against reinstating them was overruled by councillors who voted to fix them a move that probably helped them to be re elected at the next council elections by many happy locals, dog walkers and surfers.
Hence a brand new staircase and a viewing platform was installed. It has 242 steps but as they traverse around in a circle half way up makes it an easy climb depending on your fitness level.
Once at the top you have a beautiful view of the coast, on the left you have Paritutu Rock and if you are extra fit stroll around to the other side and get even better views of the city and wharf from the top.
It is a hard climb and suitable only for the very fit as from half way up it is hauling yourself with the help of chains embedded into the rock surface. It can be dangerous as far as your footing is concerned but worth the effort. Not for the fainthearted.
From the top of the cliff you can walk your way back to the Back Beach carpark along the grassy track by turning right. There are several different tracks that lead up to the road so keep to the one that is closest to the cliff edge. It then veers away from the edge and takes you through coastal bush and trees and the view is great for taking photographs. It is quite hilly in parts but a real coastal adventure.
There are several car parks along the top of the cliff and the Back Beach carpark is the fourth one. It is the only one with a toilet beside it. There are steps down to the lower car park from where you started.
Once back at the carpark you can walk back through the tunnel and following the Herekawe Stream end back at Manadon Street where you started.
If you do not wish to climb the stairs from the end of the beach as we did you can start off from the Back Beach bottom carpark climb the steps to the above carpark, walk along the cliff and take the 242 steps down onto the beach, back again to Back Beach Carpark, through the tunnel and back to Manadon Street.
It is recommended that it is safer to do the walk along the beach when the tide is not too close to the cliffs.
Good walking shoes recommended and enjoy the rugged scenery. Dog friendly all the way.
From Manadon Street the complete walk would probably be about one and a half to two hours. Easy going except maybe for the stairs.