Monday Walkers

A short walk was the order of the day so last Monday we headed for the Waipehi Track to walk to Jellicoe Point.

This easy circuitous walk is accessed from behind the gravel dump just north of the Motutere Bay camping ground. The old coach road track climbs high above State Highway 1 and from the lookout and through the regenerating bush there are great views of Motutaiko Island, Bulli Point and all across the lake.

The kanuka, whauwhaupaku (five finger) and kohuhu (pittisporum) are thriving. Some of the bracken in the scrubby areas was dug over and trampled, presumably by wild pigs. We were fortunate to spot the grasslike leaves and concave flowers of green-hooded orchids dotted along the side of the track.

These little flowers have touch sensitive tips or tongue that flip back when a pollinating insect lands. When the insect crawls out the pollen it has collected is transported to the next plant the insect lands on and the little flower reopens in about an hour. Unfortunately these plants are threatened by browsing possums. We noticed an unusual and quite pervasive smell of curry from the damp bush. No obvious culprit was seen but hopefully it was not from the environmental plant pest tutsan.

We walked beside cliffs of volcanic ignimbrite, spotted what remains of the old main road and crossed the Waipehi Stream before negotiating the busy road to the enjoy time at the lakeshore reserve.

All in all, a great walk for families and visitors and a chance to view the lake from a different perspective. Next week we head west for a longer walk. For more information search Facebook for Taupo Monday Walkers, phone David on 027 592 294 or email walkersmondaytaupo@gmail.com.