Monday Walkers

A peep of blue sky and an emerging rainbow arching Tu¯ rangi seemed a good omen for our walk in the Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve and so it proved as, once down in the reserve by the Whakapapa River, the rain stopped. Although the region was an area of extensive milling this section of native bush was saved and in 1921 a 148-hectare reserve was created. Now it is also a kiwi sanctuary. Before we entered the track, we caught sight of a family of whio. Despite Monday’s fast flowing and high water level they bobbed about diving for food. Their blue-grey feathers blend into the colour of the river rocks, forward-facing eyes improve vision and a bill with a rubbery lip buffers the bill from damage as the bird feeds on invertebrates clinging to rocks underwater. The reserve tracks are easy to follow with groves of tree ferns that have thrived in canopy gaps created where large trees have fallen. Umbrella moss, scrambling clubmoss and orchid plants were all seen in the understory of tawa, rimu and miro. Across the road a track and boardwalk led across a tranquil lagoon shadowed by trees. The reeds growing in it all made a beautiful picture. We met some locals who had been checking their pest traps. Over the last six months they have caught more than 150 feral cats and more than 600 other pests in the reserve. We lunched by the old bridge before travelling to Manunui and walking the short flat walk around Sawmiller’s Grove. Here locals have ensured a small stand of to¯ tara, kahikatea and rimu is preserved and maintained in recognition of the area’s early history. Next week we have a riverside walk planned. Email walkersmondaytaupo@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook @Taupo¯ MondayWalkers.