New Zealand Walks: Beautiful countryside and views on Walkworth walks
Beautiful countryside and views on Warkworth walks
What an awesome weekend. The weather was perfect, the scenery spectacular, the company was great, and the hospitality of the local farmers impressive for the Warkworth Walks.
In early November, we travelled to Warkworth to take part in the walking festival held each year.
We chose ‘Mahurangi Masterpiece’ and ‘Hoteo and the High Country’. Both walks were really interesting.
On Saturday, the bus left Warkworth at 8 45am and took us down Sandspit Road and on down Mahurangi East Road to Niccoll’s farm – owned by Tony and Diane for over 50 yrs.
We wandered up hill and down dale, and beside coastal wetlands full of ducks and frogs. There were huge old pohutukawas ready to burst into flower, and puriris twisted by the winds .
All the way we had clear views, of islands I hadn’t seen – Hauturu (Little Barrier), Kawau, Motuketekete, Moturekareka, Motuora, Motutara, Te Haupa (Saddle Island) Mahurangi and Tiritirimatangi.
To add to the picture, lots of ‘ yachties’ were out enjoying the breeze. It was truly spectacular.
At high points, our guide, Luke Williamson, gave us snippets of information about the history of the local area, and its extensive boat building industry in the 1800’s. He also pointed out an oyster farm in the harbour below.
We stopped for morning tea at a beautiful little bay, bordered by Flaxes with bright red flowers. High above on a knoll was a picturesque bach, with views from Little Barrier to Mt Eden and the Sky tower in central Auckland – a tiny
glimpse of city life left behind.
From here, we wandered on down to Big Bay for lunch. The scenery here was just stunning a combination of deep blue water, yachts, blue sky, bright red flax flowers, tuis feasting, lots of little islands, both close and distant, and a
lovely sheltered grassy picnic spot. This is part of Mahurangi Regional Park, and has a DOC hut.
After a picnic lunch, provided by the organisers, we wandered back up hill, then took a short cut, along a sheep track through manuka scrub, arriving back just as the bus pulled up the hill. Perfect timing!
It was an incredibly beautiful walk and we were privileged to be given access to such a lovely area.
The following day, we had a 40 min- ute bus ride to Dill’s farm, at Kaipara Flats. Most of the property is steep and is bordered for 3.5 kms by the Hoteo River – the longest river in Auckland, and differs from other rivers in having its source is in the flats, rather than the high country.
The Hoteo River is the natural drainage, so a variety of dams, reservoirs and springs are used to pump water to header tanks, which fill troughs for the stock.
All waterways on the farm are fenced, with planting preventing nutrient run-off. There is no sign of nitrogen or phosphate in the waterways. Poplars have been planted to stop slips and pockets of native bush fenced off.
All this hard work, by the Steve, Clare and other family members has been recognised when they won the Supreme Farm Environment Award for the Auckland region. It was well deserved. This family is passionate about the land and it shows. It’s a credit to the five generations who have farmed it.
We wandered up to high points to enjoy extensive views as far as the kaipara Harbour, the largest harbour in
New Zealand. We passed an old mill, used to cut matai and kauri for the first houses on the property, and a lovely swimming hole in the river – enjoyed by many generations.
Just after mid day we arrived at a rustic little bunk room and kitchen down by the river. Here the family provided a barbeque lunch. It was a delightful place to sit and relax a while.
After a break we walked back up the hill to meet the waiting bus, and were back in Warkworth by 3pm.
Both walks were well organised, really interesting, through beautiful countryside, and with magnificent views. They are only available through the generosity of the Niccolls and Dills.
I would recommend them both if you get an opportunity to visit Warkworth in November 2019, but book fast. The walks fill up and I can understand why.