Waikanae Estuary, lagoon and river walk
From the Tararua Ranges the Waikanae River once flowed through the dense forest which almost reached the sea. At a point near the present railway bridge the river split into two channels flowing through the swamp forest and salt marsh meeting again at the sand dunes and lakelets of the estuary.
Here they cut through the sand
hills some 10 metres high, the river now flows through a single channel to the Tasman Sea.
Middens, observation posts, pa and buried grounds are reminders of early Maori who moved through the area.
We chose to start at the Otaihanga Domain at the beach front where we could enjoy the stroll through the estuary and the Waimanu Lagoon which is a 2k loop and also the tidal saltmarsh of which we had been advised was well worth looking at before starting on the river walk.
We weren’t disappointed. Both were full of bird life. A tidal saltmarsh with prolific aquatic and very noisy wading birds and gaggles of the black backed gulls roosting noisily on the shoal breaks, a cacophony of different calls and signals.
The river and estuary are tidal and airport to a variety of waders and sea birds and more than 60 species of birds are found there.
The Waimanu Lagoon Reserve holds a special place full of historic interest and an important part of the Kapiti Coast’s distinctive coastal system with its associated natural values. It is situated in the tidal zone near to the Waikanae River and surrounded by residential living. There is a flat gravel path and also grass walking around the area.
The lagoon holds a very special love story memory which started around 1990 when a black swan named Henrietta flew into it. Due to a damaged wing she was unable to fly with the other swans and was often alone until a few years later when a white goose named Thomas arrived. The duo quickly formed a bond and Thomas was very protective of Henrietta, scaring off dogs and human beings that came near her.
But after 18 blissful years together, a new female swan entered the equation and was often spotted with Henrietta. No one thought much of it assuming they were both female.
The shocker came when the new swan laid an egg. It turned out that Henrietta was in fact a male swan who had mated with the new female swan. It turned out that Thomas and Henrietta who was really Henry had 18 gay years together. long before Henrietta flew off.
They were to have 68 cygnets over the next six years. Thomas
decided to stick around with the duo where he played the role of a doting uncle helping to raise the cygnets teaching them how to fly and taking care of them when their parents did not. In 2009 Henry the black swan died due to old age. It wasn’t long before Henrietta flew off with another swan and Thomas was left alone. After awhile Thomas went on to meet a female goose in the estuary and for the first time had 10 babies of his own.
However his stint as a father was short lived as he had his babies stolen by another goose. It wasn’t long before his eyesight started to fail and he became blind in one eye and eventually the other. In 2013 he was relocated to the Wellington Bird Rehabilitation Trust where he spent the rest of his life. He died when he was almost 40 years old.
The farewell for a well known and bisexual loved goose who resided in the Waimanu Lagoons for many years took place with all the pomp the community could muster. He was laid to rest beside Henry in an area by the lagoons.
A plaque dedicated to Thomas was unveiled. It was a love story that spanned 30 years.
This beautiful story has made the lagoons a special place to wander take in the beauty and think of Thomas.
Following the well formed path toward the river mouth from the lagoons it curves inland and to the start of the river walk. The view of the surrounding area and the river which was flowing down to the sea was magnificent. The river path enters into some amazing scenery.
We had struck a fine overcast day. As we meandered along enjoying the beauty we were unaware that we were unable walk the whole loop on the side we started out on without crossing onto the other side of the river via the large foot suspension bridge that we had passed and happily kept on walking.
Thanks to information from a friendly local walker we had to detour back to the bridge as there were only exit paths onto surrounding streets ahead. Apparently there is a block of land further along on that side of the track which is private with no entry. Unfortunately there was no sign and arrow by the bridge informing that this was where you needed to cross to do the loop.
Not helpful for those who are from out of the area it was very disappointing to have walked so far in the wrong direction but must admit that the beautiful scenery and the river made up for it.
Crossing over this beautiful bridge takes you onto a large parking and picnic area with toilets, seats and
tables.
Turning left over the bridge carry on along the path into another beautiful tree and bush lined path that winds along the river beside established willows, native plantings and plenty of bird life making it a fantastic outing for the whole family.
There are safe and shallow swimming areas, and smaller narrow trails through bush cover that wind out of the main track. It links various reserves along the riverbank including The Karu Reserve, Edgewater Park, Jim Cooke and Memorial Park and you can wander in peace and quiet until you reach the fairly busy frantic Highway 1 above you.
Following the loop around you will now be on the returning side. There are plenty of seats along the way where you can rest awhile.
You will now be on the side of the river where you are unable to return to the estuary and lagoon due to it being blocked off further ahead. Keeping on the track cross the Te Arawai Foot Bridge on your left further along to take you back to the other side of the river where you will turn right to continue back to the reserve, parking area and suspension bridge to cross to get back to the other side and to the lagoons and car park.
This beautiful walkway is popular for running, biking, bird watching, dog friendly, pushchair and mobility scooter friendly. Take a picnic and enjoy the tranquillity.
There are many beautiful and different species of trees and plantings along the walkway, the work of many dedicated volunteers who over the years have made this beautiful treasure to what it is today. Where would we be without volunteers?
The weekends are usually crowded with people, I suggest a weekday if possible if you want a peaceful stroll and watch out for the many cyclists who are supposed to give way but sometimes don’t.
The walk took us approximately most of the day taking in the lagoons as well, enjoying the magnificent scenery, taking advantage of the many seats along the path and taking our time. The walkway is flat and suitable for all ages.
The trail can be walked or cycled as a full loop crossing at the Kapiti Expressway and or the Te Arawai Footbridge.
There are many exit and access points for cyclists and walkers.
TO GET THERE. To the lagoons, estuary and river walk.
From SH 1 turn onto Otaihanga Road then follow Makora Road to the large Otaihanga Domain. Plenty of parking there. Enjoy. Easy walking and there are many exits and entries onto and off the walkway.