It was a lovely day for a walk through the bush. We walked 4 different tracks, most of which were circular and lead back to the main track called Gums Loop Track. Our first diversion was along the Nikau Track which was the only out and back which followed a very pretty stream through native bush. The Gums Loop Track is aptly named due to the large number of gum trees and we passed through a very pretty clearing before heading up the Tana Umaga. It was named this for a reason as it goes straight up and was part of an old forestry workers trail. After slogging it out for 20 minutes we came onto the rather lovely Sledge Track and descended gently through the beautiful native bush before coming out at a new and very impressive swing bridge. Then it was up the road to the old Lower Dam which is now a wildlife reserve for lunch before returning back via the Gums Loop back to our cars.

After that it was a well-earned cuppa at California Garden Centre.

Judith O’Leary