A southerly had been forecast for later in the morning but when we set off from the car park it was a slightly cool but beautiful day with clear blue skies. We saw a NIWA vehicle on its way up to the lighthouse just as we left. They kindly waited for us to cross the bridge.

This walk was a first for all those bar me attending today, so I was really glad we were going to get some great views from the top.

It was a joy to follow the newly graded tracks around to the pump house and just past it. We passed some people busy doing planting down by the Wainuiomata River. There is a lot of planting happening all over this park. It is going to look great in a few years’ time.

The gravel slip was still there, so we had to be a little careful making our way this and then it was up the hill. It’s not long but you forget how steep it is! But lots of lovely views and photo opportunities back up the valley before cresting the top.

It was a joy to walk along these well laid out 4-wheel drive tracks instead of trying to jump the boggy bits across the paddock leading to the lighthouse. The wind was picking up by the time we arrived but it was really sheltered at newly placed picnic table just in front of the lighthouse. We enjoyed an early lunch here.

We noticed one of the houses is now available for rental, so must look up GWRC website to check this out. After a look through the museum, we continued on in what were now far stronger winds. This meant we just continued the loop back to our cars.

It had been a lovely walk and some of us enjoyed a cuppa at the Silverstream Bakery. This walk was just over 7 kms.

Trip Leader: Judith O’Leary

Walkers: Stephanie, Christine, Telas & Christina