It was a great day for walking as 11 of us set out from the car park, cloud cover and a rather gusty breeze stayed with us for the better part of the walk. We set off following the inward track and once past the old pumping station, the track narrowed and for a short while we walked single file. Prior to egressing the 4-wheel drive track, work had been done to widen the uphill part of the track, making it much easier walking. We then proceeded up the 4-wheel drive track to the top, each at their own pace. Once at the top we stopped for drinks and nibble. We then continued our way to the lighthouse. This part of the walk is flat with newly formed walk ways. Once we arrived at the lighthouse area, the views over Cook Strait and Wellington are great. We stopped here for lunch and drinks. As a number of people had not been here previously, we had a good look around. We then continued with our walk and decided we would walk along the top (ridge line.) We climbed the hill (through rather long grass). Once off the hill climb, we stepped onto the track that would take us down the hill line, this again is another newly formed track. Here the views are quite spectacular, looking back down on the lighthouse area, Cook Strait, Wellington and over to the Coast Road of Wainuiomata. Some of the group made the climb up to the old WWII Gun Emplacements before heading back down to the rest of the group. Once we were all together again, we made our to the car park. From there we made our way to California Gardens for coffee/tea and treats. Great day.

Lead: Denise Arcus

Walkers: Delphine J, Trish S, Gordon S, Denise M, Judith O'L, Brenda F, Nichole P, Mark & Helen B and Linda F.