It was a slightly cooler day, perfect for walking in the bush. We were originally going to start from the top carpark which was unexpectedly full, so we drove down to the lower carpark and started from Wilton Bush Road. This meant the first part was through lovely flat bush until we got to Troup Picnic Lawn. Then it was across the stream and up a few flights of steps before the track undulated through mature bush for a couple of kms before we came out at Karori Cemetery. We stopped for a break here, before walking through the cemetery to the front gate so we could use the toilets. These were rather disgusting, so it was just as well a portaloo was close by. Then it was through the Servicemen’s cemetery with many graves commemorating WWI armed forces. We went down the hill to Ian Galloway Park and joined the lower track which follows the Kaiwharawhara stream through the bush again back to Troup Picnic Lawn. We had our lunch here before heading up the hill following the Circular Track. This brought us out to the Treetop Walkway and onto some lovely gardens and views. Finally, we rejoined the Circular Track which took us back down the hill and out to our cars. Some of us stopped at the Silverstream Café for a cuppa when we got back to Upper Hutt. It had been a perfect day for a walk.

Lead - Judith O’Leary

Walkers: Christine, Jane, Mark, Helena, Lynn, Nichola, Peter, and Dianne who was trying us out.