We arrived at Palmerston North in lovely weather on the Friday. Once checked in, Barbara and Linda met us and Barbara led us on an 11km walk along the Manawatu River as far as the lookout point to the old Tuatira Pa Site. We then back tracked to have a look at the Urban Eels. There were a large number of long fin eels. They seemed to be looking for food. It was then back along the river and we crossed the pedestrian bridge, had a stop at the exercise park before making our way across a sporting ground back to our motel. It was a lovely walk and it does extend down to Linton.

Saturday morning was fine but overcast and windy when we set out on the Te Ahu A Turanga, which is a shared pathway next to the new road between Woodville and Ashhurst. We left 3 cars at the Woodville end and drove back to Ashhurst to commence this walk. It was quite a steep hill climb and there were plenty of lovely viewpoints, but the traffic noise detracted from the pleasure of enjoying such amazing views. It was a steeper incline coming down to Woodville and we drove into Woodville for a cuppa afterwards. We had walked nearly 14kms by the time we sat down for a cuppa, so it was well deserved. Our thoughts at the end were that this trail is more suited for bikes than walkers. We had a group tea out at The Cob. They had a really great $16.50 specials menu, including steak. I was disappointed I didn’t get that as my pot pie was far too salty. It seemed this was the only below par dish.

Sunday morning, we drove out to Arapuke Bike Park where there are a number of walking tracks as well numerous mountain bike tracks. We all chose the same walk which took around 2.5 hours, following the zigzag track up a steep hill, which eased off when we reached the ridgeline. It kept climbing gradually until it joined onto Arapuke Road and lead down to the Upper Car Park. We stopped for and early lunch here, before taking the Back Track through some lovely bush back down the hill. This is a lovely track with several stream crossing, so boots did get wet and we passed the midway point of the Te Araroa Trail. The Back Track is also part of this long-distance walk. Everyone enjoyed this walk and several of those present are keen to come back and walk some of the longer and harder tracks. Some of our group departed after this walk and the rest of us went to The Esplanade Tea Rooms in the Botanical Gardens in Palmy for afternoon tea. Those of us at the motel opted for pizza for tea while watching the cricket.

The forecast for Monday was wet and windy, so my car departed before 8am, while Sharon and Lynn indulged in some retail therapy. It had been a really good weekend. It is a shame that Palmerston North does not offer much in the way of large house accommodation and we had to use motels. This makes our normal shared meals impossible, but it did mean eating out a little bit more and trying more restaurants.

Lead - Judith O’Leary

Walkers: Sheila, Trisha, Sharon, Lynn, Anna, Anne-Mette, Barbara, Linda, Heather, Mark, and Helen