It was a stunning morning when we left Silverstream Station but had completely clouded over by the time we arrived at Pukerua Bay Station to find no parks. So, it was out onto the road and then back to the station to gather as a group. Our group today was extremely large with 19 of us, which was amazing. We set off up through the streets until we came to the Muri Reserve where we walked downhill to the old Muri Station, crossed the road and followed SH59 down to the car park at the bottom of the hill. There had been an old zigzag further up the hill but this was closed off, so it was down the hill we went. From here we followed a 4-wheel drive track around just above the beach and went onto the beach at the start of the batches. The sand was pretty soft and hard going, so once we got to a footpath, up we went and followed the road around to the Pukerua Bay Scientific Reserve, having a comfort stop along the way. We passed the beautiful carved Pou of Tangaroa and followed the track which had narrowed considerably to the Rock Arch where we stopped for a group photo. Nelson took a wonderful photo of us all. It’s not often I am in the photo of trips I lead. We continued on to the climbing rocks where we stopped for lunch. Once replete we made our way back heading off the beach via a sealed zigzag which brought us out back onto SH59. It was a short walk up the road to the overbridge to the Railway Station. I lengthened our walk a tad by heading back to the main road and we had to walk along the road to the station. 15 of us then adjourned to Paekakariki to Finns Pub where we managed to squeeze around one table for refreshments and a chat. It had been a good day out and in spite of the cloud and cold wind, it didn’t rain. In fact, the sun came out just as we were leaving Paekakariki. That was just to torment us!!

Leader – Judith

Walkers – Paul, Helena, Denise, Brenda, Sue, Suz, Delphine, Lynda, Nichole, Linda, Lorraine, Trisha, Mark, Sue, Rob, Helen, Andrea (who appeared to be missing in action from the photo), and Nelson (our photographer)