After severe storms earlier in the week, it was wonderful to see the sun out even if it was still pretty cool. We parked in Sladden Park and walked along the stopbank through Shandon Golf Course. The green keepers there were busy pumping water off the greens. The hose was running over the stopbank onto another green. We guessed the next step was from that green into the river. Out on Waione Road, we went under the road bridge and walked a short distance down the main road before turning off and following the estuary and then the river to the Hikoikoi Domain. After a quick photo we were off again following the track to the end of the Hikoikoi Reserve where a short drink and comfort break was had. We then went along the Esplanade and stopped again outside the Petone Settlers Museum where we had a 15-minute break. Some of our group had a quick look inside as it was open. From there we followed the Esplanade to the Honiana Te Puni Reserve, which had previously been named the Korokoro Gateway. From here we crossed The Esplanade and turned into Te Puni St, stopping briefly at the Urupa where Te Puni is buried before heading along Jackson St and onto the Petone Rec, with a slight detour through Petone Central School. The gate didn’t go where we thought it did! From here it was a short walk to Mitre 10 for a cuppa and lunch for some of us. Refreshed, it was a short walk back to our cars.

Leader – Judith

Walkers – Mark, Helen, Anne-Mette, Fran, Nicky (who was trying us out), Kathy, Sheila, Christine, Michael (who was also trying us out), and Miriama.