Sea, Sky & Bush Walk 3,4 and 5 March 2012
Day 1
Saturday 3rd March - Sea
The 2012 Sea Walk will take place in the Elsthorpe district of Central Hawke's Bay, where we will walk over two farms with wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean and coastline. We will also be able to view some of the damage incurred during cyclonic rainstorms in 2011.
We begin our trek at Landcorp owned, Paeroa Station on Kokatewai Road, walking up a valley with QE II covenant bush and varieties of native birds. Our ascent to takes us to the highest point of the walk at approximately 300 metres. From this point we will be able to view the storm damaged hills. A point of interest on our way up is a flood retention dam, built to control water flows downstream, this dam overflowed for the first time ever during the storm.
From Paeroa Station we will cross the boundary into Waimarama Station owned by Rob Fisher and farmed by Harvey Nelson. Harvey will join us and point out areas of interest while we enjoy lunch overlooking the magnificent views of sea and countryside. From here you will be able to see your final destination 6 kilometres on and downhill all the way.
Distance: 14.5 Kilometres
Day 2
Sunday 4th March - Bush
This year's Rotary Bush walk begins at the end of Manawatu River Road at the headwaters of the Manawatu River west of Norsewood. Yes, we are still in Hawke's Bay - the Manawatu River is possibly the only river in the world that has its origins on one side of a divide and flows into the sea on the other side.
When we exit the buses, we cross the Manawatu River. DO NOT be alarmed, the river is only a stream and can be crossed without getting wet feet . It is essential however that you do not get your feet wet otherwise you may have an uncomfortable walk. We then proceed north through flat open country for 1.7km. This section of the walk is pleasant and an opportunity to get warmed up before we start a gentle steady climb of about 1.3km through regenerating bush comprising of Beech (Black Birch), Kahikateas, Fern, Toi Toi and Pitosporiums. Once at the top the track levels out. The views of Central Hawke's Bay to the North and East are extensive as we have now broken through into open country. After a short flat section we drop down into "Stoney Creek" where the Birch and now Rimus are thriving. This is where we will stop for smoko. Once through Stoney Creek we make a gentle climb of about 900 metres, the track levels out and we walk past Jim Borries hut to a point known as "Anderson Logs". From here we walk up "Dry Spur" with exquisite views of the Ruahines. We are now looking down into the Makaretu River where we will descend to have our lunch at a hut known as Hapi Daze.
The walk into Hapi Daze is through a magnificent stand of Pepperwood and young Rimus. The walk to our lunch spot is approx 8km. While at the lunch site, walkers may want to explore the area down to the river which is nearby. The birdlife in this area is abundant including Woodpigeons (Kereru) and Tui. While at Hapi Daze we may be able to persuade a local identity to give us a talk on the history of the area. Questions about an old copper mine further up the river might be a good idea or the '70 mile bush' which extended from Woodville to Tikokino and the fire that destroyed it.
Once lunch is over we will proceed east through scattered bush and then down to the Makaretu River. The last section of the walk will be in the Makaretu River bed with several small river crossings required. When walking through the river which should only be at the most "calf" deep, DO NOT rock hop "just wade on through". The "river bed" section of the walk is approximately 1.8km, about one hour.
Our walk concludes on Pagets Road where there will be toilets available and refreshments The total walk is approximately 13km and caters for all levels of walkers. This walk is also accessible by 4x4 motorbike. Some of the ground terrain may be a little undulating therefore sturdy tramping boots are recommended. The river crossings are at the end of the walk therefore walkers will not have to put up with wet feet for too long. Please bring a towel with you and dry footwear to change into for the journey home. Have fun!
Distance: 13 kilometres
Day 3
Monday 5th March - Sky
The Sky Walk on Monday is a morning walk and although a shorter trek than the previous two days, it promises to be just as spectacular and interesting. We begin and end the walk at Oruawharo Homestead, located on the Takapau Plains in the heart of Central Hawke's Bay.
Oruawharo is surrounded by 17 hectares, (40 acres) of gardens, parkland, trees and fields, much of it bearing the legacy of original owner Sydney Johnston. Surveying vast farmlands and with thriving country townships a short distance away, Oruawharo is a lasting symbol of its early contribution to local prosperity. At its back door, the rural service township of Takapau stands on land that was once part of Oruawharo and the farms that stretch across the plains from its feet are present-day reminders of the pioneering role the homestead’s first owners played in the sheep industry.
The landscape that surrounds it represents some of the best of rural New Zealand and from the highest point of Oruawharo’s farmland, the view takes in the Three Sisters, limestone outcrops, one of which was once the site of a Maori pa. In the background are the Ruahine Ranges snow covered in winter and tinged a purple hue throughout summer.
Distance: 6 kilometres