Sea, Sky & Bush Walk March 6,7 and 8, 2010

Day 1

Saturday 6th March - Sea

The first days walk begins on the coast near Blackhead Beach.  The day includes a short stretch along the beach at Te Angiangi Marine Reserve, established in 1997.  We will venture along ridges of coastal hill country with panoramic views of Blackhead reef far below and south toward Cape Turnagain and Porangahau Beach.  The  inland views are just as magnificent and history abounds through the area :- Blackhead lighthouse, the wreck of Maroro,  a 1904 schooner rigged scow, the site of a Maori fighting pa and middens (shells exposed), plus Shoal Bay, an area of unique ecological significance, and the magnificent , restored historic Aramoana woolshed.

Distance -13.5 kms

Day 2

Sunday 7th March - Bush

 Sundays walk takes us into the foothills of the Ruahine Ranges, to an old Department of Conservation headquarters on the winding Kashmir Road.  We will tramp through back country farmland alongside the Moorcock Stream, and up through stands of native trees and bush.  The predominant trees are beech and large old rimu.  Views on the top are panoramic, taking in the Ruahine Ranges and Ruataniwha Plains to the north east.    Note: there are a number of shallow river crossings on the day.

 Distance -   14 kms

  Day 3

Monday 8th March - Sky

 
Day 3 will take us into the foothills of the Ruahine Ranges once again, where we will walk over a long established sheep, bull beef and deer operation owned by the Williams family.  The views of the Ruahine Ranges to the west and north east to Te Mata Peak and coastal hills are breathtaking.  Locals will talk about the history of the area which was once covered in totara forest before farming cleared the land.  The Sea Sky & Bush Walk concludes with a wonderful BBQ lunch served by the Rotarian’s at Te Maire homestead where you will have the opportunity to view the gardens and meet owners George and Laura.

 Distance  9 kms