On a perfect spring morning 6 UHWTC members met at Tulsa Park, Totara Park, to carpool to the carpark at Akatarawa Road where our walk began. The track followed Akatarawa River west navigating the many potholes caused by off-road motorbikes and quad bikes that enjoy exploring this extensive area also. Respect was shown by everyone using the track for the initial first 4km when we shared facilities with the bikers. On reaching McGhies bridge a locked gate meant that only walkers could proceed south along Valley View 4WD road. This next 6km of hilly track provided wonderful views of surrounding forest vegetation. Lunch was enjoyed in a shady spot our route then taking us to the top of Cannon Point. We then enjoyed the zig zag route downhill to where we left some of our cars at Tulsa Park. Wanting to impress passers-by we did our stretching exercises (photo hereunder). Drivers of vehicles left at Akatarawa Road were then transported back to their vehicles. Afternoon finishing with a coffee and cake in Upper Hutt.
Due to logging currently being undertaken in this area this medium grade – 4hr. walk is only available at the weekend. The route has to be carefully navigated as there are many logging trucks that could throw inexperienced walkers off track.
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- Streching after the walk
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- Stream crossing on Karapoti
Trip Leaders: Mark & Helen Bassett