SATURDAY GRADE 2 – max 20 people: A fascinating exploration along the beach. How often do you discover different rock formations and wonder how they were created? Enjoy a fascinating beach walk whilst learning the Earth’s history in the rocks of the Mangawhai surf beach, foreshore and beyond with guide Dr Gary Carr, geologist, teacher and part time resident, Gary will take you on a fascinating journey through time. Degree of difficulty: Easy, basically a beach walk, some boulder hopping. Equipment: Sneakers fine. Bring lunch, and water. Carpool: Assembly time 9.30am, 4-5hrs, $25.00
Romance on the Kaipara – Saturday
SATURDAY GRADE 2-3: max 35 people: We meet two women thwarted in love as a little section of Kaipara history is revealed. Tucked onto the harbour edge, behind Kaiwaka, our visit will bring to life the landscape that influenced our first known woman novelist, Jane Mander as she wrote ‘The Story of a New Zealand River’’ (recommended prior reading). Secondly we meet the historic Gittos family, original missionaries, and visit their house little changed from 1866. As there are a number of ‘rustic’ stiles and fences and some steeper pitches walking up the clear grass ridges to the pa site, some agility is required. Excellent views from the top. An […]
Te Arai Unwrapped
SATURDAY GRADE 2 – max 25 people: More treasures on our doorstep! Explore Te Arai, a relatively recent addition to the Auckland Regional Park network. Starting from the Te Arai Point car park we head south over the headland capturing 360 degree panoramic views. We explore parts of the land purchased in 2008, home to highly sensitive dune lake ecosystems, wetlands, coastal broadleaf forest and regenerating forest cover, before emerging at Te Arai south beach for lunch. After a short walk along the golden sands of Parkiri Beach we return via the headland track. “Loved the variety, friendly well informed guides” – last year participant. Degree of difficulty: Generally easy […]
Tomarata Lakes to the Beach
SATURDAY GRADE 2 – max 35 people: Discover the serenity of isolation Visit one of New Zealand’s most beautiful and peaceful beaches. Discover the serenity and isolation of Tomarata. This mostly flat (except for a climb over Te Arai headland) beautiful walk takes us from the Lake View Chalets with their clear view of the sand-lakes, Slipper and Spectacle, around Lake Tomarata through pine forest, and out to the southern section of Te Arai beach with its brilliant white sands, wild waves and isolation. Look out for the sea birds and the memorial seat as we return on the loop track. “Great group, walk, pace, and guide” – last year […]