This article was first published in Tararua Tramper May 2025, pp 11-12, with photos
South Coast From Brooklyn
2 April 2025
Six of us left the Salty Pidgin Cafe in Brooklyn to walk to Helen St and Sugarloaf Road to check out the Brooklyn War Memorial to fallen First World War soldiers and for a scenic view of Brooklyn. We chose a connection to the Transient Track off Karepa Street (close to Ashton Fitchett Drive) and to a new overbridge at the junction with the Highbury Fling, before following the relatively new upper section of the Ikigal loop, which provided a taste of the regenerating bush in the Upper Waimapihi Reserve and bird song of hihi, tūī and pīwakawaka.
We followed the perimeter fence up to the Brooklyn wind turbine, where we savoured a chocolate-covered ginger snack under encroaching high clouds ahead of a deepening low in the central Tasman Sea. From there, we dropped down to the Car Parts extension and then onto the Barking Emu tracks.
At the íntersection of the Brooklyn tip track, we took the Red Rocks route but then deviated down to a short section along the Waipapa Stream, followed by a steep 200 metres back up to the ridge that leads to the historic gun battery at Sinclair Head. Hunger pangs led us to stop for a late lunch at the high point, with fabulous views of the eastern hills and south coast all the way past Baring Head. A long, southerly swell pounding on the coastal rocks added atmosphere to the hazy, sultry, unusually warm autumn day. Because of the time, we skipped the final short step to the barracks and descended the steep gully track to Red Rocks for the final seaside stroll beneath the cliffs to Ōwhiro Bay to catch the day and just under 19 km. Sue Mahon took bus back to Brooklyn village. It was a 7-hour day and just under 19 km. Sue Mahon took some wonderful photos.
Paul Bruce (leader and scribe), Joan Basher, Joanne Gapes, Susan Guscott, Mary Kane, Sue Mahon