This article was first published in Tararua Tramper July2025
A Berhampore (half) circuit
EM – Wednesday 11 June
Three members and one guest 'trying us out' set off from Luxford Street, Berhampore. We very quickly donned whatever rain proofers we had, as the first shower hit us past the Wharepouri Street community garden on the way up to the City to Sea Walkway. We headed north, for the views - well that was my plan - to speak to the views of Berhampore’s west and northern neighbours, the two green belts on either side of the suburb and our route for the morning, to Mt Albert. It was all a bit rushed as this was the most exposed part of the walk.
Then the descent across McAllister park, a tip toe into and around Village in the Park (once Athletic Park), around Wakefield Hospital, all on Berhampore's northern borders, to turn south to pass Newtown Park, the zoo and begin our ascent to Mt Albert. As we were making our way up, the sun came out and we stopped for morning tea at a seat on the top ridgeline, with fine views but not a trace of the Medium group we were expecting to see summiting Mt Albert ahead of us.
We descended on a cycle/cyclist-made track from Southgate to Adelaide Rd then via tracks at the south end of Wakefield Park to the Home of Compassion. The cafe staff exclaimed at the second group of trampers to call in on such an unpromising day! It rained heavily and we all agreed to sprint back to our starting point along Adelaide Road. (The two TTC member participants promise to complete the circuit when I offer a similar walk on 15 October!).
Lainey Cowan (leader/scribe), Paul Bruce, Muriel Christianson. Guest: Alison.