This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 94, No.1, February 2022
Southern Walkway E/M
Sunday 16 January 2022
Eight people met up at 9.30 a.m. at the Band Rotunda, and skipped the first bit of the Southern Walkway track, entering at Hay Street. We soon discovered that five of us walked a little faster than the rest, especially up the steep bits. However, the faster group were happy to wait for the others at key points, relaxing in the brilliant sunshine and cooling southerly on the ridges. The route is marked by pink discs - there are many alternative paths that can be taken along the way. The greatest attraction of this walkway is the variety of scenery, with great views of the harbour and the surrounding hilltop suburbs, and the southern coastline as you approach Houghton and Island Bays.
There was an interesting alternative track that half of us took, from Buckley Reserve up to Buckley Road and down to Brighton Street. It gave us an amazing lookout view of Taputeranga Island. The others took the easier seaside route, enjoying the sight of surfers taking advantage of a long swell coming in from the south. The two non-members enjoyed the trip and indicated that they were keen on joining. They would easily cope with a medium pace.
Time taken: a leisurely five hours, including morning tea and lunch stops.
Track brochure: Southern Walkway
- Party members
- Ken Albrecht, Paul Bruce (leader and scribe), Ruth Corkill, Bob Cyffers, Ken Fraser, Chris Horne, Jane Nicholson, Sue Scott