This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 96, no 7, August 2024
Kāpiti Coast and Whareroa hills M
Wednesday 12 June 2024
Seventeen members participated in this hike around a circuit covering the south Kāpiti coastal plain and Whareroa hills. We commenced at Paekākāriki township in perfect hiking weather, and covered 19 kilometres in just under six hours. There was a variety of terrain, with a steep climb to an elevation of 360 metres and fabulous views of the Kāpiti coastal region.
From Paekākāriki, our route followed the beach before linking onto coastal tracks walking north through the Whareroa coastal area (QE2 Park). The sun was out, there was no wind, the sea was glassy, waves were rolling in. We then headed inland to Mackays Crossing and enjoyed morning tea at the US Marine Corps Memorial Camp. After crossing into Whareroa Farm Reserve, we turned south along the Te Ara Ramaroa Track that follows a stream through native trees in Ramaroa Bush. Beyond the Bush, a wide and gradual grass track followed the stream to the head of the valley. Thereafter, a stiff climb up a grass-covered zig-zag farm track to The Rocks Lookout at an elevation of 360 metres. Lunch at The Rocks was enhanced by spectacular views of Kāpiti Island and the Kāpiti coast. The return route took us down the Ti Kouka/Rocks Track through Matai Bush, and the Forest Loop Track where there was a fluorescence of kohukohu flowers growing out of trunks of the trees and a symphony of birdsong. The last stage, after crossing back to the coastal plain, involved a quick hike along the edge of the lakes, over the undulating coastal hills linking onto the Te Ara Whareroa Track back to Paekākāriki.
Perfect weather, wonderful coastal and hill country scenery, kererū, tūī, pīwakawaka, native flora, fabulous company and abundant conversation were some of the memorable features of the day.
- Party members
- Bob Buckle (leader and scribe), Joan Basher, Janet Dobbie, Claire Douglas, Rachel Fry, Joanne Gapes, Carolyn Jenkins, Ann McIlroy, Jane-Pyar Mautner, Peter Morten, Phillipa Newton, Marg Pearce, Marilyn Richards, Ann Walker, Helena Weller-Chew, John Willett, Angela Vanderpoel.