Walking the Ridge.

Philip Neighbourly Lead from Wainuiomata

I used to think walking/hiking along the ridge lines were for the more adventurous people, this was far from the truth. This winter I journeyed out from various trail heads located around Wainuiomata, it was a pleasant surprise to find quite a few public access points. I have 2 favourites, Stanley Street and Arakura School. There are many destinations you can plan for a day hike. Going south Days bay, Butterfly Creek. Going North Mt Towai Lookout, Te Whiti Riser, Naenae, and further North. Heading East (from Sunny Grove) Orongorongo River, Remutaka Forest Park, etc. Heading North is what I do most weekends, and depending on how I feel determines how far I go, typically to the mobile tower? north of Wainuiomata.

An example of my Saturday Hike. I have never done the 'Official' Te Whiti Riser Trail, I would normally descend the steep fire-break to Te Whiti Park and return the same way so this is what I did. This trail is family friendly, the gradient is easy going and is extremely popular. On this day there was many people of all ages, walking, trail running, mountain biking and just having a good time. Honestly not for me :-)

If anyone is curious about walking on the ridge, happy to go out on a weekend walk/hike, any level.

Blog about this Hike: tinyurl.com...

Images:
1: Mt Towai Lookout
2: My Fav Hikes - red (normal) green (riser) blue (no exit but I still like it)
3: Access to Track from Arakura School (locked during school hours?)