Hike Trail: Jan 2011

Well, this was supposed to be written in January when I did this day walk. But as you can see, it's now dated February--and I am desperate to share this over 16 km walk covering a third of the Motutapu Island. It's a feat to finish it in less than 3 hours, and admittedly I felt the walk was rather easy. There aren't many battling hills and thick bushes in this conservation island and I feel much like going there for a picnic away from the city.

I started off at Home Bay, where the ferry dropped me off at the little jetty that they've there. It took the ferry about 30 mins from the city harbor to reach there. The funny thing about the ferry schedule is that its frequencies to Motutapu Island is every second and forth Saturdays of each month of the year.

When I got off, it smelled like sheep and cow dungs everywhere. Yes, these animals are scattered around the perimeter of the island, where the DOC rangers reared them for some reasons or another. Anyhow, as I walk through the Rotary Centennial Track (consisted of thick planted native trees for conservation) the smell fades away. When I re-emerge from the other end of the 10 mins walkway, it almost felt like surreal! As if a parallel world exists!

View from the Rotary Centennial Track

View at the end of the Rotary Centennial Track

At this end, I saw some relics from WW2 military post in the island. These concrete+metal buildings looked old, and decrepit. So I walked on (clearly I wasn't interested!) and embarked on the 1.5 hours walk along the valleys to reach the north point of the island (aptly named the Billy Goat Point). And along the way I stopped here and there to rest my eyes on the undulating fields.

Breathing in the glorious lunch break at Waikarapupu Bay Point

Waikarapupu Bay

Sandy Bay with Rangitoto at the background

When I reached my end of the track (back to Home Bay where the ferry picks me up), I've got some time to kill and I took that opportunity to lay down on my back and eat my apple. I saw rich people cruising in their expensive yatchs, making me long for winning the lottery by millions! Jealousy is indeed a grave sin!

Home Bay

Comment: This is the beginning of my hike highlights entries--planning to go see the lush sceneries around every month! :)