Tramp Reflections 810 - Day Tramps On Waiheke Island

13-15 March 2009

The trip began on Friday, with a rush from work to meet the van at 5:30. We had time for a quick stop in Pokeno for toilets, ice cream and chips, then on to Auckland where we met up with Janie and Bev and boarded the car ferry. Many of us celebrated the beginning of our weekend adventure with a glass of wine while we enjoyed watching the sun set on Auckland. We arrived on Waiheke Island and exited the car ferry. A few of the less experienced ferry riders did not quite make it to the van in time and after a slight pause in the car park to pick them up, we were off to the Forest & Bird Lodge. Bunks were arranged, with Malcolm and Janie again making an extra bedroom behind two chairs in the lounge.

On Saturday we went on the coastal walk. We started from Janie’s sister’s house at Black Pool Beach. We climbed to a high point where we could see Rangitoto Island and Auckland. It was overcast but the views were still lovely. We then continued around the coast to Church Bay and on to Matiatia where the ferry arrives. The views of the coast were rivaled by the views of the fancy houses, many with artwork in the garden, and we seemed to spend equal time looking each way. It soon started to rain so we decided to have lunch in the ferry building. The hot lattes were an added perk. Two trampers, Lucille & Jenny, left us at this point, drawn to the shopping, cafes and wine tasting offered in town. The rest of us carried on around the coast and were rewarded by views of even bigger houses and more art. Luckily, we startled only one home owner and did not get arrested for trespassing or stalking. The walk took us through Owhanake Bay and on to Oneroa Bay. We ended the days walk at Janie’s sister’s house where we were treated to tea and hot cross buns.

On the way home, we made a quick stop at the grocery store to stock up for the shared dinner. Back at the lodge we met up with our two wayward trampers and started the evening festivities. We had plenty of good food and good wine and ended the evening with a rowdy game of “uno”. Plenty of penalties were given.

The next day started at a leisurely pace. We went to Onetangi beach in the morning. After a short beach walk, a few brave people (Don, Michael and Kathy) went swimming while the rest of us opted for coffee at a beach front café. Next we took a short tramp through Whakanewha Regional Park. After the tramp, we had a little time to spare before the ferry so we stopped in at Te Whau Winery. We tried several wines that we could never afford to buy but they did taste good and the setting was fabulous. Wine tasting done, we were off to catch the 3pm ferry back to Half Moon Bay. It was a beautiful sunny day for a ferry ride which made a good ending to a great weekend.

Clare Summers

Photographs by unknown (?).