We've been a bit slack lately, not doing much in the way of walking (previous Wellington walks here and here). We did, however, take the ferry to Somes Island and managed the City to Sea Walk. We also visited Wanganui National Park and Havelock North/ Napier.
Somes Island
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Wellington City from Somes Island
Somes Island (a.k.a Matiu) is a pest-free island in the middle of Wellington Harbour. A former quarantine station, internment camp, and defence installation, the island is now a sanctuary for native plants, birds, reptiles and invertebrates such as weta. It's reached by ferry from Queens Wharf or Days Bay, requiring a bag inspection on landing. There are a number of tracks, and the island circuit takes on 45 minutes. The Monument affords good views of the City, and the harbour entrance can best be appreciated from the WWII gun emplacements. There's more scrub than bush, which during our visit was almost devoid of bird life compared to Karori Wildlife Sanctuary or Kapiti Island. Still, it's a good place for a day trip: take a packed lunch.
City to Sea Walk
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View from Tawatawa Ridge on the City to Sea Walkway
The City to Sea Walkway is a 12km trek from the CBD to Island Bay. We started in Te Aro (since we live there) and it took us about 3 hours. The walkway is well-signed but manages to avoid shops until the end so take water and snacks. There's a lot of up and down, and sun protection is essential under clear skies. From the statue of Te Rauparaha and Te Rangihaeata on Tawatawa Ridge you can identify the masts on the tops of Mt. Kaukau and Mt. Victoria, and in the distance look over Somes Island into the Hutt Valley beyond. We caught a bus back to the City from outside the shops in Island Bay.
Further afield
Since our last update we've also been further afield, visiting friends in Brisbane (Australia) and relaxing in Samoa.
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Flame trees on the Wanganui River
Back in April we spent a few nights on the banks of the Wanganui River, staying at the eclectic Flying Fox. Kayaking on the river was a different experience from sea kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park. We chose the Canadian-style vessel, which was rudderless and required a bit more co-ordination between paddlers. The low river level meant more obstacles were exposed than usual and, although we were fortunate, our companions hit a snag and took a swim. As we were downstream from the capsize we were able to throw a line to the gent and pull him to shore, while his wife was rescued from the tree she had clung to by a passing jet boat. Unfortunately our picnic was in their boat, but we nevertheless dined on sodden sandwiches once reunited at the end of our paddle.
We'd had also planned to walk to the Tama Lakes in Tongariro National Park, but abandoned this plan due to bad weather.
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Te Mata Peak towers above Havelock North
Instead of making the trip to Napier in May via State Highway 2, we took the more easterly back-road route to Waipukurau and on to Havelock North, passing the longest place-name in the world according to locals—a hill called:
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu
The modern town of Havelock North didn't do much for us, but the surrounding landscape (especially Te Mata Peak) and vineyards were very scenic. We enjoyed a lunch at the Black Barn Bistro and walked along the beach at Cape Kidnappers before continuing to Napier, famous for its art deco architecture.
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