The Makara walkway
Five trampers set off from Greytown, keen to fit some R & R into pre-Christmas schedules. We met three others at Makara Beach on a perfect Wellington day. We started along the coastal walk, then up onto hilly farmland, following the track to the summit with views of turbines, blue-green sea and the South Island.
From the gun bunkers, three desolate, fenced-off concrete buildings, we did a short loop to B2, the only turbine accessible to the public. Stan stretched out underneath, getting excellent photos. These enormous white turbines generate enough electricity for about 71 000 homes. And they do make a whining noise!
Six left to walk the 5.5 km Opau loop through beech trees with views of coastline and turbines, while two took a shorter route. After lunch, all continued along the coastal track, 3.3 km of pebbles and driftwood, arriving at Makara Beach settlement to a welcome coffee at the café. Trampers: Helen Morison, Juliet and Ed Cooke, Mary Lambert, Stan Smith, Kay and David Bowie, Angela Kelly, Wayne Hodgson and Margaret Tonkes.
Margaret Tonks
Coming trips: South Wairarapa Tramping Club. All are welcome. Please telephone the leader by Thursday evening before the trip or for more information on the tramp.
Sat. 26 Jan: A gentle walk in the lower Tauherenikau gorge. Helen Morison 304 9531
2-3 Feb: Overnight tramp to Atiwhakatu Hut, returning along a bush ridge. Ed & Juliet Cooke 304 9497
Sat. 9 Feb: Kids’ night in the bush. Bruce & Mary Lambert 304 9697
Sat. 16 Feb: Sayers’ Hut at Totara Flats, in the Waiohine valley. Clive Baxter 027 742 2975 (weekdays 06 377 5085)
Sat 23 Feb: ‘Ken’s Track’, to the south of the Rimutaka hill road. Ken Stokes 308 9962
General enquiries: Jenny Duggan 379 7644 or Ed Cooke 304 9497
