Keen walker David Mallowes offers suggestions about fun and interesting routes people can take to get some exercise and enjoy the area in his latest column.
Autumn is a perfect time to visit or revisit the deservedly very popular Mangemangeroa Reserve.
Stroll through shaded groves of mature kanuka, puriri, nikau, taraire, pohutukawa and many other natives, then follow the estuary to Shelly Park Beach.
Its 5km, one to two hours return from the carpark at 108 Somerville Road, well-maintained wide tracks lead to the sandspit at Shelly Park Beach.
You may also access from Sandspit Road, Pohutukawa Avenue, Hayley Lane, and Point View Drive.
Enjoy the forest and bush, superb views, and wander along excellent boardwalks across the tidal mudflats.
It can make for great photos at low tide and at full tide the setting can be incredibly tranquil.
Within one to two hours of low tide you may continue 1km to Cockle Bay, or return up the steps at Shelly Park to Sandspit Road, then back by road.
Feeling energetic? Start at Hayley Lane off Point View Drive, (limited parking), head down the steep roadway, follow the track for 2km passing under the Whitford Bridge and onwards to join the main trail.
There’s lots of forest and estuarine birdlife so please keep dogs on-leash at all times.
There are quite a few stairs, but the views are well worth the effort as the track drops down from the entrance to the estuary and back up and down again.
Tracks may be a little muddy after rain. For a peaceful outing, consider walking early or late in the day or during the week, weekends can be very busy.
Toilets – a portaloo at the main entrance, no toilets at Shelly Park Beach or at Hayley Lane.
Volunteers – visit the Mangemangeroa website or Facebook page.
A great team organising and carrying out awesome maintenance, pest control, and extensive replanting.
I’ve uploaded many photos to https://www.facebook.com/walksouteastauckland.
Also an aerial view one-minute video, see the QR code here: www.relive.com/view/v26Md21NB3O
Like to walk with others? The Howick Picton Walkers meet Monday and Thursday mornings 9.15am in the carpark behind Wild Wheat, at the Picton Centre entrance.
$2 includes use of the upstairs lounge and tea and coffee, 100+ routes.
