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.
The Dr Adah Platts-Mills Reserve in Maraetai is a beautiful, tranquil and scenic 11-hectare native forest reserve in Maraetai.
It’s awesome for a not-too-rugged family adventure and includes an excellent 400 metre boardwalk for a short stroll.
Many tui, kereru and piwakawaka. A 10-minute drive from Whitford and 25 minutes from Howick.
A 2km loop walk, initially flat, then up along tramping-style tracks winding through tall native forest to a short length of roadway, then a 50m descent on well-made and maintained steps past large kauri and rimu.
Two easy stream crossings, this can be a leisurely stroll or an invigorating trail run, slippery in places if wet.
Suggest to park across the road near the boating club and next to the playground and public toilets.
Two very good cafes just along the beach. Be careful crossing what can be a busy road.
Finding your way – address is 209 Maraetai Drive. For the loop, follow the boardwalk and take the left fork. Up the track, cross the Waipara Stream on your left, cross back 20m further up.
At the top do not take the dead end road to your right. Straight ahead 20m then right along Maraetai Heights Drive for a few minutes – great views – at the cul-de-sac the walkway is signposted and descend back to the beach.
This rejuvenating retreat is named after Dr Adah Platts-Mills, resident from 1956 and a local GP for 30 years, much-loved and respected by the community.
To extend your walk, follow the coastline to Omana and Beachlands, or east to Duder Regional Park.
Dogs – welcome, on-leash. Strollers – yes, for the boardwalk only.
The hill – you do need a reasonable level of fitness and mobility, recommend sturdy footwear. Lots of shade.
To view many photos, visit Walks Out East Facebook page.
