This article was first published in Tararua Tramper in February 2025
Ōtari-Te Ahumairangi-Johnston Hill Loop
Ōtari-Wilton Reserve, Trelissick Park, Kaiwharawhara Stream, Te Ahumairangi, Iain Galloway Park, Karori Cemetery, Ōtari Reserve, Johnston Hill, and the Skyline
EM – Wednesday 13 November
The route for this hike is a wonderful way to experience the vibrant native bush, the birdlife and magnificent views at the doorstep of our city. Sixteen members of the club commenced the hike on a perfect morning for hiking. We commenced with a stroll through the Ōtari-Wilton Reserve, circled through to Trelissick Park and followed Kaiwharawhara Stream until the climb up Hanover Street. After morning tea in the sandpit at the Wadestown Play Area we climbed to the peak of Te Ahumairangi, crossed Iain Galloway Park and lunched on the boundary of the Karori Cemetery and Ōtari Reserve. The final leg of the hike included a climb to the top of Johnston Hill and a stroll along the Skyline before dropping back down into Ōtari Reserve via the Moko Tree Track.
The bush was vibrant. One of the highlights was a break to appreciate the magnificence of Moko, the ancient rimu tree in Ōtari Reserve, estimated to be around 800 years old: Moko Tree - Atlas Obscura.(approve sites) Clear skies and calm weather provided us with magnificent views to the south coast and across to the South Island. A feature of the birdlife was the lively and noisy kaka who gave us a raucous send-off at the start of the day and swooped over us as we returned to Ōtari Reserve.
Bob Buckle (leader and scribe), Vic Armstrong, Alistair Beckett, Paul Bruce, Muriel Christianson, Janet Dobbie, Trish Gardiner-Smith, Dianne Kerse, Brian Hasell, Rob Handyside, Iona McNaughton, Mary Perkins, Penny Salmond, Sue Scott, Janice Tijsen, Jill Wild.