This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 93, No. 5, June 2021
Eastern Walkway E
19 May 2021
Our party of twelve met at Seatoun Park on a fine winter's weekday morning. Most came by bus. It was a challenge to read the misleading council timetables successfully.
An Asian couple approached us at the start, but it turned out they were looking for Wellington airport.
We set off via the beach at the end of Churchill Park past seaside housing on what was formerly Fort Dorset. An early obstacle was encountered when the leader enthusiastically climbed up a steepish sandy path to get to the top of the cliff and invited all to follow. Everyone easily accomplished this.
Magnificent views were obtained from the top looking over Breaker Bay and Cook Strait. The nudist beach below was deserted at this time of year. Our intrepid team continued on via historic Māori sites and graffiti-covered World War II gun emplacements.
A narrow cliff path led us to the Pass of Branda. It was good to have a gander at Branda. At this stage, there were murmurings that morning tea would be a good idea.
We had been going for well over an hour.
It was decided we should ascend the steps leading up through a pine forest to work up an appetite. Spectacular views of Cook Strait and Barrett Reef emerged as we sidled along the high cliffs.
A morning tea stop was soon held, with the leader giving out Whittakers chocolates. Fortified, we carried on, marvelling at picturesque coves below including Eve Bay, Flax Bay, and Palmer Bay.
The mainly gravel track meandered through low-lying bush as we progressed to Wahine Memorial Park and the Ataturk Memorial. A great place for a lunch stop, watching planes flying into Wellington airport nearby.
After lunch, we descended to Tarakena Bay, then went up a handy hill road next to Rangitatau reserve. A pleasant stroll followed down through suburban Strathmore Heights until we got buses back on the main road near prestigious Scots College.
- Party members
- Alan Benge (leader and scribe), Anne and Hadley Bond, Michele Dickson, Margaret Foden, Julia Fraser, Annie Van Herck, Marg Jensen, Sally Marx, Helen McNeil, Peter Nixon, Barb Ogilvie.