Speaker 0:00

Today we explore two contrasting hikes in and near Auckland, the closest thing to a tramp in central Auckland, and one of the highest vantage points in the region. Let's talk about the Wfi walkway and the mountain William Walkway.

Peter 0:13

So

Jonty 0:20

Kira and welcome to the Tramping Life, a podcast about hiking in RO New Zealand, or as we call it here, tramping. I'm ch and in this episode I'll talk about a specific track or hut. I'll give an overview and share my experience along with the highlights and some practical advice.

Speaker 0:38

The Wfi walkway Follows part of the northern shoreline of the Manal Harbor. From Han West to Linfield Cove, it's about 10 kilometers long. So turning into an out and back to double the dent is a decent four day tramp. the route combines scenic for shore, walking within land reserve and bush tracks. Also a series of shorter loop options, including Wattle Bay Loop, Cape Horn, lookout Loop, captain's Bush Reserve Loop, and Hillsborough Cemetery Loop, giving flexibility for shorter outings. Mount William Walkway is on the northern fringe of the white Catto just over the Bombay Hills. starting from McMillan Road, or from the alternative Southern Access point at Tutu Road. The track climbs through native bush and open farmland to the Mount Williams Summit at 373 meters above sea level. From the summit. There are expansive views over the Auckland and Waikato regions with further views from PKI two two T trig, slightly higher at 376 meters. I lived in Auckland for a decade and used to live close to the wafer walkway, so I walked it a number of times. Carrying a loaded pack along. It is one of the best ways to stay tramping fit if you are living in central Auckland. There were plenty of access points along the walkway, but One end starts at town manual reserve. This is probably the newest beach in New Zealand would claim in 2015 on the only hunger for sure, while the electricity pylons may not be to everyone's taste, I think there's something quite surreal about these metal giants marching offshore into the harbor. An elevated boardwalk provides access to Hillsborough Bay, along which there are lovely views and the occasional fishermen. The walkway is a great place to spot bird life, including Native Keter, MOPA Tree, great War Bloods, fantails. Silver eyes, white bells pipe, oyster catches and kingfishers and various introduced species. continuing along to Wesley Bay was where the bush really starts along the walkway. There are over 200 indigenous plant species in original and regenerating bush. My favorite sections are the views from Cape Horn and around Wattle Bay where you feel much further away than 20 minutes drive from Auckland CBD, there's a huge variety along the walkway with some fascinating rock formations by the shore. A mixture of beaches and mud flats, plenty of bush and occasional parks and suburban streets to pass through. There's a form, track the length of the walkway, but it's best experience walking along for sure. Although be careful around the tides, a number of sections of the foreshore can only be walked within two hours of low tide. There are also a few steep parts, generally with steps, but the track itself is a relatively easy walk, particularly if you follow the foreshore, although it can be muddy in the manel domain is the well-situated open stone sculpture by Japanese artist Raki Ida. And further on more views, the track ends or starts Atfield Cove, where there's a well placed bench to take a rest before returning the way you came. Mount William Walkway was another tramping training spot. I used to quent during my time in Auckland. Just south of Bombay, the Mount William Walkway offers stunning views from some of the highest vantage points in the Auckland region. Only 40 minutes drive from the CBD. It's a great half day escape from the city I always started the track from the Millan road end, crossing a few fields. I reached the native bush of Mount Williams Scenic Reserve home to carry hard beach and king ferns. This is where the climb starts, although there are steps and the gradient is manageable. coming out of the bush into open farmland, scattered with sheep, was the steepest and slipperiest part of the track heading up towards Mount William? As I finished the track, a few hours later, I saw the distinctive red Westpac helicopter pass over my head rescuing a lady in a group who had slipped badly coming down the slope. Mount William is 373 meters high. To put that in perspective. Mount Eden is 196 meters and ranu Toto 260 meters. The summit offers 360 degree panoramic views over Southern Auckland and the Waikato, including the Kamar range and Phole with its huge dairy factory. Expansive views continue as you head down and then back up towards the three meter higher per two. Two trick home to an enormous telecommunications tower. Belonged to spark. You can be guaranteed of getting good mobile reception here. You can also be guaranteed subject to weather of course, or stunning views. I can see the sky tower and rang a toto in the distance. It's a great spot from here. I returned the way I came back to the car. in terms of highlights. The Wfi Walkway has wonderful views across Manco Harbor. There's a nice mix of urban and natural scenery There's quite a lot of bird life regenerating Bush Mount William walkway. The panoramic vista from the summits are spectacular and it's a pleasant combination of native bush and open farmland with regenerating vegetation in the scenic reserve. To finish with some practical advice like walkway, check the Tides before heading out as sections of the foreshore are only safe two hours before and after low tide. Dogs are permitted on lead along most of the route with a few off lead routes in nearby parks There are toilets at Wafi Park, but not many other facilities along the truck. Mount William Walkway. Note that the field to the south of Mount William Scenic Reserve are closed for lambing. Typically early August to early October, once after the bush. The track is very exposed to the weather, prepare appropriately, and dogs are not permitted on the William Walkway due to stock and wildlife interactions.

Peter 5:46

So

Speaker 5:49

Thank you so much for listening to the Tramping life. If you've enjoyed today's episode, please follow the podcast in whatever app you use. Tell a friend about it and consider leaving a rating or a review. It really helps more people discover the show. you have any questions or feedback, I'd love to hear from you. Drop me an email at the tramping life, one word@gmail.com.