A chance to see Auckland’s newest regional park was taken up by 33 people. The Atiu Creek Regional Park
west of Wellsford on the Kaipara coast had been opened to the public just two months before. Seven of
the group left The Bracken at 8am and joined up with the rest of the gang at the Atiu Creek carpark at
9:30am.
Because of the size we split up into two groups, John leading the fast group while Barbara
was in charge of the slower group. We set out along the park’s longest established track, the 8km Oruawharo
River Trail. The track began as a road, then became a farm track following a ridge with panoramic views
of the park and the area beyond.
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We soon passed a pine plantation and came to an outlook where we were able to see the Kaipara Harbour
and Oruawharo Heads.
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The vehicle track continued through pasture and past another patch of pine forest to come out to
Solomon’s Pa, a great viewpoint for morning tea break and devotions.
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Barbara shared some thoughts on trees. She began by quoting Psalm 1:3 He (one who follows God) is
like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers. Reading from a book by Eddie Askew, Barbara shared thoughts about trees having
personalities like people, each one having its own character. Old oak trees are strong and battle-scarred;
the beech is smooth and elegant; the Scots pine has a strong character; the willow is softer and feminine;
chestnuts are dependable and fertile. She read Psalm 96:12-13 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything
in them, then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.
She concluded with the thought that trees remind us to hold on to today’s blessings and savour each moment,
leaving tomorrow in God’s hands.
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The track continued downhill and through some holding pens to come to the Oweka Tapu pou. We
took some time to admire the tall Maori carving.
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From there we carried on to Solomon’s Bay and had a look at the coastline.
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Our lunch stop was at Ti Tree Point where there was a picnic table and the park’s opening plaque.
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We continued on past the ranger depot and pumphouse to come to the woolshed. This was no typical
rustic woolshed; it was a flash state-of-the-art building. On the wall was a map of the park showing
the names of the paddocks - such names as Cedars, Signorina, Sacha, Bay View, Wet Hill and even Hangman!
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It was a half-hour grunt to finish off our tramp. We were back at the carpark at 2pm having seen
something that was new to everyone.
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