From Kiwi Valley Farm we travelled  2 kms along the winding Opanuku Road to park our cars. A short distance along Ferndown Track was an intersection with Taumata Track leading to  Parekura  Peak where Marian and David  took on the responsibility of leading a group up  this small summit(265m).  The track was evidently quite steep but worth it for the 270-degree views of west and central Auckland. (The sign describes this track as one hour return)

The rest of the group continued along Ferndown Track to Grassmere  Rd along a ridge dominated by tall spindly kanuka, tree ferns and broadleaf shrubs. We also spotted occasional kauri trees and young rimu appearing  in this bush regenerating from farmland. The  Parekura Stream was easy to cross and the 1½ hour undulating path made a very pleasant afternoon walk. There was plenty of birdlife and we saw tomtits and fantails as well as hearing tuis. As we returned along Ferndown Track we met up with the Parekura Peak group some of which managed to complete both tracks. Pukeko Cafe at Kiwi Valley Farm had stayed open to serve us coffee on our return to conclude a good Sunday afternoon walk.