This trip was originally to have been the Hunua Gorge but a reccie of the area showed that the waterfall
section would be too tricky especially for children. So we decided to try another place in the same area,
and came up with Parerekau Island. This island is accessed by causeway from the mainland near Bottle
Top Bay, but is strictly private property with security gate access. We were able to get permission
from the owners, who allowed us to drive onto the island and start our walk from the farm shed.
Twelve
people came along. We set out along the farm track to the northeast end of the island, where there was
a paddock full of noisy and inquisitive cattle.
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From there we followed the coastal strip of tall grass along the northwestern side of the island.
The tide was in and we could look out across the Pahurehure Inlet to Conifer Grove.
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Our afternoon tea break was in the shade of a stand of trees about three-quarters of the way along
that side of the island. Andrew had forgotten to bring his material for our devotions, but was able to
ad-lib on the theme of being on an island. He said that no man is an island, we are each made to be interdependent
on one another instead of be completely independent. He then commented about the rain that had come down
that morning and the previous evening, that had put a damper on several events including the Chinese
lantern festival and Starlight Symphony but was much needed by drought-stricken farmers. Andrew likened
God’s Word to the rain being springs of living water. Just as the roots of plants need water, so we need
to be planted in God’s Word and the family of all our fellow-believers. Peter commented that on his visit
to Peru just over a year ago, drinking water there had to be boiled first, so we are fortunate that we
do not have to do this here.
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We crossed a fence and followed a farm track around the western end of the island.
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We then followed the causeway we had driven to the island along, to explore the tiny bush-covered
island between Parerekau Island and the mainland. On the far side of the island facing the mainland was
an area of open grass. We explored a short piece of bush track before returning along the causeway and
on to finish back at our cars about 4pm.
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