#36 of 100 trips for 100 years - Mt Watkin 5 March 2023

Mt Watkin/Hikaroroa is the prominent rounded peak inland from Waikouaiti and eight of us were keen to explore this little visited area.  We took the easy way up by driving on the gravel road and parked about 200m below the summit of Mt Watkin/Hikaroroa.  We could see the trig on the top of Mt Watkin/Hikaroroa and with no marked track to the top  we decided the easiest way was to cross the farm paddock and go through the gate into the reserve. 

Once through the gate it was onto the reserve land and the real fun began.  Firstly we negotiated our way around the head high tussock and gorse to the base of the columnar basalt rock field.  The slopes of Mt Watkin/Hikaroroa are the same rock as the Organ Pipes with large open sections of jumbled columnar basalt. The rocky scramble up the basalt rock field tested our balancing skills as the overnight rain had made the basalt rocks slippery and care was needed to ensure that each foot was securely placed before moving on.  Most of us found it easier to use four points of contact by utilizing both hands and feet for the climb up the basalt rocks.

 

The height to be gained through the basalt rock fields was only a hundred or so metres but for some of us it was slow going, especially when the spear grass and bush lawyer interspersed amongst the basalt rocks.  The sharp points of the spear grass drew blood from almost everyone in the group but the reward of the great 360 degree views from the top were worth the effort. 

We reached the top in good time and stopped for a snack and drink while we took in the views. With clear views in all directions, we couldn't decide which way was the best direction to be looking.  We could see rain clouds towards the Silver Peaks but it looked clear towards Waikouaiti and the coast.

This was the first time on top of Mt Watkin/Hikaroroa for most of us and it was surprising how far we could see after such a short climb.  Despite the odd rain drop, the sun was trying to shine on us and we were reluctant to leave.  Not wanting to go down the way we had come up,  we opted for a 'round trip' and headed down the opposite side of Mt Watkin/Hikaroroa which was easier to travel as the columnar basalt rocks were hidden under tussock, spear grass and flax meaning we had something to hang onto as we stumbled down the mountain, even if our hand holds were a little prickly at times. . 

Reaching the road and cars only a few hours after leaving them, this was one of the shorter day trips but it was still worth coming as everyone agreed the views were stunning.

#14 of 100 trips for 100 years - Hawksbury Lagoon and Waikouaiti Beach 3 December 2022 (by Jade Pettinger)

What had started as a beautiful sunny Saturday morning had turned to some light rain as we 

headed to Woodhaugh Gardens for Trip 014, an impromptu Saturday afternoon trip to 

Hawksbury Lagoon and Waikouaiti Beach to make up for the cancelled Routeburn in a Day 

trip. As the clock ticked closer to 1pm, we were starting to think it would just be the three of 

us when Lindsay pulled up. We bundled into the car and headed north, our spirits lifting as 

the weather improved the further out of the city we got. 

Four of us quickly turned into six as just as we locked the car and were heading down the 

track Tina and Laurence turned up. We set off to Hawksbury Lagoon from Scotia Street 

North in Waikouaiti, crossing the unusual land bridge whilst happily chatting away. 

It soon became apparent that Hawksbury Lagoon was a bird watcher's paradise and we were kept thoroughly entertained as we wandered through the lagoon. There was an abundance of Black Swan/Kakīānau, and we were delighted to see some cygnets (baby swans) bobbing around the place. Other highlights included Royal Spoonbill and Plovers, the photographers in the group spent a great deal of time capturing the winning photo for the ‘Flora and Fauna’ category of the photo competition. 

Before long we arrived at the northern end of Waikouaiti Beach and were soon making 

good time along the beach. We were relieved at the lack of wind, which combined with 

the firm sand made for easy walking for the 4½km to the southern end of the beach. 

The next 45 minutes or so passed quickly as we walked along chatting. 

The sun had started to peek through by the time we reached the southern end of Waikouaiti 

Beach, opposite to Karitane. The crazy ones amongst us enjoyed some time paddling in 

the cold sea while the more sensible ones stayed firmly on dry land. Having stood at 

Karitane multiple times looking over the channel to the beach, it was really cool to be on 

the other side. While we were enjoying some jet planes (thanks Lindsay) we saw two 

figures approaching in the distance and soon were joined by Barry and Helen. 

With the thought of another long slog along the beach ahead of us, we decided to be 

adventurous and head back along the beach on the inlet side. This soon turned into quite 

the workout as the sand was incredibly soft and each step took immense effort. The rest 

of the group quickly learnt to follow in the footsteps of the first person which made their

 journey much easier - not so much for me in the front! 

Once it became apparent that the beach was running out and would no longer be a viable 

option, we went bush to try to find our way back to the main beach. Although we all started 

out following Antony, we somehow ended up going our own ways as we battled the head 

high grass. Thankfully we all made it safely to the beach and regrouped for the last few km 

back to the road. 

Having refueled on jet planes and with good company the walk back whizzed by and in no 

time we were at the road. A quick 1km or so up Beach Street to where we left the vehicles 

and we were soon headed back home. It was a really enjoyable Saturday afternoon trip to 

somewhere I hadn’t been before. We covered 11km in just under three hours, slowed down 

a bit by the soft sinky sand at the southern end of the beach but a great afternoon out 

nonetheless. 

written by Jade Pettinger