I know this isn’t strictly a day trip (more like an afternoon trip) but I thought I would write a bit about it all the same, as the floods were a sight to see and a timely reminder, of natures might.
As the rain was pouring down, on the afternoon of 20th June 2015, I put on my wet gear, grabbed my cameras, headed into Woodville and got a coffee from the Windfarm Bakery & Cafe .
Then I drove out of Woodville towards Balance, crossed the Balance bridge and parked the ute near the playground. The rain was pouring down so I finished my coffee and ventured out.
As I was standing on the bridge I was surprised how many people stopped to take photos and have a look at the river, I had some interesting conversations with quite a few people that day.
There was a lot of power in the river that day, I watched as part of the Ferry Reserve and trees lining the river started disappear under the flowing water. They had to close the Manawatu Gorge due to slips, it was a quite a long time before it was opened again.
After a while, I went home because the rain was getting worse but the next day, 21st June 2015 I went out again. See the photos below.
The Manawatu River caused a lot of damage due to flooding around the Manawatu region, as seen in the video below.
20th June 2015
View from the Balance Bridge, looking back towards Woodville. Only the tree tops were visible.
20th June 2015, view of the Manawatu River from the Balance Bridge.
20th June 2015
River flowing under the Balance Bridge.
20th June 2015
Looking down into the river from the bridge
20th June 2015
View from the Balance Bridge of the Ferry Reserve
21st June 2015
21st June 2015, flooded paddocks on the way to Balance.
21st June, part of the Woodville Ferry Reserve under water. View from the Balance Bridge.
21st June 2015.
View of the Manawatu River from the gateway of the Woodville Ferry Reserve.
21st June 2015 Manawatu running high under the road bridge into the Manawatu Gorge.
photo taken Nov 2014.
Road Bridge into the Manawatu Gorge. The river at normal level.
Gina and I decided it was time to go to the beach again so we decided to head out to Akitio and checkout the beach and surrounding area.
So on a chilly Wednesday morning in May (2015) we hopped in the car and believe it or not, we were on the road by 9am. We headed to Dannevike and stopped in at Subway for a coffee and a bite to eat.
We then headed down to Millar Street (There is a sign for Akitio, Herberville, Pongaroa) and continued on Weber Road. We then turned left into River Road and followed the road across the bridge that goes over the Akitio river and on to the coast road. Then along to the Akitio Esplanade, where we parked the car. There are quite a few houses along the esplanade, many are holiday homes but there are a few people who live there permanently. There is also a shop and public facilities. It took us approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to get there from Woodville.
It was a bit brisk and overcast when we got out of the car, so out came the scarfs, woolly hats and gloves. We made our way onto the beach and what caught my eye were the posts firmly planted in the sand. They looked like sentries watching over the beach. Which of course we had to take photos of and the seagull added a nice touch, perched on top, of its lofty lookout.
The tide was out so we walked along the beach, the reef has some amazing rock formations and the sea water left behind, created some interesting looking rock pools. We then headed back up to where the Akitio river meets the sea, passing quite a bit of driftwood along the way. We were also surprised by how many Kingfishers were flying around. It’s the most we have seen in a very long time.
The following week, we visited a very different Akitio beach, a depression had gone through the night before, when we arrived the Akitio river seemed to have doubled in size as we drove over the bridge. There was no beach, the waves tossed around the driftwood as if it were paper mache. In places the waves were coming up over the grass verge. So with the rain coming down we parked the car, donned on our wet gear, grabbed the cameras and off we went.
As we stood on top of the grassed area where normally the beach would be, all we could see were waves, its was an amazing sight to see the “power of the ocean” easy to get taken by a wave, if you don’t have your wits about you.
By the afternoon the sea had calmed a bit, the beach was visible but we still couldn’t walk on it because every so often a wave would come right in.
Although, with the weather changing we saw, Shags, Gulls a Rook, Kingfishers and quite a few Fantails, darting from one piece of driftwood to another.
Gina and I decided we would go local again this week, we thought we would have a look at what domains/reserves were around our area, that we had yet, to visit. I went on to the Tararua District Council, Parks and Reserves page and found Marima Domain.
Unfortunately, the information on the page is very vague:
Marima Domain Pahiatua
“A lovely area which is 12 kms south of Pahiatua. Has a picnic and BBQ area. Popular for swimming and fishing, toilets are available”
So, I had a look at the Tararua A-Z and Horizons Regional Council pages. the information was more or less the same, except Horizons mentioned the Mangahao River.
So, I had a look on Google maps and yes you guessed it, directions to Marima Domain, weren’t to be found on there either. However, thanks to some local knowledge, we found the location of the domain. All in all, not a very good start.
It was quite a dismal day, when Gina & I headed out, we stopped for a coffee at the Finest Batch Bakery in Pahiatua. then carried on out-of-town, we turned right at the Mangamaire turn off and carried on down Mangamaire road.
We then turned right into Tutaekara road and carried on over the railway lines and past Ridge Road south. The Domain is located just before the bridge on the right hand side of the road. There is no sign, just a dirt road leading off Tutaekara Road.
As we drove down the tree-lined road we thought the road could do with a bit of an upgrade, so we parked the car and walked the rest of the way. The Mangahao River flows around the domain and water levels and flow can increase quite suddenly, so you have to beware and keep an eye out, for that.
Gina and I visit places in the winter and summer, if a place looks great in the winter, it usually looks fantastic in the summer. The rock face down by the river is quite stunning and we liked the tree trunk that had been turned into a jumping platform, great idea and it is peaceful place. We walked along the river and saw various species of birds as well.
Unfortunately, the domain suffers from neglect, it is being used as a rubbish dump, we couldn’t find the toilet facilities, maybe we were looking in the wrong place! Its is very overgrown and the picnic table has seen better days.
I personally don’t think anyone from the council has been there in a while, if you are going to promote any destination irrespective of what it is or where it is, it needs to be up to par, It doesn’t take a genius to work that one out. Not a great advertisement for the district or the Tararua District Council.
After we had a bit more of a wander around we headed for home.
I did however manage to find a map of the Domain on the LAWA site, a couple of days later.
view of the bridge from the road leading down to the domain
Even though Gina and I live in the Tararua District we had never been out to Pongaroa, so we thought we would go and do the bush walks and have a look around.
So on 21st May 2014, we decided to head out to Pongaroa , we filled up the car in Woodville before we left, as it is a long walk back, if you run out of gas.
I see at the moment there is no petrol available in Pongaroa, so fill up before you head out.
It took us just over an hour to get there, click on the Pongaroa link above for directions and more information about the area.
When we arrived we had a quick look around the town, then headed to Urupa Street, where the bush walks begin.
There are two walks you can do and we did both of them. The yellow track to the Pongaroa lookout and cemetery takes about 10-15 minutes and is a pretty easy walk through the bush and out on to and up the hillside. On reaching the top we could see the cemetery and township below.
We took a few photos and then headed back down. We then found the beginning of the red track, this is a longer walk takes about 20-30 minutes, the first 5 minutes are an easy walk to the picnic table in the bush. The rest of the walk was up hill through the bush, we could see it hadn’t been walked in a while, the pathway in places was a bit overgrown but nothing we couldn’t handle.
When we arrived at the top the views were worth the walk. probably would have looked better on a summer’s day but its good to get out and about, anytime of the year.
We had a wander around the hillside for a while then made our way back down, as it was time for a coffee.
Gina and I stopped in at the local hotel for a coffee and something to eat. If you are into local history, the hotel is the place to go, there are old photos and news clippings decorating the walls. On the main back wall there’s a pictorial history of the area. Its has been very well done and there’s a lot of interesting photos and information about the area.
We could have stayed there for the rest of the afternoon but as always, we had to head for home. So we said our goodbyes and left the hotel.
View from top of the hill
Cemetery
2nd bush walk view when we reached the top.
back wall of the hotel, pictorial history of the area.
Gina and I enjoy going to the beach anytime of year, you see things in winter that you don’t see in summer and vice versa. We visited Hokio Beach in July 2014, it was fine but quite cold and windy. Good day for thermals and a woolly hat.
Hokio Beach is situated just outside of the Levin township. Upon arriving there, I saw two shags perched in a tree, I quickly grabbed my cameras and headed off, leaving Gina to sort the car and grab her gear.
After I photographed the shags we made our way down to the beach, the sand was being blown around by the wind and it created a haze effect. The wind eventually died down a bit, as we walked along the beach.
At one stage there was hardly any clouds covering the sun and just for a short time, the winter sunlight turned the ocean a silver colour.
While the wind made interesting patterns around the shells lying on the beach, some of the shells looked like they were sitting on little stalks made of sand.
Gina and I saw quite a few different bird species, while we were there on the beach and around the waterways, Shags, Ducks, Pukeko, Gulls, Oystercatchers and Swallows were there in good numbers.
After we spent a couple or so hours walking along Hokio Beach, we decided to head for home. On the way back into Levin we stopped to look at the snow-covered ranges in the distance and of course to take photos.
All in all another good day out.
black shag little shag
ducks
view from where we parked the car for a while
view over the dunes towards the sea
Ocean turned a silver colour by the winter sunlight
I was on the net looking for places Gina & I could visit down and around, the Wairarapa Region and I came across Patuna Farm Adventures in Martinborough.
Gina and I particularly liked the sound of the chasm walk so decided we would go. I rang the Farm and told them we would like to come down and do the chasm walk.
As it was in April I thought I had better check to see if it was still open. As they close the chasm from April to October due to the rising water levels.
We set off just after 8am in the morning , It took us a couple of hours to get there from Woodville, the directions are pretty straightforward and can be found on their site along with other information. Just click on the link above.
There is a $15 charge for adults & $10 for children, be prepared to get wet, so take along a change of clothes and something to eat and drink.
When we arrived we were greeted by the owner, we then followed him in the car to the starting point of the chasm walk. We parked the car and were given directions he also asked us to let him know when we had finished the walk. As there is no mob coverage out there.
Then we set off, we walked through a pine forest, through the river and up and over a bank and across farmland and down through some bush and into the river again and chasm. It was a lovely day and we had great views of the surrounding countryside. We stopped and had lunch before we entered the chasm.
The limestone chasm is amazing, it makes you feel very small as you walk through it. You do however have to watch where you walk as some of the smaller stones can be slippery and in some places the water is deeper than in other parts. Good footwear is a must. Gina and I spent a couple of hours walking and looking through the chasm, after which we walked back out the same way we came in. Another hidden gem that a lot of people don’t know about.
We stopped off at the farm, on our way out, then headed for home.
Gina and I have visited Dannevirke’s Lower Domain which is part of the Dannevirke Domain on Christian Street, a few times.
It is a great place to go, suitable for all ages and is reasonably wheelchair friendly. As we hadn’t been there for a while we decided to head off there, again today.
The Upper Domain has a children’s playground, gardens and facilities, while the Lower Domain is park like and has Ponds, Ducks and other birds, Deer and a large aviary, plus facilities as well.
It took us about 25 minutes to get there, so it would take about 50 minutes from Palmerston North.
Of course we had to stop for our coffee fix and to grab some lunch, so we headed to Subway, the food is always good and their customer service is excellent.
On arriving at the Domain, (there is plenty of parking) we were greeted by many friendly ducks and geese. I think they were more interested in seeing if we had any food, to be honest.
The domain is a very peaceful place, you could easily spend a lot of time there. There are picnic tables dotted around the domain, plus walks you can do. Gina and I walked down and around to the lower pond, on the way we saw the deer and more ducks when we arrived.
We had a wander around and them headed back via the bridge, which took us back up to the upper pond and aviary.
The domain is a great place to visit anytime of the year, it is very well maintained and is a credit to the town. Pity there isn’t more information and promotion of it, both on and offline.
Dannevirke, also has a very good Information Centre, plus a blog, which can be viewed here.
After spending a few hours at the domain, we headed home.
Gina and I decided to visit Te Angi Angi Marine Reserve in Central Hawkes Bay. The reserve stretches from Blackhead to Aramoana beaches. All marine life within the reserve area is protected.
We intended to leave early but we didn’t leave Woodville until 8.30am. We stopped in at Subway in Dannevirke to grab some lunch for the trip, the food is always good and the staff are very friendly, great customer service.
We decided to head to Blackhead beach via the Waipukurau route it was an easy trip, with great scenary along the way. We didn’t get lost once, the route is very well sign posted, all the way out to Blackhead Beach.
For directions and more information click on Central Hawke’s Bay, District Council, Te Angi Angi Marine Reserve link above.
Even though it was a bit chilly, blue skies greeted us on our arrival at Blackhead beach. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see the rock platform as it is only exposed at low tide but never the less there is always something new to see and experience when you visit a place for the first time.
Blackhead beach has a camping ground and facilities only a stones throw from the beach. Ideal get away, for a few days.
As we walked up the beach, we noticed it was receding fast because the tide was coming in, the waves got bigger and the tide came in quite fast.
It would be easy if you didn’t have your wits about you, to get cut off, the only way to get off the beach, depending of course where you are, is to scramble up to the tree line. Which isn’t as bad as it sounds because its more or less right on the beach.
We got some great photos though, so it was worth it, the weather changed quite quickly, from blue skies to very cloudy and grey.
Seeing as we couldn’t go any further we decided to head off to Pourerere Beach, we went back the way we came and followed the signs. Didn’t take us long to get there. The weather followed us, we had a bit of blue sky then it clouded over and got quite cool and breezy.
Pourerere is similar to Blackhead, large expanse of beach and ocean as far as the eye can see. As with both beaches we found shells and seaweed washed up on the beach, some of which we had never seen before. There has been a lot of coastal planting along parts of the beach and signs have been erected telling people to use the designated pathways.
We managed to get a reasonable walk along the beach before the tide came in, once again. We also saw some Pied stilts, Shags and Gulls if the tide had been out we would have seen many more species of birds.
I imagine during the summer months both beaches and the reserve are a big draw card for tourists and locals alike.
Although, Gina and I visit beaches in winter and summer because there is always something different see and do.
After we had wandered around for a while, we decided it was time to head for home. On the way back to Woodville, we looked across at the ranges, which were still covered in snow and saw a spectacular light show, as the suns rays streamed down through the clouds and lit up the hills. Of course we had to find a spot to pull over and take photos. A great end, to another great day out.
Reserve sign at Blackhead beach.
Pourerere Beach Sign.
View looking down towards the private settlement at Blackhead
Gina and I set out on a fine winters day to visit Pipinui Falls and the Makuri Gorge. It’s good to go and see places like these during the winter because they can look very spectacular, after the rain.
Our first stop was the Gorge, it is situated on the Pahiatua Pongaroa Road. It took us about 35-40 minutes to get there. The 3 photos of the Gorge were taken from the bridge. According to some tourist information I found, they say there is also a walk you can do, which takes about 1 hour to complete.
After watching the water crash over rocks in the Gorge for a while, we headed off to find Pipinui Falls Scenic Reserve. The Reserve can be found 6km north of Makuri on the Coonoor Road. Gina and I found the reserve ok, the sign is big enough, so no one can miss it.
Finding the falls on the other hand, is another story, we parked the car at the reserve sign and got out and started looking around for Pipinui Falls. Well we couldn’t find them, so we got back in the car and drove along the road for a while, just in case we has missed the sign.
With no falls in sight we decided to head back to the reserve sign, (it’s a good job Gina & I have a sense of humour) They say in the Tararua Guide Its a “Hidden Treasure” it certainly is, if you can’t find it. We got out of the car again and I said to Gina, “there is a gate across the road, lets take a look”.
So we proceed to cross the road and walked through the gate, as we kept walking, lo and behold we heard the sound of running water, could this be the falls, we had spent the last 40 minutes looking for! and yes it was, nestled in and surrounded by native bush, they make a pretty picture, a park bench has been placed there so you can sit a while and watch the water cascade over the rocks. it’s a very calming and peaceful place and well worth the visit.
Now from a tourists point of view, if you are promoting any attraction, good signage is a must, tourists shouldn’t have to go hunting, I wonder how many have been out there looking for the falls and given up in disgust. Nowhere, on the reserve sign does it say, to get to the waterfall you have to go through the gate on the opposite side of the road.
Unfortunately, the gate and fence aren’t signed posted either, which in my opinion, is very poor. How hard can it be, to put a sign on either the gate or fence, to make it easier for people to find.
All in all Gina and I has an interesting day out, the Gorge and Falls are worth going to see. Hopefully, the powers that be, will feel inspired to review and greatly improve their promotional strategies, both on and offline.
Pipinui Falls
Pipinui Falls
Pipinui Falls
Makuri Gorge
Markuri Gorge
Markuri Gorge
Reserve Sign
Un-marked gate across the road from the reserve sign
I must admit Gina and I had never heard of Nga Manu Nature Reserve in Waikanae, until I saw an article in a blog I was reading. The blog pointed me to their Facebook page, so as, we are always on the lookout for new places to visit, I thought I would take a look, I liked what I read, so say, no more.
Gina and I set off to go and visit Nga Manu today, we left Woodville just after 8am we arrived at the reserve a little after 10.30am, as we had booked to go on a bird feeding tour at 11am.
I must admit upon reaching Waikanae, we didn’t get lost once, Nga Manu, is clearly signposted, all the way to the reserve. We would have been there earlier but we had to stop for our coffee fix and something to eat, as neither of us had, had any breakfast.
As we got out of the car in the car park, we were greeted by two Kereru (NZ wood pigeons) perched up in the tree, above us. As we walked towards the main reception building, we could hear different birds calling, making their presence known.
We were greeted at reception by Joanne, who gave us a map which included information on the attractions at Nga Manu. As it happened, Joanne was also our guide, on the bird feeding tour.
While we were waiting for the tour to begin, Gina and I waited outside by the pond. We were greeted by friendly ducks and Pukeko. I must say its the closest I have ever been to one. Then to top it off, I turned around and there were Black Swans in close proximity as well. Which was a real bonus for me, as I often spend time lurking in and around waterways and bushes, trying to get photos of them.
At 11am we set off with Joanne on the bird feeding tour around the aviaries, which Gina and I thoroughly enjoyed, it was very informative and we got to feed the birds. Thanks Joanne. The tour is a must do, if you have the time. We saw Kakariki (NZ Parakeet) Kaka,Kea, Scaup (diving ducks) Kiwi, plus many more. We also saw the Tuatara (rare NZ reptile). The only thing, that put a dampener on the tour was my camera’s sd cards failing, so I have no photos of the aviary tour. Good excuse for us to go back again:-) not that we need one.
After the tour was over, we walked around some more of the reserve. We saw many more species of birds including Tui , White faced heron and Monarch butterflies on swan plants. We then made our way up to the lookout tower, the views were amazing. We also visited, Fern Island, Preservation Island and BBQ Island the only things we didn’t get to finish were the bush walk and to feed the eels.
There are plenty of places to sit down and take a load off or have a picnic. The grounds are well maintained, both the pathways and broadwalks make for easy walking, especially if you have a wheelchair or baby buggy. I must say it is one of the best places we have been to, so far, that enables easy access for anyone in or with, a wheelchair or buggy.
Admission and tours are very reasonably priced. More details can be found on Nga Manu Nature Reserve, website.
As usual but all to soon, it was time to head for home. If you are looking for great place to visit, Gina and I highly recommend Ngu Manu Nature Reserve, in Waikanae.
Information centre
The two kereru in the trees in the car park
Ducks & Pukeko
NZ Pukeko
Black Swan
Black Swans
View of the bridge going over the pond
View from one of the pathways
Pond
Monarch Butterfly
Monarch Caterpiller
One of the many Broadwalks
The Lookout Tower
View from the Lookout Tower
Fern Island
BBQ Island
View of one of the ponds
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Day Trips for the uninspired. Things to see and do in and around the Manawatu, Tararua, Wairarapa, Hawke's Bay & Wellington Regions of New Zealand
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Brightchic Photography: Day Trips For The Uninspired, New Zealand 