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- By David Mallowes
To the northeast of Franklin, we are fortunate to have many easily accessible regional parks at our doorstep – Omana, Duder, Waitawa, Tawhitokino, Orere Point, Tapapakanga, and the Hunua Ranges. Nearby are Waharau Regional Park and Whakatiwai Regional Park.
So how about a personal challenge exploring regional park coastal forests, discovering hidden beaches, or walking to trig points for superb views? Visit all in a month, or in a year?
- Omana: Family-friendly, many camp sites, barbecues, safe swimming beaches, and a farm park.
- Duder: Rolling farmland, breathtaking views from a significant pa site, salt marshes.
- Waitawa: Multi-use park, an extraordinary pa site with commanding views, fishing, bush
walks, and farmland. - Tawhitokino: A stunningly beautiful and secluded safe swimming 1km long white sand
beach. - Orere Point: A small bush park with tracks to sand and pebble beaches.
- Tapapakanga: Native forest, farmland and beach, many campsites, peaceful.
- Hunua Ranges: Native forest, rugged hills and river valleys, tramping and mountain biking.
To extend the challenge, consider:
- Clevedon Scenic Reserve (Te Nikau Pa): 998 steps up, many kauri trees, great views.
- Waharau: Uphill track through awesome mature native forest, 829 steps, many campsites.
- Whakatiwai: Unusual geology, quiet, shelly sand foreshore, bird watching.
- Motukorea – Browns Island; Whakanewha – Waiheke Island, and 18 other Auckland regional parks.
Most of these regional parks have significant pa sites. Waitawa has three! Another challenge is to visit as many pa sites as possible, or volcanoes. Children may learn to identify kauri, rimu, totara and other native trees.
Enjoy, spread the word. Remember to stay well hydrated over summer, pack spare food,
sunscreen, and rubbish bags. Visit the Auckland Council website for information on where
you can walk dogs.
