Karitane beach to Huriawa Pa, Beach walk

No. 12 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Karitane to Maori Pa and Beach Walk. C Tither. Year Round.”

Pa accessed from Karitane wharf. 2 hr ret. Walking Track. – Manager: DOC.

If you want a history of Huriawa Pa, Sir Truby King or early Methodist missionary James Watkin, it’s all just a click away here.

57 km from car park.

24. 02/11/2022. Combined. Karitane. Grade 2.  $13. 56km. Leaders: John and Dave R

In our tramping and hiking endeavours, many factors are beyond our control. The weather is our greatest variable, but not the only one. This time it was Covid that scuttled our planned visit to the Puketeraki Marae.
Puketeraki Matarae (Pam)
Puketeraki Matarae (photo & caption Pam)
Many thanks to Mauraka for agreeing to host us when I phoned to arrange the visit. Get well Mauraka. A key part of the Puketeraki Marae visit was the Powhiri (welcome). Googling this, did cause some consternation, appearing to be more involved and complex than expected. Thanks to Barbara and Grant, for putting my anxiety to rest, by offering to manage this part of the visit for me. Yet another example of the depth of expertise within our membership. Sometimes things just don’t go to plan.
Morning Tea above the Puketeraki Marae - John
Morning Tea above the Puketeraki Marae (photo & caption John)
Subsequently, with a “glass half full” philosophy 27 keen hikers and trampers began their combined adventure at the Marae. Spending morning tea overlooking the beautiful settlement, the bay, peninsula, and beach that is Karitane.
On the Huriawa Pa track - Pam
On the Huriawa Pa track (photo & caption Pam)
Under blue skies we drove back to the reserve, where we regrouped at 11.00am, and began our walk. With a slightly chilly wind and choppy high tide waters in the bay, it was a relief to get out of the wind, on the more sheltered track around the Te Awa Peninsula.
Dramatic hole in rock - John
Dramatic hole in rock (photo & caption John)
Here we followed the well-formed track, passing the spectacular Te Awa Mokihi (Butterfly Bay), the imposing Pa-katata Cliffs, and the unique Ke Pehu’ Blow-holes, before passing The Pinnacles, (a group of offshore rocks).
Gathering up for the views - Helen
Gathering up for the views (photo & caption Helen)
With lunch beginning at 12.15pm overlooking Karitane Beach the day was right back on track, and spirits were high.
Lunch stop - Marijke
Lunch stop (photo & caption Marijke)
Heading back - Marijke
Heading back (photo & caption Marijke)
Interesting Stone sculptures -Pam
Interesting Stone sculptures (photo & caption Pam)
After lunch we walked down to the beach, joined by an unusual looking, resident old dog, who stayed behind to devour a dead seagull he found on the beach!
The beach was like a magnet - John
The beach was like a magnet (photo & caption John)
Our group got well and truly spread out on the beach, that we had pretty much to ourselves, with people walking at their own pace, enjoying the pristine surroundings, clear sands, and gentle sea breeze.
Special thanks to Dave, for his efforts as tail end Charlie in these conditions, (I know it’s just against your nature to be behind, or to go slow Dave!) By about 1.30pm we had all regrouped at our starting point on the beach, and following a short street-walk were at the Karitane Store for an ice cream at 1.45pm.
Ice creams. Very hot so needed - Helen
Ice creams. Very hot so needed (photo & caption Helen)
Blueskin Cafe’ was reached, dead on time, at 2.15pm for alfresco Coffee.
Looking back onto Huriawa Peninsula and Pa - Pam
Looking back onto the Huriawa Peninsula and Pa (photo & caption Pam)

In summary, Karitane is such a beautiful spot, one the club has visited many times, but one that never fails to delight. Ideal for our diverse group with varying abilities, it allowed flexibility for people to safely go at their own pace, yet permitted lots of interaction between hikers and trampers. The Grade 2 classification seems appropriate, with just over 7 Km walked.

Map (screenshot by Margreet)
Map (screenshot by Margreet)

23. 19/01/2022. Hikers. Karitane. Leaders: Liz Griffin and Faye Lamb

Karitane is one of the most popular walks the club has done with more than 18 walks over the years.
Clive 1
We started out with 14 hikers from near the Karitane fishing club.    There is so much history, scenery and things to see and do in Karitane.   We were not sure what the weather had in store for us so we kept an eye on the clouds.  We set off up the Huriwae Pa peninsular with stories posted at regular intervals and the easy walking tracks and paths well maintained.  As usual within the hikers ranks we had few ‘intrepid’ hikers (read trampers) who decided to scale the headland above the blow hole for even more spectacular views.
Clive 2
Once we completed the circuit of the peninsular we headed inland and followed the coast road parallel  to the beach.   We went to the church above the Puketeraki Marae for lunch.   The views from up there reached away to the North beyond Shag River and to the South to the entrance of Otago harbour.   A leisurely walk back along Coast Road got us back to the cars about 1.30pm with no sign of rain.
Clive 3
We had plenty of time for a coffee and biscuit at the ‘Salt & Sugar’ general store.   We were wished ‘Happy New Year’ in English, German and Russian on the sign above the coffee tables.   A good walk was enjoyed as the first walk of 2022.   Thanks to Liz & Faye our leaders.
Report and photos courtesy of Clive

22. 20/1/2021. Hikers. Karitane. Leaders: Linda and Heather

The weather forecast wasn’t looking too promising but it did not deter 20 eager hikers  travelling to Karitane for our first hike of 2021.

Fortunately we  were  rewarded with reasonably fine weather at Karitane.

J.01.Getting ready to get underway

Getting ready to get underway. (John pic and caption.)

J.03.Bob and Lester keen to get started

Bob and Lester keen to get started. (John pic and caption.)

We started the day with morning tea,

J.02.Civilised mornig tea

Civilised morning tea. (John pic and caption.)

before proceeding along the peninsula  track.

We walked past the totem pole and blow hole, taking in the magnificent ocean views, gazing at the distant coastline and a ship waiting to go into the harbour. Some of the more energetic  hikers walked up the steep track to take photos and admire the view from the highest part of the headland.

J.04.This view makes the climb worthwhile

This view makes the climb worthwhile. (Joh pic and caption.)

J.05.Coastline looking soutn

Coastline looking south. (John pic and caption.)

J.06.Alex has walked over this in the past!

Alex has walked over this in the past! (John pic and caption.)

Not much sign of wildlife today, only a few lone seals were spotted dozing on the rocks blending in as always with the sleek black rocks. Further on we took the track down to the waters edge  another time for photos,  with some amazing rock formations eroded by time and the tides.

J.07.Sure these rocks have names?

Sure these rocks have names? (John pic and caption.)

We proceeded back up the track, which led us up on to the road. From here we walked along the  beach, admiring the lovely new beach houses.We stopped for a lunch break near the end of the beach, a time for a rest and  for everyone to catch up on what they had been doing over the holidays.  After lunch we posed for a group photo in front of one of the stunning large rocks.

J.09.happy Hikers after lunch
Happy Hikers after lunch. (John pic and caption.)

  We then  headed back along the beach and out on to the road for a short street walk, checking out the local cribs , gardens and  back to our cars.We  enjoyed finishing  the day with afternoon tea at Salt and Sugar General store in Karitane, certainly a unique coffee stop, and I’m told the cake was very good! – Linda and Heather.


21. 27/3/2019. Hikers. Huriawa Pa Peninsula, beach walk. E. Leaders: Clive and Alex.

The week leading up to this walk at Karitane had threatened all kinds of extreme weather.   So it was surprising to muster at least 26 Hikers and Ramblers at the start of the walk outside the local fishing club.   First things first it was nearly 10 o’clock so fortification of morning tea was taken before setting off.   We headed to the prominent headland , whose history has been recounted in earlier visits and reports.   Alec who had spent many a happy hour in Karitane had extensive local knowledge and immediately tried to put it to good use by taking a little known short cut  …  over a cliff ….   So not that way.   The views from the headland are spectacular and a couple of more intrepid hikers made it further out on to the headland.  See photos attached.

C.3c
(Clive pic.)
C.4c
(Clive pic)

After the headland we made our way down through the bush to connect up with the road.    Although it was high tide there was enough beach to walk on and we made our way to the basalt rocks at the far end of the beach in time for lunch.

C.5Beach walkc
(Clive pic)
C.6c
(Clive pic)

A number of the hikers were able to recall holidays spent at Karitane over lunch.

Just as we finished lunch a cool wind came up heralding rain.   It was behind us so we made a faster return down the beach and up onto the main road.    By the time we reached the local dairy the rain had set in in earnest so we didn’t hang about but made it back to the cars just as the heavens opened.

We followed the scenic route over the hill past Seacliff to Warrington.  We had a short stop at St Barnabas’ church, which had been built in 1872 and is a tribute to the caring local community who keep it in such a fine state.

C.7.St Barnabasc
(Clive pic)

To end the day, with the rain lashing down,we made it to the Blueskin Nurseries cafe at Waitati for afternoon tea. – Clive.

Five Ramblers did a leisurely stop and start 2 km circuit of the Peninsula, rewarded with seeing a White Heron on a small outcrop while lunching. Avoided the worst of the rain while awaiting the Hikers’ return from the beach. – Ian.

20. 4/10/2017. Both. Huriawa Pa Peninsula, beach walk. E. Leaders: Jan and Bev.

Route map, courtesy Ian. Started recording late, so true distance 7 km. Trampers did 8 km.

A large contingent of trampers and hikers (40 in total) set off from the rivermouth area  along the edge of the estuary to the Huriawa Pa  peninsula.  Track then headed upwards, and we had morning tea on a bank under a large marcrocarpa tree.

Morning tea on the start of the walk up the Huriawa peninsula. (Clive pic and caption.)

Track climbed steadily tho not steeply up to a totem pole, then along the edge of the cliffs to the blowhole.  A group of trampers went up a steep little track to the highest point on the headland with great views.  Past the blowhole we  detoured off the main track along a mown pathway which looped round a newish planting of natives.  Then took another detour down to the water’s edge and back up to the main track which led on to the beach.  The weather had turned warm and sunny with no wind, so perfect beach conditions.

There’s a hole in my tooth. (Raewyn pic and caption.)

Came across a sea lion sunbathing on the beach, but he eventually trundled his way back to the water.

Basking sealion. (Margreet pic and caption.)

Walked to the end of the beach, and came back a little way to a lunch spot.

Cape Karitane launching pad. (Raewyn pic and caption.)

There were  lots of large slips along the bank which runs along  the edge of the beach and one of these slips provided good seating on the various tree trunks, rocks etc.

Lunch. (Ian pic and caption.)

Some of the hikers carried on back down the beach to the cars, whilst the rest took a track off the beach and meandered round the streets of the Karitane township before returning to the car park via the main road.  The tide was well in by  then, so quite a different look to the estuary.  The majority stopped off for coffee at the Blueskin Nursery  Cafe on the way home, but the staff coped well with the rather large crowd. – Jan.


19. 10/12/2014 All. End of year Christmas shared lunch. Karitane Fishing and Boating Club Hall. Tramp: Huriawa Pa, beach walk. Leaders: Elaine and Eric

Route
Route

Elaine’s planning for the day did not disappoint us. Eric, obviously under precise instructions, ably led those who came for the tramp around the peninsula…

The peninsula. (Helen pic)
The peninsula. (Helen pic)
last climb as we approach saddle near ocean end of peninsula.
Last climb as we approach saddle near seaward end of peninsula track.

…and along the beach and return to get us back to the hall right on the dot of the appointed time of 11.30 a.m.to meet up with those who were able to come only for the occasion. Well done Eric, for someone who had never done the route before! So thanks, Eric – and Elaine, who stayed behind. And what was that for?

Surprise! Yes, meantime Elaine had been busy secretly putting up countless photos with questions attached, pens and slips of paper to write the answers down on, not forgetting bags to put them into. What preparation! What inventiveness! What tramper was the child in the photo? In what year was the camp in the photo held? Identify the car. How many pages in the day’s ODT? The puzzles went on and on, around the walls of the small hall, inside and out.

Of course there was wonderful food in all its variety…

The spread. (Helen pic)
The spread. (Helen pic)

After we were all satiated, came the declaration of the winners. from the bags accompanying their respective photos, Elaine drew answers, correct, facetious and otherwise.  Each winner was awarded a Christmasy-wrapped present fetched and delivered by Eric from a large bag of presents donated by – who knows who? Where does Elaine get her sponsors from? Present after present. And we mustn’t forget the lucky numbers handed out when we first went in. It seems every number holder was awarded a present also.

After this was all over, Elaine got the Four Jolly Tramping Mates to perform their song, a song which has now come to be sung on one or two previous occasions. Well, it’s really Peter’s song as he has written the lyrics and chosen the tune. Over the years,  the membership has perforce had to slightly change, with Heb now replacing Ray who has retired from the Club. And that’s not the only change either. Peter had added two further brillian verses to include Fred’s chocolates and Margaret’s red brolly. The lyric’s subjects are so pertinent, cheeky and entertaining, it has stood up well to repetition over the years. Thanks, Elaine, for arranging this part too.

The Three Jolly Tramping Mates. (Helen pic)
The Four Jolly Tramping Mates. (Helen pic)

Well, that was it, unless you include the coffee stop (another of Elaine’s innovations) at Blueskin Cafe on the way home for some.

Well, Elaine. You have certainly put your stamp on the social side of our Club’s activities. Thank you, and Eric, for providing a most enjoyable finish to the year’s activities. – Ian.


18. 28/5/2014. Hikers. Karitane, Huriawa Pa, beach walk. Leaders: Bev and Lesley

GPS of route
GPS of route

Here we were at Karitane, all ready to set out, with Leader Bev out there on the right waiting for us to follow.

Before tramp. (John, Panorama)
At cars before tramp. (John, Panorama)

And as you can see from John’s second panorama below,

Tramp ending
Tramp ending (John panorama, showing both ending and starting points)

at either end of the pic you can see both the the tramp’s end on the left and its entrance point onto the peninsula. We made our way along right on the harbour inlet’s edge to a lovely spot for the morning tea cuppa. We we surprised by the occasion whiff of warm air which accompanied us for the day, until a norwester blast hit us just as we were returning to the cars, a trace of which can be seen on the above panorama.

Cuppa (John pic)
Cuppa alongside inlet’s entrance  (John pic)

Following the leisurely sit down, was a bit of moderately steep climbing to reach the top of the track where it returned  back on the peninsula’s southern side. We admired the following blowhole.

 

Cavern (John pic)
Blown out blowhole. (John pic)

Les recalled how once he and Ivan McIntosh had braved the ledge along the top. Not now!

By various stops and starts (part of a track we found too flooded to negotiate so had to find another way) we made it back to the peninsula’s beginning, and onto and along the long firm beach, to lunch at its southern end. Here John and Elaine combined to make this stunning photo.

Elaine
Elaine

After another leisurely break, we made our way back along the beach, across the peninsula’s neck and back to the cars.

A great day out for some 30 hikers, well led by Bev and Lesley, to whom much thanks. – Ian.


16. 30/11/2011. Hikers. Karitane from railway line. Easy.


15. 21/4/2010. Hikers. Karitane from railway line. Easy. Leaders: Elaine, Fred.

Whare Nui (?) of Puketeraki Marae. (Bill pic)

Tor. (Bill pic)

Rock on beach showing columnar basaltic structure. (Bill pic)

End of Huriawa Peninsula. (Bill pic)


14. 30/7/2008. Hikers. Karitane from railway. Easy. Leaders: Bob H, Evelyn C.

In spite of the weather being less than conducive for a tramping day, 4 trampers & 5 hikers decided to be positive and go to Karitane which was the destination for the hikers that day. So off we went, hoping that the rain we drove through most of the way there would not continue for the day! From getting out of our cars,we seemed to be ‘blessed’! No rain till we stopped at the Marae for lunch where we were able to sit on the porch and enjoy our meal, out of the shower that came on at that time. Then, lo and behold, the rain stopped and we got back to the cars without getting wet all day. We all agreed we had had a very pleasant and happy day, having got some fresh air and had a good walk. Bev

13. 8/8/2007. Hikers. Karitane from railway line. Easy. Leaders: Evelyn C, Bill H.

12. 22/3/2006. Hikers. Karitane, Maori Pa. Leaders:  Graham, Arthur & Barbara
11. /9/2002 Mary Y, Jean A, Chris
10. 25/9/2002. Alt. Karitane – Maori Pa. Leaders: Mary Y, Jean, Chris.
9. 10/11/1999. Karitane, over Railroad Bridge. Leaders: Catherine, Mavis, Shirley R.
8. 14/4/1999. Karitane – Maori Pa – Beach Walk. Leaders: Catherine, nancy, Lesley S.
7. 20/8/1997. Karitane Maori Pa and Church. Leaders: Catherine, Nel K, Denise.
6. 15/2/1995. Karitane. Medium. Leaders: Ria L, Catherine, Mary Y, Denise P.
5. 1/6/1994. Karitane. Medium. Leaders: Catherine, Ria L, Nel K, Mary Y.
4. 3/3/1993. Karitane. Medium. Leaders: Catherine, Ria L, Nel, Mary Y.
3. 27/1/1993. Karitane. Round Trip. Average. Leaders: Catherine, Ria L, Nel, Marie.
2. 19/8/1992. Karitane Beach to Maori Pa. Round trip. Average. Catherine, Ria L, Nel K, Marie F
1. 8/4/1990. Karitane to Maori Pa. Also beach walk. Interesting history. Easy walking. Leaders:  Peg C, Joan A, Audrey, June W
14/4/1989 Catherine, Nancy, Lesley S

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