20/11/2024. Orokonui / Wrights Road. Grade 3. Hikers. Leaders: Jay Devlin and Pam Clough.
On 20/11/24 21 hikers gathered at the Orokonui Sanctuary carpark.
The day was nice and sunny. At the top end of the carpark we took the undulating track beside the pest proof fence enjoying listening to the birdlife if you could hear it above the happy chattering group.
Halfway up we stopped for morning tea on a nice grassy area.
We then carried on up the track until we came to a fence which then took us on to Mopanui Road leading us to the top of the Mckessar track which to the right of that was the Mopanui Ridgeline track.
The views from here showed Blueskin Bay, Warrington Beach and beyond.
We carried on this Mopanui track which was downhill and we had to be careful negotiating lots of exposed tree roots.
This track then became Davids Track which is on farm land. Here we walked through lovely native bush of all varieties.
At the bottom of Davids track we took our lunch break in sunshine but were watching rain clouds in the distance.
From here it was a steep up and down road walk to Michies Crossing where two cars were parked, [ Jay’s and Pam and Ross’] so we could take the drivers back to the Sanctuary to pick up cars. the remaining walkers made their way back to Waitati where we had our afternoon coffee.
Then down came the rain. Phew !!! we made it just in time.
Leaders were Pam C and Jay D.
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.