01/04/2026. Coastal Connection/ Orokanui Lagoon Walk. Grade 3. Combined. Leaders: Pam Cocks; Tail-end Charlies: Val Cayford, Julie McKenzie, Adrienne Ensor
On a beautiful brisk Autumn morning 36 intrepid trampers and hikers assembled at Black Bridge on Doctors Point Road.
We headed off over the bridge and turned up Chelivode Street for a short climb up to meet the new Coastal Connection Cycling and Walking Track.
The track winds its’ way up the hill through beautiful forest and farmland. We stopped a few times on the way up to admire the views back out over the Waitati Inlet and Township.
Our morning tea stop was in a perfect location about halfway up the track in the forest and with lots of rocks to sit on and a seat carved out of a tree trunk.
On the seat was a plaque that read “Track Widows Rest. This place is dedicated to two long suffering wives – Marie & Lib – 13.2.2026”. Also at this spot was a concrete monument with a plaque that read “It was on this precise spot, on Thursday 26th February 1874 that absolutely nothing happened. This plaque records that fact”. For those that were wondering if the day was correct, yes it was a Thursday. Great to see people still have a sense of humour.
We continued up the track which, near the top, runs alongside the amazing predator fence of the Orokonui Eco-Sanctuary. Several stops were made on the way up the hill for layers of clothing to be removed as even though the day started out chilly, it didn’t take long before the sun was out and along with the climb up the hill, we soon warmed up. We continued to the top of the hill where the track finished at the Mopanui Drystone Wall. The track is 4.3 kms.
We stayed here for a short time to again admire the great views out over the Waitati Valley and Inlet. We were only overtaken by one cyclist going up the hill. We then headed back down the Coastal Connection Track to have lunch at the same spot where we had morning tea, it was such a lovely spot.
After lunch we continued down the hill to the turnoff to the Orokonui Lagoon Walk, which meandered through beautiful bush and trees alongside the lagoon. Lots of bird song could be heard.
The walk continued through farmland then a short walk along streets in the town, finishing with a walk along a boardwalk back to Black Bridge where our cars were parked. We only met one cyclist on our way down the hill.
A lot of work has obviously gone into developing the Coastal Connection Track and farmers have very generously allowed it to go through their land. It will be another well used track. In total we walked nearly 12kms and both tracks were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
Half the group rewarded themselves with an ice cream from the Waitati Merchant Store and the others with refreshments from The Gallery Cafe. Both venues were interesting to look around. If anyone is interested in a business opportunity The Gallery is for sale.
Special thanks to Pam for stepping in as leader today when the destination had to be changed at short notice.
You might be interested to know where the plaque idea came from – we have seen the original in Devonport – apparently it was placed there as an April Fools joke by the mayor in 1978.
So it was appropriate that we stopped there to read the Coastal Connection plaque on the morning of 1 April 2026!
Back in 1874 that spot was pristine native bush…
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.