Trip Reports

Coast to Coast   —   10 July 2005

Written by Tom

This is one of my favourite walks and a good one to do in the middle of winter. You can appreciate how the area of Auckland is so narrow therefore giving the city its maritime character.

We bussed into town from Onehunga and started right at the beginning on Quay Street and just followed the yellow arrows, when we could find them, and of course, the inevitable change in direction. We went through the University grounds, along Grafton Road, and into the Auckland Domain. Morning tea was at the winter gardens by the fishpond. Then we moved onto Newmarket and up Mt Eden, always very popular with tourists and today was no exception. Passed the renovated cricket pavilion which dates back to 1899. Last time I saw this building I thought it was ready to fall down.

Along Epsom road and Melville park where two people were playing croquet, not many clubs in Auckland.

Cornwall Park always a striking place, many people here also. One Tree Hill, still no sigh of a tree, is where we stopped to have lunch. A few of us enjoyed an ice cream before an off-track climb to the top and then down to Manukau Road again, and through to Royal Oak. Jellicoe Park is where we saw many Monarch butterflies resting in the trees in the sunshine, great sight.

More streets and houses and then finish by the lake in Onehunga Reserve.

A coffee stop was now called for before heading back to Glen Eden and home.

Thanks to those who came along to enjoy a great day, thanks also to Ray who looked after the tail.