I didn't get to go out much while in New Zealand this year as my Mum was busy with family matters. Fortunately though we did get to spend a couple of days with her friend in Whangarei and we did two big walks which were great fun, although Mum said they wore her legs out!
We walked up Mt Manaia on Thursday 16th March. The walk took us about three hours return and there were approximately 1067 steps to climb up during the course of the walk! Mount Manaia is 403 metres above sea level and it is a steady climb all the way up with the views getting more spectacular the higher you get.
The view of the Mount from the car park.
Yes we really are going to climb all the way up to the top!
The beginning of the walk is well sign posted.
Some sculptures.
It took us longer than the 2 hour return as we spent a bit of time at the top and also stopped for something to eat.
Very important to clean our shoes and boots before we start to protect the Kauri trees.
This doesn't look too bad!
Certainly isn't too steep here, I don't know what all the fuss was about.
Wonderful native bush.
One of the board walks to protect the forest floor.
A few steps....these ones weren't too steep.
Look at this magnificent specimen.
No, I don't mean me, although I am not too bad if I may say so myself.
This tree and many others was amazing.
Starting to see the wonderful views.
Gorgeous blue sea.
One of the board walks round the Kauri trees - these have been built to stop root damage to the native trees.
I quite enjoy walking on these.
Some fungi on the tree.
Getting higher.
Peeping through
Spectacular. We are almost at the top now.
The last few steps to climb.
Nearly there...
At the top! The views were incredible.
Lovely clear skies where you can see for miles.
Contemplating the view.
Hi there!
It was so peaceful up here.
Some more views from the top:
Fungi spotted on the way down.
It was nice and cool in the bush, and the trees provided much needed shelter from the heat of the day.
Eventually we got back down - it was much easier coming down than going up!
Pretty flowers.
Yes we really did go right up there! A thoroughly enjoyable time even if it was exhausting!
