Discover Doubtless Bay Walking Weekends
Far
North Mayor Wayne Brown (left) warms up with the other walkers at Mangonui
SchoolWalkers rediscover Doubtless Bay
Walkers rediscover Doubtless Bay
Doubtless Bay is steeped in early New Zealand history, has beautiful beaches and many unique walkways to enjoy. Over eighty people participated in the inaugural Discover Doubtless Bay Walking Weekend, held on 3rd and 4th May 2008. The events were organised by Doubtless Bay Promotion Inc. and sponsored by PUB Charity in 2008 and by Far North District Council in 2009.
Ten guided walk options, with varying degrees of difficulty, catered for all fitness levels.
Despite the poor weather on the Sunday in 2008, the Walking Weekend was such a success that it was planned to make it an annual event. The weather for the 2009 event was very fine but 2010 was again very poor..
Walkers
rest on the slopes of Mount Taratara Notes on the Taratara Walk
Notes on the Taratara Walk
Located just off State Highway 10, between Kaeo and Mangonui, you are drawn to a magnificent rock formation called Taratara. Formed some 20 million years ago the rock rises 300 metres above sea level and is covered in native fauna and flora.
Twenty people of varying ages joined a guided walk and set off on the grade four, three-hour trek. Amongst the group was 83 year old Geoff! What an inspiration he is. Certainly, many of us doubted that he would be able to do the walk. After all, walkers who were half Geoff's age were finding it a bit strenuous, testing their agility and stamina. Saturday's autumn weather was perfect for the trek with a temperature of about 21 degrees and blue sky. However a few sub-tropical downpours had dampened the ground the day prior and climbing up the very steep bush covered track was a slippery task. There was elation from all when reaching the rocky cliff top and a special clap for Geoff on his achievement. The panoramic view from the top was worth every bit of energy it took to get there.
Special thanks to our Group Leader, Roy Wiblin, and our Tail-end Charlie, Rhyll Sworn, for making this walk such a safe and rewarding experience.
Note: If you wish to climb Mount Taratara you need to seek permission first and may enquire via the Doubtless Bay Information Centre in Mangonui. (Phone: 09 406 2046 or Email)
| 83 year old Geoff reached the summit | Walkers on the summit of Mount Taratara |
Thanks to everyone who helped to make the first Discover Doubtless Bay Walking Weekend such a success.
It was well received with over 80 people attended, firstly in their warm up led by Kay, the owner of our local gym Mangonui Fitness Centre, a welcome by our mayor Wayne Brown, the donation of First Aid Kits by Doubtless Bay Lions and then the walkers all headed off to one of their ten chosen walks.
The most popular was the climb up Mt Taratara with 20 walkers including an 83 year old man.
Thank you once again, as without the local support from the community we would not have been able to offer such an event. This event is now an annual one and we anticipate that it will continue to grow each year.
| At Lane Cove | A wet Sunday morning in 2008 |