A couple of years ago I wrote about my exploration of the Oakley Creek Walkway along the length of the stream from its origin. At that time I was frustrated in my efforts because the middle section was undergoing a major redevelopment. The Te Auaunga Awa restoration project will replace the existing concrete channel that currently contains Oakley Creek with a wider naturalised stream channel. Underground pipes and pedestrian bridges will also be replaced. This restoration project will help … [Read more...]
Volcanic Park to Volcano: Mt Roskill
I have been writing a series of posts on walks using the new Shared Path system around the Waterview tunnel area that connects up different parks and green spaces. This post covers Volcanic Park to Volcano (Mt Roskill). Valonia Reserve, at the southern end of Alan Wood Park, has a volcanic-themed skate park that is designed to resemble a lava flow. It starts at its highest point in a ‘crater’ before running through a series of lava-coloured terraces and skateable features such as bowls, … [Read more...]
Oakley Creek Walkway (4): Origin
In previous posts I have traced the path of the Oakley Creek Walkway upstream through various parks and reserves along the new Shared Path system of cycleways/walkways. In this final part of my journey I follow Oakley Creek (the longest waterway in Auckland) from Mt Roskill War Memorial Park through to its (somewhat inauspicious) origins to a previously swampy park. From the War Memorial, Oakley Creek disappears into a culvert under May Road and continues along behind and under houses … [Read more...]
Oakley Creek Walkway (3): an ongoing upgrade
I had planned to continue my exploration of the Oakley Creek Walkway along the Shared Path system of cycleways/walkways that is connecting up Auckland's green spaces. I have previously written about the more established part of the Oakley Creek Walkway in Waterview and then its continued restoration through into Alan Wood Reserve. The next logical step was to follow its course upstream across Te Whitinga (the Crossing) into Kukuwai Park and then across Richardson Road to Underwood Park and … [Read more...]
Oakley Creek Walkway (2): Alan Wood Reserve
Having enjoyed visiting the original Oakley Creek Walkway, I continued to explore the next segment of Oakley Creek (Te Auaunga) in Alan Wood Reserve. This reserve has recently been renovated along with the opening of the Waterview Tunnel, with some renewed emphasis on the creek itself. The waterway has been cleared and defined in many places, and is a vast improvement on its previous condition. There are still areas where the banks are covered in weeds and the water is stagnant and filled with … [Read more...]
Oakley Creek Walkway (1)
This year I am enjoying a Staycation at home, making the most of my new outdoor living space. I am also exploring the Shared Paths (walkways/cycleways) that have been opened up with the new Waterview Tunnel. I love that these paths are connecting up our green spaces and making it so much easier to visit some of Auckland's hidden gems such as the Oakley Creek Walkway that has Auckland City's only natural waterfall (with a not-too-shabby 6m drop). I used to visit the Oakley Creek Walkway quite … [Read more...]
Be WOWed by the World of Wearable Art
The World of Wearable Art (better known as WOW) has grown spectacularly over the last 25 years to become a unique international design competition at the intersection of fashion and art, attracting designers and artists of all persuasions from around the world. It started life over 25 years ago in Nelson, New Zealand as a way to raise money for the local art gallery. Now the event is held in Wellington in September/October each year and draws audiences of around 50,000 people. Bookings … [Read more...]
Plan to Enjoy your ‘Staycation’
I love to travel but I also love spending time at home. Spending time in your own area especially when everyone else has headed out of town can be a lot of fun. I wrote in an earlier post that anticipation can be half the fun and this applies equally to whether you are heading to an exotic destination or staying around home, for a long weekend or a month long holiday, on a tight budget or more relaxed about spending, want to be active or just mooch around. Do some research first and come up … [Read more...]
Visiting Hobbiton, Middle Earth
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Hobbiton, the scene of the movie set for the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings series. It is based about 2.5 hours south of Auckland, just out of Matamata. I went with my brother and nephews (and a friend) for Thomas' birthday treat - he and his friend Rico are mad keen on anything Hobbit-related. I didn't know quite what to expect as I don't particularly like crowds and touristy things but was very pleasantly surprised (it does pay to get there as early … [Read more...]