Here are the suggested routes and maps for the Runners and Walkers. Should be an enjoyable trip for all, some may remember venturing out this way in April 2023. The routes are moderately undulating through beautiful native bush, on mostly well-formed tracks and on local streets. Note there are no toilets at the start. Good footwear is essential and Poles will be useful for the Walkers that use them.
Bus Drop-off – Oriel Ave near the corner with Achilles Close (opposite 94 Oriel Ave) Bus Pick-up – Main Rd Tawa (near the Library)
Everyone will get dropped off on Oriel Ave and the bus will then meet us on the Main Rd of Tawa somewhere near the Library and the Borough Café for our return trip back into the city (departing approx. 12:30PM).
The “Borough Café” will again be our venue for refreshments and food afterwards. There are other food options on the Main Rd too if “The Borough” is busy etc.
Runners – Tawa including Spicer Botanical Park (Approx. 13.5 km)
Runners will do trails on the Western side of Tawa and at the foot of Colonial Knob in the Spicer Botanical Park. Beginning in Redwood Bush Reserve off Achilles Close, turn right heading towards Peterhouse St Cross Peterhouse St. and a little way up enter Larsen Cres Reserve. Exit at the top of Larsen Cres and go down Larsen Cres and turn left into Kiwi Cres. At 58 Kiwi Cres, go down the driveway and enter the “Te Ngahere-o-Tawa” track. Travel up the orange track which is a gradual climb. At the end of this track, cross Spicer Reserve Rd and travel up the track towards Colonial Knob. Take the Seven Pines Track down to Spicer Botanical Park, turn left at the reservoir and then a little time later, turn right onto “The Doctor”. At the end of “The Doctor” travel up to the Farm Rd and then go down the Farm Rd and then turn right onto “Spicer Link” to reach Spicer Botanical Park. Cross Broken Hill Rd and travel up “Te Ara Tai Tonga” and exit down to Chastudon Place. Turn left into Deveron Place and down the steps, crossing over Davidson Cres and down the steps to the Main Rd. Head south through Grasslees Reserve onto Oxford St., right into Cambridge St. to the café on the Main Rd.
Walkers – Tawa (Approx. 6.2 km)
Beginning in Redwood Bush Reserve off Achilles Close, turn right heading towards Peterhouse St. Cross Peterhouse St. and a little way up enter Larsen Cres Reserve. Exit at the top of Larsen Cres and go down Larsen Cres and turn left into Kiwi Cres. At 58 Kiwi Cres, go down the driveway and enter the “Te Ngahere-o-Tawa” track. Travel up the orange track which is a gradual climb. At the end of this track, turn right, heading north and travel down Spicer Reserve Rd, at the bottom turning onto the trail on the right. Follow this trail and exit down the trail to Chastudon Place (extra care needed here). Head down Victory Cres, near the bottom, turn left (between #10 & #12), down the path to the Main Rd. Cross the Main Rd and head north and then right into Grasslees Reserve and exit onto Oxford St. Head south on Oxford St. turning right into Cambridge St. to the café on the Main Rd.
For those Walkers wanting an easier/shorter walk, there are a couple of options which I can provide on the day.
Runners (Slower Running Group) – Tawa (Approx. 7.5 km)
The slower Runners will largely do the same route as the Walkers with an added extension in Tawa/Linden. Heading down Victory Cres, turn left into Deveron Place and down the steps, crossing over Davidson Cres and down the steps to the Main Rd. Head north along the Main Rd and take the path on your right just before 294A. Follow the path beside the Porirua stream all the way to the Linden Community Centre. Turn right on Collins Ave and cross the Railway line and then turn right onto Hinau St. Head south on Hinau St. which becomes Duncan St. all the way to the Tawa Railway Station. Cross the footbridge there and head down Cambridge St. to the café on the Main Rd.
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