The Plan

Cannon Point/Birchville Dam in Upper Hutt is the plan for Sunday 01 June 2025.
It was popular when we did it last April and some were absent on that occasion,
so thinking we should do it again.

The route for the Walkers would be somewhat different to last time.
The route for the Runners would largely be the same.

All would finish at Harcourt Park like last time.

The Cafe

The Cafe we visited last time was “The Fig Tree” on Fergusson Drive. 
A booking nearer the time would be advisable, though trying to determine the exact arrival time could be tricky.  Perhaps 11:45/Midday and if we arrive early that is a bonus. 
There is another Cafe we could go to that wouldn’t require a booking but it is not up to the same standard. 
That Cafe is called “Fresh Bun” in Main Street.

A look into the past (14 Apr 2024)

Runners – Cannon Point & Birchville Dam (Approx 14 km), would get dropped off near 57 Riverstone Drive in Riverstone Terraces and finish up at Harcourt Park, Akatarawa Rd.

From Riverstone Terraces Runners would drop down to the Hutt River Trail crossing the new bridge over the Whakatikei River and follow the Trail to Totara Park. Would then follow the Cannon Point Walkway which climbs to the Lookout at 345M before dropping down to the picturesque Birchville Dam. Would then follow the Hutt River Trail crossing the footbridge to finish at Harcourt Park.

https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2925293?units=km

Walkers

The route for the Walkers would be somewhat different to last time.

Birchville Dam via Hutt River Trail (a relatively flat easy walk, just under 8km). 
The Bus would drop the Walkers off in Te Marua by the Dairy on the corner of SH2 and Plateau Road
and pick them up at Harcourt Park off Akatarawa Road.

From the Dairy head south on the left-hand side of SH2 turning off to follow the Hutt River Trail. 
Crossing the bridge and then about 100m down the road, take the underpass on your right, going under the road to exit onto the right-hand side of SH2. 
Follow this path southwards until the turnoff on your right and enter the bush. 
Follow the Hutt River Trail to exit onto Akatarawa Road. 
Turn right and cross the road bridge and then left into Bridge Road. 
Follow Bridge Road to the end until you see the entrance to the Akatarawa Forest and the carpark. 
Climb up the driveway and cross the swing bridge and follow the Cannon Point Walkway to the picturesque Birchville Dam. 
After photos and refreshments etc. return to the carpark. 
After leaving the carpark turn right and head southwards along the Hutt River Trail till you come to the footbridge which crosses the Hutt River.
From there make your way through Harcourt Park to the waiting Bus on Akatarawa Road. 

A shorter walking option is available for those that don’t want to go to the Dam (a little over 4km) where upon reaching Akatarawa Road, you turn left and follow the road to Harcourt Park.  A visit to the Dam though is recommended.

The slower runners can do the Walkers route and can continue past the Dam as they so desire.

https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2925288?units=km

Birchville Dam

There are toilets available at Harcourt Park where everyone will finish and board the waiting Bus to depart to “The Fig Tree” café on Fergusson Drive.

Cheers, Mark Growcott

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Runners would get dropped off first in Grenada Village. Café stop in Petone, could be any but Caffiend on Jackson Street is a good one which we have been to before.

Runners – Grenada Village to Petone (13-15 km). Runners would get dropped off first on Grenada Drive, just past the intersection with Mark Avenue (Bus stop is 3451).

Runners would head up the Grenada Grinderton to exit onto Horokiwi Road. Head north on Horokiwi Rd for about 1.5km before dropping down the Horokiwi Bridleway. This does include a steepish downhill section and likely some walking for a period and with some small streams to cross. This will join up with Bake Beans Bend where you head south to join the main track, head south and exit at Cornish Street. You then make your way to Jackson Street in Petone for the waiting Bus and Café stop.

Walkers

Walkers – Newlands Bush Trails (Approx 6.2 km), undulating scenic bush trails which overlook the Wellington harbour.  Walkers would get dropped off on Kenmore Street in Newlands (Bus stop is 3770) and picked up near the corner of Ladbrooke Drive and Woodridge Drive (nearest Bus stop is 3758). 

Walkers would head south and turn left into Glanmire Rd which then becomes Domett St.  Turn right into Waitai Lane and at the end, cross the street to join the “Te Pari Karangaranga” walkway there.  This walkway ends on Cromwell Point.  Turn left and head north, turning right down Tamworth Cres.  At the bottom of Tamworth Cres, enter the “Gilberd Bush Reserve”.  Follow this trail.  There are a number of turnoffs on your left, ignore these as they just join up to local streets.

This will ultimately take you to Waihinahina Park (Dennis Duggan Park) which is the old Newlands Tip site.  Walk through the park (after enjoying the view) to the carpark and then walk up Ladbrooke Drive to the end to join the waiting Bus.

For those wishing on a shorter walk, there is a turnoff at about 4km which will take you to the top of Ladbrooke Drive.

The Bus would then take the Walkers to Petone to join the Runners at the Café.

See attached photo of the view from one of the vantage points on the Newlands trail.

The Slower Runners can do the full Walkers route and can add sections as they so desire.

There are no toilets nearby at the start of the routes with the nearest toilets being at the Newlands Shopping Centre on Newlands Rd, just down from the New World Supermarket.

Any questions, please let me know.

Cheers

Mark Growcott

View from Newlands Bush Trails

P.S.

Just one more thing to note, in the event of wet weather, I will likely amend the running route and not end at Petone as the Horokiwi Bridleway would probably not be suitable in wet weather and will likely arrange a route around Grenada Village/Churton Park/Newlands instead.

The proposed route for the Walkers would not need to change. 

Café stop could therefore perhaps be Café Thyme in Glenside.

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Here are the suggested routes and maps for the Runners and Walkers for our Bus Trip to Aotea on September 22.  Should be enjoyable for all.

The routes are scenic and on well-formed tracks.

Runners will get dropped off first on Whitford Brown Avenue in Aotea just past the Supermarket (Bus Stop #2702).  Bus will then continue on as Whitford Brown Avenue becomes Warspite Avenue and drop the Walkers and Slower Running Group off on Warspite Avenue at Driver Crescent which is near 118 Warspite Avenue (Bus Stop #2156).   The Bus will then head to Aotea Lagoon where the Runners and Walkers will finish up.  I suggest the Bus waits at Bus Stop #2596 in front of the Police College or somewhere nearby.  There are toilets at Aotea Lagoon.

We would then finish up in Porirua at either the Peppermill Café in Norrie Street or Café Kaizen by the Library or a combination of both as both are relatively close together before returning to the city.

Runners

Dales Reserve, Bothamley Park, Cannons Creek Lakes, Thompson Gully, Aotea, Papakowhai Walkways finishing at Aotea Lagoon (Approx. 14 km)

• Runners will get dropped off on Whitford Brown Avenue just past the Supermarket (Bus Stop #2702).
• Head down Able Gen, through the Dales Reserve, through Bothamley Park and exit onto Warspite Avenue.
• Take the Waihora Loop track which is steady uphill to the ridge above and Mara Roa Track to the Cannons Creek Lakes.
• Go down Mungavin Avenue and through the Thompson Gully Reserve and re-enter Bothamley Park and take the trail up to Aotea.
• Through Aotea and beside the Supermarket take the trail down to Eskdale Road in Papakowhai, turning left into Glengavel Grove and follow the Papakowhai Walkways through to the Papakowhai Reserve and onto Papakowhai Road.
• Head south along Papakowhai Road until you come to Aotea Lagoon.
• Take the northern entrance to the Lagoon and run around the lagoon enjoying the picturesque venue and exit at the main gate on Papakowhai Road where the Bus will be waiting.

Walkers

Bothamley Park, Dales Reserve including Fairy Walk, Papakowhai finishing at Aotea Lagoon (Approx. 5 km)

• Walkers will get dropped off on Warspite Avenue near Driver Crescent (Bus Stop #2156) which is opposite the entrance to Bothamley Park.
• Walkers will cross the road and enter Bothamley Park following the trail, veer left at the first intersection and follow the trail which is gently uphill to the Fairy Walk and Dales Reserve.
• At the end of the trail at Dales Reserve cross the road and walk up Abel Glen, through the alleyway crossing Whitford Brown Avenue at the Countdown Supermarket.
• Turn right and then left by the entrance to the supermarket carpark and take the path to Eskdale Road (do not go up the Conclusion Walkway).
• Go down Eskdale Road in Papakowhai, turning left into Halladale Road and then right into Dornoch Place.
• At the very end of the cul-de-sac on the right (near #16) take the pathway that leads to Tweed Road. Follow the sealed pathway down and take the turnoff on the right down the zigzag boardwalk to Tweed Road.
• On Tweed Road turn right heading north and turn left and go down Romesdale Road to Papakowhai Road.
• Turn left and head south along Papakowhai Road until you come to Aotea Lagoon.
• Take the northern entrance to the Lagoon and walk around the lagoon enjoying the picturesque venue and exit at the main gate on Papakowhai Road where the Bus will be waiting.

The Fairy Walk in Dales Reserve is an extensive display of themed rocks which is highly recommended. I suggest not rushing through this area.

Slower Running Group

• (if required) Can follow the Walkers route and perhaps upon reaching the Aotea Lagoon,
• continue on through to Gear Homestead and run the loop there before returning to the Aotea Lagoon.
• To get to Gear Homestead, cross Whitford Brown Avenue, turn right into Okowai Road and the Gear Homestead is nearby.

This will be another new area to enjoy for most of the group. Runners and Walkers would cover trails in Aotea, Cannons Creek, Papakowhai and Bothamley Park culminating in everyone finishing up at the Aotea Lagoon.

The Cafe could perhaps be Peppermill or Cafe Kaizen by the Library or a combination of both.

Cheers,

Mark Growcott

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Time to make another assault on my running photo backlog!

25 August saw our club’s bus trip to Waikanae. Beautiful part of Wellington, seriously. I have to admit I’d missed our last three bus trips, so actually making it to this one was one hell of a relief.

And it well and truly paid off. Check out these photos!

My running pack banged out this route in particular: https://www.strava.com/activities/12233782527

Also posted at:

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/wellyrunwalk/posts/2773084936210993/
• https://www.instagram.com/p/DDQaFnfSvkA/?img_index=1

What an incredible day for our Bus trip to Whitby Lakes.
Most of us had never been in this area and we’re down away by the beauty.

The three slower runners did some extra mileage having taken a wrong turn and did a wonderful uphill zigzag. But we ended up at a beautiful location Tadi and Lis enjoyed the view.

We then headed up to the Lookout where we met up with the Walkers and a ‘ happy family ‘ photo was taken. It truly was a special day, and we eventually ran around 8.5 kms.

Of course, the fast runners did a much longer route – they too said they truly enjoyed it as it was new to most.

Bus trips add such a special dynamic to our Club, particularly those that take us to pastures new.

They are a wonderful way of refreshing connections as we walk/run together and continue our chat over a cup of coffee in a nice location.

Thanks go to Mark for the way he puts these runs/walks together for our enjoyment.

Please note: while the longer running group will be doing the Pauatahanui Inlet loop, the rest of the groups will be doing the Whitby Walkways.

Runners – Pauatahanui Inlet Loop (via Whitby Walkways) (Approx 16 km), would get dropped off first in Pauatahanui Village.

We will begin by running through Whitby on various walkways before climbing to the Spinnaker Lookout from which an outstanding view is on offer.  We will continue through to Paremata via the Ivey Bay underpass and will continue along the Camborne Walkway past the boat sheds and then onto the Te Ara Piko Pathway around the edge of the Pauatahanui Inlet.  We will go through Motukaraka Point and onwards through the Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve to the finish at the Pauatahanui Village.

Walkers – Whitby Walkways (Including Lakes and Lookout) (Approx 6 km), would get dropped off and picked up at Adventure Park off Discovery Drive.  This is just across the road from the Whitby Village.

There is the option for the Walkers to go round the Upper Lake which would add 1 Km to the route.

The Walkways are mostly sealed pathways throughout and the only real climb is the climb up to the Lookout which is not a difficult climb.  I do recommend going up to the Lookout where the views are spectacular.

Directions – leave Adventure Park and cross Discovery Drive heading towards the Whitby shops, go round the main (lower lake) in a clockwise direction and at the northern end take the path down to Halyard Pl/Solander Pl, past the Tennis Courts and just before the end of the cul-de-sac take the pathway which leads to the main Whitby walkway.  Turn left and walk along the main pathway beside the stream for about 400m, cross the small bridge on your right which leads up to Spinnaker Drive.  Turn right on Spinnaker Drive and between 50 & 52 Spinnaker Drive take the path which will take you to the Lookout.  Keep heading upwards following the signs to the Lookout.  After taking in the view and photos etc. head onwards down through the gum trees to Mercury Way.  Follow the pathway between 88 & 92 Mercury Way which will take you to the top of Venus Place.  Walk down Venus place turning left onto Leeward Drive.  Take the pathway beside #113 and rejoin the main Whitby walkway.  Stay on this walkway for about 1.5km (past the Japanese Garden and the historic Capstan) going through Whitby Collegiate School, over the small bridge (where you can often see eels in the creek below) and through the underpass under Discovery Drive.  Take the Duck Creek pathway until you reach Resolution Drive, turn right on Resolution Drive, over the bridge and then take the path beside the Educare Adventure building which leads back to Adventure Park.  Either take the path round the outside or cross the grass field to the carpark and the waiting Bus. 

The slower Runners can be dropped off with the Walkers and do the Walkers route and can perhaps add the Upper Lake or other nearby Trails.

The Bus will drop the Runners off first in Pauatahanui Village and then take the Walkers to Adventure Park in Whitby.  The Bus can remain at Adventure Park till the Walkers return and then travel back to the Pauatahanui Village to meet the Runners who will return there with refreshments to follow at the Café.

The Café will be the “Groundup Café”  in the Pauatahanui Village where we have been before.

There are toilets nearby in the Whitby Village by the Library and at the Pauatahanui Village.

Cheers
Mark

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Departing from Akau Tangi (formerly ASB) Sports Centre 8.00 am,
Pickup 8.10 am at the Railway Station,
Pickup 8.20 am at the Ngauranga Gorge Bus stop

NOTE: DAYLIGHT SAVING starts on this day.

Walkers Suggest Route – Churton Park Trails

A venture along the myriad of trails and walkways that make up the fast-growing Churton Park while enjoying
some great views along the way.
Total distance approx. 5.7km
Bus Drop-off Point – Approx. 8:45: Bus Stop #3274, Halswater Drive opposite Lakewood Reserve, near
Churton Park Reserve, Churton Park. Note there are toilets available in Churton Park Reserve.
Finish Point/Bus Pick-up Point: Café Thyme, Middleton Road, Glenside

Description:
 Take the Trail through Lakewood Reserve all the way to exit on Westchester Dr (near intersection with
Amesbury Dr)
 Turn left and travel up Westchester Dr and then right into Corsham Gr
 Travel up Corsham Gr and near the end take the trail on the right to Derry Hill
 Go through Derry Hill Reserve and down to exit on Claverton Gr
 Left down Claverton Gr and left into Amesbury Dr
 Travel through Amesbury School and up Romaine Rd to Mauldeth Tce
 Turn right and down Mauldeth Tce and left into Melksham Dr
 On your left is Callender Reserve and a zig zag climb to the top to exit onto Foxham Tce
 Exit Foxham Tce and right down Amesbury Dr to just past #136 and down zig zag trail to exit onto
Melksham Dr
 Take the trail directly opposite, turning right and head south to exit onto Rochdale Dr
 Cross the road and take the Stebbings Valley track past the Dam and follow the path along Stebbings
Rd to Glenside Rd and exit onto Middleton Rd to finish at Café across the road
Option of bypassing the trail through Callender Reserve and continuing along Melksham Dr to join the trail to
Rochdale Dr.
Option of visiting the nearby Historic Halfway House and Gardens just north along Middleton road afterwards.

Running Group (short course) Suggested Route -Churton Park Trails

Will get dropped off with the Walkers and follow the same route as the Walkers with the option of adding the
trail through Glenside Reserve off Middleton Rd to finish at the Café.
Total distance approx. 7.5Km

https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2385944?units=km

Running Group (long course) – Newlands Bush Trails

A venture along the scenic bush trails of Newlands that overlook the Harbour before descending into Seton
Nossiter Park. From Seton Nossiter Park we travel through Grenada Village on the road and down into
Glenside. We will take in the trails in Glenside Reserve and finish at the Café. An option of continuing through
to the Stebbings Valley Dam is available.
Total distance 15Km+
Bus Drop-off Point – Approx. 8:30: Bus Stop #3608, Newlands Road opposite Newlands Park. Note there are
toilets available in the park.
Finish Point/Bus Pick-up Point: Café Thyme, Middleton Road, Glenside

https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2385983?units=km

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Bus will drop off walkers and runners at or near Stokes Valley (specific sites per group leaders, e.g., closer to Petone if needed).

Main route back down the Hutt River trail to Petone (12.5km) .

Coffee & food at the Jackson Street cafes.

Bus will park nearby (provisionally Buick St, just off Jackson Street).
Bus departing to return 12.30 (or between noon & 1pm by general agreement) – same drop-offs as above in reverse.

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The bus trip on Sunday 4th June will be to explore Catchpool’s bush tracks,
in the Orongaronga south of Wainuiomata.

Bus capacity: approx 20 – 30 max

Bus initial pickup options, departing:
8.00 am: Ākau Tangi Sports Centre (previously ASB Sports Centre), 
72 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie, Wellington
8:10 am: Railway Station (bus stop side)
8:20am: Ngauranga Gorge / Old Hutt Road (bus stop, near intersection)

Destination:
9:30 am (approx.):  Carpark Catchpool Regional Park
11.00-12 noon: Bus pick up runners & walkers from Catchpool.
Petone for refreshments (café choices decided on the day)
Return by 1 – 1.30pm.

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The bus trip on Sunday 2nd April will be to explore Tawa’s bush tails.

Runners will do trails beginning on the Western side of Tawa and then the Eastern side
of Tawa while the Walkers can do just the Western side.

These are fantastic Bush Trails, moderately undulating throughout with some road running/walking in between.

Proposed Running and Walking Routes

Runners (14.5 km approx.)  https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2183880?units=km
Runners (8 km approx.) https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2189478?units=km
Walkers (6.5 km approx.)  https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2188544?units=km

Bus drop us all off on Oriel Ave (near #83) and then the pick-up can be on the Main Rd near
the Tawa Library, next door is the “Borough Café” which seems an ideal venue for
refreshments and food afterwards. 

There are other food options on the Main Rd too if “The Borough” is busy etc.

Bus departing 12-12.30 once everyone is accounted for and ready.
Thanks to Mark Growcott for organising the routes above.

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