Keen walker David Mallowes offers suggestions about fun and interesting routes people can take to get some exercise and enjoy the area in his new column.
This is a scenic family walk around Half Moon Bay, the Wakaaranga wetland, Rotary Walkway and Pigeon Mountain.
We’re surrounded by beautiful beaches and sea views. Spring is here and a great time for the family to get out and about.
Here’s a 7km scenic, easy two-hour walk with shorter options, exploring beaches and views and playgrounds.
Features: A combination of walkways with great views of the marina, the harbour, wetlands, mangroves, and Pigeon Mountain.
Well maintained paths all the way until Pigeon Mountain. Many options to shorten the route. For pushchairs and scooters, start from Clyside Avenue. On the Compass Point path, do explore the side paths to lovely, secluded beaches.
Underfoot: Start outside the Half Moon Bay Marina cafes, walk to the steps opposite the ferry terminal, follow the coastline around Compass Point, a few short roads to the Wakaaranga Creek Reserve then Rotary Walkway.
Return via streets and reserves to the views from Pigeon Mountain, several more parks and then back to Half Moon Bay.
Playgrounds: Prince Regent Drive on the return, older children will enjoy Pigeon Mountain.
Restrooms: Half Moon Bay beside Cinnamon Cafe, and Pigeon Mountain by the MTB track.
Cafes: Half Moon Bay Marina may extend the walk to the Farm Cove Village (cafe open Mondays to Saturdays).
Checklist: Water bottle, sunscreen, sunhat, mobile phone, mini first-aid kit, map/directions print-out.
For an online route map, go to https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/half-moon-bay-wakaaranga-rotary-path-pigeon-mountain-6-5km-0c2f66f.
For a printed street/walkway guide, visit the Facebook page Walks Out East
Enjoy, and explore! Many more walks to be featured over summer.
Like to walk with others? An informal, very sociable walking group sets out from the car park behind Wild Wheat in Howick at exactly 9.30am Mondays and Thursdays.
See Facebook page Walks Out East for details.
