First up the cliff steps at the southern end of the beach to take a look at the gannet colony. A couple of good sized viewing platforms looked out over the cliffside and the banks were full of 100's of birds all cheek to jowl with virtually no free spaces left.
After this great photo opportunity we climbed up through Quarry and Edwin Mitchelson track's to Oaia Road. Northwards along this road was the compulsory road bash that provided the link to Houghton's farm, via Houghton's Bush Camp where we sprayed our boots as a kauri dieback precautionary exercise and had a quick drink stop. We then headed out the back of the camp and down Houghton's Bush track to the farm. Access through this privately owned farm had been pre-approved some months earlier and it is fitting to note that Glen Houghton has a reputation of freely allowing various groups to walk through his very picturesque farm.
After crossing a short swampy area we stopped for a group photo with Lake Okaihau as a backdrop. This is a rather beautiful lake with large areas of colourful water lilies around the perimeter, again providing further photo opportunities.
The route took us past the seaward side of the lake and shortly after leaving the farm we stopped for lunch under a large tree on the banks of the Okiritoto Stream. By now the weather had changed completely with fine sunny and humid conditions replacing the morning mist.
After lunch we split into two groups with Roger taking a fast party of seven on ahead and with the remainder staying together with me.
We basically followed the stream as it meandered north westwards to exit at the northern end of Coast Road and the southern end of the Woodhill Forest. A road bash along unsealed forestry trails eventually brought us to the base of Pulpit Rock so named for it's similarity to a church pulpit particularly when viewed from the trail below. A very distinctive skyline rocky outcrop.
Not wishing to let the group off too easily we took the direct route to the top, bush bashing and scrambling our way up the very steep side, to be rewarded with magnificent views across the pine forest tree tops to the beach, surf and Tasman Sea beyond.
Roger's group had summited some time before us and went exploring further norwards into the forest before returning back along the beach to the bus.
Heading south back along the beach we encountered a rather welcome cool breeze.
After setting a departure time some 30 minutes hence a few trampers decided on a nice cold swim whilst others took advantage of the local cafe to get cold drinks etc.
Our driver for the day Bernhard had us back at The Strand at around 5 pm.
A January tramp that had a bit of everything and one that has proved to be very popular for the last few years and will no doubt most likely become an annual fixture.