Our chariot driver for the day, one Campbell Elliot esq. arrived a little late for the scheduled 9.00am start, however,the Auckland Marathon/Half Marathon was also on that day and although these started in Devonport at 6.10am and 7.00am respectively there was still the resulting residue of slower runners and the traffic congestion to contend with.
Campbell confidently told me that he knew the way to our first destination, then in conjunction with his riding up front 'partner in crime' John Hoy, promptly proceeded to give us a very scenic round-a-bout route that eventually resulted in a summons for me to move up front and guide us to the correct starting point.
Matuku Reserve is a Royal Forest and Bird Society forest and wetland sanctuary,which at 120 hectares is the second largest one they own. The larger part of the reserve is native forest. The canopy is dense with species that provide flowers or fruit for the abundant tui and kereru. Believe it or not in all more than 250 species of native plants have been recorded in this forest.
First up a walk down Snows Lane from Jonkers Road to a viewing stand that overlooks a very picturesque view towards Bethells/Te Henga. Then downhill and off onto a side track that took us past a toppled tree house, across a small stream, up a ladder, then around to the junction with a short track stretching out into the swamplands. Most took the time to check this out and upon their return were prepped for the later chicken encounter with a taped rendition of Ray Stevens 'In the Mood' chicken song. Despite being advised that the words were very easy to learn most stood around looking a bit bemused by this irregular interruption to quality tramping time. However, I make no apologies for this as I have always thought that having a bit of fun along the way is an essential element of a successful tramp.
The route then went through more dense bush and up to the cliff face and under a small waterfall without getting wet. Climbing past this the track went up and around the top of the cliff and to another viewing stand that looked south eastward up the Waitakere Valley. Uphill then and along to the 'chicken' turnoff. Some of those who came last year wisely continued on to the designated lunch spot whilst the majority were subjected to another rendition of the 'In the Mood' chicken song as they viewed the size 30 plus hens ,These 'birds' must have heard us coming as they were crowing and clucking away as we walked up the access track.
A short corner cutting track took us through to a nice sunny grassy area with a king-sized BBQ table for those that wanted to use this. A very nice comfortable mid tramp place to relax in while we had lunch. After lunch back up through the bush and retracing our steps to the top of Snows Lane and the club bus.
A short drive around the corner to the end of Horseman Road where the group then split into two with the 'Magnificent Seven' ably led by Roger fast disappearing on the longer of the two suggested routes in Goldie Bush. The remaining twenty then strolled in as far as the Mokoroa Stream, across the imposing new swing bridge and down to the edge of the stream were we spent 10 minutes or so enjoying the very pleasant surroundings.
Trish and Brian decided on going up the western side of the bridge through to Constable Road and back while the remaining eighteen retraced their steps to the end of Horseman Road. The 'Magnificent Seven' surfaced soon after having been up the stream to check out the waterfall closely followed by Trish and Brian.
Campbell excelled himself on the return journey and had us safely back to The Strand via the direct route in no time at all. And look Campbell, another successful 'Bumper' tramp with no road bash !
When we most likely do this one again near the end of next year I expect everyone to be 'word perfect' with the 'Matuku theme chicken song”In the Mood' so we can have a rousing input from every tramper present.
Take notice. You have been warned!
PS Re the marathon some couldn’t get to Takapuna at all due to road closures and diversions – and these closures going on much longer than advertised- Devonport was in virtual lock down. So, Campbell did OK! Photo is from last year’s trip.
http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/what-we-do/reserves/matuku-reserve
Situated in the hills behind Bethell’s beach, this forest and wetland sanctuary is Forest & Bird’s second-largest reserve occupying a total of 120 hectares. The larger part of the reserve is native forest which is best described as coastally influenced lowland broadleaf forest, with emergent tanekaha and kauri on ridges. Dense with fruiting & flowering species such as puriri, karaka, nikau, rewarewa, kowhai, pigeonwood and mahoe, the forest is a good food source for the thriving tui & kereru populations. In all, over 250 plant species have been recorded in the forest, from perching lilies and orchids to a luxuriant carpet of ferns & sedges that covers the forest floor.
At the base of these slopes is the reserve’s 20 hectare wetland, part of the wider Te Henga Wetland, the largest relatively unmodified freshwater marshland in the Auckland region. An un-signposted 60 metre boardwalk allows informed members to experience the dense wetland vegetation and perhaps see some of its birdlife such as fernbird, pukeko, black swan, and mallard.
Having acquired the reserve in 1979, the Waitakere Branch is now beginning to see how well the forest is responding to several years of pest control, with a surge in the number of tomtits, fantails, tui and kereru. Most surprising however has been the boom in the insect population, with large invertebrates such as cave weta thriving in these parts. Indeed, in recent years several major entomological discoveries have been made in this reserve, making Matuku a rewarding scientific field for entomologists.