First up several crossings of the Whatipu Stream as we wended our way up the Kura Track. Quite a pretty stream that provided some of us with our first photo opportunity. We effectively split into two groups with a small number moving at a faster pace than most but re-grouping several times throughout the day.
Kura Track starts off relatively flat but then climbs steadily upwards running relatively parallel to Whatipu stream and Whatipu Road before eventually intersecting with Puriri Ridge Track. A few minutes along Puriri Ridge brought us to the point where we crossed the road with Omanawanui Track on the opposite side.
About twenty minutes along Omanawanui we stopped for lunch at the first grassy area that also provided the first real clear views of the Manukau Heads/ Harbour. From here we could see the first of the two hilltop lookout points, Omanawanui at 241 metres.
After lunch we climbed up to Omanawanui Lookout for a compulsory group photograph and stunning views that included Destruction Gully in Makaka Bay with the surf crashing onto the rocks.
The fast few then moved on ahead towards the next lookout highpoint at 180 metres then down towards sea level and the Caves.
As the main group descended we decided to take a short diversion along Signal House Track for some further photo opportunities. Absolutely sweeping views taking in Paratutai Island, Ninepin Rock and Cutter Rock plus South Head and the rolling surf smashing in against Awhitu's south eastern coastline.
Back down then to sea level and a sometimes wet and muddy track of sorts around to the caves at Windy Point. One hundred odd years ago regular dances were held in the largest cave and the remains of a wooden dance floor apparently are still buried under around five metres of sand. It certainly would have been very interesting to have seen everyone dressed in the finery of the Victorian/Edwardian era sweeping around the dance floor of such a unique location.
We took advantage of a relatively early finish to stop at the newly refurbished Huia Store on the return journey where several of us gorged on rather large double header ice-creams, thus undoing all the good work of our tramp beforehand.
Still, not a bad way to top off what was a very pleasant excursion to the Southern Waitakeres.