By far, this walk from Owhiro Bay to Red Rocks (Pari-whero) along the North Islands’ South Coast must be the most popular walk in the Wellington area for familys and people of all ages, and i can understand why.
For most people they will park their car at the visitor centre at the end of the Owhiro Bay Road which is about 2km from Owhiro Bay.
Have a look at the Visitor Centre where there is some very good information about local shipwrecks and also the now not used quarry not far from the start of the walk.
The track itself forms the edge of the Te Kopahau Reserve which covers the area above the coast all the way up to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine and Happy Valley Road up to Brooklyn.
The 1st thing that you will notice when starting the walks is the scares left on the cliffs from quarrying that was still in use a late as the 1990’s. The walking track is also used as a road for 4×4’s,trail bikes both motor and pedal power.
You 1st come to the point where the Red Rocks. The rocks were formed over 200 million years ago by underwater volcanic eruptions. The rocks are pillow Lava which contain iron oxides hence the red colouring.
This area is also classed as a area of national significance with a wealth of Maori history and interesting geology.
The Maori stories relating to the colours include Kupe who’s had was clamped by a Paua (type of shell fish), which broke the skin and the blood stained the rocks. Another story involves Kupe’s Daughters, legend has it that they slashed themselves in grief over their fathers safety on a long voyage away.
At Red Rocks there are four baches (beach houses) that in 2002 were registered as a Historic Area by NZ Historic Place Trust.. These were built in the early 1900’s have been maintained to the original design by the owners.
Once you walk around Red Rocks you head to Sinclair Head and Devils Gate where you will find the Fur Seal Colony. During May to October you will find Males who have not been lucky in finding a mate. As there are no females within their young you will find them less aggressive but bear in mind that if there are lot of people around they may become aggressive. So keep your distance.
For most people this will be the place where most people will take a break and have rest and enjoy a picnic,whilst watching the world go by. Including boats of all sizes from the smallest fishing boats to the Ferries of the 2 Companies that sail between Wellington and Picton. After a break most people will head back.
On the top of the headland are some bunkers that formed a defensive line along the South Coast/Cook Strait.
You will see the effects of erosion that will occur along this stretch with the road being washed away at times.
Now let me take beyond Devils Gate and onto Karori Light House.
For the 1st part of the track it is still easy to walk on but eventually become more soft shingle/sand or pebbles. This will make the work a lot more tiring,therefore walking will become slower. You will see more vehicles and motor cross bikes.
You will come a section of Dunes that has been fenced in. This is to protect the Dunes from damaged by vehicles as its the last section of natural/wild dunes in the Wellington area.
A short distance later you will come along Long Gully where you have a stream to cross. You will catch glimpses of the Light House in the distance.
You will cross another gully with some Bache’s set back. From this point you will have about another 40minutes to go.
When you arrive it will be well worth it.Here you will see the Karori Lighthouse and great views of the South Island.
Yes it does look like it is on a slant, it was built that way with 1 side at a angle where the ladder is and it stands at 39′ high. It was decided to build a Lighthouse at Karori Rock after the loss of a Steamer boat, The Penguin. It was turned on in October 1915 and was in use until 1996 when it was replace by a new light on the main land on Tongue Point.
As with Sinclair Head you will find a Fur Seal Colony. So take care whilst they are about.
General Information: Distance from Owhiro car park to Sinclair Head approx 4km. Allow around 2/2.5
hrs to complete both ways.
Distance from Sinclair Head to Karori Head Approx 7km. Allow at least 7hrs
from Owhiro car park for both ways. Total approx 11km each way.
Take water and something to eat and be prepared for the change in the weather
and have some good walks shoes if going to Karori Rocks.
Be aware of vehicles when on the section between Sinclair Head as they
will not stop when crossing the softer sand.
Getting There: By car to Owhiro Bay.
Bus. There is limited service during the week to Owhrio Bay #29, with no service
at weekends. The nearest regular service from Wellington is the # 1 to Island Bay
from Wellington. Bus Timetable
james/ windy hill flying club.
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