Makara Walkway:Views above the water

  Found this walk by accident a few years back when i had access to a car. Then it was a short visit to the village of Makara Beach  so had to wait until i had  the chance to borrow a car for the day.
 What took my breath away was the stark beauty of this small piece of the East Coast of the lower North Island. There are a  few houses that  are almost on the stony beach and  to one side a small river emptying  its water into the sea. To one side across the river are a number of batch’s nestling into the cliff with access by boat under normal conditions although it seems they can be reach by walking. Must be interesting to stay here when the weather is angry.

 Access to this area is best achieved by a vehicle from Karori, if biking take it easy as you head down the hill, its pretty steep and winding  in places.

 Take time to enjoy the drive as you pass the cemetery and then onto the village of Makara with its church and school (called The Model School). About 5 minutes late you are on the coast admiring the view.

 The walk is to the left as you look out to the sea. There is a very good map with details of the  walk and other useful information.
 The walk can be done as a circular one or as a same way return. Follow the well defined track for a while until you come across a sign. Follow the directions for the gun emplacements,this will take you up a steep slope where you will meet a few sheep. Take time to stop and admire the views. Follow the fence  and you will soon see the WWII gun emplacements which affords even more stunning views of the area and even Mana Island further north up the coast.

 You can also visit an ancient  Ngati Ira pa site on the promontory at the western end of Fisherman’s Bay.

 Once you reach Fort Opau you can explore what is left of the emplacements and maybe take a break.
 At its prime the fort had 2 6″ guns and housed around 100 men to man the area. The first gun was built late 1941 whist the 2nd was completed at the end of 1941 early 1942.

 It was decommissioned in 1943,strangely   before the war in the Pacific ended.

 From here you can either head back down the hill or follow the tack/road down to Opau Bay. This section will take you through a section of the Makara Windfarm.

 Once down at Opau Bay follow the coast keeping the sea to your left. Sections of the track still remain but overall it requires walking along a very stony/rocky beach but the effort is well worth it,
 If there is a high tide then this section may become difficult especially when you head back round Fisherman’s Bay.

 The coastal section you will come across a large selection of driftwood creating some wonderful images if you allow your imagination run wild.

 This is by no means a long or difficult walk but you will still need to be prepared for the unexpected. Warm clothing a must as well as water and food and a good set of sturdy footwear.

 The distance to the gun emplacements is approx  1.5km each way(2 hrs) or back via Opau Bay is approx 8km (3/4 hrs).

 The walk up to the Gun Emplacement’s is closed during lambing season which is generally Aug to Sept,although the coastal track is open all year round.

    Instead of heading back to Wellington  the same way, there is a interesting route not far from leaving Makara Beach. Follow the Makara Road until you come across a junction with Takakarui Gorge Road. At this point turn left and this road will take you along some wonderful valleys. Soon you will come across a junction, go straight over into Oharu Valley Road where you come out into Johnsinville. To your right you will see the radio transmitter on top of Mt Kaukau.

Please note: No dogs,camping,fires Mountain Biking or guns allowed.
 Makara beach is sheltered from the southerly winds but is very exposed to the northerlies. Care is required on any of the hill tops especially during strong winds.
 Prepare for all weather conditions,take water and food.
 Also let people where you are going.I found mobile coverage pretty good but let people know if you are running late.
 Keep any gate closed as there will be sheep around and respect any property around.

Useful Web Pages/Links.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/wellington/makara-factsheet.pdf

http://www.meridianenergy.co.nz/what-we-do/our-power-stations/wind/west-wind/