We needed somewhere for a lunch stop on the way up country. We had packed food and drinks but wanted something more than a road side tree. Mangaweka Scenic Reserve popped into the map. We took a left turn just before the township and two corners up the hill, we parked in a small gravel pit on the right hand side of the road. The entrance is in the left hand side of the road, just to the left of the signage. We wandered in and, as has become the norm, our two mountain goats, bounced off up the track. I wandered along at toddler pace as he lurched from one side of the track to the other, over rocks, trampling through grass and weeds. The track is a little overgrown with a few little slips here and there but not dangerous. After traipsing up some steps, we found the picnic spot. Simply a chair at the top of a hill with lovely views. We enjoyed hot drinks with our Jetboil (just because we can!) and a full array of picnicking foods! The spot is really sunny and warm. The loop track carries on up the hill a little and back down a raft of steps. It takes about an hour from start to finish. Today, though, we headed back the way we came. Fortunately we did as we got to see a really long train heading through with about 40 carriages! Toddler was pretty impressed (so were his parents - we’re train supporters!). Would recommend Mangaweka Scenic Reserve for a nice lunch stop on a journey from Palmy or even for a nature day out. It’s a good, basic, get into nature spot - no frills, no charge. There is birdlife, bug life and many of my favourite tree - the tall, useful beauty, kahikatea.
A little further down the road, at Hunterville, is Bruce Park, which has a Kiwi Guardians medal too. How lucky are we to have these beautiful spots right on the side of the road? Maybe combine the two for an epic nature adventure?
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We finally made it down to the Urban Eels.
We have been watching the project since last year and waiting for the eels to arrive for a few months. More on the project here and here. We saw a post recently mentioning the some eels had arrived and BBQ meats would be suitable to entice them out into the open. So yesterday, in the warm afternoon sun, we headed down the track to see if we could find them. We took some visiting friends down and had all fingers and toes crossed that they wouldn't leave disappointed. The track down to the eel platform is half shaded, half full sun. Sunhats and drink bottles recommended at this time of year! We were not disappointed! The meats were definitely required. Without them, I don't think we would have seen any. Our little one dropped a big hunk of meat in (rather than small bite sized bits) and it was quickly preyed upon and dragged back into the eel lair. The rest received small chunks. Once all meat was distributed and eaten, the eels all high tailed it back into their hiding spot. It was a lovely afternoon adventure. Remember There is a permanent rahui in place. Let the tuna live peacefully. Enjoy learning about these amazing creatures! How to get there Cross He Ara Kotahi Turn right. Follow the limestone track along the river (don't head left at the fork). follow the signs for Linton. The platform is about 1km down the track and there is some tuna fin sculptures and colourful bike rack to guide you. If you cross the bridge (you've gone too far)... look down and you'll see the platform in the stream on the left. Today we found a family of worms. Big mamas and teeny tiny baby worms.
We peered under a piece of old manky carpet that we found. We disturbed a family of worms. They all scattered. We moved them each carefully into a punnet of soil (Hold a bug in your hand!) being certain to collect up all the little tiny guys too. We put them into the garden (along with the carpet in case we missed anyone) and they burrowed down into the warm soil. I hope they like their new, expansive home! We were driving home from an adventure. Toddler asked for a swing. (I had mentioned going to a park "later". I guess he decided this was "later"...). We saw the sign post for Papaioea Park and had nothing specific going on so why not stop for a swing.
It's a good park here with a wide open field, a pavilion and a broad range of activities in the playground - including outdoor gym fun! The playground area is far from the busy roads so feels pretty easy to play at. Today we again planned to head down to the urban eels. But decided because of the wind and rain, it would be more fun, and less cold, to go bush. We headed to the Te Apiti Manawatu gorge. It was pretty rainy on the way there with a big downpour. We suited up - proper raincoats and a one piece rainsuit for Mr 1 - and everyone got a handful of jet planes to eat at their leisure. It truly helps minimise the complaints about the hill, the path, the air... and the inevitable "how much further?!"... To start, the rain was light but constant. Mr 1 enjoyed running between puddles. Everyone enjoyed walking under the road. The stream was running strong. A while back we visited and found a family exploring the streams and checking out some really big koura. The big girls scampered up the track to the fork. Honestly I never know what zone these two will be in - usually there is one or both who want to go home from the get go. But today, pleasantly, both eagerly participated. In fact, I and the little one hardly saw them. At the fork, we made the democratic decision to go left. Personally this is my favourite way up - quick but steep. Today it was unanimous, which is rare. We were swooped by a kererū who then watched us wandering from a branch a few metres above. We watched a tui crack open a seed pod not two metres in front of us. We also noticed piwakawka and tauhou dart through the trees and tui fluff themselves after a flight. Manu out in great numbers today. Mr 1 wandered up all the way to the rapids lookout. I offered the backpack at various points but he said "No way!". We explored the big tree around the corner and decided it would make an excellent sleeping spot. It was very dry inside despite the morning of rain. At the top we ate lunch. We brought the Jetboil for hot drinks which always feels like a little luxury when it's a rainy walk. Remember: there is a Kiwi Guardians medal password and a Passport to Play Palmy etching to collect up here. The rain started to become a bit heavier and we were in the clouds so we packed up and headed off down the loop.
Mr 1 wanted to run, which is always a little terrifying for me. But he had it all under control, navigating tree roots and slippy patches with ease. Maybe it's a skill ingrained in children from years past and we just need to step back and trust that they know their bodies and have (usually) got it under control? It was a little boggy and slippy in places but nothing too bad. My least favourite spot is the set of steep stairs. Fortunately by this time the babe was on my back so didn't have to help him navigate them. He napped while me and the eldest chatted about positive thinking and self belief. Deep but important. Before long we were back at the fork where Miss Tween informed us she had been waiting for-basically-ever before charging off again. Back at the carpark, which, by the way has moved slightly to the right and up the hill, the rain had eased so we could remove our jackets and jerseys before hopping into the car for the ride back to town. Today was a good adventure. It goes to show that the weather shouldn't be a factor in whether to venture out. Go on a night walk.
It wasn’t truly dark but it was almost bedtime. The little one asked to go from a walk. I was feeling the same so we headed out. Down at the park, we found some friends. We had a swing. Then we went to our friends' and ate iceblocks and birthday cake. We observed their pet rabbits. Then we went home to bed. Neighbourhood adventures are fun. Neighbourhood friends are special. Today we participated in some organised nature time!
Me and my little guy headed out for a spot of Kanga with the lovely Ally from Kangatraining Palmerston North. We started at He Ara Kotahi and briskly walked the bridge loop with our little ones in carriers and/or pushchairs. On the way we stopped to do some body weight exercises for legs and arms, and work on our balance and flexibility. Oh and pelvic floor work (very important Mamas!). Some lovely yarns with some lovely Mamas. Next we headed to the Esplanade for a splash in the paddling pool. Always a good time. Today we brought a picnic lunch but the barbeques were in constant use by other families and the cafe seemed to be doing a roaring trade. The Esplanade is a great place to start and then simply see where your children lead you. Today we stuck to the pool but the train was running, the pond full of ducks (do not feed them bread!!), Wildbase always has exciting wildlife to learn about and observe, the bush walks are lovely, the orienteering course is permanent and the playground provides many adventures. |
AuthorI'm Kate. I have 3 children - 2 bios and a steppie, 1 under 5 and 2 tweenagers. I am determined to spend more time outside this year and share more of Palmy's wonderful places and free play activities. Categories
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