We went for a walk up to the Skyline track yesterday, taking the route through the Wibbley Wobbly Whiteywood Forest to get there. Its steep and tough going in winter but no problem in summer. We climbed quickly and were soon up above the city and looking out at the harbour. As we climbed we became more exposed and the winds rose in intensity. We were passed by a couple but a little later we met them coming down as there were cattle on the path and they did not like the look of them. I am not a cow cocky's daughter for nothing, and though the cattle looked wild and a couple stood their ground, we continued purposefully on, made eye contact and stamped. With a snort they gave way and we continued on up.
Once on the tops we could see down to the Makara Coast one way and sweeping views of the city the other. The windmill farm was churning away in the distance.
It was hang on to your hat, going forwards in a sideways manner conditions. We chose the path of least resistance and headed towards Otari Wilton Bush with the wind harassing our backs. The views were splendid as we continued, the South Coast opened up to us. No views of the South Island though.
After an hour or so we diverted off the Skyline Track, dropped down to the lee of the hill and made our way into Otari Wilton Bush and calmer conditions and what a pleasure that was! We stopped for a drink and a banana, then continued on our way past the huge kaihikatea and the 800 year old rimu, saved from destruction by the far sighted early settler Job Wilton. It is the largest public botanic reserve dedicated solely to New Zealand native plants. I thought about Zealandia and how far it has to go before it can boast of trees like this. Despite the beautiful trees, the bush was bereft of bird song, as is most of New Zealand bush nowadays.
We continued along until we came out on the main pathway and made our way to the car park and a ride home up the hill.
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