On June 24th, Raglan Ramblers are going to Mataka for their walk following in the footsteps of Bishop Selwyn and Charles Abraham who walked there 160 years ago.
Charles Abraham, whilst walking from Auckland to Taranaki in 1855 with the Bishop of New Zealand, George Augustus Selwyn, wrote in his diary, “Aug. 7th. Walked off towards Aotea harbour; passed through a village of Wesleyan natives, called Makaka, very kind and hospitable.”
The village is now much smaller, but the people don’t seem to have changed. The landscape has recently been changed by a washout, but this large Orahiri limestone stack and the nearby ‘Hobbit’ caves remain in the 28m year old rocks. This fairly short walk also goes to the edge of Toreparu wetland, the second largest in North Island. Please bring your lunch for this one.
Walks usually start 9am Wednesdays from Wainui Rd car park (next to Raglan Fire Station). There is no membership – the only cost is 10 cents per km to share travel costs. Details from John 825 7866. Check out Raglan Ramblers on Facebook
Each “Rambler” accepts responsibility for any accident or injury received while travelling, or walking over private property. Be prepared – carry enough food, clothing, first aid kit for emergencies and preferably a mobile phone.