Your Guide to Summer 2019-20 Rangituhi Summit Photo: Jay French Walk and Walk Bike Bike Porirua Dogs Allowed
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Discover Porirua Your guide to summer 2019-20 Rangituhi Summit Photo: Jay French Walk and Walk Bike bike Porirua Dogs allowed Celebrate the long, sunny days of summer with Ara Harakeke Titahi Bay Beach and a wide range of outdoor adventures in our 9.1km, 2 hr 30 min (one way) Southern Clifftop own big, beautiful backyard. We have lots of This track takes you through Mana, 2.8km, 1 hr (return) biking and hiking options to help you explore Plimmerton, and Pukerua Bay and If you’re after a mesmerising coastal includes four beaches, a wetland, view, this is the trail for you. Start Porirua’s great outdoors – from tamariki-friendly a steam train operation and historic at the south end of Titahi Bay strolls to challenging tracks for even the most World War II sites. The flat and Beach and then join the Southern easy track makes it particularly Clifftop Walk to enjoy views to seasoned and fearless mountain biker. popular for biking with tamariki. Mana Island and beyond. Te Ara Utiwai, Escarpment Track Te Ara Piko Whitireia Park Rangituhi 10km, 3-5 hr (one way) 3.2km, 50 min (one way) 6.5km, 1 hr 50 min (one way) 6.1km, 1 hr 45 min (one way) Stretching from Pukerua Bay to Take in the serene coastal wetland There are few tracks in New Zealand There are a range of tracks on Paekākāriki, this track will give atmosphere and the gorgeous inlet that can match the dramatic views the beautiful hills to the west of you bragging rights that you’ve views when you take the popular that Whitireia Park offers. The the city centre. If you’re looking walked part of the Te Araroa Trail ‘Meandering Path’ around the walkway takes you through farmland for an easy to moderate track in (the track that goes the length of stunning Pāuatahanui inlet. Its well- and along the coastline between stunning native forest, then Te New Zealand). Also called ‘Stairway developed flat gravel and boardwalk Onehunga Bay and Te Onepoto Bay Ara Utiwai with its gravelled track to Heaven’, it has a lot of steps, tracks are buggy friendly and the to reward you with breathtaking views and gentle gradient from Camp some steep terrain and is a great perfect spot for bird-watching. of Mana Island and the South Island. Elsdon to the Rangituhi lookout is a option if you’re fit and ready for a Decent footwear is recommended. beauty! Bikers uphill only please. challenge with breathtaking views. 2 Discover Porirua Summer 2019-20 3 Mountain Jon Hull Frank Hopfler Jon Hull biking for beginners Jude Pointon Matt Pollock Robyn Hall Porirua has an amazing range of tracks for riders of all skills. Simon Bendall from Get Fixed Bicycle Café shares his top tips for those who want to give it a go. Be comfortable on Don’t over inflate 1 your bike. 2 the tyres. Get your bike fitted at your local Softer tyres conform to the contours of bike shop. It will make the ride an uneven terrain and provide more grip. Robyn Hall Bradley DeSwardt Frank Hopfler enjoyable experience. Start with 35psi for tubed tyres and 25psi for tubeless. Change gears Momentum is The hunt for the 3 before climbing. 4 your friend. Changing gears under load while When descending steep sections, climbing is sometimes difficult as it keep your body low and towards perfect view reduces your momentum and is hard the rear to help stop you going over on the drive components. the handlebar. From coastal views to the South Island Here’s a few to inspire you to get out and beyond, to lush native bush, there this summer and capture your rolling farm hills and colourful sunsets, own perfect view. Porirua’s views can take your breath Kids keen to bike? Check out WORD! away. A group of locals have been For kids aged 7-17 years WORD is a non-profit organisation that offers school capturing and sharing their beautiful Share your photos of Porirua using the programmes and holiday camps in Porirua. Tamariki will learn mountain biking photos on Porirua Views on Facebook. hashtag #PoriruaViews. skills, build confidence and have fun while making new friends! 4 Discover Porirua Nothing says ‘summer fun’ quite like the feeling of sand between your toes, eating ice cream on the beach and the smell of sunscreen on your skin. With so many beaches and water-based activities to keep everybody entertained, you can have the best time this summer in Porirua, without breaking the bank. Head to the beach Launch your boat If you have togs, sunscreen and a The waters around Porirua are a towel you’re already set for a good popular playground for boaties with day out in Porirua. We have seven public launching facilities at Pukerua beaches to choose from where the Bay, Karehana Bay, Paremata, whānau can go swimming, surfing Onepoto and Titahi Bay Beach. or rockpool exploring. Keep your Plimmerton Boating Club and Mana eyes peeled and you may even spot Marina offer great facilities that seals, whales and dolphins playing members can take advantage of in our waters! Be mindful that we before or after heading out to sea. have plenty of birdlife nesting around Remember to always wear your our coastline and dogs on leashes lifejacket and have two ways you can are best to protect our wildlife. call for help if you get into trouble. Grab your snorkel Have a blast at the Explore our underwater world around Splash Pad the rocks of Titahi Bay, Pukerua Bay, There’s something for all ages at Onehunga Bay and Karehana Bay. the Splash Pad at Aotea Lagoon. See if you can spot fish, shells, starfish Toddlers will be treated to water and if you’re lucky, seahorses! Please jellies and misters, while older kids don’t touch or disturb our special will enjoy spray cannons and a species and take only memories. massive dumper bucket named ‘supersplash’. Don’t forget your sunscreen, and bring along a picnic to enjoy a day out at the Lagoon. 6 Discover Porirua Summer 2019-20 7 Marty grew up in the Bay and even How is the club going? after stints living in Gisborne and This is the club I grew up with and Auckland, will always call Porirua I’m enjoying helping out with the home. He enjoys what the city has kids where I can, trying to pass on a to offer, especially its proximity to few tips. The ski and board squads outstanding walks and mountain have huge numbers and it looks Surf’s Up bike tracks – and the beach! like there will be 10 surf boat crews this coming season, so this could How much time do you spend Marty McDowell knows the waters of Titahi Bay be an outstanding summer for us. on the water these days? well. The former national champion kayaker, who In summer, the surf boat crew What was the best thing about paddled for his country at the Rio Olympics in 2016, are out there six days a week. growing up in Titahi Bay? devotes his time to Titahi Bay Surf Life Saving Club We had a fantastic last season, It was always a tight community. winning nationals here in New these days, where he is part of the men’s surf boat All the kids knew each other, you Zealand and making the final were never short of mates to play crew that won the national title last summer. at the Australian nationals. It’s a with and have something to do. very good crew and we’re hoping You felt safe and a little bit out of to carry on our winning ways this the way in the Bay, which I loved. summer. I’m not kayaking much And the beach is right there… now, so surf boat is it for me. What do you do to relax? If I’m not on the water with the surf boat crew or surfing, I walk the dog around Whitireia Park and love the mountain bike trails below Colonial Knob. I really enjoy the outdoor feel you have in Porirua, it’s always been something that’s drawn me home. Where do you like to eat? The boys often head to Peppermill after training on Saturday mornings. There’s a few good options for food in the city – my family and I headed to Tuk Tuk Thai for a fantastic meal recently. What’s next for you? I’m working as an engineer on the Interislander these days, so that takes up a lot of my time. But most of my spare time will be on the water here in Titahi Bay! Photo: Barbara Newton 8 Discover Porirua Summer 2019-20 9 Kai with The ideal Porirua a view summer checklist Looking for the best places to eat under the sun? Take a picnic to Aotea Lagoon Take the Titahi Bay If you are looking for a meal with some indoor- and enjoy the summer concerts. murals walking tour. outdoor flow, or like your kai with a view over the Head to the local library Fish ‘n’ chips at the beach, waters, then look no further than these eateries. and enjoy A-Long Hot an evening swim and Summer Story Festival. watch the sun set. Whitby Co-op D4 Mana, Supply Room Stop and smell the old fashioned Walk or bike Porirua’s epic trails Kitchen & Bar and The Sandbar roses at Pāuatahanui Cemetery. and find your favourite view.