over the hill: Waikareao Walkway

We took our rig back to Tauranga for its 12-month service and ended up staying longer than we expected. We have a problem with our batteries, and this means we have to hang about over the weekend while they try to get the issues sorted out for us.

It's a stunning day today (Saturday), and just across the road is the start of the Waikareao Walkway.

The blue dot (just to the lower left of centre of the map) shows where we were parked up, and the walkway starts near here. We walked along the western side of the estuary—you can see Motuopae Island in the middle of the estuary.

Not too far into the walk, the pathway goes onto a wide boardwalk.

Looking over the estuary with Mount Maunganui in the distance.

A closer view of the port.

To our left, as we walked along, were people's homes. I noticed these two white-faced herons walking around on the first floor verandah of one of the houses.

The one closer to the window appeared to be trying to get inside, flying up against the glass. Perhaps he can see the reflection and thinks there's another heron inside!

Still puzzled . . .

Looking back off to the right across the water is Takitimu Drive, the main road between Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.

A small side path winds down toward some of the houses.

The walkway is really popular with bikers, runners and walkers. Although there aren't many in my photographs, we came across at least two dozen cyclists and just as many walkers and runners out for their morning exercise. The Waikareao Walkway is well-used.

That's Motuopae Island in the middle of the estuary, with Mount Maunganui in the background.

A slightly closer view with the Mount on the far left and the port visible off to the right of the island.

We eventually reached some bush. There didn't seem to be any signs around, so I assume it's McCardles Bush as per the signage at the beginning of our walk.