LETTING YOU KNOW

I went for a long walk this morning exploring the Ahumairangi bush walks for future expeditions.

This from the web:

Te Ahumairangi (formerly known as Tinakori Hill) is packed with a network of trails.
The most popular trail is the Ridgeline Track which runs from the corner of Orangi Kaupapa Road and Bedford Street in Northland, up and over to Weld Street in Wadestown.
The Northern Walkway also climbs up from St Marys Street near Wellington Botanic Gardens in Thorndon to join the Ridgeline Track.

Elephant Rock loop
Start near the corner of Grant Road and Poplar Grove in Thorndon. Head up the track to junction and a large rock known as Elephant Rock. Follow the Northern Walkway uphill and past the East-West Connector, then turn right to quarry. Go past the old quarry and descend to Grant Road.
You can lengthen this walk by staying on the Northern Walkway until a sign on your right points the way to Wadestown Road and Sefton Street. Follow the markers back to Grant Road.
Use the mobile optimised webmap of Ahumairangi Elephant Rock Loop to help you navigate the complex Wellington Town Belt trail network. Tap the crosshair icon on the webmap and allow location services to locate yourself on the map.
Stellin loop
Start at Stellin Memorial Park carpark.
Walk up to the Memorial, then turn left down a flight of steps. Take the next right up the lookout, then up steps to the picnic area and uphill briefly on the sealed road (Ridgeline Track). Take the first right downhill into the forest until you come out overlooking Thorndon. Head down then turn right onto Stellin Track back to the Memorial carpark, or alternatively continue downhill on the Stellin Track towards the Botanic Garden.
Use the mobile optimised webmap of Ahumairangi Stellin Loop to help you navigate the complex Wellington Town Belt trail network. Tap the crosshairs on the webmap and allow location services to locate yourself on the map.

These are a network of tracks heading up, down and side to side. No doubt the old ex members of the Prowse Garden Road gang know about these tracks but they are new to me. I'm going to enjoy walking them even though they are in need of maintenance (but then, so am I).

I miss the bush walks of Whangarei Heads and, while not as spectacular in terms of coastal views and birdlife, the Te Ahumairangi ones will do. There are also the Otari-Wilton's bush walks a bit further over that I'll try as I build up my fitness levels. 

I'm going to enjoy this and the tracks begin a short walk away from home along Hobson Street, Tinakori Road and Grants Road.

So now you know.