|
|
Reports......Onewhero
Date: Tuesday 21 July 2009
Leader: Marlene Lynam
Fourteen people left Papakura on a trip to explore a new area near
Onewhero.
Harker Reserve overlooks the Waikato River. This track follows the
old Halfway Gully Road through beautiful native bush, farmland and
some stunning views of the Waikato river basin looking across as far
as the hills of Pukekohe, Waiuku and Port Waikato.
Although muddy in places this more than makes up for easy terrain
and native bush. At the end of the track is an impressive waterfall
called Te Wai Heke a Maoa. This is steeped in local Maori history
which is fully explained on a series of descriptive wooden notices
which are placed throughout the walkway.
On the way back we followed a loop track which meanders through tall
native bush, beside a stream and arrives back on the main track 20
minutes later.
On arriving back at the cars it was decided to have lunch at the
Alexander Redoubt which is on the River road.
Arriving at this very historic site we had lunch and some explored
the extensive cemetery, some graves going back to 1875.
A major battle was fought near here where a small group of the 65th
regiment took on a large party of South Waikato Maoris. Several
soldiers where killed along with a large number of Maoris. 2
Victoria crosses and quite a few DCMs where awarded. Unfortunately
the rain set in so we couldn't continue our exploring so we settled
for a trip home via Pokeno where everyone knows the biggest ice
creams are served.
Neil Sharp
|
|
