Trampers explore walkway and sunken forest reef | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

AFTER two weeks of no tramps due to bad weather, 15 Stratford Tramping Club members enjoyed a 14km walk in and around Waitara on August 21.  
Today date had the perfect tide that we needed.  We started along the river stopbank at the south side of town and followed it through to the Waitara River mouth on the left side. 
The walkway then follows the seafront in a southern direction before diverting through some council land and streets back into town. 
We then went up and over the stopbank and followed a track around the bypass area. To get over the river we crossed the bridge on SH3. 
From this side we went up the Manukoriki hill and to the lookout on top before following the streets to enter the beach near the golf course on Mouatt Street. 
During the lunch stop on the beach some people went looking around a nearby reef and came back with five golf balls between them. 
After lunch we headed north to Otaraoa Road where the cars had been shuttled to. Along the way we stopped at the area known as Sunken Forest, and as it was low tide we were able to walk along way out over the petrified tree trunks etc and look at amazing colourful pools. 
We found a few hermit crabs and then a good size common black crab was located that added a bit of excitement, especially for the eight year old boy on the walk. 
Thanks to our leader, who was born in Waitara. Her childhood years was spent near this beach.  Also thanks to the two who helped out with car shuttles.
Leader: Carol Digby