Blog Day 3: Haigh Road Access to Whangaparaoa

Miles Hadley

Friday 3rd June 2016
Day 3 – Haigh Road Access to Whangaparaoa

24.5km (approximately), 6 hours

Once again, it was an unseasonably warm and bright day as I headed into the lush forest bush of the Okura trail. The morning song of the Tui bird accompanied the sound of my foot – steps and made them lighter. Here too, amongst the lush vegetation were large dew dropped spiders webs that glistened like jewels in the morning sun (see picture 1).

The Okura river also glistened and I was able to catch glimpses of this until reaching the wide open beach where Dacre cottage lies (See picture 2). I eventually reached the settlement of Stillwater and passed some conservation workers who were spraying the area. Duck Creek road from Still water was long and windy, so take care with oncoming traffic. I reached the busier East Coast road and a kind young trucker pulled over and asked me if I would like a lift. I politely declined the offer but his kindness gave an extra boost to the morale along the journey.

I reached Silverdale which is full of cafes. Then walked on via the Historic early Settlers centre and looked at Holy Trinity Church. It has moved to behind the,“Mad Butcher” and accompanying small box stores. The church is a modest building situated next to an old cemetery (See picture 3). I continued up Whangaparaoa road and exited at Vipond road. I walked down Cooper road and followed the stunning beach of Stanmore bay. The views from here are amazing and for those who are more contemplative, there are plenty of beautiful old tree trunks to sit on and muse.

I took a path next to Stanmore Bay Leisure centre and up to St Stephens Church. The history of the place is very interesting. The first chapel was built in 1917. The first Priests name was the Reverand Ronald Mcdonald. Oddly enough, there is now a Mcdonalds franchise just around the corner! Look out for the beautiful window depicting Saint George (See picture 4). There is another window, installed in memory of the people who died at Mount Erubus in Antarctica in 1979. Several crew - members lived locally.

Look up at the ceiling of the chapel and see if you can spot the two -foot prints in the varnish. What an appropriate sight for a pilgrim! (See picture 5) Adjacent to the chapel is the larger building of St Stephens Church. Money was raised to build this in 2009 and it was finished in 2012. The view from the meeting room over the bay is stunning.