Six days spent in this engaging city, approximately four hours drive from Hamilton, was definitely worthwhile. We had decided to spend the time between Christmas and New Year exploring all the nooks and crannies.Some we had visited before and were enjoyable because of the memories that were stirred but others completely new.

The Napier Museum, on Tennyson St, holds the tragic story of the Napier earthquake, where over 150 of the population lost their lives. Survivors shared their stories of helping the injured and pulling the dead from the rubble. The shock and despair which permeated the whole city was there for all to see. It took over two years to rebuild the city.

One of the walks I love doing after work, is the almost 4 km walk around Lake Rotoroa, a lake in the centre of the city. It is a completely flat walk but the everchanging scenery makes it a pleasure to enjoy after a busy working day. Easily accessed, it is about a three to four minute drive from the CBD.

A well constructed concrete and metalled path, which meanders around the shore line, makes up most of the walk, which can also take scooters, and wheelchairs. Yachting, canoeing and kayaking are common sports seen on the lake. Innes Common to the East and West of the lake is a multisport ground, which includes lacrosse and hockey.

Last Sunday morning, after spending the previous night at “Four Flat Whites in Italy” I leapt (yeah right!) out of bed at 6 a.m. I was off hiking but needed to vacuum first as the real estate agent was due out later in the afternoon. Racing out the door at 8 a.m., I picked my two hiking buddies up and off to the Waikato River Trail, which runs alongside the Waikato River.

On a miserable, wet but warm summer Sunday, I threw my hiking boots and poles into the car and went to walk Pukemokemoke bush track. The walk itself is only about 20 minutes but really grunty. While it is well marked and easy to follow, it just keeps climbing steadily. The weather cleared as I arrived and the Tui and cicadas sang a I puffed and panted my way to the top. A mixture of Kauri, Ponga, Totara, Kanuka, Kawakawa and Matai trees are found on the track.

Advertised as an hour walk I managed it with not too much trouble in thirty minutes but must admit, didn’t stop and appreciate the views too much as I have done it many times before. It is a ramble through a lovely wildlife reserve- positioned around a very small man made lake. Oak trees edge some parts of the track.

The Hakarimata walkway is a one way track but can be walked as a return trip to summit from either end. It can be accessed both from Ngarawahia and Huntly with the Ngarawahia track being a little more challenging. It is all stepped and I understand there are 1349 steps!!!! Haven’t tried that side yet. Huntly side can be accessed from Parker Road, and although this too is stepped, it has some flat sections as well which are very pleasant. Allows the heart and breathing rate to slow down.

Saturday saw six of us tramping into the Oamaru DOC hut. This site is adjacent to Poronui Station off the Napier – Taupo Road. Beautiful Weather. Four hour walk in.

Hiking food never gets any more enjoyable!! However sitting outside in the dusk, overlooking a most beautiful stream, is a wonderful reward for the hard work.