DOC employee Sarah Cox discovers the Opepe Historic Bush Walk near Taupo during the summer holiday with her family.
Staying in Taupo for a couple of days in early January, the family were keen to do a bit of exploring around the region. After a quick visit to www.doc.govt.nz/shortwalks we chose one of the easiest possible nearby options – Opepe Historic Bush Walk.
Getting there – The loop track was pretty easy to find, about 17km out of Taupo towards Napier, there are track options on both sides of SH5.
There was the obligatory family photo by the DOC sign then we set off. My husband and seventy year old parents were keen as mustard but the four year old wasn’t so convinced; about 2 minutes into the walk we hear a little voice saying “I’m not really sure that this is a good idea …”
She soon warmed up to a bit of exercise and we started discovering some monstrous totara, rimu, matai, miro and kahikatea (this is the only remaining virgin forest in the Taupo region); the canopy provided much needed shelter on a sweltering day.
From about half way we were accompanied by an inquisitive bird in the canopy, but couldn’t determine the species, maybe a grey warbler/riroriro, described on the DOC website as “inconspicuous with a call that permeates the forest” – sounds a spot on description.
Granddad offered a piggyback for the home straight.
We highly recommend this walk, a great trip for young and old.
Trip tip: Take the kids they’ll find they love it.
Find a short walk near you. Head to doc.govt.nz/shortwalks, take your pick and get outdoors this summer!
Harriet seems to be getting heavier as I get older! And to think our daughter knows all those names for trees and birds.
Well done Harriet you are a star – thanks for sharing this with your kindergarten teachers
Nice one Sarah!