On 9th February 2017, twenty members of Hikers 2 group, including three new members on their first outing with us, completed the spectacular Kohi Reserve walk.

The outing commenced with a drive from Bayfair to Ohope Beach then transport to the starting point up on the hill.

More that half the walk was through native bush on a ridge high above the Whakatane river past ancient pa sites. There are viewing points at various stages of the Whakatane township, port area and coastline before the steep track in places led us down to the beach for a well earned respite and refreshments. The walk was timed to pass along the beach at low tide which allowed us to walk on sandy beach and avoid negotiating the rocky foreshore as at high tide. We had a look at the possibility of walking around the headland but found the way barred by a steep water channel with waves crashing through. The group sensibly retreated and instead climbed over and around the headland on a track which consisted mainly of very steep steps and much heavy breathing for group members. The last stage was along the nice flat Ohope beach back to the car park. Weather for the walk was dry under a mainly cloudy sky and thankfully a much cooler 22C temp. than previous days of 28C that week.

The photo shows group members enjoying a well earned rest with coffee or ice-cream products at a cafe opposite the beach.

Dudley Wade-French, Convenor