First I'll run through the plan for the day.
So the idea is that in the morning you'll go for a walk.
There are actually a number of different walks on the island.
So I'll describe each one and then you can choose.
So there's the boundary walk.
This is one of the longer walks and it will appeal especially to people who love the coastline.
And in fact the tide is out today so it'll be perfect for exploring the very old rock formations behind the beach.
A good option is the loop track.
Now this is quite short but don't be misled by that because it's very hilly and you need to be quite fit.
The reward though is that you'll be able to see right down the length of the island and even across to the mainland.
It'll be pretty as a picture on a fine day like today.
There's the Puriri walk which follows one of the earliest trails that was built on the island.
Unfortunately the track's been damaged slightly by a storm but it's still passable.
The nice thing is about halfway there's a table and chairs.
They've recently been restored and painted in fact.
And it's a great place to eat your packed lunch and have a rest.
You could also walk up to North Head.
You'll hardly get a glimpse of the sea the whole way but the attraction is you'll pass through a large area of very old native bush.
The number of birds is amazing including several rare species.
You'll find some are quite tame but please don't give them any food.
Okay, well after your walk the bus will take you to the regional park where you can relax for a couple of hours before going home.
Now if you look at your maps of the regional park I'll just describe a few things you can do.
So the bus will drop you at the park entrance right at the bottom of the map.
One interesting place is the bird colony.
To get there from the park entrance you go up the path to the lake.
About halfway around the east side of the lake you need to turn off and take the path all the way out to the coast.
You'll find the colony there overlooking a little island.
Now if you'd like a swim remember that not all the beaches are really suitable in this wind.
For the safest place follow the path north from the park entrance but before you get to the lake turn right and go down there to the beach.
Something that people find interesting is the old ship.
It's more than a hundred years old.
To get there just north of the park entrance you take the path which heads towards Okiwi Bay.
Then walk along the coast a little way before turning right and following that path over to Rocky Bay.
You'll see the wharf, go past that and the ship is just along there.
A long walk but one that's well worth it is up to Stoney Batter.
You follow the path right around the lake to the far side and keep heading north.
But if you reach the water tower you've gone too far.
Before that you want to turn off to your left and take the path to the coast.
Oh yes, the Settlers Monument.
So from the park entrance take the first path on the left and follow it around behind Okiwi Bay.
The monument is out at the end there on the headland.
Finally, if all this exercise has made you thirsty there's a kiosk where you can get hot and cold drinks.
It's easy to find beside the lake right on the water's edge.
Well now if anyone has any questions...
