34. Lyall Bay to Island Bay

view toward Owhiro Bay

February 7

We parked in front of the surf club in Lyall Bay. There were quite a few people around but the surf was quite rough so there weren't many swimmers and only a few brave surfers down the far end. The waves looked huge and put up impressive white plumes as they hit the rocks.

The path is a nice flat one with lots of little bays to pass by. At some points you can take a path alongside the footpath - which is a stone one. The footpath, for a long stretch, has flax bushes next to it which separates you from the traffic.

view over to Eastbourne 

When we got to Princess Bay we spotted a track going up the side of the hill to the lookout at Te Raekaihau Point. We walked up what was quite a steep path of loose stones and dirt. At the top we turned to the right and followed the path along the ridge.

view back to Lyall Bay 

Amazing views back to Lyall Bay and beyond to Wellington Harbour, Eastbourne and the hills around Wainuiomata, and around to Owhiro Bay. The view was a bit hazy today so we couldn't see the South Island.

We took a closer track back down to the road which was a bit easier going. Then we continued to Island Bay before returning back to Lyall Bay. The waves had calmed down a bit and there were lots more surfers and a lone paddleboarder.

About 12 800 steps

Lyall Bay