Day 24 - Oruarangi Reserve to Papakura

 A 5am rise and shine to hitch a ride with Mark on his way to work at Mainfreight.

Before long the city lights were dazzling us with their early morning brilliance. The Auckland Harbour bridge providing us with an elevated view of a waking city.

Back to Oruarangi Reserve and a hearty farewell to Mark. Though short, it was so good to be able to connect with him once again.

Around a point of land well made and marked. Otuataua Stonefields we would later discover as being a historical reserve site. Everything here, rock, plant or otherwise, is protected. You could be liable for a 40k-100k fine. No thanks.

The next location of interest was Ihumatao. A significant site for Maori people, and indeed, all NZ. Protest and occupation by an activist group led by Pania Newton over a 3 year period has so far resulted in this area staying as is. It was so clear to see a divide. On one side of the road, industry and development. On the other, the land remaining as is. 

Auckland airport was a hive of activity. Planes jettting down the runway and launching into the sky like albatrosses. We paused to watch them at different vantage points.

Onwards through various green spaces. The botanical gardens south of Manukau (aka Auckland Botanical Gardens) included.

Eventually we reached Papakura. It had been a 29 kilometre journey for the day. 

Papakura is a familiar town having grown up in the Karaka area. I had attended Rosehill College as a teen and my first job was a teller at BNZ Papakura.

My mother met us at Roselands and after a feed of KFC as an early dinner, we headed out to spend the night at her place. Always a calm and peaceful spot overlooking Bottletop Bay.