“Despite some sore muscles and a few blisters, the duration of the walk was around 2.5 hours except for a hardy few who chose to run the course.”
After an experience that included walking ridges that made one think of the Cliffs of Dover, a native tree wetland and animals, walkers were treated to a well-earned sit-down with a packed lunch back at the shearing shed.
“It was generally agreed that we were very fortunate to have had access to this iconic part of our region,” Ms Robinson said.
“Our thanks to Nick's Head Station manager Kim Dodgshun and his team, who provided us with huge support in getting the track set up and ready for us to access safely, and leaving us feeling we were walking an untouched part of the world.”
“On the opposite side, overlooking the Poverty Bay Flats, a small group of walkers were able to access Rimuhau Peak on two adjoining farms owned by Len Hall and Marty and Janice Charteris at Waerenga-o-Kuri.
While not as popular with ticket buyers, those who went said they had stumbled upon “a jewel in a crown”.
The view was so vast and clear they felt as if they could have reached out to their fellow walkers on Nick's Head.
“The third venue was Tiromoana, the beautiful expansive garden at Okitu,” Ms Robinson said.
“Visitors to the garden were delighted by an aviary, a sweeping boardwalk alongside fascinating pieces of garden art and ocean views.”
Ms Robinson said they were extremely grateful to all the landowners as without them, the event could not have gone ahead.
“We were also supported by several local businesses.”
Ms Robinson thanked co-facilitator Rochelle Smith — the brainchild behind the event — and the volunteers involved.
The support of all those involved allowed them “to go ahead with confidence with the concept of Great Walks of Gisborne”.
“It was a new idea we hope will be a feature on our fundraising calendar in the future.”
All ticket-holders went into the draw to win a $399 barbecue donated by Mitre 10. Beatrice Ezpezeta was the lucky winner.
All money raised goes towards Alzheimers Gisborne Tairāwhiti continuing to support local people affected by dementia.
The organisation provides a community worker to help the newly diagnosed access support and services, which may include one of the two groups they run — a day facility or community group for people with dementia.
Anyone wanting information on these services can phone 867-0752 or email gisborne.alzheimers@xtra.co.nz
