THE CLEAREST WATER TO SEE STINGRAYS!
12 AUGUST 2022
Crystal clear waters beside the walkway
Blacksmith's Creek Walkway
We were at Mardsen Bay Beach, when we bumped into a young lady with her two kids also playing on the beach. Quickly we got talking and it was really cool that we shared similar views on the world and adventure and she start rattling off different things to do in the area. One of the those is why you're reading this now... she mentioned that Blacksmiths Creek Walkway is a cool track to do. Yet another incredible walk of art spanning a 2.4km return walk and overlooking Marsden Bay and across to Whangarei Heads!
As you arrive in the carpark the walk is very well signposted, and the actual walk itself is nice and flat. Great for biking as well. The track is mainly compact metal which is easy on the feet and legs. At the end of the walk there is a wharf which we have heard is great for fishing as well. Quite often you'll see people parking up at the start of the track and heading out with fishing rod in one hand, bucket in the other and sometimes you might even spot a seal or two!
As you arrive in the carpark the walk is very well signposted, and the actual walk itself is nice and flat. Great for biking as well. The track is mainly compact metal which is easy on the feet and legs. At the end of the walk there is a wharf which we have heard is great for fishing as well. Quite often you'll see people parking up at the start of the track and heading out with fishing rod in one hand, bucket in the other and sometimes you might even spot a seal or two!
Start of the walk beside the playground
Sienna ready for the walk
The walk starts off with a gravel path
Sap, Sun and Sienna
Part way along the walk we spotted a tree that had been cut down. As always, we're up for a good old exploration so Sienna jumped up and had a look around. She found some sticky icky sap (sap is like the blood of a tree and is packed with nutrients and minerals) which she had never seen before and she was quite fascinated by it. It's things like this that fuel our passion to continue what we are doing and exploring with the kids every day. Education can be found all around us, not just behind 4 walls. Life can be learnt thorough exploration and we think (and believe) that the more life experiences we can give the kids, the more grounded they will be in the realities of the world.
Not to wander too off track, but just educating kids on the importance of rubbish and how to dispose of it properly can lead them down a path of wonder. We had the absolute pleasure of hearing Bella demand that we stop to clean up a skatepark in Ruakaka that was littered with rubbish. It's little things like this that shape our little humans into become caring and compassionate people.
Ok, ok, back to the walk!
Not to wander too off track, but just educating kids on the importance of rubbish and how to dispose of it properly can lead them down a path of wonder. We had the absolute pleasure of hearing Bella demand that we stop to clean up a skatepark in Ruakaka that was littered with rubbish. It's little things like this that shape our little humans into become caring and compassionate people.
Ok, ok, back to the walk!
Our pretty girl
Sienna exploring the sap coming out of the tree stump
No trolls lurking under this bridge, thankfully!
The view out to Mt Manaia and the Marsden Bay Oil Refinery
Marsen Bay Oil Refinery
Just a short walk from the amazing tunnel forest part of the walk (which was really nice as it shaded us a bit from the sun) you'll reach the Marsden Point Refinery. Originally built back in the 1964 this absolute machine was supplying 80% of New Zealand's fuel products until, ya know, it got shut down and gas prices went up.
We took a moment to capture this opportunity and just grab some photos out by the port while we walked along. There was also this HUGE wall as well which looked kind of creepy. It was built to keep people out of course. It reminded me of those huge walls the army has to scale during their training. I remember trying to climb one of those walls as a teenager. I was on a school camp. I could barely get out of bed at that age.... Me trying to scale a wall? No thanks!
One thing that really stood out to us in this area by the wall was how the water along here was crystal clear. The type of water you just want to jump in and scuba dive around.
We took a moment to capture this opportunity and just grab some photos out by the port while we walked along. There was also this HUGE wall as well which looked kind of creepy. It was built to keep people out of course. It reminded me of those huge walls the army has to scale during their training. I remember trying to climb one of those walls as a teenager. I was on a school camp. I could barely get out of bed at that age.... Me trying to scale a wall? No thanks!
One thing that really stood out to us in this area by the wall was how the water along here was crystal clear. The type of water you just want to jump in and scuba dive around.
Magical forest tunnel taking us to the wharf
Looking through the wire fence to the oil refinery
One giant wall - did Trump build this?
Is It A Bird, Is It A Plane, Don't Be Silly Dad, It's Stingrays!
Just as we were heading down the final long stretch towards the wharf, the coolest thing happened, we bumped into the young lady we met at the beach who mentioned this place. "Fancy meeting you here!" We started to chat about the walk and how beautiful the day was, when all of a sudden, we spotted two things gliding along in the water up against the rocks and only a few short meters away. "It's stingrays!"
Mum being the photographer she is, sprinted into action, shooting down the rocks (it looked like she didn't even touch the rocks, she was going that fast) and managed to grab a couple of photos of these two beautiful stingrays just gliding past.
It was a really magical moment for the kids. They all lit up in amazement as they hadn't seen a real one up close since visiting Kelly Tarltons.
We reached the wharf in no time and we stayed for a bit to watch the stingrays and see if we could spot the seal that is often relaxing on the rocks near it. We didn't stay too long as there were a few people fishing on the wharf and it's not that big, so we headed off back down the track and onto the beach which was deserted - yay for us!
Mum being the photographer she is, sprinted into action, shooting down the rocks (it looked like she didn't even touch the rocks, she was going that fast) and managed to grab a couple of photos of these two beautiful stingrays just gliding past.
It was a really magical moment for the kids. They all lit up in amazement as they hadn't seen a real one up close since visiting Kelly Tarltons.
We reached the wharf in no time and we stayed for a bit to watch the stingrays and see if we could spot the seal that is often relaxing on the rocks near it. We didn't stay too long as there were a few people fishing on the wharf and it's not that big, so we headed off back down the track and onto the beach which was deserted - yay for us!
That water is so clear and we could hear it calling to us "jump in!"
I gave up trying to count the logs
Two stingray swimming by!
We Had The Whole Beach To Ourselves
When we arrived at this beach, we climbed down a few rocks (you can walk around, but we were feeling a little adventurous) and straight away the party had started with starfish partying on the beach. We walked along and made sure they were all put back in the water.
Speaking of parties.. we actually found a couch that had been burnt out... the things you find on a beach right? The water was incredibly clear here and I decided to strip off and give everyone a taste of my white stomach and hairy chest - this is when I could hear Tash and the girls singing "My Rarotongaaaaa, you are my heart, you are my soul" from the beach (it's from a Rarotonga advert haha). I felt for the locals that saw me with my shirt off. It must have been like a mirror reflecting off the water with my upper body being that white (don't even get me started on my legs).
As I looked back towards the beach, I could see the girls just playing and laughing and having fun, and still singing the Rarotonga song, so at that point, I gave in and just started dancing and by dancing I mean traditional Cook Island/Rarotongan style.
You could have sold tickets to this show at $5 per person, we'd be millionaires but with a very disappointed crowd haha.
Speaking of parties.. we actually found a couch that had been burnt out... the things you find on a beach right? The water was incredibly clear here and I decided to strip off and give everyone a taste of my white stomach and hairy chest - this is when I could hear Tash and the girls singing "My Rarotongaaaaa, you are my heart, you are my soul" from the beach (it's from a Rarotonga advert haha). I felt for the locals that saw me with my shirt off. It must have been like a mirror reflecting off the water with my upper body being that white (don't even get me started on my legs).
As I looked back towards the beach, I could see the girls just playing and laughing and having fun, and still singing the Rarotonga song, so at that point, I gave in and just started dancing and by dancing I mean traditional Cook Island/Rarotongan style.
You could have sold tickets to this show at $5 per person, we'd be millionaires but with a very disappointed crowd haha.
Bella holding a starfish she found in the water
What happened to my couch! Someone being a bit naughty and having a fire
The view back towards the refinery and the wharf where we were just a short while ago
Little Bit of Bush, Little Bit of Dunes, Little Bit of Rocks
The girls are explorers, it's who they are, it's what they are. Their minds are filled with natural curiosity (like most kids I guess!). This beach had dunes, rocks and bush for the kids to explore so we sat and enjoyed the best of all worlds here.
We all walked the shoreline together with our feet in the water and explored what was beneath our feet. No crabs today, but plenty of starfish!
Shortly after, we set up some snacks which included, salami, cheese and crackers with basil pesto. We had a little picnic together which was lovely, especially after a little splash around in the water. Tash was asking the girls what their favourite part of the walk had been and Bella mentioned the Stingrays and Sienna... well with Sienna you never really know, but most of the time it's something random like "farts!" Or "choochachookoo" .... So cute!
We all walked the shoreline together with our feet in the water and explored what was beneath our feet. No crabs today, but plenty of starfish!
Shortly after, we set up some snacks which included, salami, cheese and crackers with basil pesto. We had a little picnic together which was lovely, especially after a little splash around in the water. Tash was asking the girls what their favourite part of the walk had been and Bella mentioned the Stingrays and Sienna... well with Sienna you never really know, but most of the time it's something random like "farts!" Or "choochachookoo" .... So cute!
Name one thing that can stop a kid from exploring at the beach.......? Nothing! Sienna on a mission
The girls searching for frogs and skinks in between the rocks
I remember Toi Tois as a kid! The ones that had broken off I use to use as a pretend spear
A Beautiful End To A Beautiful Day
As the day started to come to an end, and we'd packed up our picnic in a effort to make our way back to the car, we were so happy and grateful for our experience today. As Tash and I stood back and let the girls lead the way, it was nice to hear the girls talking amongst themselves and holding hands.
Bella is such a kind big sister to Sienna and Sienna a loving little sister to Bella. Being unschooled isn't something we've talked about too much on the blog, but the bond created when two little ones spend time together and build trust and love with each other is amazing. These two care about each other so much and even though they have their moments, they always come back to what makes them who they are which is love, fun and adventure. What a way to end the day and one we will be back to enjoy again in the future.
Bella is such a kind big sister to Sienna and Sienna a loving little sister to Bella. Being unschooled isn't something we've talked about too much on the blog, but the bond created when two little ones spend time together and build trust and love with each other is amazing. These two care about each other so much and even though they have their moments, they always come back to what makes them who they are which is love, fun and adventure. What a way to end the day and one we will be back to enjoy again in the future.
These two are like two peas in a pod
Know Before You Go
- If you plan on doing this walk on a sunny day, take plenty of water and a hat. There is very minimal shade on the walk and when we went it was super hot!
- Parking is minimal, but we have heard it doesn't tend to get overcrowded. I'd say in summer it probably would, so just be prepared for that
- If you are wanting a picnic and need supplies theres a four square supermarket only a few short minutes before you reach this walk. Just google map search Four Square Marsden Cove and it will show you where it is.
- If you need a good coffee before you do you walk, we'd recommend Land and Sea, they are located next to the Four Square in Marsden Cove
- We have heard there are seals out at the point (close to the wharf) so make sure to take a camera. We didn't see any when we went but we had apparently just missed it!
Mappy McMap Face
Getting There
Only 32 minutes from Whangarei CBD, this track is super each to find. Once you get into Marsden and depending on which direction you've come from, you'll need to turn into Papich Road and head right to the end of the road where you will find the Blacksmiths Creek Walkway. For easy reference click this link to help you find your way
Conclusion
This walk comes with our highest recommendation. A winner from the locals so we thought it must be good and it was good... very good. Make the time to put this one into your "walks to do list" and we really hope you get to see all the amazing things we got to see when we were on this walk ! Enjoy
Gallery of Blacksmith's Creek Walkway
Check out the rest of the awesomeness that didn't make it to the main blog but deserves to be shown.
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