A hidden gem

Where: Okura, North Shore, Auckland.

Who: Shirley and Annette in Bluebell
3 1/2 hours paddling

Do you have a kayak gathering dust in your garage? Get it out, and do this trip!  Today we discovered a true hidden gem, a beautiful piece of water teeming with fish and stingray, hemmed by bush and home to herons, plovers, oyster catchers and kingfisher.

We launched at the end of Okura River Rd, about 30mins north of Auckland. The tide was out and we were met with a wide stretch of mud between us and the water.

But, we have learned a thing or two since a rather disastrous muddy disaster early on.  We brought along wheels!

...and the wheels can be strapped to the front, out of the way.

 This wonderful invention is a cart that you strap at one end of the kayak, allowing you to wheel it to the water. However, I recommend that if you want to paddle the Okura River you launch at high tide.  It's much easier.

We launch and head out towards the open sea. You may notice the Christmas decoration that accompanied us. Shirley felt the need to be festive!

Once we got out to the sea we hung a right and headed along the coast to Long Bay. The sea was like silk, Rangitoto in the distance was surrounded by tiny white sails and the coastline busy with people out exploring.

While the scenery was stunning, the treats were also good.

The return trip back up the river provided us with some great opportunities for photography. As the tide carried us along at great speed, our waterproof cameras got some work.

And so here we were, floating upstream, paddling occasionally... when all of a sudden the kayak came to a complete stop (or as I called it, a 'stationary stop'... blonde moment). This river is very tidal and we had run aground on a sand bank.  Watch out for those when kayaking in tidal areas. It turns out that it is best to look out for the poles that mark the channel and stick close by them.

But, no harm done, Shirley dragged us safely back to deeper water while I sat in the kayak capturing the moment.

Paddling the Okura is by far and away better than the Puhoi River. I think it is the best beginners paddle around. Dust off that kayak and get out there!