Life at No.22, Walks

A Local Walk – A Haiku Pathway

Suzanne

Last year, we enjoyed a short walk of approx 2 km perfect for the Squire’s energy level, situated in the township of Katikati for those who appreciate outdoor art, as it is more of an experience than a brisk walk or stroll.

Artist: Beverley Ray, 1994

We begin our journey at the Katikati township, admiring the numerous murals again before wandering through Haiku Park to discover some of the 40-odd haiku poems carved into boulders and pavement scattered around the park. 

Heading down from the township, we passed another car park on the left of the image and proceeded to follow the path.

The poems have been specially chosen to reflect their location and feature work by poets from New Zealand and overseas to form what is known as the largest collection of haiku “stones” in English and the only “haiku walk” outside Japan.

Alongside this path meanders the Uretara Stream, which runs through the park. The main path leads over the Millennium footbridge and downstream to the highway and Uretara Landing.

“Shadows, on the river, darker than the birds” is a haiku reflecting its surroundings.
“Almost lost, in the shimmer of water, several ducklings.”
The Millennium footbridge was built over the Uretara Stream.

The Millennium footbridge complements the growing network of cycle trails around Katikati, providing a ‘loop’ around the stream and giving residents of Highfields Drive pedestrian access to the southern end of town.

“Marathon effort, the veteran runner, jogs his memory.”

We could’ve opted for a longer stroll if the skies hadn’t been so threatening and walked the loop by crossing the Uretara Stream via the new 45m single-span suspension bridge, which follows where the old railway line used to go, connecting to the footpath along the stop-bank.

The Squire – with the “not another photo” look. It was time to head home.

Unknown's avatar

Published by Suzanne

I'm a lover of creativity and movement, expressed through photography, words, travel and sports. . . . . . .

27 thoughts on “A Local Walk – A Haiku Pathway”

    1. I don’t particularly like Katikati township; it doesn’t have a good feel about the place. Plus, a main arterial road goes through the shopping centre. What I did enjoy was seeing the haiku on the stones.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Tracy, lovely for the locals who live around it.
      For us, after years passing through the township of Katikati heading to Auckland we eventually stopped to view the stones. Better late than never 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Add to the conversation