There is something utterly freeing when you deposit yourself onto a cycle seat and just pedal away for hours on end, hopefully with a warm sea breeze to assist with that last struggle home.
Last week, I managed to do just that, go for a reasonable cycle ride, which included meandering around Papahenga – the Matua Saltmarsh. A 21-hectare coastal wetland which helps enrich the quality of our harbour, protects our coast from erosion and provides a habitat for many species of plants, fish and birds, including the banded rail and North Island fernbird.
Not a new venture, as I’ve done it quite a few times. Though every single ride is a pleasure, with something new to view.
Ultimately, it’s about the joy we feel when we’re in tune with our bodies, a well-engineered and in my case, a newly serviced cycle, and the natural world. Riding can clear our heads, connect us with community, and express some essential piece of who we are. We live in an age where it can be tough to unplug and find adventure, to test ourselves, express ourselves, and experience the idiosyncratic pleasures of feeling the elements on our faces.
This post isn’t just about the good vibes of cycling; it’s about the amazing spots in natural surroundings that many of us are fortunate to enjoy.
A Snippet of History
The saltmarsh is an area of cultural importance to tangata whenua as a site where traditional kaimoana (seafood) gathering occurred.
When Otūmoetai land was confiscated after the battles of Gate Pā and Te Ranga in 1878, the land was sold to private ownership and in time became the farms of the Tollemache, Snodgrass and Matheson families.
In 1969, the saltmarsh zoning was changed from rural to residential; however, this was overturned on appeal to the Planning Tribunal. In an agreement between the Council, the Department of Conservation, and the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust, 25 hectares were placed under a covenant to protect the future use of the land.
Walkway development and ecological restoration began in the late 1990s, with local school children and other community groups involved in planting flaxes, cabbage trees and other native species to replace invasive plants such as pampas grass.
Today, thanks to those passionate about ecology, locals and visitors alike can enjoy this area through paths and boardwalks, assured that we aren’t damaging the ecosystem by walking or cycling.
Life at No. 22 
Wonderful to have somewhere like this on your doorstep, where you can just get up and go, Suzanne. Thank you for sharing it xx
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Jo, yes, I think we are very fortunate to have pockets of nature in which to enjoy around suburbia and beyond. A significant positive is that locals and visitors frequently use them. You’re more than welcome regarding the sharing 🙂 xx
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I must visit the wetland next time I am up that way. I also love getting out into nature, but since the Wellington area is so hilly it is usually on foot on bush walks or a serious climb up onto the ridges overlooking the Hutt Valley. Time out is my ‘me time’ sanity check.
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Wellington has some fantastic natural wonderlands that I haven’t experienced for many years. On the list are a few others I hope to revisit in the near future.
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There is a very nice one on the edge of Lake Wairarapa, down towards the southern end, as per a photo in my most recent blog
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Looks like a wonderful place to blow the cobwebs away. Love the fuzzy duckling.
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So good that the area was conserved. Particularly love that last picture with the trees reflected in water.
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Conservation is really important and even more so is when councils keep maintaining them. I can’t ever imagine not living by water.
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Wow, you are so fortunate to have that bike route so close. Conservation isn’t cheap or easy… it take money, effort, and perseverance to turn a vision into a reality. I’m so happy that you are able to enjoy your beautiful surroundings!
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Maintaining conservation land is certainly not cheap and especially when so many organisations are vying for the same funding from local councils or the government. Swings and roundabouts.
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I agree about the cycling. We had a chance to go camping for a couple nights last week with perfect fall weather and did two long mountain bike rides in the national forest. So peaceful and feel-good exercise. Your trail looks like fun riding and the scenery is excellent. I love that this saltmarsh has been restored.
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Eilene, that’s wonderful that you both got away for a few days camping. It’s certainly rejuvenating to spend quality time in nature. Especially when it’s quiet. Bliss.
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More excellent prose and fine photography, especially the fern bird composition
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You’re too kind, Derrick, thank you😊
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You’re fortunate to have this nearby
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Yes, I agree, and I’m pleased that many people enjoy our natural areas around Tauranga. Thanks for commenting, Sheree.
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Nice one. A great day for a great ride. Mel
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There’s been a few good days for cycling and today is one of them 🙂 Have a good one, Mel x
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Enjoy. I will think of you as I get my treddlie out of the garage tomorrow. 🙂
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What a beautiful place and so special to be able to experience it on two wheels. I agree, there’s nothing better than connecting with nature, the elements and all that beauty in such a freeing way. Great pics too Suzanne!
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Pre-helmets, I can still remember the wind in my hair when it was long and brighter red 🙂
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Lovely photos! I do enjoy a bike ride, though our weather here has now turned cool and damp.
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Yes, here is typical spring weather, unpredictable and windy. Closer to summer is my favourite cycling weather.
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