Makara Walkway – an after dark delight

An easy walk around the Makara Walkway for spectacular views after the sun has set. Starting at Makara Beach, follow the coast to Opau Bay, then up the road to the gun emplacements, and finally down the track back to Makara. Distance 7 km – about 3 hrs.

Makara
Walkway

An after dark delight


At night all our familiar landscapes are altered. They at once become both enchanting and mysterious. It’s the time humans have evolved to be most receptive to awe and emotion.

With a clear sky and no wind, the Moon and Venus reflected in a calm ocean, together with a chorus of chirping crickets, the Makara Walkway was a nice place to be on a gentle after-work, after-sunset, wander.


Makara Walkway DOC information board
Makara Walkway DOC information board

Makara Walkway - sun setting over South Island
Sun setting over South Island

Makara Walkway twilight with crescent moon
Twilight with crescent moon

Makara Walkway - beach at Opau Bay
Beach at Opau Bay

A calm Cook Strait at twilight
Tranquil twilight

A purple haze hangs over the sea at twilight
Purple haze

The planet Venus and the constellation of Orion above the glassy sea
Venus and the constellation Orion

Venus and the Moon reflecting in the calm coastal waters
Venus and the Moon

Makara Walkway wind turbine - one of many along the hill-tops
One of the many wind turbines

Makara Walkway WWII army parade ground remains of a store shed
The remains of a WWII army parade ground building

Makara Walkway gun emplacements - one of many facing out towards Cook Strait
One of the WWII gun emplacements overlooking Cook Strait