Part of the beauty of Aotearoa has to be our many walking tracks where we can step off the treadmill and enjoy a different route.

Words Sheryl Haitana  Photos Sheryl Haitana & Ronna Funtelar

As a mum of two little girls, I do enjoy getting out to do exercise without the kids – it fills my cup for a bit of physical and mental space and wellbeing – but sharing my love of exercise with my kids and showing them our wonderful backyard is also a big driver for me.

A group of us recently took on one of my favourite local walks in the Eastern Bay of Plenty – Latham’s Hill Track at Awakeri. Four mums plus eight kids under five years of age and five kilometres to tackle.

For a track I normally do in under 45 minutes when I’m trying to squeeze in some exercise, it took us three hours, allowing for multiple snack and water breaks, wiping tears, finding and hiding painted rocks, motivating tired legs and negotiating squabbles.

My two-year-old was in and out of the backpack, insisting she could keep up with the big kids, and to be fair walked at least 70 per cent of the track, often running, not letting the trips over the tree roots slow her down much.

Seventeen kilometres south of Whakatāne on State Highway 30, Latham’s Hill Track starts off through a dairy farm, with the first 10 minutes walking through rolling farmland. The majority of the walk is through beautiful native bush with a reasonably challenging climb to the trig station. Dogs are allowed, but must be on leads as kiwi live in this part of the motu.

At the top, you get an amazing view of the Rangitāiki Plains, looking out to Whakaari if the weather is clear enough.

Top Tip

At the trig you can either turn around and walk back down, or descend down the other side of the track which leads through more bush and finishes at the Awakeri Hot Springs.

We didn’t opt for the hot pools, as the local The Smokin’ Goose restaurant five minutes down the road had cold beer, delicious smoked meat and a playground for the kids – who somehow still had plenty of energy!