Māori called this once pure stream Waitītiko, "the waters of the periwinkle”, but since colonial days storm-water overflows have polluted her pristine waters. This is the first of two guided walks following the course of Waitītiko from Ōwairaka / Mt Albert to Te Tokoroa Meola Reef. During these walks we'll unpack the creek's history and look to ongoing and future restoration work. Book for the second walk here.

Waitītiko-Meola Creek has a large urban catchment, the stream often submerged in culverts or confined to channels. Waitītiko flows into the Waitematā Harbour, then the Hauraki Gulf, ultimately connecting to the Pacific Ocean. In this time of environmental degradation, we recognise that Waitītiko, like thousands of other waterways, links with the Pacific and beyond. Whether this connection worsens or improves the world's oceans depends on us.

Getting there The #66 bus stops on Mt Albert Rd near Toroa Tce (Stops 8823 & 8816), which can be used to access the maunga summit. Use AT Journey Planner to, er, plan your journey. There is no bike parking nearby but xxxx. Cars can park at Ōwairaka Domain, 27 Summit Drive, or on Mt Albert Rd (access up Toroa Tce).

Getting back plan your journey home from Rocket Park, 751 New North Rd. The walk back to Owairaka Domain car park is 1.5km. We plan to have free vehicle shuttle available.

Bring dress for the weather including strong footwear. The walk is over 3km long, sometimes on rough ground, and you may need to walk back to your starting point.