Friday 4th March 2022
Location: 610 Paekākāriki Hill Road, Pāuatahanui 5381
Battle Hill Farm is a great spot for a day out, picnics and camping. It has 500 hectares of paddocks, native bush and forests, a river for the kids to swim in, lots of animals and a big swing. There are a number of walks of various lengths to fit what you're into.
It had been a busy week for us all so we decided to kick off the weekend with a late afternoon expedition to Battle Hill Farm. When we arrived we took the left access road over the cattle stop and parked at the camp ground. We filled up our water bottles and everyone went to the loo.
It was a baking afternoon but we chose to head up to the summit . We started out from the campground near the toilets and took the Farm Loop track (because we wanted to see the historical battle site).
The track is a functioning farm track, a little steep in places but generally easy going. On the way up there are a number of educational boards about the area and the battle the park is named for. The track winds up to the summit following clearly coloured markers.
Once at the top the views of the valley, the bush and the farm are spectacular. It's a great place for a picnic (we indulged in cake), and to recharge from the walk up.
We practiced a bit of jumping then retraced our steps back down from the summit.
We continued on round to the Swampy Gully track.
Due to the heat and the effort just exerted it seemed only fair to have a quick splash in the creek before heading home for a late dinner. We were surprised to find an excellent little swimming hole for such a small sized creek (this is in the campground).
Definitely remember the togs, especially on those hot summer days.
Age of Kids: 7yr and 9yrs
Walking Time: 2 hours for the Farm Boundary and Swampy Gully Walks
Distance: 5 km
Elevation: 182m
Buggy Friendly: The lower parts of the park are buggy friendly, the walk up to the summit gets steep and isn't buggy friendly.
Difficulty: Moderate (it gets a little steep towards the summit)
Wet Feet: No
Amenities: The campsite has toilets and there are a couple of drinking fountains about.
Dogs: No
Cellphone Reception: Yes