Hugh Willis
Hugh Willis is a celebrated track builder who has served faithfully as a volunteer building, extending and maintaining walking tracks through Auckland’s North Shore since 1969. He is still actively involved, even though not quite as fit in his 80’s as he once was. Many of his tracks have been built from scratch in remnants of NZ Native Bush, that have been left as green spaces as development has occurred in an ever expanding Auckland. The tracks are renowned for their beauty, great track design and accessibility.
There has been much written and said about Hugh Willis over the years, having received a number of civic awards in recognition of his work. His nicknames of ‘Tui’ and ‘The Bushman’ aptly describe much about his contribution.
These posts will cover the tracks he has developed, extended and /or maintained. You will discover much history about the development of the Northern Bays and Albany by way of written accounts, photo’s and video.
Our desire is that this honours a man who has given so much for future generations through his selfless service and perseverance. Hopefully this will help us all to appreciate our heritage while also looking at how we can add positively to our future.
Enjoy!
Richard
Can you tell me if there are any tracks through Bushlands Reserve following the Oteha stream
Hi Josie
Yes there is and I am going to do these next.
I have just completed the track for the Totara Track that follows the Otehe Creek – here is the link for the map. I have not yet added it officially to the site. There are a number of other tracks – I will complete these also. I will send you a scanned copy of a hand-drawn map that points out some of these tracks – I hope to GPS them after the holiday.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1w2bPwjkQ-wYFoCYXoXT8a_yH6RMHDdRd&ll=-36.735526881248575%2C174.69949340000005&z=16
Click on this link to open the map.
Thanks
Richard
Josie, this is a work in progress. Connecting Kanuka Reserve to the Bush Road Bridge. Good fun walks. Great adventure for kids