Christine and I were glad to have good weather for our walk at Roto Kohatu Reserve, especially as we’d previously postponed because of rain. The reserve is close to the city at the northern end of Sawyers Arms Road, and the two lakes there, named Tahi and Rua, are the largest body of fresh water in Christchurch that is suitable for swimming. There was a signpost near the start, but few indicators further on.
We followed a pathway shared with cyclists, then realised there was another track closer to the lake. In one area there were yellow flowers beside the path and we wondered what these were. Do you know?
We walked around Lake Rua, a distance of only 2 km.
The two lakes are person-made, from an old quarry later used as a landfill. There are signs warning that underwater hazards include tree stumps, cars, and concrete. There were people in kayaks out on the lake, and we saw (and heard!) one jet-boat.
A group of intermediate school children were being taught the basic rules of sailing, with small yachts kept in lakeside containers.
At another point someone had constructed steps where you could climb up to grab a rope, and swing out over the lake.
Where Rua almost meets Tahi there was a fast-running stream, too wide for me to jump across. I wished someone had thought to put a stepping stone in the middle! The only way to cross was to step in the water, and my sneakers got thoroughly soaked. Just as well the day was warm.
This was a very pleasant stroll around a lake with plenty to see – swimmers, a paddle boarder, a shag, and a coot with two offspring. It was especially good to have an outing with no need to wear a mask.
When I got home I found a sticker on the lamppost outside the cottage. It had a picture of a masked man, with the words “Don’t be a coward”, and a website. I didn’t check further, presume it was put there by an anti-mandate protester, and resent their using my area for their propaganda. I put it in the red bin, and washed my hands thoroughly.
A good day for a stroll to take
around this recreational lake
Ruth's Reflections 
How long did the walk take you to do?
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More than an hour because we dawdled, and stopped for morning tea. However the sign says 30 minutes.
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I enjoy these fascinating insights into places I didn’t know were there in our city!
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It was somewhere I’d never been before.
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