This way
…
It was meant to be a low key walk through dark afternoon bush. But when I saw this sign pointing to a new track, which wasn't here last time I came up this way 6 months ago, I just have to follow it.
Following the new track, undulating/sidling through regenerating bush, I was rewarded with a view over south end of Tinakori Hill.
Another five minutes, the new track emerged into the edge of overgrown farmland. More extensive view over southern Tinakori Hill and western suburbs of Northland, Karori, Brooklyn, behind which stood the southern end of the Rimutaka range and lay the mouth of Wellington Harbour
A basic stile was provided to cross the fence line. 
But this part of farmland is not maintained. The new track sidles through prickly gorse patches. Would I hit a dead end in the middle of sea of overgrown gorse? Finally I could see the track ahead, heading toward the saddle 
There was an excellent vantage point commanding an over 180 degree panoramic view (I've added three more panorama pictures, which consist the North, NE, SE aspects of this extensive (and somewhat distorted) one. )
Soon I arrived at the saddle. Undulating peneplane hill farming country was seen in the West
While on the East side of the hill top ridge was an extensive view over Tinakori Hill western suburbs, with Wellington Harbour beyond and the Rimutaka Range seen on the horizon.
Another 10 minutes walk on the farm access road brings the turn off to Otari Wilton's Bush, which I consider my "patch".
Central part of Otari Wilton's bush is developed as native plant garden. I like finishing my walk through its rock garden.
Revised 6 July
I had a lovely hike with you (and I'm not tired, thirsty, or bit up by insects ;)). Thank you for the tour!
My Pleasure, Deb 🙂 The new track was not steep or muddy, as the other one would. So I didn't get too sweaty.
Today was even a better day here in Wellington, and, of course, I walked up the hill again to take advantage of the great weather. I'll post the accounts in a day or two. I'm also thinking about revising this post and corresponding pictures, as I've realised the uploaded photos are scaled down to a limit in width, which is not great for extensive panorama pictures. PS Have a good July 4th, my friends in the US 🙂
Revised the post and added more corresponding pictures in Album, Walker's Patch Yet to start working on the photos taken on 4 July. Will get there, with a new blog post :)Watch the space