There's water in the Orari now.

Not much, but you'd be a fool to try to take it on with a four-wheel drive..

A bloke I know calls it a ''loose-bottomed bugger of a thing'', and he's not far wrong.

It's fairly narrow, with swales and rounded boulders, and washed clean by occasional high water.
In the lower reaches, where we walk, there is often no water.
There are, however, rabbits, and Jock and Tui often prove how slow they by trying to catch them.
It is futile.
Tui, now, will chase for a few moments and then gives up.
Jock - well, he is a terrier - tries a little longer, but he is no match for the speed and nimbleness of a rabbit, much less a hare.
They, too, share the riverbed, as do nesting birds, and there are signs warning dog owners to take care.
We do, and stick to defined tracks.
It is the tracks on the side of the river that take our attention.
Originally, they were access tracks for council staff, and then the local Lions got involved, with others, to develop the tracks, mostly for cycling.
They have done a wonderful job, and the tracks are used for an annual bike challenge (a very good fundraiser) and for walkers.
That's us.
At this time of year, the cooler weather has done its work and the tracks are carpeted with leaves of all colours, and they scatter and fall as the dogs play.
In one section, there are pines with low-hanging branches, under which is a thick layer of needles.
This is Tui and Jock's favourite place, and where they play their favourite game.
Jock hides under the low branches, way off the track, and then lets out one sharp yap.
That Tui's cue, and she tries to find him.
As she noses around, he darts hither and thither, always a step ahead.
After five minutes of trying to find - and catch him - she gives up, more interested in a one-on-one race.
She always wins.
This is what they did again today.
I've seen it a thousand times, and I smile every time.
Anyway, this is their stamping ground.