Taieri Recreational Tramping Club

“Legends of the Lower Taieri” includes a section about John Bull if you persist in reading down far enough.

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18. 22/11/2023.Hikers. Millennium Track from Henley Ferry Bridge. Grade 3. 27km. Leaders: Ady Whitson/Bruce Wright.

We had a great day on the track. Weather was great with 20 Hikers enjoying the day. We parked about 2/3 the way down the road from the stile. Continue Reading »

No. 111 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Bus Trip. Walk Millers Flat to Beaumont”

5. 2/10/2019. Both. Bus Trip. Millers Flat/Horseshoe Bend – Beaumont. Rail Trail-Road/ORC Millennium Track-Road. M. Eleanore and Bob.

On a chilly spring morning, 45 members assembled at 8:15 a.m. eager to board bus and head Central for a walk along the Clutha Gold Trail.
We arrived at the Island Block entry at 10:10 a.m., luckily to a convenient hay barn where we had smoko.

This was followed by a show of hands to see who was keen to layer up and head off in a shower of rain—17 accepted the offer to hike 3km round the hill track …

… to the Horseshoe bend swing bridge crossing the Clutha …

…  to meet up with the rest of the group.
Meanwhile, we travelled to Millers Flat, crossing the Clutha and turned right heading back down the rather narrow gravel road (managed to meet a twin cab and trailer coming our way, he backed off and let us through).  We passed the Lonely Grave site, then soon after arrived at Horseshoe Bend.  Car Park was probably not designed as a bus turn, however, Wayne successfully manoeuvred his bus turn.
The majority got off in sunshine

to head along the trail.  Looking back we spotted the first group hot on our heels.

The Ramblers were happy to enjoy the bus trip back to Beaumont where some intended to hike along from the bridge and back.  I also  heard a whisper on the bus, some were happy to try out lunch at the hotel.
We stopped for lunch

by a little old shed and cattle stop at 12:15 p.m. for half an hour firstly in sunshine,

followed by another shower (Lots sheltered in the shed).

We all set off

enjoying looking at fresh bright willow leaves, healthy Hereford cows,

the mighty Clutha,

blossom

and particularly the easy grade of the track.
We arrived back to the bus …

… at 3.00 p.m. after a 14km (17km) trot along the trail.
Afternoon tea was pre arranged at the hotel for $10.  We were greeted with very friendly staff and a great spread, including scones with jam and cream!  YUM.  We thanked them and they thanked us for the business.  Was great to observe how happy everyone was enjoying catching up with each other.  Particularly, with Judy Knox, who was on her last outing before moving to Townsville.  I am sure you will come back and visit us Judy.  We sure will miss you!!
We arrived home about 5:15 p.m. after a great day out.  Thanks to the Club for subsidising the bus.
Eleanore and Bob.

17. 9/8/2017. Hikers. Millennium Track. Leaders: Bob and Lesley.

20 Hikers set out on this bush walk along the Taieri River. The usual wet portions were muddy following all the rain. There were a few small slips onto the track and a few bites out of the lower side, but all negotiable. The track was carpeted with leaves and twigs. Morning tea was at the usual spot down beside the river…

…and lunch at John Bull Gully.

This track with many silver ferns and birds is a favourite for many members. We ALL adjourned to The Black Swan for refreshments. – Lesley.

16. 29/7/2015. Hikers. Millennium Track. Leaders: Helen, Bev.

Our day started with some rain so we had morning tea early at house at start.

15. 5/10/2014. Both. Millennium Track. Leaders: Les and Margaret.

14. 24/7/2013. Hikers. Millennium Track. Leaders: Les and Margaret.

13. 15/6/2011. Hikers. Millennium Track. Leaders: George, Dorothy

12. 18/8/2010. Both. Millennium Track. Medium- Leader: Lesley St.

Four Trampers unable to do their tramp came with Hikers but walked further to the seat. – Ian

11. 9/9/2009 Hikers. Millennium Track. Medium-. Leaders: Evelyn, Graham

10. 21/1/2009. Hikers. Millennium Track.  Easy+. Hikers Leaders: Les, Margaret, Bev

9. 2/4/2008 Leaders: P McLean, L Gowans

Being the first tramp of the month, trampers and hikers combined to walk a good old standby, the Millennium Track down the Taieri River from the old Wardells house. It was a substitute for Berwick Forest which is presently difficult to gain access to. Although only 16 turned out, with many trampers noticeably absent, it was still a good day out, starting cold but improving. In spite of being a frequently used tramp, it’s a lovely piece of bush to take your time in and enjoy and the bird life is a joy to hear. A feature of the walk for the trampers was that 11 walked on beyond John Bull Gully to sample the recently broadened track as far as the seat at the high point of the track. The gradient had been realigned with all steps eliminated, sometimes however making for steep slopes. With the pine plantation gone, we were surprised to see that bullibulli

has largely colonised the area. A delightful surprise on the return walk was a juvenile harrier hawk (?)

perched on a broken trunk which quite calmly allowed us to photo it. The 5 of us who chose to go just to the picnic spot by the river really had a very happy time, taking in the scenery, having our lunch and walking back to cars in a leisurely way. – Bev and Ian

Location: 31.8 km.

Click Taieri River Geology for background information.

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17. 5/10/2016. Hikers. Millennium-John Bull; Taieri Ferry to Taieri Mouth. Bus at both ends. M. Leaders: Bob and Doug.

Millennium Track – combined trip Wednesday 5th October 2016-10-05

A dampish morning did not deter 40 intrepid club members who boarded the bus at the Bush Rd car park promptly at 9am.  Packs were stowed in the luggage compartment and our driver Richard transported the happy crew out to Highway 1 and along to Henley and the start of the track – well, almost the start.  24 hikers disembarked in persistent light rain and trudged along the road for 45 minutes to a morning tea stop on the veranda of the white house just over the style, at the true beginning of the track.

The remaining 16 bods (and  the bus) departed for Taieri Mouth.

 

The upward plod soon began and we were glad it wasn’t too hot.  The light rain continued but there was no wind and it was pleasant for tramping.  It was lovely in the bush with plenty of bird song and glimpses of the river below as we climbed.

A couple of solid hours saw us at the junction down to John Bull Creek, where it was unanimously decided not to descend, but to press on to the top for lunch.  Which we did, collapsing gratefully for welcome food and drink.  The rain had stopped and a pleasant break was had, with chocs to celebrate Alec’s recent birthday.

Then down, and down, with a few inadvertent sit-downs, and the loss of a couple of impatient members who tried to take the direct route….it was quite slippery.  No harm done, and we were soon back by the river for the last plod out to the road.  The bus parked by the bridge was a welcome sight.

Nine cheerful souls on the bus had had a pleasant few hours meandering round Taieri Mouth and catching up on gossip, and there was no sign of the hardy seven trampers.

Thanks to hiking leaders Bob and Doug and tramping leader Arthur.  It was a great day out, well-supported and enjoyed by all, and rounded off with a riotous session for coffee for 23 at Topiary.  – Judy.

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16. 13/7/2016. Trampers. Millennium and John Bull from Henley. M. Leader:  Arthur.

Two cars transported 9 trampers to begin the day’s adventure. The mild temperature was welcome, the sky overcast with northerly breezes.

We left the car-park at 10.00 a.m. and waked for about 10 minutes, to have morning tea at the picnic spot on the riverbank.

Continuing on it was up and down, as the track flows, and then up to the high up seat where we stopped for a little while. This spot overlooks the river to advantage

and also views away to the north too.

For example, Mount Cargill stood out in all its glory, with its mast on top.

The track was now downhill, the trampers intelligently noting that it would be the opposite on the returning journey. We came to a small wind-blown tree across the track, but Neil M. wrestled mightily with it and it was a problem no more.

An hour after leaving the high up seat we reached the track’s end. We were invited to have our lunch outside at Jay’s nearby house (she didn’t have the key with her), which we found a most pleasant and suitable place. – Thanks, Jay.

A half-hour’s lunch and rest stop, and the party was on the track again. Grim determination was noted now, and with little talking, a fast pace was set, and we were back at the high up seat in an hour uphill – the same time as it had taken going down.

It had just come on to rain, so a brief regroup was taken under the trees, coats on, etc. The view being ignored now, downhill, and we were back at John Bull gully – just as the rain stopped and the sun came out.

Up the zigzag, and along, and down, etc., saw us back a the car park at 3.35 p.m.

The DoC sign at the car park stated that it was 9.3 km to Taieri Mouth but Margreet’s electronic gizmo said that we had done 16.2 kms.

Whatever distance we walked, we can say very definitely that “we went there and back”. A satisfying day’s tramp.

Blustery wind and rain welcomed us back to Mosgiel. No time for coffee today! – Arthur (substitute leader for Helen – off sick.)

The day was a bit cold and windy with some promised rain. A vote taken at the Taieri River mouth bridge was two to one (the writer was the ‘one’) with two abstentions to do the more sheltered John Bull Gully track instead of the scheduled Akatore beach walk. Aerobically it was certainly more beneficial with its plentiful provision of ups and downs. Continuing on to the Millennium Track to Wardells Cottage as well provided us with an all-up 18 km work-out which we all enjoyed. There was some spring grass overgrowth in places and the odd fallen tree. Some scrub cutting had been started There was some school group or other on inflatables out on the Taieri.

12. 15/4/2009 Hikers. John Bull Track. Leaders: Lesley S, Bill H, Fred.

11. 16/5/2007. Hikers. John Bull from  Taieri Mouth. Medium. Leaders: Dot B, Lesley G.

10. 15/10/2003. Medium. John Bull Gully from Taieri Mouth. Medium. Leaders: Jack and Rosemary.

9. 5/9/2001. Combined. John Bull Track. Leaders: Frank and Lesley, Pam.

8. 1/11/2000. John Bull Track. Leaders: Doug M, Hazel, Jean.

7. 16/6/1999. John Bull Track. Leaders: Lance and Lois, Judy C.

6. 18/11/1998. John Bull Track to river. Leaders: Dot B, Doug and Ngaire.

5. 8/7/1998. John Bull Gully and return. Leaders: Bev H, Bev McI.

4. 4/6/1997. John Bully Gully. Leaders: Joyce, Nancy, Eleanor.

3. 14/2/1996. John Bull Gully. Leaders: Dot and Eric.

2. 6/4/1994. John Bull Track, then over paddock to Waihola Road, back on John Bull Track. Medium. Les S, Bill H, Doug and Ngaire

No. 78 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Knarston Park Sth Coast (Ask Jean Young) Farm”

Location: 31.5 km.

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15. 29/3/2023. Millennium Track, Taieri Mouth.  Leaders Dave and Mike

I seriously questioned my sanity on the drive from sub tropical Port Chalmers to Mosgiel for this weeks walk. The torrential rain and hailstones on the Southern Motorway left me with a sense of foreboding. However, 17 hikers eventually assembled at the meeting place at Knarston Park on Taieri Beach for what turned out to be a really enjoyable walk with the predicted rain showers non-existent.

Morning smoko was held on the verandah at Jay’s river mouth crib where we could admire the house extension at one neighbouring property and the dismantling of a Kauri boat on another.

From there it was a pleasant river side walk on the Millennium Track and boardwalks before starting the grunt up the hill to the welcome seats where we had lunch before re-tracing our steps back to the cars.

Consensus of opinion is that the grade should be re-classified as a 3.5 as Sir Edmund Hillary got a Knighthood for climbing hills that steep. The return to the cars was achieved without mishap and tiffin was taken by some at the Brighton Cafe.

Thanks to Dave Roberts for leading at a leisurely pace that made the uphill sections enjoyable. Total distance walked was 9.5km

Mike Webb

No. 78 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Knarston Park Sth Coast (Ask Jean Young) Farm”

Akatore Farm permission required. (Ask Bob.)

Distance Livingstonia Park from car park: 31.5 km.

Distance Akatore Farm from carpark: 48 km

13. 15/3/2017. Hikers. Akatore Farm, Stream and Beach. H. Leaders: Bob and Lesley.

Bob lead 24 Hikers down the road to the bridge over the Akatore River,where we sat in the sun for morning tea.

The tide was low enabling us to walk along the estuary,to the coast.This included a few moments of rock hugging,with many helping hands to get around a bluff.

A few people declined and returned to the road,to be picked up by Braden,Bob son,on his farm “mule”and some rejoined the group.

It was a clear,sunny day,with little wind and the journey along farm tracks,above the rocks,was good hiking.We lunched and explored at a private beach, …

… then climbed the hill back to the cars,completing about 9km.

It was a different route on a favourite area,enjoyed by all, with coffee at Wals. – Lesley.

12. 5/10/2016. Trampers. Akatore Farm and Beach. E. Leader: Arthur H.

The windscreen wipers worked away as the bus took us for our tramps, the Hikers being dropped off first to walk the Millennium Track from the Henley end.

The Trampers were taken to Taieri Mouth, and then down the Akatore Road to the Taieri Beach Road, where we dismounted.

It was right on 10 o’clock, so morning tea was attended to as the first priority. A convenient ledge sheltered us from the cool breeze and light rain.

We walked down a long paddock to reach the sea. The paddock being recently cultivated was quite sticky from the rain. Our boots grew in size somewhat.

It was quite a relief to reach a lovely sandy beach, with the tide well out.

Quite a lot of bird life was evident – lots of seagulls of course, oyster-catchers, pied stilts, a pair of terns overhead, and paradise ducks out in the paddock.

After inspecting an interesting cave, we had to climb up to the paddocks for a little. Descending again, we had a nice grassy strip of grass to follow, above the rocks.

We came to the Akatore Creek mouth at 12 noon. It was almost low tide, and with a considerable flow of water exiting the creek.

Lunch was partaken of in the shelter of a steep bank, with some lovely yellow flowers about The breeze was quite light, but cool.

The next leg of our journey wass uphill through the farm paddocks. A large mob of very friendly dairy heifers followed us along the fenceline as far as they could.

At the top of the hill we devoured a little to the left to get a good view looking down onto the Akatore estuary and environs.

Out onto the road, we followed it for two kilometres to arrive back at our starting point at 1.35 p.m.

A little early for the bus, we walked the road to Taieri Mouth. Downhill was easy. A very friendly pet lamb wanted to join our group after escaping from his paddock. But we had to be firm! Near the Taieri Beach School is an animal park (closed) where we glimpsed various species, including alpacas, geese, deer and ostriches(?).

We kept walking along the road, not so enjoyable but many interesting houses and backyards could be viewed in Taieri Mouth. Eventually we came in sight of the bridge over the Taieri River and the bus parked at the southern end of it.

The Trampers came to the bus at 2.45, soon after the Hikers had finished. There had been seven in our group today, our distance travelled: 14.5 km maybe(?) (using a small-scale road map to estimate from) – please come back soon, Margreet!

The bus delivered us all back to Mosgiel, after which may invaded “Wals”, creating mayhem with the tables, but it was a good finish to the day. – Arthur.

11. 23/9/2015. Hikers. Akatore Farm and Beach. E. Leaders: Bob and Leslie.

Twenty-nine of us parked at the farm’s stock yards and walked back north along the road to enter a neighbouring property, go through past the homestead, out into paddocks and down to the coast for morning tea.

A rocky knoll tempted two or three of us to climb it and view the surroundings from there.

We climbed back out, this time heading south parallel to the coastline through paddocks, some grassed and one being freshly being turned over with a large six-furrow plough. We walked for a while down along beach and rocks …

… before being obliged by the high tide to return up the the paddocks. Eventually we reached the Akatore mouth. And what a sight. What had formerly been a gentle rock-hugging stream was now a wide mouth of breaking surf from the near side right across to the farther one.

No beach, or none at this tide level. Bob led us along the outside of a fence upstream just a little to descend a steep back to a new beach where once the stream had flowed. He had provided us with a huge hawser rope tied to the fence and lengthened at its end with a strapping belt stretching right down to the new beach.

With its aid, we all made our way safely down the cliff-face, …

… each doing so in our own fashion.

We lunched there, finding seating on lumpy dry marram grass, on the new beach of sand that must have been metres deep. What a powerful transformation the high seas had made of the old mouth we had become accustomed to.

After lunch, Bob led us up the true left edge of the stream along an edge made very narrow with an ebbing tide that still had a long way to retreat. At the first point there was no option but to make one’s way around rock still surrounded by shallow water. Never mind. The rest of the way was dry, if pebbled with rocks larger and smaller in places, sandy in others. We made our way then up to the bridge where Bob introduced us to that steep road climb that takes one right up from sea level to the top where the road first turns down. It made for a good workout, giving hikers with their varying energy levels the chance to brave the climb at their own pace. However, beside the rope provision back at the lunch stop, behold there had also been Bob’s ute sitting down at the bridge for any who didn’t relish the prospect of the climb. But bravo, no one took it. And Bob was noble enough to leave it standing there, true to his leadership role, and climb with the rest, with the intention of  walking back down later to retrieve it. Noble? Would might even say silly not to enjoy ride back up in triumphant style. Painful certainly, this reporter imagines. It’s a long hill climb to the top. Good on yer, Bob.

(It was too bad the ‘Nike + Running’ app fell over in a big way and has had to be re-down-loaded, – so no GPS record this time). This was a most interesting tramp, a replacement for the original one that had to be abandoned due to lambing. We all enjoyed the experience of a route the club had not done before, now made possible by the mighty changes the ocean had wrought on the Akatore’s mouth, and exploited by Bob. So thank you Bob (and sister Leslie!) for the planning and the advance provision of rope and ute. Great leadership! – Ian.

10. 26/11/2014. Hikers. Akatore Farm and Beach. E. Leaders: Leslie and Bev.

 

26/6/2013. Trampers. Livingstonia Park to Akatore. Beach Walk.

On a day that could’ve turned to rain, [according to the forecast] 8 trampers turned up for the walk from Taieri Mouth to Akatore. This is a challenging walk over the beach rocky outcrops, with some easier sandy sections for good measure. In some places it is safer to take to the farm paddocks to bypass some deep splits in the rocks. We had morning tea at the carpark before leaving, as it was already 10am, then headed off down the beach. We reached the river mouth at about 12:30, & went in search of a sheltered spot to have lunch, as a bit of a wind had come up, making it a little unpleasant.

We then retraced our steps, with two of the group deciding that the farm paddocks offered a better route back again. The rest of us did some beach, & some farm walk back to the cars, which took a bit longer than the outward trip due to tiredness creeping in. We arrived back at the carpark at about 4pm. (13.9km, 3hrs 44min, moving ave 3.7km/h.) – Ken

9. 8/2/2012. Hikers. Akatore farm walk. Akatore Rd about 5 kms from Taieri Mouth. Leaders: Bev, Chris.

<Video of kelp in swell firmly anchored on the rock.>

7. 15/4/2009 Trampers. Taieri Mouth Livingstonia Park to Akatore. Beach walk. Leader: Ria.

12 of us made the trip. A bit of a struggle for one or two but we all got there. Here George poses as an Indian shaman(?) in front of a cave.

There were places where we had to clamber up to the paddocks before descending to the rocks again.

This was a very narrow squeeze.

The trip was well-timed, with low tide after 1.00 p.m. so there was room for plenty of rock work clambering …

and beach sand. This is where we stopped for a pleasant cuppa.

Five lunched down at the Akatore mouth, the rest content to dine in the paddock above.

The five “down at the mouth” are just visible from the paddock.

Here is just one of the ponds as we made our return, this time largely over paddocks.

Careful rock clambering challenged some, and for others the distance was a bit of a stretch. But it was another successful day with the weather remaining kind. – Ian

6. 6/2/2008 Taieri Mouth Livingstonia Park to Akatore Beach walk. Trampers. Leaders: Ria, Hazel.

Tramp Report for Wednesday February 6th 2008

A beautiful day greeted 16 trampers as we met at Livingstonia Park for the start of our walk from Taieri Beach to Akatore. Our leaders were Ria Lippers and Hazel Leslie who had done 2 recces to make sure they had it all under control as it was the first time the Taieri tramping club had done this walk.

It turned out to be quite an adventure as we scrambled up and down rocks between the lovely bays that stretched all the way along this stunning Otago coastline. The tide was at a tantalising level as the more adventurous felt it was possible to get round, while our leaders took the more secure upper route along the cliff top. It was great to have the choice. We had lunch where the Akatore River reaches the sea, an enchanting spot with crystal clear water and white sand. George had a paddle in the water and we all relaxed in the sun. The tide was coming in, so most of the way back was along the top grassy pathway, but we did manage to go along some of the wider beach areas. As we descended the rope walkway back down to Taieri Beach we were so surprised to see so many people sunbathing and swimming, all taking advantage of the amazing Waitangi Day weather. Carol and I couldn’t resist a quick paddle before returning to the cars where everyone was waiting for us !! – Tash

Beautiful day for a beach walk when 12 hikers parked their cars at Knarston Park. The tide was out so we were able to walk south along the beach for quite some way before having to go up a rope walk to the grass area above beach to get past an outcrop of rocks. Then back down onto beach and time to sit and relax with our morning tea. Such a lovely day and so clear, the views were great and sea bird life interesting. On down the beach until we came to another outcrop on rocks that for us, was impassable and we couldn’t find a place suitable for us to climb up to top. So we decided that although it was a bit early we would have our lunch and sit a bit longer than usual, just soaking up the scenery and views. Watched the tide gradually coming higher up a little inlet, examined some interesting seaweed and heard about some of the bird life from our expert, Lesley G. 12 happy hikers wandered back to cars along the beach mostly and all agreed we’d had a very relaxed and pleasant day.- Bev.

Click Taieri River Geology for background information.