We lunched at the top of the track that leads through bush above the old Slaughterhouse.
After lunch, Ian proposed, having been encouraged by the land owner, to explore Porteous Hill above the deer fence. From this point on, things got a little confusing. We crossed the deer fence area by a normal low gate and proceeded through the area.
Ken, Keith and Ian set off to the top of the hill, but George led the others off around it. So, without really planning to do so, we found we had parted company.
The three of us had spied a deer fence gate up at the top and by way of it we easily gained the summit, with its great views.
Silver Peaks from Porteous Hill summit
However, on continuing on, we found the only way to gain Porteous Road and make our way down again, was to climb the deer fence. There’s always a first for everything.
Continuing down, we eventually spotted the other party below us making their way along by their other route.
Warrington Beach from Porteous Hill slopes
So alls well that ends well. The two groups made their respective ways back to the cars. – Ian.
Leaving our three cars at the end of Warrington’s Park Road, 11 trampers were soon skirting the Paua Factory there and greeting two friendly horses at a gate we had to be careful to leave well roped up again. Along the coast, we chose the paddock option instead of the shoreline whose rounded rocks appeared wet and slippery. We perched
on a slope above the rocks for morning tea, afterwards making our way up and down over several ridges that sloped down to the sea
Thirsty. Bob.Hungry. Bob
until finally climbing to the road-rail crossing at Omimi. The walk was then up the Pryde Road track until a few of us diverted to the old slaughter house where Bob obligingly posed as its next victim. A bit above and beyond that, we enjoyed a pleasant bush-sheltered lunch, the day mild and calm. The next bit was a steep climb to arrive at a deer fence on Porteous Hill which we elected to skirt on its lower side to eventually reach the Resevoir Road track and so down to the Coast Road and the Anglican Church and its fascinating cemetery. A pathway below it, well-pruned through thick under-growth led us to Park Road again and then back to the cars. Not a long day, with some quite steep climbs however, but providing some wonderful views stretching all the way to the Otago Heads. Thanks to Ria and Hazel for their leadership. – Ian
