Oct 22 2023

Grahams Bush/Old Rd Car Park, Organ Pipes, Buttars Peak, Mount Cargill.

Published by under Trampers

Click Grahams Bush history for background information.
Click Mount Cargill history for background information.
No. 19 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Sawyers Bay – Grahams Bush. M Deuchrass. Summer.”
Sawyers Bay Road 28 km from car park; Mount Cargill Road car park: 25 km.

17. 18/10/2023. Grahams Bush/Mt Cutten. Leaders Pam Cocks and John Gardiner
DSC07015 RES100x100Introduction:
Nineteen Trampers in 4 cars (x1 from Dunedin) arrived at the bottom of the Grahams Bush track, end of Hall Rd, Sawyers Bay. The weather forecast for the day being promising with little wind and a high of 19deg. Pam Cocks led the tramp and I was tail end charlie.
About the Tramp:
After meeting at Hall Rd, Lyn Keene and I drove our cars to the end of Reservoir Rd, where Lyn left her car, and I ferried her back to Hall Rd. This was done to negate the road walk for trampers back to the cars from tramp end in Reservoir Rd (by the golf course.) The intension that Lyn transports the other 3 drivers back to their cars, who would then collect their passengers at tramp end. We then walked up the Graham’s Bush track, enjoying the sights of Punga, Silver Ferns and native Clematis before having morning tea on the side of the track.

Oct 18 Grahams Bush Mt Cutten Trampers Striding it out at the start of Grahams Bush Track Pam

Striding it out at the start of Grahams Bush Track. Photo & caption Pam

Oct 18 Grahams Bush Mt Cutten Trampers Creek crossing - tree ferns aplenty Pam

Creek crossing – tree ferns aplenty. Photo & caption Pam

Oct 18 Grahams Bush Mt Cutten Trampers All smiles at morning tea Pam

All smiles at morning tea. Photo & caption Pam

Oct 18 Grahams Bush Mt Cutten Trampers Happy trampers at top of Grahams Bush track John

Happy trampers at top of Grahams Bush track. Photo & caption John

After negotiating the steps onto Mount Cargill Road, we turned right, witnessing a girl on her horse practicing dressage, before arriving at the Quarry Site, that marked the beginning of the Mt Cutten track.

Oct 18 Grahams Bush Mt Cutten Trampers Our destination - Mt Cutten John

Our destination – Mt Cutten. Photo & caption John

A short walk along a 4WD track leading us to the track proper, with a walk-through native bush. Before long we arrived at the Len Lye tribute sculpture, restored by Andrew Drummond in 2019.

Oct 18 Grahams Bush Mt Cutten Trampers Think we are supposed to look from the other side Neil John

Think we’re supposed to look at it from the other side Neil. Photo & caption John

Oct 18 Grahams Bush Mt Cutten Trampers Panorama from Len Lye Sculpture John

Panorama – Len Lye tribute sculpture site. Photo & caption John

From here we headed North, to reach our lunch stop destination on the top of Mt Cutten.

Oct 18 Grahams Bush Mt Cutten Trampers Lunch on Mt Cutten summit Pam

Lunch on Mt Cutten summit. Photo & caption Pam

The weather forecast had been “spot on” and here we enjoyed magnificent panoramic views in all directions, with no wind and mild temperatures. The post lunch walk downhill through the Pine forest included a few snarly bits, but as if to compensate, some smooth Pine needle carpet stretches. After a brief stop in the sun on its banks, we circumnavigated the Cedar Farm reservoir.

Oct 18 Grahams Bush Mt Cutten Trampers Regroup at Cedar Farm John

Regroup at Cedar Farm. Photo & caption John

Oct 18 Grahams Bush Mt Cutten Trampers Homeward bound through the pine plantation Pam

Homeward bound through the pine plantation. Photo & caption Pam

Unfortunately, the Rhododendrons weren’t in flower (looking at previous reports I wonder if they ever are!) but witnessing the colourful Primulas was a treat. About an hour later, after negotiating some steeper downhill sections we arrived at the smaller Rossville reservoir, with 8 of our party taking 10 minutes to walk around its perimeter while the rest of us “sunbathed.”

Oct 18 Grahams Bush Mt Cutten Trampers Sunbathing at ... John

Sunbathing at Rossville reservoir. Photo & caption John

Oct 18 Grahams Bush Mt Cutten Trampers Descending down and still enjoying a great view Marijke

Descending down and still enjoying a great view. Photo & caption Marijke

Another 20 minutes saw us back at Lyn’s car and following her car pickup trip with the other 3 drivers, all cars returned to Reservoir Rd to collect their precious cargo by 3.00pm.

The Time Frame:
9.55am – Left cars.
10.20am – Morning tea.
1120am – Old Mount Cargill Rd.
11.45am – Quarry turn off.
12.15pm – At Len Lye tribute sculpture.
12.30pm – Lunch on Mt Cutten summit.
1.10pm – On our way downhill.
1.30pm – At Mt Cutten Crossroads.
1.37pm – Cedar Farm reservoir
1.45pm – 2.00pm – 4WD track to Pine Plantation.
2.40pm – Rossville reservoir
3.00pm -All back to cars, Reservoir Rd.

Tramp Details:
Elevation 542m
Moving Time 3.33.01
Elapsed Time 5.05.56
Avg. Pace 13.53/km
Avg elapsed Pace 12.57/km
Fastest Split 10.24/km
Distance 12.8km
Grade 4

Conclusion:
Pam has admitted to me (in her own bubbly way) that this tramp has been the culmination of 7 panicking days! Of planning, numerous brainwaves, sleepless nights, and 2 recces with Gwenda. Typically, with most things, when they’re done well, they look easy. So, it was with this new tramp. Special thanks to Pam and Gwenda for the work they have put into it, for the pleasure of all of us who took part.
Cheers,
John Gardiner (tail end Charlie)


 

16. 14/09/2022. Trampers. Grahams Bush, Organ Pipes, Buttars Peak, Mt Cargill. Leaders Jill and Wendy

13 trampers enjoyed the climb up through Grahams Bush – the peeling red trunks of the many tree fuchsias were a lovely feature today.
14 Sep Grahams Bush walking thru the fushia trees Marijke

Sarah walking through a canopy of Fushsia trees (Photo & caption Marijke)

We encountered snow on the track as we continued to the Organ Pipes – making it slippery in places!
14 Sep Grahams Bush Snow on the track Pam

Overnight snow on the track to Mt Cargill (Photo & caption Pam)

Lunch was enjoyed on the spectacular rocky outcrops of Buttars Peak – at 617 m asl we had great views over the harbour & surrounds.
14 Sep Grahams Bush getting close to the top rewarded with great views Marijke

Getting close to the top, rewarded with great views (Photo & caption Marijke)

14 Sep Grahams Bush Otago Harbour view from Buttars Peak Pam

Otago Harbour from Buttars Peak (Photo & caption Pam)

About another 20 minutes walk and we reached the top of Mt Cargill (676m) & took the opportunity for a photo with a resident snowman!
14 Sep Grahams Bush an unexpected friend waiting for us at the top of Mt Cargill Marijke

An unexpected friend waiting for us at the top of Mt Cargill (Photo & caption Marijke)

14 Sep Grahams Bush Mt Cargill Marijke

Finally had a look at this prominent landmark closeup (Photo & caption Marijke)

14 Sep Grahams Bush at the top Sarah

Whole team at the top of Mt Cargill including the snowman (Photo & caption Sarah)

The return journey back downhill was quicker & we were at our cars by 3 pm – having walked about 15 km.
Jill Reid & Wendy Begley


15. 12/8/2020. Trampers. Graham’s Bush, Organ Pipes, Mt Cargill. M. Leaders Jill Reid and Theresa White.

Early rain must have deterred some trampers today – just 11 keen souls drove to Station Road in Sawyers Bay, parking near the Brick Hill Road intersection.

The weather gods were kind and we headed up into Graham’s Bush, all enjoying the great track and variety of natives, particularly the showy tree fushia trunks, as we climbed to Mt Cargill Road.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Bit damp to sit for smoko.”

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Photo and Caption Pam – “It was a steady climb upwards.”

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Great bush up Grahams track.”

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Up the steps to Mt Cargill road.”

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Photo and Caption Wendy – “Whew – made it!”

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Photo and Caption Wendy – “Here is where we tramped.”

After catching our breath it was up the steep track to the Organ Pipes.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “A jungle of organ pipes.”

6 to 8 cattle were crashing through the bush here – perhaps exploring from a nearby farm? Unfortunately low cloud prevented us seeing very far, so we had lunch on steps in the bush near Buttars Peak.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Lunch on the steps.”

Despite the minimal views 8 trampers continued to Mt Cargill, and were delighted to find the climb relatively easy with new steps in a previously challenging area – and we were of course pleased to summit the 676 m mountain!

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Photo and Caption Wendy- “Towering into the mist!”

We retraced our steps to Mt Cargill Road and looped back to the cars via Upper Junction and Brick Hill roads.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Heading back down.”

Some found walking 6 km on the sealed road hard on their bodies – Gordon ruefully refused a ride with his son Roger (who just happened to be passing, having had a plumbing job in the area!!) – but all agreed it was a very scenic walk and great looking over the harbour now the cloud had lifted.

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Photo and Caption Wendy – “Spectacular views of the harbour area as the cloud partially lifted.”

Distance covered was around 16 km. With community transmission of Covid-19 yesterday (after 102 days with none) we had been placed under Alert Level 2 again at midday……so do hope this is short-lived! Refreshments were enjoyed at Emersons. 

Jill and Theresa

14. 30/1/2019. Hikers. M. Leaders: Jan Y and Pam.

We were down in  numbers owing to several of the hikers going to Herbert with the trampers, but after some initial confusion between Hall and Station Roads, 16 of us set off for the Grahams Bush track.  The four ramblers followed for a bit, then peeled off on a different route.  A very hot day had been forecast, but it was reasonable under the bush cover.  The track is quite steep in places and not easy going, but fortunately it was much drier underfoot than earlier in the week when we did the reccie.  The creek crossing has been replaced by a bridge, which made things easier at that point. There was quite a bit of bird activity, with fantails and tomtits.   Reached the top of the track by 12ish and had lunch at the organ pipes car park.

(Wyn pic)

Watched with interest as a van carrying cyclists and their gear arrived and unloaded.  The cyclists were heading back down North Road – I’m not sure of their destination.  The heat was ramping up, and we trudged along North Road to the turnoff to Upper Junction Road.  The views were fantastic tho, as the harbor looked a picture and there was a bit of activity with a couple of cruise ships in.  Headed back down to Sawyers Bay which was a more enjoyable walk as groves of trees lined the road in places and gave us some shade.

(Wyn pic.)

  Arrived back at the cars around 2, and the co-leader (whose suggestion it actually was) was overheard to remark that it was a hard tramp, and next time it appeared on the programme she wouldn’t be doing it!!).  We headed round to the Carey’s Bay Hotel for a very welcome drink, some alcoholic and some non-alcholic (the beer went down very nicely). It was so pleasant sitting in the shade at the front of the hotel we lingered for quite some time.  Had a slow trip home once we hit the motorway as an accident ahead forced al the traffic through Fairfield, and there was a huge buildup of vehicles.  Finally got back to Mosgiel well after four.  

We did 10.9ks, so not a bad effort for a very hot day.  Jan and Pam

13. 12/9/2018. Trampers. Sawyers Bay/Mt: Cargill/Bethunes Gully/Upper Junction/Sawyers Bay. Leader: Phil.

15 intrepid walkers set out from Hall Rd on a pretty balmy Harbour day up through Graham’s Reserve.  Birdlife was rife including some nice plump Kereru.  This may be in part due to the community trapping initiatives that now encircle the Eco Sanctuary as birds there stretch their wings to increasingly safer climes.

Morning tea was taken on and around wooden steps,

Morn.tea break in the bush. (Gordon pic and caption.)

looking through the canopy of a wonderful lady rimu; the quality of the bush was ‘right up’ there, with good stands of Rimu (also on the downward beat to Bethunes Gully).

I thought progress was steady, but when we arrived at the carpark on North Rd, and checked the watch, to my surprise 15 walkers did it quicker than 1 person on the recce, and that included morning tea time……must have been that the track was now so much drier!  Or was this a particularly talented and fit group of walkers?

A short break to catch breath and have a swig was taken at the carpark, where we also co opted a Welsh tourist to join us up to Buttars Peak, the Organ Pipes

Not much of Organ Pipes left. (Gordon pic and caption.)

having lost much of their points of interest.

Lunch was taken on the battlements at Buttars Peak,

A Welshman admiring our Valleys. (Phil pic and caption.)

what a place to repel the invaders, and although a coolish breeze tempered things a bit, the views were still ‘top notch’.

View from Buttars Peak. (Gordon pic and caption.)

We set off after lunch at 12.30pm and turning left at the Junction we descended to Bethunes Gully in 66% of the time the signposting stated.  Most took advantage of the low wooden fence to chill out, almost like waiting for the bus,

Waiting for the bus at Bethune’s Gully. (Phil pic and caption.)

which did not come, so we went up up and up Norwood St; it did not seem like this when I recce’d in the car…..

From here it was a short trip along North Rd before descending down through Upper Junction.  The Harbour areas and gullies have such a great eclectic mix of housing and gardens tucked away.  From Upper Junction Rd a small detour was made to by-pass the closed road and works, following major road slumping.

From here it was back up Hall Rd to the cars, and noticeably this road seemed quite steep in places!  A suggestion for another time being to park the cars at the bottom of the hill!

There was some differing perspectives on how far we had walked, depending on the country of origins of the myriad of devices, whether or not they spoke to you etc.….going by the DCC pamphlets and my car speedo I thought 14 km but then again I know my speedo understates speed by about 10%…….This proved to be a challenging loop walk but one that was appreciated and proved the all round fitness of everyone who came. And yes everyone knows how to tell if a Rimu is male or female.  Some even how to identify a Miro tree by the berry fruit.

It was agreed we would return to Blackstone for coffee, but because they had had such a busy day did not want our patronage, so we crossed the road and enjoyed great craic at Blend ( debating the merits or otherwise of traditional roles v sensitive new age males); we had to apologise to some other customers for the noise, and as they left said we were just like teenagers!  Wow what a complement to finish the day. – Phil.

12. 8/8/2018. Hikers. Mount Cargill from Old Road. M. Leaders; Phil and Raewyn.

24 intrepid hikers drove to the Organ Pipes track carpark on Mt Cargill.

Mt Cargill Road carpark. (Clive pic and caption.)

  A few ‘Oh dears’ were voiced when the steps at the beginning of the track were first seen, but taking it slowly we finally reached the morning tea stop, 15 minutes in.  Then it was onwards and upwards again with those jolly steps appearing around every corner.  Soon though we came across the pile of rubble which was once the Organ Pipes formation, and taking turns, everyone viewed the last remaining pipes standing.

New organ pipe evolving at the Organ Pipes site. (Phil pic and caption.)

  After a slippery boardwalk, the track evened out and it was a pleasant walk through the bush up to the turnoff to Buttars Peak.  Eight adventurers climbed to the top for a ‘wow’ moment,

Buttars Peak….Harbour Cone will be nothing after this. (Phil pic and caption.)

while the rest of us waited and waved from below.  Onwards around the base of the transmitter tower and the final ascent to the top – Oh no, those darn steps were back again with a vengeance.  Determinedly we all made it to the top for lunch…

Mt Cargill at the top. (Clive pic and caption.)

Lunch….listening in for contact from the galaxies. (Phil pic and caption.)

…and the 360 degree views over Dunedin, the Peninsula & Blueskin Bay.  The cool breeze that whipped up soon had us on the return trip and facing all those steps in the opposite direction.  Our ‘Ramblers 3’ joined us for morning tea, and did really well to continue upwards to have their lunch by the organ pipes rubble.  Well done ladies.  A great day followed by coffee at the Plaza Café. – Raewyn.

11. 18/10/2017. Trampers. Grahams Bush – TV Mast. M. Leader: Helen.

Only eight trampers today. Lots away. Started at Hall Road in Sawyers Bay. Parked cars at the start of the Grahams Track. Lovely walk up through bush and also some muddy areas. Had our morning tea stop on this section of the tramp. Up the steep steps to the Mount Cargill Road.

(Margreet pic.)

Across that and up to the Organ Pipes most which have fallen down now.

Organ Pipes. (Helen pic and caption.)

Continued on up to the top of Mount Cargill going past Buttars Hill. Had our lunch up there in the shelter as was quite windy on the top. Down we went again after conversations with other hikers and workman on our way down to the road. From there we decided to walk

View from road. Roseneath Quarantine Island and Portobello. (Helen pic and caption.)

in a large loop back to Sawyers Bay and cars. Distance was 16.5kms. Coffee at Blackstone in Mosgiel. A very enjoyabld day with lots of chatting. – Helen

10. 10/6/2015. Trampers. Grahams Bush – TV Mast.M.
We had a good turnout of 10 trampers for todays assault on Grahams Bush — Organ Pipes, & track up to the transmitter mast on top of Mt. Cargill.
We had morning tea break at the junction of the private road, & the left turn onto the track. I should’ve waited till a bit later as once into the bush the ground was nearly dry, whereas where we stopped was quite wet.
We made good time up to the road at the top of the Grahams Bush track, & after a short rest stop where we learnt that a couple from the Czech Republic had their car broken into, in the Organ Pipes car park, & a backpack stolen, which contained their passports along with other items, we carried on up to the Organ Pipes.
Those that had not been there before, or for a long time took the opportunity to view the tumbled down remains of the once great landmark, before we set off for the junction with the track leading up to the transmitter mast. We found a reasonably sheltered spot among the bush edge to sit down for lunch,
Lunch stop. (Ken pic)

Lunch stop. (Ken pic)

before going up the rough track [in places] with the big steps up to the top, where it was very windy.
After having a good look around up here, & admiring the great view, we started to retrace our steps back down & along the Organ pipes track to the Mt. Cargill Rd. I was very pleased to see that the boardwalks that I built in the mid ’90’s are still like new after nearly 20 yrs.
Once at the road, two of the women members decided that they would walk back via the road down into Sawyers Bay, instead of negotiating the Grahams Bush track in reverse direction.
The walk back out to the cars was uneventful, with everybody making it safely.
A good workout for the lungs, & legs, with almost 1 KM climbed, but I didn’t hear any complaints, so I guess they all enjoyed the day.
Walked 11.6km @ 3.6km/hr.; moving time 3h 15min; Climbed 891mtrs. – Ken.
9. 9/2/2011. Hikers. Old Mt Cargill Rd car park, Organ Pipes, Mt Cargill, return. Leaders: Bev. and Lesley.
The title of the walk was “Tracks and Trails” – which allowed our leaders licence to take us anywhere. And so the 15 of us climbed to the organ pipes and continued past Butter’s (DOC signboard) or Buttar’s (expert Lex who remembers the family farming there from when he lived in Leith Valley) Peak and on to Mount Cargill …

And so on the Mt Cargill. (Bob pic and caption)

View back to the harbour mouth. (Bob pic and caption)

… where we lunched in the lee of a now keen southwester with a great view overlooking Pigeon Flat and the Waitati area. We then met up with the upward track again and returned.
Morning tea was at Hard Rock Café as Bob called it – that huge boulder decked with drips from the night’s rain sparkling in the sunlight. See if you can identify the drips in the photo!!

Identify the drips. (Bob pic and caption)

The Organ Pipes don’t impress as much these days as I can remember them doing from years ago before earthquakes tumbled many of them down. There are still a few standing tall but most are the ‘dis-organ-ised’ pipes now. (See below under the 6 Nov 08 entry for an “Organ Pipes” pic  of the ‘few standing tall.’ – Ian.)

Identify the dominos. (Bob pic and caption)

The track to them climbs up steps composed largely of fallen columns. After passing a track junction to the Mt Cargill Walk, you find a scree slide of columns where there was once a viewing platform. There is a good view of the Organ Pipes from here.
Wikipedia says of them, “… a prominent formation of columnar jointed basalt known as the Organ Pipes. Similar outcrops are found elsewhere in the Dunedin area, at Blackhead near Waldronville and at Second  Beach, Saint Clair. A second point of interest is the small temperate cloud forest which dominates the vegetation of the upper slopes. Though not a true cloud forest, in that it is not tropical, it bears many of the hallmarks of true cloud forest, with abundant moss and fern cover under thick low canopy. The cloud forest is protected within a 1.8 square kilometre reserve, which includes the peak of the mountain as well as several secondary peaks.”
The Organ Pipes rock formation was formed by the cooling of lava that flowed across Mount Cargill during the last period of volcanic activity in the Dunedin area. The hot lava cooling against the cold rock caused powerful expansions and contractions. When the volcanic ock cooled at the time, it cracked along long joints and consequently looks much like organ pipes standing up – that is, when they were standing up!!

Well, after all that, there was one still standing. (Bob pic and caption)

Which craggy protuberance is George? (Bob pic and caption)

Some of us simulated the domino collapse of the pipes, namely Bob who
slipped on a wet boardwalk and catapulted into Lesley who lost her
glasses in the process. Fortunately they were recovered !! Whew.
A good day’s outing. Bob
8. 11/6/2008. Trampers. Grahams Bush, Buttars Peak, Organ Pipes, with Mount Cargill option for some. Medium. Leaders: Ian, Leonie

Tea Break

Organ Pipes

Buttars Peak summit

Buttars Peak summit

Trampers met at the top of Sawyers Bay Hall Road to walk from sea level to the “Top of the World” on yet another
glorious Wednesday. The tramping gods were certainly on our side as there was not a cloud in the sky as we started our ascent. The track is well maintained and a flat benched in track all the way which made for easy walking. Parts of the walk were in beautiful bush but every so often we would come to a clearing where we could look back over the harbour,

and enjoy glorious views while we got our breath back. Morning tea on the track a short way into Grahams Bush to give us sustenance for the hill climb and then onwards and upwards. Eventually we came to the road after ascending a steep flight of steps. Then over the road and up another flight of steps. During our lunch stop Evelyn entertained us with her story of the TV being blown by a gust of wind from its place in the wall into the conversation pit.

Sounded amazing. Lots of discussion about chloresterol levels and how to control them while some of us ate cheese (the bad boy) for lunch. Nearing the top there is a branch off the track which we followed to ascend Buttar’s Peak with its rugged basaltic columns. Sitting up there was like being on top of the world with uninterrupted views all along the coast from north to south with the harbour below with its picture-perfect reflections

Harbour from Buttars Peak

Harbour from Buttars Peak

and then over to the peninsula and all its magic beaches. That view has stayed with me since and hopefully for ever! After scrambling down from the peak the track divided and one group went back down and to the cars while the others went on to ascend Mount Cargill which was just in front of us.

Mt Cargill from Buttars Peak

Mt Cargill from Buttars Peak

A wonderful day and a good introduction for a visitor, and a few others who hadn’t tramped for a while. – Tash.

7. 23/8/2006. Grahams Bush, Mount Zion, Buttars Peak Organ Pipes round trip. Medium. Leaders: Jacqui, Doug J.

6. 21/4/2004 Leaders: Barbara M, Evelyn C
Enjoying the view. Glenice, Tom.

Enjoying the view. Glenice, Tom, etc.

The Buttars Peak scramble.

The Buttars Peak scramble.

5. 9/10/2002. Grahams Bush – Mount Zion. Medium. Leaders: Donny, Barbara McC, Sandra P.
4. 22/8/2001. Grahams Bush – Mount Cargill. Easy. Leaders: Graham, Bill H, Lesley S.
3. 9/11/1988 Grahams Bush to Organ Pipes. A good tramp with native bush and lovely views. Leaders: Mary Y, Peg A, Betty
2. 29/11/1995. Alternative to Hindon Pipeline: Grahams Bush – Organ Pipes. Leaders: Diana, Jack M, Les W.
1. 9/11/1989. Graham’s Bush to Organpipes. A good tramp with native bush and lovely views. Cars meet at Hall Road. Leaders: Mary Y, Peggy A, Betty B.

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