Mar 22 2023

Booth Road, McGouns, Pineapple Track, Ben Rudd

Published by under Both Hikers & Trampers

No. 43 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Booth Rd – Ben Rudd, R Hakkaart. Year Round”

Click Ben Rudd Article for background information.
Click Pineapple Track for background information.

Click Pineapple and Flagstaff walk for background information.

 


4. 15/03/2023. Hikers. McGouns/ Wakari Bike Track Grade: 2.5 Leaders: Jay and Jenny

17 keen hikers  gathered at the bottom of the Pineapple track in Tanner Road. We entered the Cragieburn track at the Corner of Wakari Road and Tanner Road. We walked up a short distance to an historical site where there were remnants of dairy farming in 1860. This area is well preserved and a lovely new seat has been installed for people to sit and enjoy the views over Dunedin and its surrounds.

We then proceeded on to the Wakari Bike track which took us through attractive bush and meandering Ross creek.

Photo from along the way Jill

Beautiful coloured toadstool on the trackside Caption and photo Jill 

The track was good underfoot and pleasant walking. We reached the top of the track in 45 minutes where we had our morning tea.

Photo Jill

Morning tea break at the entrance to the bike track Caption and photo Jill 

After that we carried on the track which was a mixture of lots of ups and downs.

Feels like an Avatar scene Caption and photo Jenni

Feels like an Avatar scene Caption and photo Jenni

The trees here were a mixture of natives and exotics. The redwoods were huge and stunning.

An interesting photo to ask Jill about

Found under a couple of trees tiny  pixie houses very cute Caption and photo Jill 

We carried on then to join the McGouns Track which has beautiful unspoilt bush. This was steep in places but nothing like getting the heart rate up to feel alive. At the end of the McGouns Track we were supposed to turn right but the leader took us left up another steep climb where we had our well deserved lunch break and there we enjoyed views of the city and harbour.

Nearing our lunch spot,great views Caption and photo Jenni

Nearing our lunch spot with great views Caption and photo Jenni

After lunch it was all downhill for a change to the cars.  We had two prospective hikers with us today, Margaret and Kay.  Coffee was at Sunnyvale.

 

 

3. 10/08/2022. Trampers. Pineapple Point. Leaders Ross & Wyn

It was one of those days; cold and frosty and clear and calm enough. It was welcome after all the changeable weather we’ve had lately. 18 of us met up at Malvern Street at the back of the Woodhaugh Gardens and headed off at 10am. We followed the track up beside the Leith Stream and then headed up the Ross Creek track to the top of the dam for morning tea in the sun.

10 Aug Pineapple Point morning tea John

Morning tea at Ross Creek Dam (Photo & caption John)

We kept going past the top of the reservoir and crossed the road to the forest that is part of the mountain bike track maze. We briefly emerged beside Wakari Road to regain our bearings (and the sun) before plunging back into the maze of tracks. These are lovely tracks, particularly where they follow beside what presumably is Ross Creek. The trees here are mostly exotic, and old. The redwoods are stunning – they seem to go up forever.

10 Aug Pineapple Point John and Brett looking at the bush Ross

John and Brett are in awe of the Redwoods (Photo & caption Ross)

We twisted and turned, to emerge onto the McGoun Extension Track which we followed down to the start of the Pineapple Track – familiar territory for many. We climbed up to the water-treatment building and paused to regroup. The current Pineapple Track heads off into the bush from the far end of the building. But from round the back of the building, we headed off into the bush, pushing past the undergrowth to reach the start of the original Pineapple Track.

10 Aug Pineapple Point entry to old track Helen

Start of the old track (Photo & caption Helen)

This part of the route up Flagstaff was used from the early 1900s until the 1970s when the track was rerouted. This old route is more direct and is barely maintained. It’s a single-file track and there’s no zigging and zagging. It was always slippery, particularly coming down. The track is unmarked, and there are places where you need to work out where it goes. It’s a rare treat, so close to the city.
Towards the top, we encountered a rarer sight, another tramper. I’m not sure who got the bigger surprise. He was tramping in boots and shorts and nothing else. By this stage we were encountering snow beside the track and the occasional snowball was being shared. We were all dressed like we were off to the South Pole. It seems that some at the back of the group didn’t see him so they were either traumatised or he took to hiding.

Soon after, we emerged from the bush onto a clearing that the current Pineapple Track crosses. This is a shoulder on the ridge. The vegetation in the clearing was almost completely covered by the snow. It was a lovely winter scene, complete with sun and a view over the city.

10 Aug Pineapple Point Snow Marijke

In the snow (Photo & caption Marijke)

We crunched over to the high point of the shoulder. This was called Pineapple Point and it was here that the early trampers rested and consumed their tins of pineapple and left the empty tins upside down on the fenceposts. Everyone found somewhere mostly snow-free to sit for lunch.

10 Aug Pineapple Point lunch in the snow John

Lunch in the snow (Photo & caption John)

We didn’t have pineapple, but chocolate fishes and liquorice allsorts were a great substitute. Pineapple Point is going to be developed as a viewpoint and resting place by the OTMC as part of their centenary celebrations next year. There will be a seat, and the original track will be signposted. They hope to keep the old track in its current state as much as possible, to offer an alternative experience.

10 Aug Pineapple Point after lunch Marijke

Continuing our tramp after lunch at Pineapple Point, all downhill (Photo & caption Marijke)

From our lunch spot we scrunched over to join the main Pineapple Track and we descended back towards the city the usual way – down to Booth Road and back into the Ross Creek Reserve. We checked out some of the remnants of the Rankin farm, including the cobbled road, and admired some of the Rimu trees that Elizabeth Rankin preserved, that we all might appreciate them many years later. We were back at the cars at 2.30pm, still enjoying the sunshine. It was a lovely day out with a happy group. There was a variety of tracks and terrain, there was sunshine and snow, and new places and new faces. Thanks everyone.

10 Aug Pineapple Point afternoon tea Helen

Coffee (Photo & caption Helen)

We repaired to the ever-welcoming cafe in the Botanic Gardens, for refreshments and restoration.
Ross and Wyn

Vital statistics: Distance 12.3 kms, Total height gains 518 metres, moving time 3:06, time away 4:33. Graded 3.5 and maybe almost a 4? A good winter option with mostly good footing – not much mud.

Screenshot Pineapple Tracks Elevation Profile 2022-08-12 153519

Screenshot Pineapple Tracks 2022-08-12 153408


6 April 2022. Combined. Ross Creek, McGouns, Pineapple Track.

Trampers Report, Ross Creek, McGouns, Pineapple Track, Ben Rudd’s Shelter, Leaders: Gwenda Farqharson & Wyn Davies

We left the Garden Place entrance to Ross Creek once we all got together. It was pleasant waiting in the sun and seeing blue skies after the forecast earlier in the week had not been favourable.

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In Tanner Rd, eager to get started (photo and caption John)

12 Trampers and 14 Hikers made their way through Ross Creek to have morning tea at the old farm at Craigieburn where the stones at the cow byre provided good seating.

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Once upon a time it was cows going to the byre (photo and caption Phil)

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Assembling for morning tea at the old milking shed site (photo and caption Pam)

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Morning tea at the Byre (photo and caption Pam)

It is Lester’s birthday next week but he was shouting earlier as he won’t be here. We all sang Happy Birthday to him and were treated to two different types and thicknesses of chocolate slice. He asked us to vote on which one we liked the best. The point of difference on the slice that won quite overwhelmingly was the addition of condensed milk and iced with real coconut chocolate. Thanks for a lot of fun at morning tea Lester and we hope you have a very Happy Birthday.

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Lester’s 91st birthday intro. by Phil. N.B. Lester’s baking shout in ice cream containers (photo and caption John)

Both groups started off towards the McGouns track where we parted company from the Hikers and left them to explore at their own pace.

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Magical McGouns Track (photo and caption Ross)

We linked up with the Pineapple track and the main climbing began.

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Trampers gaining altitude (Photo and caption John)

As we got further up, we were rewarded with stunning views of the city, Otago harbour and the Pacific Ocean. What a great city and tracks we have.

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City, harbour, ocean … (photo and caption Ross)

Eventually we reached the skid site at the turn off to Ben Rudd’s shelter where a new Panorama board and seat provided by Ben Rudd’s Management Trust has been set up.

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Panoramic picture sign bearing Ross’s name (photo and caption John)

It was quite cold and windy and some layers were put on after the climb up. Lunch was at Ben Rudd’s shelter where the two tables seated twelve people perfectly. The sunshine, comfort and shelter were welcome.

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Lunch in Ben Rudd shelter out of the cold (photo and caption Helen)

Afterwards we retraced our steps to the Firebreak track and headed along to the start of the Swampy track before heading back down the Pineapple track. The walk downhill certainly accentuated the long 600 metres we had climbed, steep in parts. We were able to appreciate the wonderful views once again.

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Down zigzag (photo and caption Helen)

We re-entered the Ross Creek tracks back to the cars. Coffee and icecreams were at the Croque-O-Dile café at the Gardens. A great 12 km walk with great company.
Wyn

Hikers Report, Ross Creek, McGouns Track, Leaders: Sue Nichol & Kathryn Fagg

14 hikers along with the trampers met in Tanners Road then all walked to the Brye where we had morning tea.

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Almost at the top for a cuppa! (photo and caption Pam)

The hikers then enjoyed a walk around the Ross Creek McGouns area. Highlight of the day was Lester’s baking to celebrate his birthday next week. We had two different fudge recipes and the result of the taste test was the thick one being the most popular.

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Lester’s birthday shout- Hmm, which one, thick or thin slice! (photo and caption Pam)

After finishing our hike those that were able met at the Wooden table in Mosgiel for coffee.
Kathryn


5/8/2020. Combined. Davies Track, Ben Rudd’s Shelter, Pineapple Track.

Tramper’s Report. Leaders Wyn and Ross

The Trampers and Hikers congregated at Peter Johnstone car park where Wyn and Ross got to model the new high-viz vests for tramping leaders. Arthur reminded everyone that leaders are now responsible after the day’s walk for handing over to the vests and the emergency locator beacon to the leaders for the following week. It’s also the responsibility of the following leaders to make sure they get the vests and beacon, and to familiarise themselves with the beacon instructions. We all met up at the bottom of the Pineapple Track in Wakari and started with a combined walk along McGouns Road. Just past the bridge we turned left into the bike track maze in the Redwoods. We safely navigated the maze to the skid clearing at the far end of McGouns Road and here we had our combined morning tea. 

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “We’re off!”

Just past the bridge we turned left into the bike track maze in the Redwoods. We safely navigated the maze to the skid clearing at the far end of McGouns Road and here we had our combined morning tea. 

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Photo and Caption Pam – “A happy group having morning tea.”

We separated then, and the 27 trampers immediately started off to join the Davies Track and head up the slopes of Flagstaff. The lower part of the track was a little slippery and damp, but good for this time of year.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Heading up Davies track.”

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Photo and Caption Pam – “The bush kept changing but was very pleasant.”

The track was mostly clear and easy to follow. As we gained height we began to be rewarded with views out over the city. The day was overcast and almost misty higher up. We eventually emerged above the forest. The track above this point is easier to follow, especially towards the top through the area which was devastated in the fire. It is worrying to see that the gorse might be a big winner from the burning process. 

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Some of the aftermath of the September 2019 fire.”

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Photo and Caption Helen – “Which will win – the gorse or the natives?”

We reached the Flagstaff-Pineapple Track and headed south and then west to the Firebreak Track on the other side of Flagstaff and then south and down to Ben Rudd’s Shelter.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “A welcome, relaxed lunch.”

This was a good place for lunch and a rest and a group photo.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “The happy 28 trampers.”

Then we retraced our steps back up to the Firebreak Track and north along this to the Swampy Ridge Track. Here we turned right towards the city to meet up with the Pineapple Track and the steep descent back to where we started about 4 hours before at the bottom of Booth Road.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Heading down to pineapple track.”

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Not far to cars”.

Total distance was about 10.5 kms. It was a pleasant day for a nice walk; not too hot and not too cold, and hardly any wind and of course the company was great. 

We regrouped at Coffee Culture Café in the old Roslyn Fire Station for afternoon tea/coffee/cold drinks and they did a good catering for us all (with advance notice).

Written by Ross and Wyn

Hiker’s Report. Leaders Ady Whitson and Noi McCunn

We started off from the start of Pineapple Track but deviated up the lower McGouns track walking through lovely tall timber where I promptly tripped up as I was looking at the trees.  All fine and carried on up the Skid Track to where we had morning tea.
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Photo and Caption John – “Combined morning tea”

The trampers then departed up the Davies Track.  We departed with 17 Hikers down to the start of McGouns track proper.  The weather was ideal for a hill climb and off we went.  Passed the cairn that was placed to commemorate 100 years of DCC Forestry in 2006.  It’s a lovely walk through that part towards the Pineapple Track with tree ferns and lovely native trees.
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Photo and Caption Michael – “The hiking ladies found this trunk amusing!”

As well as keeping an eye on where I walked.
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Photo and Caption Ady – “I made everyone stop and appreciate the view.”

At the start of the Pineapple Track I told everyone this part is quite steep and thanks to Ross’s advice from our reconnaissance (had to look up dictionary to spell that)  last week we took small steps and slowly up we went.  We did have a few stops but everyone was fine with this. Stopped for lunch about 11.45 as it was getting a bit steep.  We did walk on a bit further than intended but turned back for lunch. We started back down the track which is in really good order.
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Photo and Caption Ady – “View of Dunedin from Pineapple Track.”

A couple of places there is new gravel which you had to be careful walking over.  Arrived back at the cars at about 1.20 and off to Village Green for afternoon tea.  Thank you Noi for being tail end Charlie and I think a few laughs was had by all.  We travelled approx. 6.5 km, 115 Floors and 14000 steps.  Ross those small steps made a big difference and Doug came all the way.

24/1/2007. Hikers. Pineapple Track, Ben Rudd. Easy. Leaders: Les and Margaret.
17/1/1999. Booth Road, – Ben Rudd. Leaders: Ria H, Catherine, Eleanor.
8/9/1993. Booth Creek, Ben Rudd, Bivvie Rock. Medium. Leaders: R Lippers, Ria H, Jean A. Easier alternative: Leaders: Joan A, Judith D,
31/7/1991 B Bryce, Dicksons, P Maxwell, Maslin
6/6/1990 Marie F, Mary McG, Peter McG, Helen W

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