Seacliff, Split Rock (Hikers)

Retracing our steps, we proceeded back down Russell Road for lunch, at 1220, at the site of the Seacliff Asylum.

After lunch we toured some of the asylum remains and the Enchanted Forest including the bluestone wall at the northern end of the asylum site where the sinking of the foundations began,

the remains of the Medical Superintendent’s house,the Admission Unit, and Clifton House.

We noted the heritage apple collection that has been established by the Truby King Reserve Committee which is available, according to the web, for foraging by both locals and visitors. Some of the apples were sampled. We looked out for the Magnolia tree, noted by Janet Frame, in Faces in the Water, to be the pride of the hospital, but did not spot it. Possibly the DCC, who administer the reserve, may be able to signpost it eventually.[(But you can click here for a view of it from another tramp – the tree) and The plaque] We returned to the cars at 1415 having had the benefit of a warm day, with blue skies and no wind, to appreciate the tranquil rural setting. – Marjorie and Bruce.

At Seacliff, turn left up Russell Road. Park cars at gates. Truby King Reserve sign.
Walk up road and beyond to ridge. past macrocarpa trees is a paper road to end of gorse. Turn right off road to bypass below gorse on right. Beyond and down to right at rocks find a marked track down through trees to split rock. Get permissions.

24 hikers arrived at Seacliff for an enjoyable hike on a pleasant calm day.

Cars were parked on the side of Russell road outside the gates of the Truby King reserve. Peter, Ian’s son and local resident was there to lead us as we hadn’t done this walk for a considerable time. He led us up the road and yet further up to the top of the ridge to see great views on the other side. Over, and down a paddock to avoid heavy gorse and we were on a FWD track leading gently NE to yet a better view NE to Puketapu and NW to Mt Watkins,

as well as the flats behind Karitane. Then it was down and across to the bush lining the ridge on whose other side Split Rock was hidden. But just before we did that, Joyce invited us to enjoy an early lunch on some accomodating rocks in most enjoyable calm sunshine.

After that, it was down through the bush following markers through a twisting route to eventually arriving at the rock. Some took the trouble to clamber to its flat top to enjoy magnificent sights up and down the coast. After that, a very careful descent down the side of this huge rock revealed the split halfway down.

Several daring souls squeezed through, others electing to avoid the claustrophobic confines of the 20 odd metre journey. Then it was carefully further down the steep track,

past the rock’s bottom face and on down and across some bush to arrive at a netting fence through which a small gap allowed one at a time to squeeze through into an open grass paddock. A graded 4WD track took us a short distance down to the coastal road where we turned right and walked single file back along towards Seacliff. Opposite Peter’s place we climbed a rise and over a style Peter had built to walk up a track, stepped where necessary to eventually emerge into the wonder of the Reserve, with a beautiful round garden before us to admire. An old concrete bridge on our left introduced us to an ascending grassy road that took us past the foundations of Dr Charles Moore’s house, a bit sunken, but with steps down to the basement still intact. Further yet up the road and we admired the brass plaque inscribed with Janet Frame’s account of a walk, including fond reference to the magnolia tree just behind it. Further up yet and we arrived at a more carefully mown area at the top, centre-pieced with two magnificent spreading elms. The range of wonderful trees around us is beyond description but a huge eucalyptus and a grove of giant pines must be mentioned. A short walk and we were through the gates and back in our cars. Thank you Joyce and Lesley and Peter too for a rewarding day out. – Ian

11. 26/7/2006. Hikers. Enchanted Forest. Easy. Leaders: Jim & Thelma, Graham

10. 29/6/2005. Trampers. Seacliff. Leaders Evelyn C, George, Shirley

9. 23/4/2003. Hikers. Seacliff:  Split Rock. Medium. Leaders: George, Dot T, Betty.