May 07 2023

Government Track and beyond

Published by under Trampers

32 km from carpark.
2.5+ hours from road to pole-line and Styx Road.
No. 22 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Government Track Waipori Rd. Year Round.”
Link:  DCC: Mountain biking on Government Track
Link: DCC: Government Track map.
[DCC brochure extract: Government Track. 4 hr 30 min, 17 km (return).
The track entrance isWednesday 29 September 2021 Government Track / Kowhai Spur 5 km down Waipori Falls Rd on the right; parking is 100 m further on the left. Traversing the slopes of the beech-and mānuka-forested Waipori Valley south of Dunedin, the Government Track was built in the 1860s to provide access to the central goldfields. For mountain bikers there is an option of riding up and returning the same way. Alternatively, once at the top follow the pylon track left and steeply down into Waipori township, then follow the road back to the start.]
34. 3 May 2023. Combined Government Track Grade 3 Hikers Grade 4 Trampers Leaders: Jay, Kay, Sarah and Pam

Trampers: After a winter start time meet n greet, 10 cars converged on the Waipori Gorge starting point for our combined hikers’ and trampers’ foray up the Government Track. For the trampers the route was to take us further up the hill than the hikers, doing a kind of loop at the top of the hill, then descending back to the Government Track for the homeward leg. Originally Phil and Helen Morris were to be leader and tail end charlie, but Phil catching Covid put paid to plan A. Our initial replacement leader also suffered some health gremlins, so Sarah, rather had things sprung on her the night before, but agreed to lead.

Fourteen trampers started out ahead of the hikers (at 10.am), up a surprisingly damp and cool lower section of the track (mild 23-degree temperatures forecast for the day). As we climbed away from the shaded valley floor, and chilling Waipori River, we warmed up quickly.  Accompanying the hikers behind us was a lost, and bewildered looking pig hunting dog (wearing a GPS dog tracking collar), who had been resting under his owner’s ute when we arrived at the car park. Morning tea was enjoyed at 10.30am, not quite at the clearing where it was planned, but on a small bank beside the track. By sheer chance, we soon discovered that the hikers had later stopped around the corner just below us!  That pig dog was still with them but did apparently head back down the hill soon afterwards.

He wanted to join the team Caption and photo Pam

He wanted to join the team Caption and photo Pam

Soon on our way again, by 11.40am we had reached the clearing originally planned for our morning tea stop. An enjoyable wander up the track, admiring the array of toadstools and fungi along the way followed.

Many fungi were growing everywhere in the bush Caption and photo Marijke

Many fungi were growing everywhere in the bush Caption and photo Marijke

Purple toadstools were spotted, and a great variety of toadstools sprouted from rotting logs and tree stumps. It soon dawned on us however, that our slow ramble, could make for a very long day, and late finish. Averaging only 2.5kph for 2 hours meant we were well behind schedule. Why so slow?

Navigating through the creek Caption and photo Pam

Navigating through the creek Caption and photo Pam

Creek crossings, recently fallen trees and large branches, and some technical bits slowed our progress, so we started to speed up on the smoother sections.

Another tricky little creek crossing in the beautiful bush Caption and photo John

Another tricky little creek crossing in the beautiful bush Caption and photo John

Being an old horse and dray track, much of the tramp was on lovely dry, smooth surfaces with a gentle uphill gradient. Sarah, ever vigilant, referring to her topo map, subsequently had us stop for lunch later than originally planned at 1.25pm, where we dined and rested in a section of beech forest, having covered 9.74km at this stage.

Late lunch never tasted sooo good ! Caption and photo Pam

Late lunch never tasted sooo good ! Caption and photo Pam

By 1.50pm lunchtime was over, and we were on our way at a better clip, reaching the usual tramp lunch stop spot (a clearing by power lines) at 2.00pm. Five minutes later we were at the road, turning right, then soon after turning right again into Dunstan Road.

Out in the sun, it was an unseasonably warm day. Caption and photo Marijke

Out in the sun, it was an unseasonably warm day. Caption and photo Marijke

Our speed along this lightly gravelled road increased substantially, which had us arrive at the “White Doc. Gate” at 2.35pm.

Our view as the accent started Caption and photo John

Our view as the ascent started Caption and photo John

Following the road down from here we arrived at the at the “old hut” at 3.19pm.

Group photo that Heather and Diane thought they got out of Caption and photo John

Group photo that Heather and Diane thought they got out of Caption and photo John

Leaving here Sarah’s topo map suggested we cross a large open field curving around the hillside diagonally, Phil’s instructions more conservatively showed a fence-line following along the top then down. Although perhaps with a little initial trepidation, our faith in Sarah’s topo map was vindicated, leading us straight to the power-line clearing strip, in the lower bush, and the stile onto the Government Track, (Never doubted you, Sarah!) at 3.40pm. By 4.25pm we were back at the cars, having covered 18.8km with 4.5 hours moving time (average speed 4.18kph).  A special shout out and thank you to original leader Phil Morris, who despite having Covid, greatly assisted with a set of instructions and map of the tramp Thanks to Sarah as leader and Pam as tail end charlie. A long day, but one with many fond memories.  John

Hikers:  18 keen hikers left PJ Park at 9.30am and travelled down to Berwick where we turned right into Waipori Falls Road and travelled along until we reached the carpark on the left. We took off on our walk accompanied by a dog wearing a GPS collar. Thoughts were that it may have been a pig hunting dog. The walk was a gentle climb through the bush on a reasonably dry track apart from the usual muddy parts which never seem to dry out.

The Hiker's morning tea just down the track. Caption and photo John

The Hiker’s morning tea just down the track from the trampers. Caption and photo John

Still the dog followed. About halfway up 2 hikers returned to the carpark followed by the dog.

The lost pig dog that followed us up the track. Caption and photo John

The lost pig dog that followed us up the track. Caption and photo John

We carried on up through the bush until we reached open farmland where a bit further on we stopped for lunch overlooking native bushland and forestry.

Lunch Caption and photo Michael

Lunch Caption and photo Michael

Photo Grant

Photo Grant

After lunch we returned the same way back to the cars having walked 7kms.

I often point out fungi when I am on a hike and others are starting to notice them Caption and photo Grant

I often point out fungi when I am on a hike and others are starting to notice them Caption and photo Grant

Fungi photo Grant

Photo Grant

More Fungi Photo Grant

Photo Grant

Coffee was at Wobbly Goat. We all hoped the dog was found by its owner. Today’s leaders were Jay and new member Kay as tail end Charlotte.

33. 16 November 2022. Hikers Government Track  Grade 3.5 Leaders: Neil and Margreet
The day dawned partly overcast and warm with half-hearted rain showers. 20 eager hikers made their way to the Government Track car park on Waipori Falls Road. After negotiating the muddy beginning, the track soon became dry and pleasant underfoot as we settled in to the gentle 260 metre climb to the bush line.
Just checking everyone's OK. Nice!

Just checking everyone’s OK. Nice! Caption and photo Jenni

‘Smoko’ was taken bang on time on the side of the track. Occasional mud patches and washouts were skilfully negotiated until we reached open paddocks with scenic views up the Waipori Gorge.
Tree down and some mud

Tree down and some mud Caption and photo Helen

Gathering up

Gathering up Caption and photo Helen

In order to get a better view, some keen punters climbed to the top of the hill to enjoy their early lunch.
Some climbed up the hill for lunch

Some climbed up the hill for lunch Caption and photo Margreet

Others stayed at the bottom

Others stayed at the bottom Caption and photo Margreet

After lunch it was a case of reversing the morning’s effort by trekking back down the beautiful bush clad track to our cars.

Map of the days hike

Map of the days hike Caption and photo Margreet

But then we were told of a special treat! The hikers were all invited back to Eleanor Ryan’s picturesque Outram home for coffee/tea and home baked cakes! With her lovely garden and trimmed lawns, not to mention her delicious baking; it was an awesome highlight to our day on the Government Track. On behalf of us all Eleanor, thank you for your generous gesture.

It's not all about the hiking. Eleanore's beautiful garden.

It’s not all about the hiking. Eleanore’s beautiful garden. Caption and photo Margreet

 

Delicious afternoon tea at Eleanore's

Delicious afternoon tea at Eleanore’s Caption and photo Margreet

32. 29 September 2021. Trampers. Government Track / Kowhai Spur. M. Leaders Phil and Helen
We set off from Peter Johnstone Park at 9am on a nice mild Mosgiel day heading toward Waipori Falls Road to a parking spot just past start of the bottom of Government Track. This was a track built in 1860 to provide access to the goldfields. Over 20 men were employed to form this publicly funded work. It provided a cheaper alternative to bring horse supplies from Dunedin which previously had been carted from Lawrence.
A good number of 17 trampers headed up the track, muddy at start but soon became well cleared with a gradual 7deg incline most of the way, apart from small creeks that were hard to pass due to slippery and wet rocks.
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Along the track. Photo and caption Helen.

We continued up the track for an hour and a quarter before young Eleanore hinted that a cuppa would be good, so within 10 mins we found a nice clearing and the call was made, morning cuppa was consumed. At that time two young ladies one from Salt restaurant in St Clair and the other a midwife caught up with our group and we conversed with them as to how far to the top and introduced each other. They were very nice and by lunchtime approx. 8.75km up the track they had stopped for lunch, we had caught up so we joined forces at the clearing and decisions on which way we would tramp from there. So I walked on some approx 50 yards and found the gravel road that I was looking for on map, then returned to the group.
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Lunch in the sun (mostly). Photo and caption Dave.

We finished lunch then headed to gravel road, headed right, continuing up until we found an intersection with Styx Road on sign. Did we continue straight ahead or did we go right? After a wee bit of discussion we went straight ahead thinking we were on Styx Road we continued for a km and a half, “wrong”!! An about turn, back to intersection amidst a laugh or two. We should have turned right at the intersection, although I was not a 100% confident, Gwenda and Eleanore, were though. The young lady from Salt had also scooted up 800 yards and returned saying there didn’t appear to be a turnoff. But a decision to continue was made, John also very confident decision was correct. After about 2km in the distance we saw a Dept of Conservation truck so we thought right these fellas would know, so we got closer and a second truck had arrived. Asking them if we were on track for Kowhai Spur Road, they replied YES, phew!!

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When we realised how high we really were! Photo and caption John.

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Panorama – view from the track. Photo and caption John.

Go to white iron gate 300 yards ahead and turn right, hill is pretty steep but when you get to hut go in there and over ridge and head down to fence line. They were right and Teresa hinted, when we got there, if you follow tyre marks down the ridge, we should get back to the fence stile. By that stage the ladies we had met said we were on track, Mr Google says so.
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Looking to the hut. Photo and caption Helen.

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A group of happy trampers (and two guests). Photo and caption John.

A small sun shower went through just after we left the hut, but with much glee we got down to the fence line, and although tired it was great to be out and about, 21.3 km later and 4.45pm we removed the boots and put our tired backsides down on the car seats, job done, good company, and off home, no time for coffee!!
Directions simple – up Government track, lunch at clearing 50 yards from gravel road, turn right to Styx intersection, turn right, 3 km along gravel road to white conservation iron gate, turn right, down hill to hut, over ridge go right, following tyre tracks downhill, to electric fence go left through gate, continue down 40 metres or so then when you feel you should go right go left then straight down to a clearing where the fence line takes you to the stile which is the Government track taking you back to start 18.3 kms.
Cheers for a cool longer but casual day,
Helen and Phil.

31. 9 June 2021. Hikers. Government Track. E.  Leaders Sue & Kathryn

9 hikers travelled to Berwick on a cold (-1 deg.) but pleasant morning. We proceeded up the track which is a gradual incline on a reasonably dry track. We stopped for morning tea part way up.

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A frosty morning tea – Iced Coffee? (photo & caption Clive)

Then carried on crossing the stile into paddocks.

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Over the stile (photo & caption Clive)

After walking a short distance, it became very wet and boggy where cattle had been walking through, so we detoured up the hill and onto a slightly overgrown track in parts. We came into sunshine and a nice area for lunch.

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Lunch above the bush line (photo & caption Clive)

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Great view up the valley (photo & caption Clive)

After lunch we walked downhill to the stile and back down the track to the carpark. We all headed to the Wobbly Goat for coffee.

Kathryn Fagg

30. 28/10/2020. Hikers. Leaders Clive Crossman and Alex Griffen
A Bright sunny morning saw 14 hikers gather on Waipori Road at the entrance to Government track.   Even with the weather being dry parts of the track were muddy and slippery.   After climbing the initial incline the walk levelled out to a pleasant hike under the beech trees and native bush.
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Photo and Caption Clive – “An even track under the beech forest”

Numerous song birds accompanied us on our way.   After an hour we stopped for morning tea with the sun breaking through in patches giving what more romantic writers would describe as ‘dappled shade’.

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Photo and Caption Clive – “Morning tea on the track.”

As we climbed higher we looked down through the forest and became aware how precipitous the track is in places, the steep drop off camouflaged by the dense bush.

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Photo and Caption Clive – “Breaking out of the bush.”

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Photo and Caption Clive – “Looking up the valley towards the surge chamber(white dot in middle.”

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Photo and Caption Clive – “A good spot in the sun for lunch.”

The height gave us some spectacular views across the valley with the road snaking away hundreds of feet below us. Eventually we broke through the muddiest part of the track into open paddocks.   The sun had raised the temperature into the mid teens so it was decided the open paddock would be a good place for lunch, however it was a bit early, so we continued for about another kilometre into the bush.

There we saw some corrugated iron that some speculate is the remains of the hut used by the original track makers..

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photo and Caption Clive – “Could this corrugated iron be 160 years old?”

After lunch we returned the way we had come.   With the track being so muddy and slippery in places it is surprising that only one hiker took a ‘dive’.   The degree of difficulty = 0, artistic merit = 0, comment from hiker =  Oh Oh, and laughter.

We made it back to the cars in good time and gathered at the ‘Woobly Goat’ in Outram for afternoon tea where the consensus was that it was a good days hike.

Alex and Clive

 

29. 17/10/2019. Trampers. Government Tramp. Leaders: Gordon and Sue.

18 eager trampers (twice as many females today) headed out to Waipori on a mild morning, parked at the Government track carpark and headed off into the hills.  The gradient on the track is enjoyable, gradually climbing to the top.  It was pleasing to see how dry the track was, considering recent rain.  This was obvious with the amount flowing down the Waipori river.

We crossed the stile into a grassy patch and walked for a while before stopping for smoko at 10:30am.

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Photo Gordon – Morning tea

Onwards through mature Silver Beach, Kanuka and Manuka.

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Photo Gordon – Walking throug native flora.

Also, the odd creek crossing and windfall trees, one you climb under, the rest you climb over!  One spot has about a 100 metre scramble to get through.

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Photo Gordon – Some trees were tricky to get over!

After hiking just on 8.5 kms we reached Shaw Road at 1:45pm and enjoyed the sit down in sunshine for lunch and a chat.

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We proceeded along the road for 2km’s  before reaching the pole track, which has a very steep descent, however, the views over the Taieri plains, the Taieri river, the Sinclair wetlands and the Lakes are well worth stopping to admire.  (In July 2018 we had light covering of snow and a slippery trip down)

At the top of the Kowhai Spur we headed right through the gate into farmland, passing a Musterers hut, then a herd of healthy Hereford cows with happy calves at foot.

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Photo – Gordan – Renants of native bush on downhill farmland

Sidling around and down paddocks we arrived back to the stile, and once again—-looking like a very long caterpillar, enjoyed the hike through the bush to the cars.

Deciding not to stop at Wobbly Goat for coffee because it was near closing time.

The Government track was built in the 1860’s to provide access to the Goldfields.  Over 20 men were employed to form this publicly funded work.  Was never much more than a bridle track and unsuitable for wheeled traffic.  When completed it provided a cheaper alternative route to bring in horse drawn supplies from Dunedin, which previously had to be carted via Lawrence.

We hiked a good 18km’s, arriving back to carpark at 4pm.

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Photo Gordan – The whole happy group!

 

Good company and good weather == another great day out.

Gordon and Sue

28. 12/9/2018. Hikers. Government Track. Leaders: Clive and Lester.

25 Hiker set out from beside the Waipori River.

Hiker set out. (Clive pic and caption.)

At first the track was slippery and boggy. Then as we got up into the bush a walk up a steady incline was enjoyed by all.

Morning tea on the track. (Clive pic and caption.)

Until….  we hit the next patch of boggy ground and we had to negotiate more slippery track, made a bit worse by the cattle that had churned up the path. The weather was kind and we made it to the 5km mark before deciding that was far enough and returned to the open paddock for lunch.

Lunch in the sunshine. (Clive pic and caption.)

We then made our way back the way we had come trying to find the less slippery and boggy part of the path. The views from up the top were great.

The view up the Waipori River Valley. (Clive pic and caption.)

We all made it safely to the cars and then onto Topiary for afternoon tea.  – Clive & Lester

27. 25/7/2018. Trampers. Government Track. Leader: Sue.

Still quite cool. (Gordon pic and caption.)

A rocky slip. (Gordon pic and caption.)

Another obstacle. (Gordon pic and caption.)

A well deserved late lunch break. (Gordon pic and caption.)

26. 30/8/2017. Trampers. Government Track. M. Leader: Dave.

14 keen  trampers met at the carpark near the start of the Government track on Waipori Road.  We soon started on the track noting the 4 twisted manuka trunks at the side of the track.  The track has a gentle grade and is 8.5km long.

The reason for the gentle grade and generous width of this track lies in its origin as the original “road” from Berwick through to the Waipori gold fields. Over 20 men were employed during the 1860’s to form this publicly-funded work, which was never much more than a bridle track unsuitable for wheeled traffic. When completed, it provided a cheaper alternative route to bring in supplies (horse drawn) from Dunedin, which previously had to be carted round via Lawrence.

Morning tea was had over the style, up the ridge, in the sun and on time at 10am!

(Margreet pic.)

We continued up the track which is through native bush, mainly manuka, kanuka and silver beech

(Margreet pic.)

. There were occasional views out to the Waipori valley and surrounding hills. A number of big tree trunks lying over the track were either scrambled under or over. There was plenty of talking and hilarity on this trip which was great!

Lunch break was at the top of the track, again in the sun.

(Margreet pic.)

We then continued along the forestry road and stopped at the highest point (580 metres) where there were great views all around,

(Phil pic.)

particularly Maungatuas, Lammerlaws and Rock and Pillar range.  Moving on to the top of the kowhai spur we stopped to get panoramic views of the Taieri plain, very clear because of the fine day. The kowhai spur is aptly named as it is steep and feet can move to the front of your boots! The next break was at a farmer’s workers hut

(Margreet pic.)

before heading down the ridge, through some bush and back on to the bottom of the Government track.  A number of birds were heard and sighted including kereru (wood pigeon) and bellbirds. On getting back to the cars we found we had covered 18.5km. A fair walk!

It was then off to the wobbly goat (with some wobbly legs) in Outram for a well, deserved coffee and more chit chat.

A great group to be with – Dave M.

25. 23/11/2016. Hikers. Government Track. E. Leaders: Jim and Betty.

Route map courtesy Ian. (N.B.) Used shortcut route on return. Regular route a bit longer.)

Route map, Government Track, courtesy Ian. (N.B. Used old shortcut route on return. Regular route a bit longer.)

The party consisted of 23 people.

The weather’s appearance was indifferent.  But the Government track up the Waipori Gorge afforded good shelter in the bush.  The condition of the track was excellent [thanks to track-clearing by the leaders on their recce, especially on the zig-zag beginning – ed.] and this track has a very moderate consistent gradient.  The return was a slight downhill grade & a total of approximately 9.5 kms was covered. Lunch stop …

Lunch. (Ian pic and caption.)

Lunch on Government Track. (Ian pic and caption.)

… was brief as there was drizzle approaching.   On the return to the car park some hikers took an old short cut which gave them a minute advantage.

Hot drinks were enjoyed at the Wobbly Goat in Outram, …

Last of the Summer Wine. (Adrienne pic.)

Last of the Summer Wine. (Adrienne pic.)

… before returning to Mosgiel. – Betty and Jim.

 24. 17/2/2016. Trampers. Government Track. Leader: Various.
At the car park, Bush Road, we looked towards the silver peaks. It was raining. We were told the wind was 50k plus, so we changed our mind and decided on the Government Track.
Arrived at the lower Waipori car park. In front of us was bright blackberries. To the left a tree full of apples, and a deafening sound of crickets.
Five of us set off up Government Track. Morning tea at the grass clearing. No wind, little sun.

At the top of the Government Track, we had lunch in the sun.

Lunch in the sun. (Helen pic)

Lunch in the sun. (Helen pic)

After lunch, walked along …

Along the pole line (Helen pic)

Along the pole line (Helen pic)

… and down the pole line to the hut.

Down the pole line to the hut (Heb pic and caption)

Down the pole line to the hut. (Heb pic and caption)

Turned right, found a tape marker which led us over and down to the style on the track just below where we had morning tea. Carried on down the track to the car park.
Heard lots of wood pigeons and bellbirds. A great day’s tramp. About 17k, and quite warm temperatures. – Heb.

23. 21/10/2015 Hikers. Government Track. Leaders: Betty and Jim.
22. 27/5/2015. Trampers. Government Track, return part Kowhai Spur.
GPS of route, courtesy Ken. Government Track-part of Kowhai Spur (Ken pic and caption)

GPS of route, courtesy Ken. Government Track-part of Kowhai Spur. Walked 17.1 km; ave 4.4 km/hr; moving time 3hr.54min; climbed 480mtrs. (Ken pic and caption)

The day looked suspect, with some light drizzle, but the turn out at the carpark was very good, & we had 6 members on our adventure for the day. We motored out to the carpark at the Government Track where it was cold & still drizzling, so it was on with the rain jackets before we set off. Once into the bush, the rain became a non issue, but everybody kept their jackets on to combat the cold.
We had a short stop for morning tea,
1. Packing up after morning tea. (Ken pic)

1. Packing up after morning tea. (Ken pic)

then pushed on towards the very muddy part of the track, just before the open grassed area, where we hoped that our planned route would bring us back to on the return journey. The track was in excellent condition, as it had just been cleared, apart from some large trees down across the upper part, which we had to crawl under.We stopped just short of the top for lunch, as there was a cool wind blowing, & the bush gave us shelter. Then it was onto the Poleline track…
2. Looking back along Poleline track. (Ken pic and caption)

2. Looking back along Poleline track. (Ken pic and caption)

…which had some snow remnants lying on it.
3. Trudging through the snow grass. (Ken pic and caption)

3. Trudging through the snow grass. (Ken pic and caption)

We estimated the distance to the top of Kowhai Spur to be about 1Km, but were surprised to find it was actually over 2kms, but when we got to the top & looked down on the amazing views of the Taieri & surrounds,
4. View from top of Kowhai Spur. (Ken pic and caption)

4. View from top of Kowhai Spur. (Ken pic and caption)

5. another view from top. (Ken pic and caption)

5. another view from top. (Ken pic and caption)

it was worth the trudge through the snow. We made our way down the steep track till we came to the hut on the true right of the spur,
6. Hut where we turned off Kowhai Spur. (Ken pic and caption)

6. Hut where we turned off Kowhai Spur. (Ken pic and caption)

where we left the spur, & went down through a very steep paddock heading back to the Government Track. This part of the trip was quite hard, due to the steepness, & the muddy tracks formed by cattle movement. However, we were soon within sight of the Government Track, & didn’t even have to climb a fence to get back onto it. We came out at the first fence with a stile over it, [the boundary of the privately owned land] on the uphill side of the grassed area. Then it was a brisk walk back to the cars, & the trip home, punctuated with a stop at Outram…
7. Latest Cafe footwear fashion. (Ken pic and caption)

7. Latest Cafe footwear fashion. (Ken pic and caption)

8. Trampers coffee club. (Ken pic and caption)

8. Trampers coffee club. (Ken pic and caption)

…for the “Trampers Coffee Club”. – Ken.
21. 12/6/2013. Trampers. Government Track. Styx Rd return.
6 trampers ventured out for the walk up Government Track today. We stopped at a “dry area” for morning tea, at about 10am, then carried on to the top at Styx Rd. where we had lunch in the sun. The sign at the bottom had said 2 1/2 hrs to the top, & that’s very much what it took us.
Lunch

Lunch at top of Government Track. (Ken pic and caption)

After lunch we had a discussion on whether we tried Kowhai Spur, or just go back down the way we had come. The unknown condition of Kowhai Spur [very steep & slippery] meant that the decision was made to go back the way we had come, so we set off, & arrived back at the cars at 3:00pm.
Thanks to the earlier start time of 9:00 instead of 9:30, we were able to complete this 18.5km walk before it got too cold in the afternoon, & it gave us a time buffer if somebody had injured themselves.
We walked 18.5km
moving time 4hr 15mins
climbed 364mtrs
– Ken.
20. 3/10/2012. Both. Government Track. Leaders: Graham, Judy.
There were 17 of us, (but one turned back before the paddock). We did between 8-10 km in total, getting up to the beech section for lunch (much further than the Hikers did last time). The wind across the farm paddock was as severe as the last time the Trampers had done it. Several in the group were doing the track for their first time and were equally amazed at the ease of the gradient, and appalled at the muddy section just prior to the paddock. (They didn’t know how much better the present marked route was than some earlier routes through the slough.) This, and some other tricky bits took careful negotiating for those unsteady on their feet.
Four of the Trampers left early and did the whole track. Ken’s GPS record shows that they did 18.2 km at 4.4km/hr average. Moving time was only 4hrs 9min.Total ascent was 523 mtrs. They took an extended lunch break, making stopped time 1hr 19min. – Ian.
19. 6/4/2011. Both. Government Track. Medium. Leaders: Les and Margaret.
There is no comment from the hikers on this one, so here is a report from the trampers.
It mitigated against the intended ‘bothness’, but the leaders generously permitted three appreciative trampers to set off to do the whole track. The sign posts indicate 2.5 hours up and 2 hours down. The trampers almost made the 2 hours down but fell well short of the time up. 19 km there and back!
When we arrived at the ‘paddock’, the predicted wind was there in full force and it was a real battle to make our way across and around its slope and back into the shelter of the bush. The sloppy muddy gully just below the paddock gets no better as time goes by, despite the many attempts to re-route the track to avoid it.

GPS of Government Track from the road to the Pole Line. Courtesy Ken. Depicts how close Kowhai Spur is to the track. The multitude of gullies traversed by the track are clearly depicted. 19 km ret.

The track was well-cleared and the gradient as usual beautifully steady.

A shot of beech trees taken looking across one of the upper gullies.

Track disappearing up into the gully. Taken from the same spot as the one above.

The above pic shows only a modest amount of pig rooting. It was much worse in other places with us having to tread a new path amongst the upturned soil.
Temperatures were cooler up at the Pole Line so we retreated from it back from the gusty wind into the shelter of the manuka bush to munch a quick lunch. There was nothing tempting us to linger long.
Doug set a good pace on the return trip and the clear track allowed us to step it out with a good swing.
Back at the exposed paddock, we found the wind had lost none of its force, but fortunately it was a tail-wind this time. Then it was the atrocious gully again. The paddock and its gully had to be the worst features of the tramp. – Ian
18. 3/2/2010. Hikers. Government Track. Medium. Leaders: Neil, Lex.
Location: 30 km.
17. 9/9/2009 Government Track, return Kowhai Spur. Leaders: Ian, Sabina.
Starting Government track. George

Beginning Government track. George, Susan

A bit further along the track. Susan, Sabina

A bit further along the track. Susan, Sabina, Glenice

Morning tea on the paddock.

Morning tea on the paddock. Susan, Ken, George, Glenice, Sabina

Through the silver beech section. Ken.

Through the silver beech section. Ken, George, Susan, Glenice, Sabina

Lunch at the pole line. George, Glenice

Lunch at the pole line. George, Glenice

Lunch on other side of track. Sabina, Susan

Lunch on other side of track. Sabina (showing her colourful hat), Susan

DOC sign pointing back down the track.

DOC sign indicating back down the track.

Start Kowhai Spur. Ken.

View from top of Kowhai Spur. Waipori Lake and Taieri River gorge beyond. Ken Susan, George, Glenice, Sabina.

Further down.

Shaws Hill road and ridge from a little further down Kowhai Spur. Sabina, Susan detectable.

Rest by former hut site. Glenice, Sabina

Preparing to rest near site of former hut which had been moved up the hill behind camera.. Glenice, Sabina

16. 17/9/2008 Waipori Gorge Area, 1860s Government Track, Waipori Leaders: Bill H, Peter B
The 'disturbed' kanuka

The ‘disturbed’ kanuka

The ‘disturbed’ kanuka

The programme said ‘Waipori’, but it really meant Bill H’s traditional walk up the “Gummint Track”. As a past long-serving employee in the area (both on a farm and in electricity supply) he was the ideal leader.  As slips had made the upper reaches of the track difficult, the 15 of us began walking from the end of the seal up the Waipori road, then crossing farmland and having morning tea beside the river. After that we were following the route taken by early prospectors up the steady incline of the old 1860s Government standardised track for drays and horses to the Central Otago Goldfields. After an initial 3-minute climb, the track maintains a remarkably consistent, gentle gradient considering theodolites were not used and the construction teams used handtools!  The day was calm and mild, and spring growth was evident in the lovely mixed broadleaf forest, with signs of fuschia flowers and kowhai. The track was carpeted with innumerable ’skellingtons’ of fuschia leaves (the fuschia is one of the few deciduous NZ trees) which made it soft and springy and patterned.There were also Kanuka, Matai, Totara and juvenile Lancewood. At one point there were 4 Kanuka alongside the track that must have had a disturbed childhood as they all had right-angle bends in them! The sound of the river gradually receded, and at lunchtime we came out onto cleared farmland with cattle and a good view up the gorge to look at while we ate. We returned by the same route.  There was some birdlife to remark upon– paradise ducks, bellbirds, warblers- but the most remarkable was at a willow tree on the river flat in which Arthur counted 13 wood pigeons, all greedily gorging great gulps of green tips.  A very pleasant walk of about 16km through lovely local terrain.  – Bob

15. 12/12/2007. Hikers. Government Track. Medium. Leaders: Bill H

Resting among the trees

Only seven hikers took advantage of the ideal place to be on a very warm & humid day, the lovely bush of the Government Track in the Waipori area. It is a lovely place for a hike. Beautiful bush and beech forest. Lots of birds singing in the trees and great views of surrounding bush and road to Waipori Falls. The track is not too difficult and although you go fairly high it is a relatively gentle climb most of the way. With only a small number we took our time and lapped up the cool and pleasant conditions of the track. Morning tea sitting by the track just after 10am, and then, about 12noon, 5 of us decided we would stop for lunch. Two of the group thought they’d like a bit more of a challenge so went further up the track and had lunch before heading back. Those of us in the larger group found a really lovely spot in the beech forest to sit, chat and enjoy our lunch break. Then it was back down the track, (down hill all the way!) to the cars. All agreed we had had a very enjoyable days hiking. – Bev.

14. 29/11/2006. Hikers. Government Track. Medium. Leaders: Arthur and Barbara.
13. 5/7/2006. Both. Government Track. Leaders: (Easy+): Doug M, Bob H; (Easy):  Arthur & Barbara
12. 21/9/2005 Arthur & Barbara, Bill H, Lance & Lois
11. 22/9/2004. Hikers. Government Track, return. Easy. Leaders: Jack and Rosemary, Frank and Lesley.
10. 26/5/2004 Lesley S, Irene, Les W, Mary M, Ray
9. 22/10/2003. Both. Government Track. Medium. Leaders: Trampers: Helen S, Kerri; Hikers: Mary M, Barbara L.
8. 13/2/2002. Combined. Government Track. Leaders:
7. 6/12/2000. Government Track. Leaders: Jack and Rosemary, Mary Y.
13/9/2000 Bill H, Bill & Pat
6. 7/7/1999. Government Track. Leaders: Les W, Mary M, Ray.
5. 7/10/1998. Government Track. Leaders: Lance and Lois.
4. 16/7/1997. Government Track. Leaders: Hugh, Bill H, Lesley S
3. 23/10/1996. Hikers. Government Track, Waipori. Leaders: Jack and Rosemary, Ted.
2. 14/12/1994. Government Track. Easy. This is a morning walk only, and as it is our last official tramp for the year, please bring some finger food to share for lunch, to be eater at the picnic ground. Leaders: Denise, Mary Y, Les and Mavis.
1. 13/3/1991 Government Track, Waipori Gorge, return Kowhai Spur. Nice bush and tussock walk. Average+. Leaders: Denise, Hugh and Judith, Ria de J

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