Jones Property, Matarae – Taieri Recreational Tramping Club

Middlemarch Area – Information and Trips Library

1. 16/02/2022. Trampers. Jones Property, Matarae. M. Leaders Heather Kirk and Judy Dennison

Third time lucky! We finally had good weather for our tramp on Matarae Station in the Middlemarch area. Our thanks to the Jones family.

Usual 9 am start from Mosgiel. We drove to the corner of Young road and SH87, then turned left into Young road. Travelled for another 3 or so kms, stopping at a gateway on the right, just past the sign for Hopefield farm. From here we did a car shuttle and left 2 cars, further up SH87 at the old cottage. That way we would have vehicles for drivers at the end of the walk and avoid a very long walk on the highway. We counted 20 keen trampers.

16 Feb Matarae Getting ready to set out John — *Getting ready to set out (photo & caption John)*

16 Feb Matarae 20 Trampers setting off Pam — *Trampers setting off (photo & caption Pam)*

There was a very autumn chill in the air at the start, and we soon found a good rocky view point for morning tea. The rocks in this area are a really stunning sight. As they loom above us with their rugged volcanic presence. Time for a cuppa, chat and to spot a few local lizards.

16 Feb Matarae Morning tea stop John — *Morning tea stop (photo & caption John)*

Then, well warmed up, we made our way down in long grass and tussock on narrow sheep trails. Down towards the swiftly flowing Sutton stream, which is lined by lovely bright green willows.

16 Feb Matarae Towards the river Marikje — *I am always impressed with the clouds and the big skies in these southern skies (photo & caption Marijke)*

16 Feb Matarae Conga down hill Karen — *Conga down the hill (photo & caption Karen)*

We followed the twisting stream for quite some time and the shade was most welcome. We enjoyed a few scrambles over rocks near the water’s edge, and got up close and personal with some more incredible layered rocks.

16 Feb Matarae Shade in the rocks Pam — *Under the shade of the rocks (photo & caption Pam)*

16 Feb Matarae Rock formations Marijke — *All these interesting rock formations, so typical for the barren part of the world (photo & caption Marijke)*

There is no distinct track to follow really. So we picked our way in a general NE direction to the irrigated crop paddock. Then headed upwards seeking shade in the willows, of the little red roofed cottage paddock. For our well-earned lunch at 12.30 pm.

Rested and keen to see more rocks, we crossed the highway by the cottage and continued on Matarae land. Through rocky tussock paddocks, finding some interesting rocks for a group photograph.