Nicols Farm (formerly Michelles Farm), North Side Taieri River, Outram

No. 87 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Michelle’s Farm Outram Farm”.
11 km from car park.
Park under Outram Bridge. Contacts: Seek 3 permissions.
Proceed east side of Taieri River along gravel road to gravel pit.  Bear right uphill to power lines. Follow generally along grass farm tracks to top of hill.
Landmarks: Trig marker on right; also obvious paper road between two fence lines; Long barn on right (good for lunch stop); large wool shed on top of hill straight ahead (this is still on Hyslop’s property).
Straight on access is to Taioma Road but we don’t usually go that far!
Plenty of mushrooms in April – take a bag!

Nicols Farm – Information and Trips Library

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15. 20/09/2023. Trampers. Nichols Farm. Grade 4. Leaders: Jill Reid and Julie McKenzie

15 intrepid trampers parked under the Outram bridge. As we walked along the Taieri river wind in the willows gave us warning of a breath-taking day!

After ascending a narrow track through scrub we made our way along a ridge on Craig Nichol’s property. Any conversation was ‘gone with the wind’. To quote Evel Knievel “ I love the feeling of fresh air on my face and wind blowing through my hair” – certainly true today!

We decided not to go to the trig – the howling wind spoke to us and we found our way down to a pocket of native bush. The relative calm here was a welcome respite from the punishing wind on the hill top.

Walking roughly parallel to SHW 87 we headed back towards Outram. Thank you farmer Neil for herding a mob of cattle out of our path.

Throwing caution to the wind we walked through a Douglas fir plantation, then a large stand of eucalyptus – fortunately there were few recently dropped branches! The only reportable incident was Diane being blown backwards whilst pivoting on a gate – luckily she was caught by the two behind her ( I rue a missed photo opportunity!)

A nice hill climb took us to wide track Craig recently had dug out back down to the Taieri river, and we were at the cars by 3.00 pm.

A great day out and many thanks to Julie McKenzie and Pam Cox for your assistance.
Distance walked – 13.5 km
Jill Reid

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14. 19/04/2023. Hikers. Nichols Farm (aka Outram Hike). Grade 2.5. Leaders: Sue Nichol, Kathryn Fagg.

17 hikers left the West Taieri Rugby Club on another lovely Outram day. Had an enjoyable walk through Eleanore’s Willowfield Village then headed through Outram and over the Outram bridge.

We walked beside the river to the start of Craig’s property where we stopped for morning tea.

We walked up the farm track which was a reasonably steep climb…

…and along the tops through a couple of paddocks where we sat on rocks overlooking the Taieri picking out many of the landmarks.

 

Then back down the hill overlooking Outram township and onto the Wobbly Goat for refreshments before heading back to cars.
It was a good 12k walk and well done to everyone.
Kathryn.

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13. 17 November 2021. Trampers. Nichols Farm. M-H. Leaders: Peter Gillespie & Arthur Heenan

With a medium to hard tramp with a windy day prescribed it didn’t sound inviting, WRONG on nearly all counts. It was a medium hard tramp 13.42km elevation 564m, actual tramping time 3hrs 47min, (4hrs 45 min time lapse).

The group of nine was led by Peter Gillespie and Arthur Heenan. With a wind on our backs we enjoyed tramping in nice sunshine on the north side of the Taieri river. We started on a climb, up to an electricity pylon, where morning tea was enjoyed looking out on the northern view upstream. Many removing layers due to the heat of the sun.

After the break we continued up a 7deg track sheltered from wind we came to a great view south of the rain on the Maungatuas.

Onward, upward we continued toward the top where we came to a trig station, which Peter swore that the height was on, but no. There was some Maori “eh mutu tewanga” which we decided meant “564 metres high”.

The view was sublime, of Saddle Hill, Mosgiel, lush farmlands, and hills of Flagstaff, Swampy, “magic”. We returned down the hill and found a track working through a forest and downhill…

…then a gorse paddock where we found a nice sunny spot at the bottom, ideal for lunch.

Jill required a ten minute kip, before we continued on through a 2nd forest track, past the lavender farm and some fertile farmland, before we hit the final hill. It was a decent climb, but the group got up it in good time.

We then returned, on a second track back down to river, watching for the odd sink holes. We had some windy spots, but the day was remembered for the views tramped, mostly in sun.

A very enjoyable tramp, thanks leaders Peter & Arthur.

Then it was back to the Wooden Table for coffee & cake. Then it rained!
Cheers Phil Morris

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From the carpark under the Outram Bridge 24 members started the walk beside the Taieri River in nice weather but with forecast for rain at 1.00pm. At the end of this track we turned off and headed up hill. Parts of this were quite steep but finally reached a nice flat spot for morning tea.

Heading uphill again after smoko we soon came out on to  grass paddocks and continued  on a gentle gradient to the cattle-yards at the top.  from there walked a short distance before heading downhill on a steep ridge to the start of a small pine forest at the bottom, about ½ km from main road.

From there we walked a short distance before heading downhill on a steep ridge to the start of a small pine forest at the bottom, about ½ km from main road.

A pleasant walk through the trees to a farm track which we followed uphill to a stile where we crossed into Walmsley’s property. Followed cattle track down to gully then along foothills to lovely lunch spot with terrific views.

After lunch carried on along foothills before returning into forestry for assent to top after climbing through neighbours.

After a “Pow Wow” at top, decision was made to head back on shorter route to cars which also allowed time for refreshments and catch up at Wobbly Goat. A good day to start off the tramping calendar after all the lock downs I really enjoyed it.   Gordon.

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11. 7/4/2019. Trampers. Nicols Farm. M. Leader: Gordon.

It was a cool start at the car park as we foregathered, but a typical beautiful autumnal day with lots of sunshine followed. Perfect for 15 Trampers to go and enjoy the outdoors.

Parking under the Outram Bridge wa a surprise for some, although a spot well known to our Outram members – from their younger days apparently.

Walking upstream beside the Taieri River through the willows we were welcomed by a great chorus of Bellbirds – wonderful. They were enjoying the day too.

It was an easy grade as we climbed various bulldozed tracks through the Manuka.

A short back track and then it was downhill on a farm road in the direction of S.H.87. Nearing the bottom we turned aside, and climbing a barbwire fence (the leader having thoughtfully fitted a pipe safety guard) …

Heading down into Walmsley’s farm gully. (Gordon pic and caption.)… found ourselves in a rough gorsey block.

Emerging once more onto open farmland it was time for a leisurely lunch in the sun, and still with a view to enjoy.

Afterwards we negotiated a paddock or two before entering an exotic forest to climb back up somewhat. In time we retained the turnip field to eventually finish the last leg back on our outward track.

Back to the cars at 2pm after walking over 13 km was good going.

To Outram where some visited the ice cream shop, others to the Hairy Goat – where all eventually congregated. And no one was in a hurry to go home. A day that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

This report comes to you on behalf of Gordon (leader). – Art.

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10. 18/11/2009. Trampers. Outram Bridge. Michelles Farm. Leaders: George, Hazel.

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9. 16/11/2005. Hikers. Outram Bridge, Michelles Farm. Leaders: Margaret D, Peter B

8. 27/3/2002 Alt. Michelles Farm. Easy. Leaders: Jack & Rosemary, Peg C

7. 22/11/2000. Michelles Farm. Leaders: Ray and Diana, Les W.

6. 22/3/2000. Michelles Farm, Outram. Leaders: Ray and Diana, Les W.

5. 28/4/1999. Michelles Farm. North side Taieri River – Outram. Leaders: Diana and Ray, Les W.

4. 30/4/1997. Outram East Side of RIver. Park under bridge. Leaders; Diana and Ray, Les W.

1. 28/4/1989 Ray, Les W