18. 24/04/2024. Hikers. Graham’s Bush/Organ Pipes. Grade 3. 27 km. Leaders: Maria MacNee/Theresa White
A twenty-one strong group of hikers met at the rendezvous in Sawyer’s Bay at the Emmanuel Church Car Park. The weather looked favourable as we headed up the track at the end of Hall Rd and continued fine and mild for the whole day.
The track maintenance elves had clearly been busy making easy walking on the flat and as the gradient increased the only difficulty was slightly boggy conditions in places but nothing too challenging. We were blessed with an orchestra of birdsong as we walked and as usual the acrobatic fantails charmed us, cute as always.
As previously decided, lunch was timed for arrival at the beginning of the Organ Pipes track on Mt Cargill Rd approx 11.45 hrs where the group was given a choice, continue to the Pipes or head back down to the cars. The majority wished to go on after lunch with only a few opting out, these formed small group with Theresa leading and headed back downhill.
The walk to the Pipes took less than the 45 minutes estimate from Mt Cargill Rd. It was unanimously conceded that the extra climb was well worth the effort as clear skies afforded gorgeous panoramic views over Blueskin Bay and the Northern Motorway which was clearly visible from our rocky perches on tons of fallen basalt columns.
The remaining columns still intact at the top of the haphazard stony rubble below are much fewer but still impressive. One of the group provided an interesting geological explanation for the forming of the rocks into the pentagon or hexagon columns.
After an uneventful and enjoyable walk down to the cars we joined the other small group who had been waiting for 30 minutes approx and went our separate ways, some for coffee at Nichols, while others headed for home.
Feedback from group members was positive.
An example of the many comments was “………… yesterday was one of the best walks I’ve enjoyed since joining up – the combination of bush, birdlife, views, Organ Pipes and of course the splendid company …”
Theresa and Maria
17. 18/10/2023. Grahams Bush/Mt Cutten. Leaders Pam Cocks and John Gardiner
Introduction:
Nineteen Trampers in 4 cars (x1 from Dunedin) arrived at the bottom of the Grahams Bush track, end of Hall Rd, Sawyers Bay. The weather forecast for the day being promising with little wind and a high of 19deg. Pam Cocks led the tramp and I was tail end charlie.
About the Tramp:
After meeting at Hall Rd, Lyn Keene and I drove our cars to the end of Reservoir Rd, where Lyn left her car, and I ferried her back to Hall Rd. This was done to negate the road walk for trampers back to the cars from tramp end in Reservoir Rd (by the golf course.) The intension that Lyn transports the other 3 drivers back to their cars, who would then collect their passengers at tramp end. We then walked up the Graham’s Bush track, enjoying the sights of Punga, Silver Ferns and native Clematis before having morning tea on the side of the track.
All smiles at morning tea. Photo & caption Pam
After negotiating the steps onto Mount Cargill Road, we turned right, witnessing a girl on her horse practicing dressage, before arriving at the Quarry Site, that marked the beginning of the Mt Cutten track.
A short walk along a 4WD track leading us to the track proper, with a walk-through native bush. Before long we arrived at the Len Lye tribute sculpture, restored by Andrew Drummond in 2019.
From here we headed North, to reach our lunch stop destination on the top of Mt Cutten.
The weather forecast had been “spot on” and here we enjoyed magnificent panoramic views in all directions, with no wind and mild temperatures. The post lunch walk downhill through the Pine forest included a few snarly bits, but as if to compensate, some smooth Pine needle carpet stretches. After a brief stop in the sun on its banks, we circumnavigated the Cedar Farm reservoir.
Unfortunately, the Rhododendrons weren’t in flower (looking at previous reports I wonder if they ever are!) but witnessing the colourful Primulas was a treat. About an hour later, after negotiating some steeper downhill sections we arrived at the smaller Rossville reservoir, with 8 of our party taking 10 minutes to walk around its perimeter while the rest of us “sunbathed.”
Another 20 minutes saw us back at Lyn’s car and following her car pickup trip with the other 3 drivers, all cars returned to Reservoir Rd to collect their precious cargo by 3.00pm.
The Time Frame:
9.55am – Left cars.
10.20am – Morning tea.
1120am – Old Mount Cargill Rd.
11.45am – Quarry turn off.
12.15pm – At Len Lye tribute sculpture.
12.30pm – Lunch on Mt Cutten summit.
1.10pm – On our way downhill.
1.30pm – At Mt Cutten Crossroads.
1.37pm – Cedar Farm reservoir
1.45pm – 2.00pm – 4WD track to Pine Plantation.
2.40pm – Rossville reservoir
3.00pm -All back to cars, Reservoir Rd.
Tramp Details:
Elevation 542m
Moving Time 3.33.01
Elapsed Time 5.05.56
Avg. Pace 13.53/km
Avg elapsed Pace 12.57/km
Fastest Split 10.24/km
Distance 12.8km
Grade 4
Conclusion:
Pam has admitted to me (in her own bubbly way) that this tramp has been the culmination of 7 panicking days! Of planning, numerous brainwaves, sleepless nights, and 2 recces with Gwenda. Typically, with most things, when they’re done well, they look easy. So, it was with this new tramp. Special thanks to Pam and Gwenda for the work they have put into it, for the pleasure of all of us who took part.
Cheers,
John Gardiner (tail end Charlie)
16. 14/09/2022. Trampers. Grahams Bush, Organ Pipes, Buttars Peak, Mt Cargill. Leaders Jill and Wendy
Jill Reid & Wendy Begley
Early rain must have deterred some trampers today – just 11 keen souls drove to Station Road in Sawyers Bay, parking near the Brick Hill Road intersection.
The weather gods were kind and we headed up into Graham’s Bush, all enjoying the great track and variety of natives, particularly the showy tree fushia trunks, as we climbed to Mt Cargill Road.
After catching our breath it was up the steep track to the Organ Pipes.
6 to 8 cattle were crashing through the bush here – perhaps exploring from a nearby farm? Unfortunately low cloud prevented us seeing very far, so we had lunch on steps in the bush near Buttars Peak.
Despite the minimal views 8 trampers continued to Mt Cargill, and were delighted to find the climb relatively easy with new steps in a previously challenging area – and we were of course pleased to summit the 676 m mountain!
We retraced our steps to Mt Cargill Road and looped back to the cars via Upper Junction and Brick Hill roads.
Some found walking 6 km on the sealed road hard on their bodies – Gordon ruefully refused a ride with his son Roger (who just happened to be passing, having had a plumbing job in the area!!) – but all agreed it was a very scenic walk and great looking over the harbour now the cloud had lifted.
Distance covered was around 16 km. With community transmission of Covid-19 yesterday (after 102 days with none) we had been placed under Alert Level 2 again at midday……so do hope this is short-lived! Refreshments were enjoyed at Emersons.
Jill and Theresa
We were down in numbers owing to several of the hikers going to Herbert with the trampers, but after some initial confusion between Hall and Station Roads, 16 of us set off for the Grahams Bush track. The four ramblers followed for a bit, then peeled off on a different route. A very hot day had been forecast, but it was reasonable under the bush cover. The track is quite steep in places and not easy going, but fortunately it was much drier underfoot than earlier in the week when we did the reccie. The creek crossing has been replaced by a bridge, which made things easier at that point. There was quite a bit of bird activity, with fantails and tomtits. Reached the top of the track by 12ish and had lunch at the organ pipes car park.
Watched with interest as a van carrying cyclists and their gear arrived and unloaded. The cyclists were heading back down North Road – I’m not sure of their destination. The heat was ramping up, and we trudged along North Road to the turnoff to Upper Junction Road. The views were fantastic tho, as the harbor looked a picture and there was a bit of activity with a couple of cruise ships in. Headed back down to Sawyers Bay which was a more enjoyable walk as groves of trees lined the road in places and gave us some shade.
Arrived back at the cars around 2, and the co-leader (whose suggestion it actually was) was overheard to remark that it was a hard tramp, and next time it appeared on the programme she wouldn’t be doing it!!). We headed round to the Carey’s Bay Hotel for a very welcome drink, some alcoholic and some non-alcholic (the beer went down very nicely). It was so pleasant sitting in the shade at the front of the hotel we lingered for quite some time. Had a slow trip home once we hit the motorway as an accident ahead forced al the traffic through Fairfield, and there was a huge buildup of vehicles. Finally got back to Mosgiel well after four.
We did 10.9ks, so not a bad effort for a very hot day. Jan and Pam
13. 12/9/2018. Trampers. Sawyers Bay/Mt: Cargill/Bethunes Gully/Upper Junction/Sawyers Bay. Leader: Phil.
15 intrepid walkers set out from Hall Rd on a pretty balmy Harbour day up through Graham’s Reserve. Birdlife was rife including some nice plump Kereru. This may be in part due to the community trapping initiatives that now encircle the Eco Sanctuary as birds there stretch their wings to increasingly safer climes.
Morning tea was taken on and around wooden steps,
looking through the canopy of a wonderful lady rimu; the quality of the bush was ‘right up’ there, with good stands of Rimu (also on the downward beat to Bethunes Gully).
I thought progress was steady, but when we arrived at the carpark on North Rd, and checked the watch, to my surprise 15 walkers did it quicker than 1 person on the recce, and that included morning tea time……must have been that the track was now so much drier! Or was this a particularly talented and fit group of walkers?
A short break to catch breath and have a swig was taken at the carpark, where we also co opted a Welsh tourist to join us up to Buttars Peak, the Organ Pipes
having lost much of their points of interest.
Lunch was taken on the battlements at Buttars Peak,
what a place to repel the invaders, and although a coolish breeze tempered things a bit, the views were still ‘top notch’.
We set off after lunch at 12.30pm and turning left at the Junction we descended to Bethunes Gully in 66% of the time the signposting stated. Most took advantage of the low wooden fence to chill out, almost like waiting for the bus,
which did not come, so we went up up and up Norwood St; it did not seem like this when I recce’d in the car…..
From here it was a short trip along North Rd before descending down through Upper Junction. The Harbour areas and gullies have such a great eclectic mix of housing and gardens tucked away. From Upper Junction Rd a small detour was made to by-pass the closed road and works, following major road slumping.
From here it was back up Hall Rd to the cars, and noticeably this road seemed quite steep in places! A suggestion for another time being to park the cars at the bottom of the hill!
There was some differing perspectives on how far we had walked, depending on the country of origins of the myriad of devices, whether or not they spoke to you etc.….going by the DCC pamphlets and my car speedo I thought 14 km but then again I know my speedo understates speed by about 10%…….This proved to be a challenging loop walk but one that was appreciated and proved the all round fitness of everyone who came. And yes everyone knows how to tell if a Rimu is male or female. Some even how to identify a Miro tree by the berry fruit.
It was agreed we would return to Blackstone for coffee, but because they had had such a busy day did not want our patronage, so we crossed the road and enjoyed great craic at Blend ( debating the merits or otherwise of traditional roles v sensitive new age males); we had to apologise to some other customers for the noise, and as they left said we were just like teenagers! Wow what a complement to finish the day. – Phil.
12. 8/8/2018. Hikers. Mount Cargill from Old Road. M. Leaders; Phil and Raewyn.
24 intrepid hikers drove to the Organ Pipes track carpark on Mt Cargill.
A few ‘Oh dears’ were voiced when the steps at the beginning of the track were first seen, but taking it slowly we finally reached the morning tea stop, 15 minutes in. Then it was onwards and upwards again with those jolly steps appearing around every corner. Soon though we came across the pile of rubble which was once the Organ Pipes formation, and taking turns, everyone viewed the last remaining pipes standing.
After a slippery boardwalk, the track evened out and it was a pleasant walk through the bush up to the turnoff to Buttars Peak. Eight adventurers climbed to the top for a ‘wow’ moment,
while the rest of us waited and waved from below. Onwards around the base of the transmitter tower and the final ascent to the top – Oh no, those darn steps were back again with a vengeance. Determinedly we all made it to the top for lunch…
…and the 360 degree views over Dunedin, the Peninsula & Blueskin Bay. The cool breeze that whipped up soon had us on the return trip and facing all those steps in the opposite direction. Our ‘Ramblers 3’ joined us for morning tea, and did really well to continue upwards to have their lunch by the organ pipes rubble. Well done ladies. A great day followed by coffee at the Plaza Café. – Raewyn.
Only eight trampers today. Lots away. Started at Hall Road in Sawyers Bay. Parked cars at the start of the Grahams Track. Lovely walk up through bush and also some muddy areas. Had our morning tea stop on this section of the tramp. Up the steep steps to the Mount Cargill Road.
Across that and up to the Organ Pipes most which have fallen down now.
Continued on up to the top of Mount Cargill going past Buttars Hill. Had our lunch up there in the shelter as was quite windy on the top. Down we went again after conversations with other hikers and workman on our way down to the road. From there we decided to walk
in a large loop back to Sawyers Bay and cars. Distance was 16.5kms. Coffee at Blackstone in Mosgiel. A very enjoyabld day with lots of chatting. – Helen
We had morning tea break at the junction of the private road, & the left turn onto the track. I should’ve waited till a bit later as once into the bush the ground was nearly dry, whereas where we stopped was quite wet.
We made good time up to the road at the top of the Grahams Bush track, & after a short rest stop where we learnt that a couple from the Czech Republic had their car broken into, in the Organ Pipes car park, & a backpack stolen, which contained their passports along with other items, we carried on up to the Organ Pipes.
Those that had not been there before, or for a long time took the opportunity to view the tumbled down remains of the once great landmark, before we set off for the junction with the track leading up to the transmitter mast. We found a reasonably sheltered spot among the bush edge to sit down for lunch,
After having a good look around up here, & admiring the great view, we started to retrace our steps back down & along the Organ pipes track to the Mt. Cargill Rd. I was very pleased to see that the boardwalks that I built in the mid ’90’s are still like new after nearly 20 yrs.
Once at the road, two of the women members decided that they would walk back via the road down into Sawyers Bay, instead of negotiating the Grahams Bush track in reverse direction.
The walk back out to the cars was uneventful, with everybody making it safely.
A good workout for the lungs, & legs, with almost 1 KM climbed, but I didn’t hear any complaints, so I guess they all enjoyed the day.
Walked 11.6km @ 3.6km/hr.; moving time 3h 15min; Climbed 891mtrs. – Ken.
slipped on a wet boardwalk and catapulted into Lesley who lost her
glasses in the process. Fortunately they were recovered !! Whew.
Trampers met at the top of Sawyers Bay Hall Road to walk from sea level to the “Top of the World” on yet another
glorious Wednesday. The tramping gods were certainly on our side as there was not a cloud in the sky as we started our ascent. The track is well maintained and a flat benched in track all the way which made for easy walking. Parts of the walk were in beautiful bush but every so often we would come to a clearing where we could look back over the harbour,
and enjoy glorious views while we got our breath back. Morning tea on the track a short way into Grahams Bush to give us sustenance for the hill climb and then onwards and upwards. Eventually we came to the road after ascending a steep flight of steps. Then over the road and up another flight of steps. During our lunch stop Evelyn entertained us with her story of the TV being blown by a gust of wind from its place in the wall into the conversation pit.
Sounded amazing. Lots of discussion about chloresterol levels and how to control them while some of us ate cheese (the bad boy) for lunch. Nearing the top there is a branch off the track which we followed to ascend Buttar’s Peak with its rugged basaltic columns. Sitting up there was like being on top of the world with uninterrupted views all along the coast from north to south with the harbour below with its picture-perfect reflections
and then over to the peninsula and all its magic beaches. That view has stayed with me since and hopefully for ever! After scrambling down from the peak the track divided and one group went back down and to the cars while the others went on to ascend Mount Cargill which was just in front of us.
A wonderful day and a good introduction for a visitor, and a few others who hadn’t tramped for a while. – Tash.
7. 23/8/2006. Grahams Bush, Mount Zion, Buttars Peak Organ Pipes round trip. Medium. Leaders: Jacqui, Doug J.
