18. 22/11/2023.Hikers. Millennium Track from Henley Ferry Bridge. Grade 3. 27km. Leaders: Ady Whitson/Bruce Wright.
We had a great day on the track. Weather was great with 20 Hikers enjoying the day. We parked about 2/3 the way down the road from the stile. We set off with me rounding up the cows and telling them to hurry up.
The hills soon stopped the chatter but the bush is just lovely with the track being dry. We couldn’t have got it better.
We had morning tea down by the river.
I think that is the only place on the walk where you can get near it apart from our immediate destination.
With a search for my car keys that I had lost when Bruce and I did the recce. (Don’t ask how) Some people wanted to know what the prize would be if they were found. The answer to that was Dave’s Moro bar as it was his birthday.
Arrived at John Bull Gully in time for lunch. We set off back along the track to the cars with me setting a pace a bit faster than on our way in. Luckily Bruce was at the back & was able to keep the stragglers up to pace.
The Outram two departed and we had afternoon at Topiary Cafe which was enjoyable as well. A great day was had by all and thank you Bruce..
Walking distance 10.5kms. Ady Whitson
17. 14/06/2023. Trampers. Millennium Track/Finlayson’s Road/Wenita Forest (Morrisons Block). Grade 3, $7, 27km, Leaders: Phil Keene, Marijke Schofield.
A chilly enough start to the day at the meet n greet, great to see new faces, and 21 trampers set off to do the walk in 5 vehicles. After negotiating the car-park options we set off in idyllic conditions, not a breath of wind, fog had mostly lifted, and the sun was warm on the back.
The frost had not permeated the Millennium Track forest so the birds were quite chirpy, as were the walkers!
It had been agreed that we would head to John Bull for a late morning tea or as some mused maybe brunch. It was a good steady pace up along and down to John Bull, which was bathed in sunshine at 11.15am.
We departed at 11.45am and ascended the saddle before changing down in to low gear for the last 15 minutes to ‘the seat’. Great views from Moturata to the Peninsula – Pigroot – Silver peaks- the Taieri which were offset by the low band of smog.
From here we moved in to the bush and out onto the road-line and ascended to Finlayson’s Road, along the way taking in the panoramic sea views as well as the mix of exotic forest, colonising natives, fields of cattle that were herded by a lone deer, not a ‘sheep dog’, but a ‘hind deer dog’. A very memorable sight.
We boxed on along the roads until 1.15pm when we stopped at some farm yards to rest our backs against the fence as we had our second brunch. The Takitakitoa wetlands were shimmering in the bright sun which felt warm enough to sunbathe in.
After lunch we set off at 1.45pm and clambered, climbed, stretched, stumbled over the gate entrance into Morrisons Forestry Block until some intelligent walker just opened the adjoining gate and strolled around! Mmm. From here it was every man and every woman for themselves to find their own pace down the excellent road back to the cars, although the chirpy chatter did not abate too much. The newly graded track through the wetland at the forest road exit provided a challenge for those wishing to keep boots clean and dry, ah but at least it was at the end of the walk!
16 walkers finished off a great day out at the Topiary Cafe where the Ambrosia Cheesecake was eagerly demolished, along with other ‘goodies’. Perfect.
For future reference a walk of 12.9km, ascent 467m, moving time 3hours 39minutes with a range of forest and mountain to sea scenery. Grade 3.5.
Phil
16. 15/6/2022. Trampers. Millenium Track. Leaders: Phil Keene and Marijke Schofield
It was heartening to see so many keen walkers front for both walks at the meet n greet; funny how we all parked and chatted next to the bushes on the W side of the car-park!
Given there was no time – or mood – for announcements and handouts – the two groups jovially went their separate ways.
With the Waihola sub branch members meeting us at the end of Taieri Ferry Road, we totalled ‘the bakers dozen’ and we eagerly set off, bearing in mind Karen’s hint of possible high tide coverage of the road by early afternoon, for which apparently we could blame the last night’s full moon. The Taieri River had lost it’s lovely azure blue tint from the day of the recce, now being the colour of milky tea or coffee.
The early part of the track was quite damp, and as we started the first of the steady ascents the track had certainly eased, with the recent but welcome rain. The group was ‘on song’ and not requiring too many stops and we made John Bull Cafe at 11am after interrupting a Kereru feeding on berries on the ground, and seeing the first of quite a few Piwakawaka along the trail.
After morning tea the group was up for the challenge to continue to the lookout and bench-seat, up past where you could see the pine trees high above us. So we zigged and zagged and huffed and puffed…..well a bit of the latter, and made the lookout bang on 12 noon, one could say ‘high noon’ given the view above the river, albeit coloured by a few passing sleety showers.
With the showers and stiff westerly wind still being felt and heard the group was again of one mind to save the loop walk for another day when it would be less hypothermic……..and we returned the way we came before we got too cool.
We returned in pretty good time, the steeper and slippery parts of the track helping some to get a run-on but to my knowledge no one needed to buy a chocolate fish……
We emerged on the river and car park just as the tide affected river swelled across the road; mmm would have been interesting if we had done the full loop and returning to the cars an hour or two later as per the recce.
Another benefit was that we would be back well in time to enjoy each other’s company along with the fine coffee and plum and apple crumble at the Topiary.
The day brought to mind Simon and Garfunkel’s line ‘I get all the news I need on the weather report’ or maybe better still, Anon’s ‘some people walk in the rain, others just get wet’,- from doubtful beginnings a great day out.
Phil and Marijke
Wardells’ White House 25 km from car park.
15. 7/10/2020. Combined. Millenium Track. Leaders: Eleanore Ryan, Heather Kirk, Jay Devlin, Adi Whitson
This morning 38 Trampers, Hikers, Ramblers along with Ian Fleming (Good to see you Ian) were assembled at Peter Johnson carpark waiting to be taken to the Whitehouse at Taieri Ferry by Richard Trainer in his Good Company bus. Today Richard got the bus to the start of the track.
The weather forecast was sounding rather dodgy, with rain forecast. We left with jackets on at 9:45am to walk about the 10km track. We walked about 20 minutes to the Picnic area to regroup for smoko.
We were treated with Marshmallow Balls by Jenni Wright to celebrate her Birthday—-Thanks Jenni, Bruce had the pleasure of carrying the rest up the hill to the lunch stop—-Thanks Bruce.
We watched a couple of fellows(known to some members) trying their luck white baiting
After a leisurely break the Trampers headed off first followed by the Hikers, up a short climb, then the track levelled off as we wound our way along the bush covered banks of the river.
The track crosses a small spur before joining at the Junction of John Bull Flat and the DOC track from Taieri Mouth. It was warm, sunny and no wind, so jackets were discarded back into packs. John Bull Flat is pretty much the half way point.
Off we went again(their used to be a shortcut up a steep track, no longer maintained). We went up and up some more, enjoying the magnificent tree ferns and native bush along the way till we reached the seat which also has great views of Moturata Island and the river——-not the whole hillside of gorse above the river though!!
This was our long lunch stop, enjoying another round of Marshmallow Balls in the sun shine.
By the time we were leaving with the sky threatening another shower, jackets were on once again as we headed towards Taieri Mouth. By now it was down, down down. In no time we hit the 200 or so metres of newly formed clay surfaced track, which has turned to slush. We managed to slip and slide our way through the bog, hopefully, it will be gravelled one day. Soon we came across the board walk at Muddy Gully, noticing lots of crab holes in the sandy shore.
Then only a short walk had us out to the quaint row of cribs (including Jay&Steve Devlins) spotting the Good Company bus in the car park.
Trampers were back around 1pm followed an hour later by the Hikers. Meanwhile, the Ramblers enjoyed their smoko break at Waihola followed by leisurely drive to Taieri Mouth for lunch. We had no longer left the car park before heavy rain showers started.
Thanks to fellow Leaders, Heather Kirk, Jay Devlin and Adie Whitson
Was nice to hear, quite a few Members had not been through the track before, and had enjoyed this tramp. As always, good company makes a happy day.
Eleanore Ryan, Heather Kirk, Jay Devlin and Adie Whitson.
14. 21/8/2019. Trampers: Millenium Track/ Kennedys/Wenita Forest. M. Leader: Phil K.
16 trampers departed the car park and linked up with the Outram 3 at the carpark at the end of Taieri Ferry road.
Conditions were ‘standard’ for this walk, with cloudless skies, no breeze and the promise of a shoal of whitebait, but for the brown colour of the river.
The group agreed with the suggestion by the guide to have a belated morning tea at the Café John Bull, about an hour’s walk away. So off we set, an above average chirpy group that drowned out the numerous birdlife……The steady climb
came rushing back into the memories of those who had dared travelled this way before…..plenty of dappled light along the way, giving way to darker and damper forest as we descended through the shady side down to John Bull Gully,
where just before arrival we had some craic with Dermot and his new search and rescue dog. Yes the dog, being Irish, could talk too…
Café John Bull lived up to it’s reputation of good seating in an inspiring environment,
the scene punctuated by a tinny zooming by, occupied by two disappointed white baiters?
Flowering Kowhai adorned the cliff faces above us, as we re-entered the track and began the ascent out of the Gully, initially nicely graded through a saddle, then steeper for half an hour before arriving at ‘the seat’, with views, high above the river.
Following lots of photo taking
and water top up, we went off track through some pines to link to a farm track, thence through a pine forest and then out to the open fields, trying hard not to disturb a deer herd beautifully standing on the crest; most would have got a good photo.
From there it was steadily up, staying on the straight and narrow deer lane,
through gates to arrive at Finlayson Road, where lunch was taken at 12.30pm.
At 1pm we set off again, turning right down Galloway Road; great views of sea and plain and moors
and in the NW distance the snow capped Mt Kohurau and Kakanuis? Moving on down good views of Taieri Mouth and the Island as it was fully low tide.
Gate hopping and climbing, along with stiff legs was fully tested at the locked gate into Wenita Forest; from there it was a steady stretch out down through the open and newly planted forest; the highway was clearly done by engineers from the good old USA, with sweeping bends providing great views and an appreciation of the scale of the forestry operation. Across the other side of the river the Takitakitoa Wetlands, newly acquired by Fish and Game showed promise of whitebait breeding grounds and game birds for the future.
We arrived back at the cars at 2.30pm, 13.11 kms later and burning 956 calories, that were offset by around 1200 calories per person at Wals
…….another great day out. – Phil K.
13. 2/5/2018. Both. Millennium Track. Leader: Eleanor.
Trampers: Millennium/John Bull Tracks. M.
38 fit looking Trampers/Hikers and Ramblers assembled at the car park for the combined tramp along to John Bull Gully and Taieri Mouth. The day was calm and mild (after a lot of rain over the weekend). On arrival at the White House at roads end, quite a lot of jostling of cars was necessary for the drivers to find a spot to park.
All of us set off along the very brown looking river bank for a short walk into the Picnic spot
where we had smoko. The 25 Hikers were going onto John Bull Gully and the 13 Trampers were heading to Taieri Mouth and back.
We set off at 10:15 am and after a short climb, the track levelled and wound along the bush covered banks of the river. We then crossed a small spur which is where the 2 tracks meet. After climbing into a gully with large tree ferns, the track emerged at the high point, with a welcome seat
and good views.
2 of our party were quite happy to sit and chat, so enjoyed the sun waiting 2 hours for our return. Along the next section the native bush is slowly overtaking the gorse. Another climb around Governors Point, where we got great views up and down the gorge. By now it is downhill to the board walk across Muddy Gully, then finally the welcome sight of the bridge …
… and cribs come into view.
An enjoyable lunch and catchup was had at the picnic tables.
A Kingfisher was spotted on the power lines near Jay’s crib.
Half an hour later we headed off back the way we came. Was surprising the track was so dry, considering recent rain. Quite a lot of bird song heard, also, a little Robin was spotted.
We walked 18.6 km’s. Similar times of 2 1/4 hours each way. Was a first for some trampers to do the return trip. Followed by a very welcome hot drink at Wal’s @ 4pm by a few of us. Ending a great tramp with great company. – Eleanore
Hikers. Millennium Track. E. Sub-Group Leaders: Bob, Ian.
Supplementary Report. From the Picnic Spot, 22 Hikers, leaving 3 Ramblers behind to plan their own trip, eventually stirred themselves to trace the Trampers’ steps up to the regular winding-down-in (to gullies) and up-out (around ridges) Millennium Track to John Bull Gully
– for an early lunch there, overflowing the two eight-seater picnic tables in the process.
Shortly after our arrival, an informal small sub-group from among the Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club, whom we had earlier met at the car park arrived, full of praise for our website which they regularly used for excursion ideas. They found their own spot seated among some obliging rocks.
The sun shone, the slight wind dropped, we leisured,
and eventually stirred, to make our way back to the car park, there to find the Ramblers happily sunning themselves by the river.
We can echo the Trampers’ report on the state of the track. How surprisingly dry it was {mostly} and how wide and well kept too. A pity the occasional thoughtfully placed resting seat along its way has been denied its river view by the relentlessly growing native bush.
A pleasant fulfilling walk topped off …
… with a relaxing coffee chat. – Ian.
12. 23/8/2017.Trampers. Millennium Track, Kennedys, Bells. M. Leader: Arthur.
Only 8 trampers were out today to enjoy the good weather and the tramp. The Taieri Ferry Bridge was closed for ongoing (all winter, so far) repairs, so we travelled to the south end of the flood free highway before turning back onto Taieri Ferry Road.
Parking at the usual parking area, it was 10 am as we began walking. The low lying bits of the track were quite wet and muddy, as expected.
After 15 minutes we came to the picnic area on the riverbank for our smoko stop. It was about low tide and the river was very low.
Following the Millennium Track again, a side trip to the river was made at John Bull Gully where two DOC workers were cutting the grass around the picnic area. They had arrived by boat, which was sensible.
From John Bull Gully it is rather a good uphill grunt for some way, but eventually the highest point of the track was gained – a 5 minute stop being taken here at the observation seat to admire the views.
We turned off the Millennium Track now, uphill beside the gorse, and then through the pine trees to reach the end of the deer fenced lane on the Kennedy Farm. It was up slope all the way but the lane took us up to Finlayson Road. It was 12.30 pm now, so was time for the lunch stop. High cloud was making the sunshine a bit weak, but with almost no breeze, so it was a pleasant, high up spot for the occasion.
We had to follow Finlayson Road towards Waihola before turning onto Galloway Road and followed it down to its end. We were high up here giving us very good views to enjoy.
The last leg was down through a recent logged forestry block.
The going was good at first, but further down a digger rowing up the “slash” had left the dozed dirt track in rather a mess. But by taking care we negotiated this area safely. It was about 200 metres down through the standing pine trees to get to the bottom, where we emerged back at the carpark.
Today’s tramp was 12.7 km, and all were happy. On returning to Mosgiel the Blend coffee shop enjoyed our patronage.
It had been another good day’s social tramp for our group. Thanks to all. – Art.
11. 23/7/2014. Trampers. Millennium Track, Kennedys, Bells.
Ignore the missing piece of track on the Google Earth view, as I forgot to reset the GPS before we started off.
With the day looking promising weather wise, 4 set off to walk the Millennium Track from Henley , then up through Kennedys property, & back down one of the ridges onto the river road again. We stopped at the Taieri Scenic Reserve picnic table for morning tea, & then went on to John Bull Gully, where we had a short rest before tackling the steep climb up to the seat on the John Bull track, & over the fence behind here to walk up past Kennedys house & onto Finlayson Rd. where we stopped for lunch in the shelter of some flax bushes.
It was then a short walk along to the turn off onto Galloway Rd. We walked the full length of Galloway Rd. & climbed the fence into a very wet & sloppy grassed paddock, which was quite steep in places, but luckily nobody fell over. All this area was new to everybody on the tramp, so it was a case of following our instincts to find the way back to the cars, which was accomplished without any trouble.
10. 11/7/2012. Millennium, John Bull, Kennedy’s Farm, Finlayson Road, Galloway Road, Bell’s Farm ridge, Ferry Road. 12 km.
Seven of us enjoyed a good winter tramp, warm in the sun and calm, even on the top. Went down the same ridge on Bells Farm that we did last time. Note: the way to find it (better than last time!) is to turn down 4WD track adjacent to a large corrugated shed part-way down Galloway Rd before the road swings away over to the right. The track skirts the top of a gully before emerging onto the ridge. Then just follow your nose down.
We elected to do this ridge rather than the even better one at the end of Galloway road as the leasee had reported he was running bulls in a paddock near the bottom of the ridge! – Ian
Snow on the track was more obvious as we ascended to the seat on the John Bull where we planned to turn off up to Kennedys farm.
As we got up near the house snow (and a chilly breeze) was at its thickest.
At this point George had already determined to ask at the house where we might lunch in a bit of shelter. “Boots off and come inside!” was the response, providing a lunch stop in the most civilised of surroundings.
A long time after, we (reluctantly?) resumed the tramp. Snow had been graded off Finlayson Road and only semi-melted slush was left. We turned down Galloway Road, but had gone only a short distance before George decided it was time to turn off to to descend a ridge. After descending the ridge for a considerable distance we were bushed out by heavy scrub and had to return up far enough to try another next-door ridge. This gave clear access to the marshy flats below.
Matters got a little dodgy at the ridge’s base but we soon got onto a squelchy paddock yielding to a less squelchy track that led out alongside a drain to Ferry Road.
A final walk along the road back down to the cars ended a most enjoyable walk out on the snow.
I now realise there are at least three navigable ridges between Finlayson and Ferry Roads, although George seems to have done them all some time in the past. There was the one we did 7 years ago, the one we did today and a further one from the foot of Galloway Road that Bill recalled Mr Kennedy advising we take but which George must have failed to pick up on. – Ian.