Heyward Point, Kaikai Beach, Whareakeake Road

No. 86 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Heyward Point – Melville’s Farm Farm”. 40 km from car park.

Part: Tramping Track, Managed by DOC. Rest: Not during lambing Sept-Nov. Seek Permission.

Heyward Point – Information and Trips Library

20. 7 February 2024. Combined hikers and trampers. Aramoana – Heyward Point.

Hikers: Leaders Heather and Val Cayford

‘Pathway to the Sea” – 7th February 2024 at 8.45am on a grey overcast morning with slight drizzle 15 hikers left Peter Johnstone Park and arrived at the small coastal settlement of Aramoana at approx. 9.45am – a peaceful place with 260 permanent residences as of 27th January 2024.A place that takes you back in time – a place with no streetlights or shops – a place with history and a place of tragedy – a place of many wildlife species – native New Zealand sea lions – yellow eyed penguins nest near the beach past the key hole rock – the salt marsh is a special wildlife reserve.

Though fine here it was quite windy. The trampers joined us for morning tea – we were going to have it on the beach however due to the wind factor we decided to have morning tea at the Aramoana Memorial – a memorial for the thirteen people that died at Aramoana due to David Grey, a local resident going on a shooting rampage. We held a moments silence and for those, that wished to, a sprig of rosemary was placed on the memoriam in memory of the lives lost. (Rosemary is the herb of remembrance).

9 Feb Trampers Aramoana Remembrance. Placing Rosemary Sprigs On The Memorial.john — *Remembrance. Placing Rosemary Sprigs On The Memorial. Photo & caption John*

9 Feb Hikers Aramoana Walking On A Tricky Area At The End Of The Spit. — *Walking on a tricky area at the end of the Spit. Photo & caption Helen*

After morning tea, the hikers walked along the salt marsh and on to Shelley beach. We came across a couple of obstacles that required careful navigation-fallen trees blocked our beach walk and slippery rocks that we had to walk on to get around past the trees and back on to the beach.

9 Feb Hikers Aramoana Photo Heather — *Photo Heather*

We walked along the beach and stopped at the first Pilot house -a memoriam seat was there in memory of Janaye Ellen Eketone. Inscribed on the back of the seat was music notes however as none of us read music we wondered what the music was and maybe someone in the TRTC can advise when viewing the photos.

9 Feb Hikers Aramoana 1 — *A memorial seat to a young lady. Photo & caption Helen*

We continued along the beach enjoying the beautiful views of sea and land continuing to walk along the street to Aramoana beach where we met several sea lions resting. We had been instructed on what to do if this situation arose and all was well. A baby sea lion called a pup was all alone with no sign of its mother. We were concerned its mum might have come out of the sand hills to protect her baby, but the pup woke up and ventured into the sea.

9 Feb Hikers Aramoana Just Waiting To Have His Photo Taken. At The End Of The Mole. — *Just Waiting To Have His Photo Taken. At The End Of The Mole. Photo & caption Helen*

We continued along the beach to the keyhole rock which the locals call the heart rock. It is quite spectacular. A very pleasant walk with the tide coming in so we didn’t loiter at the keyhole rock very long and we also had to get past the sea lions again.

We then walked back along the beach and walked along the mole. Halfway along we stopped and talked to a diver employed by the Otago University who with his helpers were collecting undaria seaweed which is an invasive seaweed. They then took it to compost it but evidently it is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It was very interesting to learn about this seaweed.

9 Feb Hikers Aramoana The Invasive Seaweed Being Collected For Testing And Composting. — *The Invasive Seaweed Being Collected For Testing And Composting. Photo & caption Helen*

We continued along the mole where we were going to have lunch however it was very windy, and we didn’t want to share our lunch with the several sea lions who were resting therefore we walked back to the memorial and enjoyed our lunch there. It was very sheltered there from the wind.

By this time, it was 1.15pm and the next part of our hike was to walk the boardwalk however we stopped outside the boat house and the owner came out and invited us in to see inside it. We were going to walk the boardwalk however it was unanimously decided to take this wonderful opportunity. Words cannot describe this home; it was amazing and so unique in so many ways. The owner Doi Seiffert built it himself and there had been a lot of controversy with the council etc as to the question “is it a home or a boat”. He took on the bureaucrats and it was deemed to be a home. It is a must see if you are down that way. He is a very clever man, interesting to listen to and to appreciate this home you need to see it. It was like stepping into a different time. His journey building the boat began when he helped a friend build the Castle which is in Muri Street another must see. We walked around to the Castle and wow it’s amazing. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to go inside so maybe on another hike down there we could try and arrange a visit. The Boat home and The Castle are both on the internet if you are interested in taking a look. These two interesting homes were not on the plan however was a highlight of the hike.

Back to our cars and drove to Port Chalmers and enjoyed refreshments at the Cafe Santosha, great service and lots of laughter and chatter as the day was talked about. A great day shared with great company. Thanks everyone.

Trampers. Leaders Wyn and Karon

After the previous few days of sunny weather, it was a surprise to wake up to light rain and cloud around the hills. By the time us Townies arrived at our meeting place at the Yacht Club, it was definitely low fog. Some of us were still confident in our weather forecast and lo and behold; when we got to Aramoana to meet at Memorial Park, we found to our delight it hadn’t been raining and was clearing.

There was a cool sou-west breeze (which turned out to be a blessing on the climb up the hill) so it was decided to have our Combined morning tea sheltered at the memorial to those killed in the shootings in 1990.

9 Feb Trampers Aramoana Combined Morning Tea At The Aramoana Memorial..pam — *Combined Morning Tea At The Aramoana Memorial. Photo & caption Pam*

Ross gave a short talk on what to do when you encounter a sea lion on the sand (“be boring”). After morning tea, we separated and 17 trampers headed off west along Spit Beach to Lion Rock (Heart Rock), almost walking into the only two seals we came across. The high sand hill behind the rock is a favourite place for sand sledging. There were no takers today though. Some of our group hadn’t been to the rock before and Marijke told some of us that her daughter got married there.

9 Feb Trampers Aramoana “keyhole Rock” At Aramoana Beach.pam — *“Keyhole Rock” At Aramoana Beach. Photo & caption Pam*

After walking through a short track in the sandhills and thankfully not encountering any more wildlife, we made our way up Pari Street towards the beginning of Heywood Point track located beside some Pine trees at the entrance to Aramoana. The track climbed beside the old quarry and then kept on going up and up. We gained birds eye views over Aramoana and the harbour entrance.

9 Feb Trampers Aramoana Half Way Up O'er Aramoana Phil — *Half Way Up O’er Aramoana. Photo & caption Phil*

We could also wave to the Hikers making their way along Shelly Beach. We sidled about the cliffs and then climbed some more to a plateau. Eventually we reached the junction with the track from Heyward Point Road. From here we followed the track mostly above the cliff edge. We reached Heyward Point Reserve which contains rare coastal vegetation A wide track descends through the bush.

9 Feb Trampers Aramoana Lunch In The Dappled Shade.john — *Lunch In The Dappled Shade. Photo & caption John*

We stopped for lunch in the welcome shade where the bush opens out above Heyward Point. After lunch we made our way down in sunshine trying not to disturb the black backed gulls and their juveniles. From here we had panorama views north to Long Beach, Warrington and Seacliff and on and on. We watched the soaring gulls for a while before retracing our steps back up the hill.

9 Feb Trampers Aramoana A Great Bird Breeding Place, Nests Everywhere! Marijke Jpg — *A Great Bird Breeding Place, Nests Everywhere! Photo & caption Marijke*

9 Feb Trampers Aramoana Panorama (click To View) Alison Seal Spotting. John — *Panorama (click To View) Alison Seal Spotting. Photo & caption John*

9 Feb Trampers Aramoana Windswept Bonsai Trees On The Way Up (and Down) Marijke — *Windswept Bonsai Trees On The Way Up (and Down). Photo & caption Marijke*

Eventually it was back down the grassy slopes to Aramoana, fortunately nice and dry.

9 Feb Trampers Aramoana Yaaay Now Downhill All The Waaay Phil — *Yaaay Now Downhill All The Waaay. Photo & caption Phil*

Back at the road we waved to the Hikers setting off to Port Chalmers and it wasn’t long before we followed. We caught up with them at the Café Santosha in Port Chalmers. Once again, the Café was very accommodating.

Another great day with good weather, grand views and good company. Thanks to my co-pilot Karon.
Distance – almost 10 kms; elevation gain – 440 metres; walking time – 2 hrs 40 mins.
Wyn

19. 26 January 2022. Trampers. Aramoana – Heyward Point. M-H. Leaders: Phil and Helen Morris

We travelled to Heyward Point arriving just after 10am in nice sunshine with a group of 13 trampers. 15 minutes along the fence line we arrived at the point of the hill, with views looking out toward the mole and spit. There is also a track that can be climbed from Aramoana at this point. In the sun this was the ideal spot, for morning tea and some photo shots.

20220126_102949 Helen — *Spit and Mole – our morning tea spot (photo and caption Helen)*

DSC05368 John — *Panorama (click/tap to enlarge) Great spot for morning tea (photo and caption John)*

After the stop we moved through the pine forest and Ngaio bush on the cliffs …

IMG_1304 Pam — *Spit Beach from Heyward Track (photo and caption Pam)*

… before dropping down 300m to Heyward Point with seagulls, black gulls, a seal sunbathing while one was having fun in the water, and a large number of baby black gulls running along the track.

DSC05373 John — *Views in every direction (photo and caption John)*

A small fishing boat was fishing among large schools of gulls and fish, while a large boat sat anchored awaiting entrance to the harbour. One could also view the Otago coastline from this point.

DSC05376 John — *Phil explaining points of interest (photo and caption John)*

We then returned back up the track and crossed west toward the fence line of the Graham farms. The long grass above waist made the job hard …

DSC05379 John — *Yes, it really was long grass! (photo and caption John)*

DSC05382 John — *Panorama (click/tap to enlarge) The views just kept coming (photo and caption John)*

… and by the time we had climbed the cliff a much-needed lunch stop was required. We looked down on Kaikai Beach, newly formed wetlands and around the point was Whareakeane, formerly known as Murderers Beach, named after wars between the Maoris and British in 1817.

20220126_122803 Helen — *Lunch (photo and caption Helen)*

IMG_1311 Pam — *Lunch stop overlooking Kaikai Beach (photo and caption Pam)*

With rain clouds forming on the hill cliffs, we continued down a step hill to the wetlands where a decision was made not to go along the beach and to the Maori caves. Heading up hill, we donned coats in light rain stopping for a brief look and a pic of the group in the old Jennings’ derelict home.

IMG_1314 Pam — *Raincoats on after a change in the weather (photo and caption Pam)*

DSC05386 John — *Group photo inside the old house (photo and caption John)*

We then continue up the last climb as it was raining heavily with a forty minute walk back to our cars. After a refreshing 1st tramp we decided that a hot shower was better than coffee, so town-bound and back to base we travelled.
The tramp was approx 9.5km and a nice day,
Cheers Helen and Phil Morris.

18. 11/11/20. Trampers. Heywards Point. Leaders: Helen, Phil and Keith

For the trampers’, we were headed off to Heyward Point, the weather was, a warm 15deg, magic scenic views awaited many, who were having there first tramp in this area.

**Our thanks go to the kind permission of the farm owner, whose permission was required to tramp the final part of this tramp on her farm property**

We headed off, just after 10 am, and after 15 minutes we came to a great lookout, 600/700metres below were the spit beach, the Mole and Aramoana.

DSC04387res — Photo and Caption John – “A view worth stopping for.”

P1020341res — Photo and Caption Gordon – “Harbour views starting off.”

A fishing ship was also making its way toward the sea lane between the spit and Harrington point toward Port Chalmers.

P1020345res — Photo and Caption Gordon – “The mole and the cargo ship.”

An ideal time for morning tea. The chatter was aplenty.

P1020350res — photo and Caption Gordon – “The view at morning tea.”

Moving on we walked on through a small pine forest and Ngaio bush above the cliffs, on a good track. What went up, must go down 200/ 300 meters. But, before doing so, to the north, we could see Warrington beach and township, Karitane, Waikouaiti, and Shag Point.

P1020362res — Photo and Caption Gordon – “View on way to point.”

As we jumped the stile at the bottom, we could see numerous seagulls in the grass, sitting on their nests and in flight, and on cliff faces were black shags.

P1020389res — Photo and Caption Gordon – “Some of the birdlife at the point.”

Along the next cliff, we could see remnants of the boat called the Renegade, which was beached in September 2016 due to a fire onboard, a wet owner Warren Lewis spent time on the beach with seal pups, before being rescued by the Rescue Helicopter.

We worked back up from the cliff, working round the nests and moving around the cliff to a lunch spot that could take in the scenes to the west, a pristine view.

DSC04405res — Photo and Caption John – “Lunch stop.”

Kiki Beach, Purehurihu point, calm sea, and Maori caves. After lunch we got down a steep incline and onto the beach, due to the tide were could not get around to Murderers beach, so we walked along the beach and then into caves. One had an ablution and another had bedding etc.

DSC04406res — Photo and Caption John – “Cave dwelling.”

P1020407res — Photo and Caption Gordon – “The Hermit’s Cave.”

We continued up the fields to an old Jennings derelict home. We stopped and had a look, then continued on the final trek up the hill, and back along the road to our cars.

P1020415res — Photo and Caption Gordon – “Today’s team.”

Finally, we must have coffee and edibles at the Careys Bay restaurant.

Good Company and Great Day,

Leaders Helen, Keith, and Phil M.

17. 20/2/2019. Hikers. Leaders: Jan B and Jay

23 hikers set out on a lovely warm still morning for Heyward Point via Port Chalmers. After parking up at the end of Heyward Point Road we walked along the DOC track for a short time before stopping for morning tea under the shelter of a stand of Pine trees.

Carrying on we arrived at a point overlooking the spit and surrounding vista which we stopped to admire

C.2) Aramoana and Taiaroa Headc — Aramoana and Taiaroa Head. (Clive pic and caption.)

before carrying on around the cliff line to decend through a tree lined track for a while then climbing up onto a clearing again. We continued along the clearly marked track

C.3) Pam and Shona heading towards Heywards Pointc — Pam and Shona heading towards Heywards Point. (Clive pic and caption.)

and around to our left through a paddock of long grass until we reached a point for the lunch stop overlooking Kai Kai beach and beyond.

C.4) Lunch above the beachc — Lunch above the beach. (Clive pic and caption.)

After lunch, with renewed energy, we climbed the style and began a short sharp climb up Chapman’s paddock which soon eased into a steady climb up and up through several gates which eventually lead us back to the track leading back to the cars.

We travelled on up the hill for a short distance to the Orokanui Cafe for the customary tea/coffee fix & completed the journey home over the motorway. – Jan B.

16. 23/1/2019. Trampers. Hayward Point, Kaikai Beach, Whareakeake Road circuit. M. Leader: Keith.

Eight trampers arrived at the end of the Heyward Point Rd and set off at 9.50am. We had morning tea in the shelter of the trees before entering the reserve.

After a visit to Heyward Point proper where there were a good number of seals with pups,

Seals and gulls on the Island. (Eleanor pic and caption.)

we headed up hill and over the stile into Chapman’s farm. We followed some ribbons ( put out by the farmer) up hill to the top gate then followed a steep descent on slippery grass to the beach.

KaiKai beach. (Eleanor pic and caption.)

We strolled along Kai Kai beach where a large leopard seal kept a watchful eye on us, before we followed the cliff back to the bivvie for lunch.

The cave(Lunch). (Eleanor pic and caption.)

We continued uphill again on a good farm track to the Jenning’s house,

Historic Jennings cottage. (Eleanor pic and caption.)

then back to the cars. The predicted rain arrived 10 mins too soon so we were quite wet by the time we returned to the cars. Coffee at Emersons. – Keith.

15. 9/8/2017. Trampers. Hayward Point, Kaikai Beach, Whareakeake Road circuit. M. Leader: Janine.

On what looked like a lovely clear day, 15 trampers set off in from Mosgiel in 4 cars. Difficulties set in very early when 2 of the cars were delayed by a car accident on the motorway – 2 other cars were fortunate to be able to detour through Fairfield. Next difficulty was the further we drove, the thicker the sea mist became and on reaching the end of Heyward Point Road, after the 20 minute delay, visibility was extremely limited in the murky fog.

We set out through the mist and after a short walk stopped under some pine trees for a late morning tea

Morning tea under the trees.(Helen pic and caption.)

then pushed on to the coast edge above Aramoana- BUT still no view on offer!! Disappointing for those of us who knew what we should be seeing and unable to show those who hadn’t been to the location before just what a spectacular coastline we have!

With care we followed the cliff edge, passed through some pine trees, scrambled a short rocky hill to suddenly find the mist had lifted and we had a view. Along to Heyward Point we were able to see the Mole, Aramoana, 2 ships at sea, numerous seal and pups, and a multitude of seabirds.

Shags in a hole in the rock. (Helen pic and caption.)

Onward and we tackled a steep hill – up and down still skirting the cliff edge till dropping onto Kaikai beach area. Due to the late start and time limitations we didn’t venture to the sandy beach but cut accrss the paddock straight to the nearby cave/holiday home where groaning stomachs were replenished.

With the late lunch, we were all delighted with the original Maori fantail legend told to us in real ‘storyteller’ style by Bob.

All refueled, it was another steep climb to the historic ‘Jennings house’- after a quick viewing and discussion on the sturdy foundations of this old homestead – we continued on through paddocks meeting young curious cows and arriving back to the road above Whareakeake beach. The road walk to us back again through thickening mist to where the cars were left. Despite all that water vapour the walk wasn’t too ‘wet’ and the 9.75km ramble appeared to be enjoyed by all. Each car then made their own arrangements for coffee / home drop offs. – Janine.

14. 10/8/2016. Trampers. Hayward Point, Kaikai Beach, Whareakeake Road circuit. M. Leader: Arthur H.

We parked the cars at the end of Hayward Point Road and walked for ten minutes to find our morning tea spot.

The ground was still hard from the frost. The sky was cloudless with just a hint of a cold southerly breeze. We could not have had better weather for our tramp, even if we had been able to arrange it ourselves.

Another short walk took us to the start of the DOC track to Hayward Point itself. Great views up here, of the Otago Harbour entrance, the Aramoana Mole and across to Tiaroa Head.

A large ship was heading into the harbour. A very scenic spot indeed.

Following the cliff-top track, we came to the grassy headland block on which were grazing a mob of hoggets. We descended down to Heyward Point but could see only two seals (usually twenty or more can be seen) and two shags on the little off-shore islet.

Rock with small and large gulls plus seals and shags. (Helen pic and caption).

Plenty of seagulls about though.

We admired the rusty old winch, which had been used to bring up the acetylene gas bottles to power the beacon in years past (solar power now), before continuing.

Uphill next to get above the very steep face, which has recently been fenced off and put into a Q.E.II Covenant Reserve.

Going down again was a bit tricky, and it was necessary to hold on tightly to the fence so as to remain upright for a distance in the wet muddy conditions. Once out onto the grass paddock the going was much easier, but it is a long way down.

The tide was halfway out as we walked along Kaikai beach. A very beautiful place away from civilisation. At the end of the beach we turned inland to admire the holiday cave dwelling.

Cave dwellings (Helen pic.) — Cave dwelling. (Helen pic).

From sea level it is all uphill back o the cars, so we ascended the first hill to lunch at the old house (the Jennings house).

Old house where we had lunch. (Helen pic and caption). — Historic old Jennings house where we had lunch. (Helen pic and caption).

Some stomachs were complaining by then, but morning tea had also been late.

A close inspection of the house followed. Apparently it had last been used during the second world war by the army for coast watching duty.

Up through the paddocks, onto the road, which we followed, returned us to the cars at 2.25 p.m. We had covered 11 kms.

The fine day, together with the great views, had combined to give the seven of us a very enjoyable tramp.

On the way home, a diversion had to be made to observe the weekly ritual at Careys Bay. – Arthur H.

13. 11/5/1016. Hikers. Heyward Point, anti-clockwise loop return over paddocks. M. Leaders: Judy, Adrienne.

21 intrepid hikers parked at the end of the Heyward Point road and set off in beautiful weather after almost forgetting the Bathgate car load who took a wrong turning….
After a leisurely morning tea …

… in the first group of pines, Dorothy came to grief at the first hurdle (style), making a great job of scraping her leg. She was ably patched up …

… by a bevy of nurses and returned to the cars with Chris for a quiet sit in the sun for the rest of the day.

The remaining 19 proceeded along the cliff path where the ups and downs tested our fitness in the rapidly increasing heat. Clothes were shed in all directions before we reached the paddocks above the point. Six keen souls went down to the rocks

Split off 'island' adjacent to lighthouse — Split off ‘island’ adjacent to lighthouse

Birds & seals on 'island' — Birds & seals on ‘island’

and were rewarded by the sight of families of seals cavorting in the rock pools. The bulk of the party proceeded to the style perched steeply on the hillside above Kai Kai Beach where we stopped for lunch and were soon joined by the other six.

Then it was a steady slog uphill and across farm paddocks for another hour, to reach the track a couple of hundred metres from the cars.
Fantastic weather, incredible views and good company made this a most enjoyable hike, concluding with a coffee stop at the Stadium Cafe.
-Judy and Adrienne.

12. 26/3/2014 Trampers. Heyward Point, Kaikai Beach, Whareakeake Road.

We had 8 people today, our numbers were boosted by 3 young men from Israel, who were bought along by Hazel.
We had good weather apart from a strong wind on the way back up to the top road again, & all agreed it is a good walk. – Ken

Morning tea break. (Ken pic and caption)

Lunch at the cave accommodation (Ken pic and caption)

11. 16/1/2013 Trampers. Heyward Point, Kaikai Beach, Whareakeake Road.

We had a very good walk today, with great weather, a good mix of terrain, & we had a good chat to Sue & Partner. Judy is related to both Sue, & the woman who live at the very start by the gate, she is Sue’s sister. So lots of ‘catching up’ was done.

Ian leaving the loo. (Ken pic and caption).

This time, on leaving the “cave homestead”, instead of scrambling up the steep bank further towards the sea, we went up the 4WD track
Apparently the people that use the cave have been going there for about 40yrs. & there are some small children with them, so I guess it’s a good playground for them.
We did 9.7km; ave. 3.7km/hr; moving time 2h 37m; climbed 447m. – Ken.

10. 24/3/2011 Trampers. Heyward Point, Kaikai Beach, Whareakeake Road.

Looking back along low-tide beach towards Mole and Spit

Island at Point much favoured by sea lions and sea birds

Lunch on Kaikai beach. (We had a lovely view of the beach at low-tide)

Later we went over to look down on Whareakeake Beach before climbing the ridge to the road.

Note re Whareakeake Beach: In the late 1980s, local Ngāi Tahu iwi sought to change the name of Murdering Beach to Whareakeake – its original Māori name. There was considerable objection. The Board supported the change, but the then Minister did not, and so Murdering Beach remained. However, the settlement of Ngāi Tahu’s Treaty claim in 1998 lead to this name being changed through statute and it being the only one of 89 Treaty settlement names that was not dual-named.( http://www.linz.govt.nz/placenames/consultation-decisions/a-to-z/whanganui/boards-decision/appendix-b/index.aspx). (Whareakeake = house/home forever? My translation-guess. – Ian)

9. 13/2/2008. Trampers. Heyward Point, Kaikai Beach. Leaders: Doug, Sabina.

8. 28/3/2007. Trampers. Heyward Point. (Park cars.) Kaikai Beach, Murdering Beach Road. Leaders: Ian, Arthur H

7. 10/8/2005 Aramoana, Heyward Point, Kaikai Beach. Leaders: Ian, Hazel