I’ve always regarded myself as, and indeed endeavoured to be, an optimist. But on Tuesday night, I had serious doubts that Wednesday’s tramp would proceed. That night seemed to leave little room for optimism. A Wednesday morning early dog walk gave a glimmer of hope, that the weather, although unpredictable, might be improving. Seventeen ‘optimistic’ trampers took part on the Split Rock tramp.
The day began with three cars from Dunedin, being joined by one from Mosgiel (with six passengers) at the On the Spot Store, Waitati. From here we travelled in convoy to Seacliff, and up Russell Road to park above the entrance to Truby King Reserve.
Initially we set off at a steady pace (to ward off the cold) uphill for one and a half kilometres, before turning right, through a farm gate, to have morning tea, in lee of the cool breeze, being sheltered by a wool shed.
We then crossed a field to join an old farm track, that took us towards Maori Peak. Well formed with rock fill, and worn “cobblestones” underfoot, some theories were muddled over: Was this an old supply route, perhaps linking up to a road to the goldfields, or more likely, was it simply an overbuilt farm track, it’s construction used as a therapy, or to occupy the time of, Seacliff Hospitals psychiatric patients?
An uphill pinch of this track proved taxing for one of our group who was having breathing difficulties. Thanks Tail end Charlie Dave, who appropriately equipped with the club’s PLB, (we still had Graham T’s personal PLB with us) accompanied the struggling tramper back to the cars. Reading a text at lunch time, that they were all O.K, and had safely arrived at the cars, was a pleasant relief.
From the cobbled track after gate No5, we followed a fence-line down to Maori Peak, before passing through gate No7. A feature of this tramp was opening and closing gates! Apart from improving our gate handling skills, these gates provided a useful regrouping opportunity.
Lunch was enjoyed in a sheltered spot, looking out onto Maori Peak. Many of our group climbed part way, or right to the top, of the peak, which afforded great views for 360 degrees.
We left Maori Peak, again walking through farmland, to reach a farm track that took us to a larger gravel road. By some cattle yards gate No8 gained us access to a large paddock, taking us up towards Split Rock. We could see what looked like the bush surrounding Split Rock, as we went through another gate, taking us into another paddock with a steep climb. At this gate’s regroup we could see and smell the rain coming. After quickly putting on coats and pack covers, sure enough, within a few minutes the rain came. Being well prepared it didn’t dampen our spirits and soon subsided. After reaching a bit of a false summit, the next cluster of bushes, trees and rocks, were those surrounding Split Rock. Thanks to Pam’s navigating, retracing old ribbons she had used previously to mark the way, we were soon at our destination.
This was my third visit to Split Rock, and it never disappoints. The split itself is believed to be the result of the expansion and contraction of water as it freezes and thaws, in a vertical fracture or fault. The process accelerated by successive ice ages. The rock is covered in a colourful variety of lichens and mosses. A standout feature being substantial trees, seemingly growing out of the rock. These trees have large aerial and prop roots running down the side of the rock itself. Most of us ventured through the crack in the rock, with many climbing to the top as well, (more expansive views!)
From here we headed south, across some more thistle covered paddocks, until we came to a 4WD track, access being gained by gate No11! By about 2.45pm we were back at the cars, meeting up again at the Gallery Cafe’ Waitati to enjoy coffee and cake.
Thanks are due to:
– Dave, for giving up his tramp to assist our struggling tramper back to the cars.
– Graeme S. for taking over the Tail end Charlie role in Dave’s absence.
– Pam and Esther, for their company on the recce, and for Pam’s most re-assuring “nudge” (on a few occasions,) to send me in the right direction on tramp day.
– Farmers, Richard Penno and Stephen Dennis, for allowing us access to their farm properties.
In all we covered 10.1km, with an elevation gain of 312 metres, and 3hrs 12mins. moving time. (Highest figures between Strava and Topo 50.)
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” Beverly Sills.
17. 08/06/2022. Trampers. Seacliff, Maori Peak and Split Rock. Leaders Pam and Colleen
Following the fence line, then up and down paddocks to Maori Peak. Maori Peak is now fenced and gated. There are many plantings of small Kowhai trees on the Peak, which are going to be great for the birds in a few years’ time. Eating food on Maori Peak is prohibited. Many clambered up to the top to get awesome coastal views, Mt Watkins, Karitane and the inland mountains.
Many stripping off hats and layers. Back down farmland to a farm road, which has a section lined with Poplar trees. Passing a woolshed, we headed up the paddock by fence line, which we shared with plenty of sheep. This was a grunt but lunch on the logs, at 12:30 at the top made it all worthwhile, along with awesome views of Karitane and Mt Watkins.
The wind got up which told us it was time to move on to Split Rock. Split Rock is absolutely magnificent and is enriched by red lichen at the entrance of the Rock. This was the first time here for many and was the highlight of our tramp. Many climbed to the top, with once again tremendous views of the coast, Taiaroa Head and Warrington Beach.
We carried on along a grass farm road and back to the cars. Stopping at Blueskin Bay cafe for coffee and cake on the way home.
Today we were joined by members who haven’t been out with us for a while, and Gwenda’s niece and great niece from Nelson.
Many thanks to our many “gate keepers“. Many thanks to our farmers, Steven, Denis and Richard for access.
Enjoyable day had by all. GREAT weather and GREAT company,
Sarah and Colleen
Fifteen keen trampers set out from Seacliff on a cool but calm mid-winter’s day. After a short climb on the the road, we made our entrance onto private farmland and stopped for morning tea track-side in a shady area of native bush.
We climbed steadily on an old coach road/farm track to the top of the hill where we could take in the magnificent vista from Waikouaiti to Taiaroa Head. Seawards, the off-shore mist blanked out the horizon so that a mighty container ship at anchor truly looked “as idle as a painted ship, upon a paintedocean.” (A description penned by poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge in ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’!).
Thirty minutes later we sidled downhill
to reach Maori Peak, which is a bit of a challenge to ascend
– especially the rock face near the top. However who would want to miss the stunning views over the sea and surrounding countryside?
Being too early for lunch, we set out for Split Rock.
Today we chose to go via the bottom road to avoid boggy areas and a paddock full of ewes that the farmer requested we do not disturb. At a stock yard immediately below Split Rock we re-entered the Penno farm and encountered a nuggety little climb up a gully to the ridgeline. A handy log provided a convenient backrest for lunch overlooking Karitane township.
Split Rock never fails to impress; especially since at least half of our team had not been there before. The bright red lichen and the narrow cleft through the rock
are spectacular. Most trampers also climbed onto the top of this huge rock to enjoy more great coastal views. It was then an easy descent back to the road to the cars. Since we had a bit of time we went for a wander through the Seacliff Reserve before finishing the day with a coffee/tea at Blue Skin Nurseries.
Distance around 12 km.
Neil and Margreet
14. 28 February 2018 – Maori Peak and Split Rock Margreet and Neil.
After parking the cars in Russell Rd (at Seacliff) 12 trampers set out on the day’s hike. It was a calm, warm Dunedin morning and in fact during the course of the day the temperature got up to 24 degrees; so conditions were ideal.
We walked up the road, entered a farm, and enjoyed morning tea in a sheltered area past the wool shed.
Then we rambled through grassy paddocks until we reached Maori Peak at 11.30. It was a nuggety climb to the top but well worth it to get the spectacular coastal and mountain views.
Still too early for lunch so we descended and started making our way towards Split Rock.
We enjoyed a leisurely lunch at a sun-drenched ‘possie’ overlooking Karitane.
The hike through the paddocks to Split Rock was spoiled a little by waist high thistles
but we had forewarned our crew to wear appropriate protective clothing, so no real issue.
Split Rock was new to some and they were most impressed by the narrow cleft in the rock that we all had to squeeze through. The red colour of the rock lichen was beautiful
and there were also lots of bush orchids to admire. The views from the top of the rock were not to be missed.
Then it was an easy walk through paddocks and farm tracks back to the cars. Before going for coffee at Blueskin Bay we ventured into the Seacliff Recreational Reserve for a quick look at the memorial plaque that gives a brief history of the lunatic asylum that used to be there. The lawns are now beautifully manicured and it is a very peaceful place to reflect on the former infamous history of this place and its unfortunate inmates.
In all we hiked around 11 km and comments about the day were very positive.
Margreet & Neil
13. 21/10/2015. Trampers. Seacliff, Maori Peak, Split Rock.
There were a few in the group who had not been here before so they all had a good look around,
On the way back, the majority of us decided we would follow the farm track back out to the road, while 3 others decided they knew best & went out the way that we had returned on a previous trip. Having now done the return both ways, I think i prefer the walk back through the paddocks, instead of the farm track, which is a bit boring, although it does offer some new views.
When everybody was ready to leave, we all decided that a stop at Blueskin Cafe was a good idea to keep up the coffee club tradition. On the way to the cafe, we caught up with the steam train that was visiting Dunedin for Labour weekend [powered by the steam engine ‘The Passchendaele”] which stopped at Waitati, where some of the group went to have a look at it.
Apart from the strong wind all day, everybody enjoyed the walk.
walked 9.1km
4.1km/h
climbed 530mtrs. – Ken.
12. 18/6/2014. Trampers. Seacliff, Maori Peak, Split Rock. Medium.
From the above statement, you will have guessed that we had a very muddy tramp. We started early as one of our party had an appointment at 3:30pm, so we had to be sure of getting home in time for that.
When we arrived at Russell Rd. outside the Truby King Reserve, the condition of the road surface gave us a taste of what was to come, it was very wet & sloppy. As we walked up Russell Rd. the farmer came by on his tractor, so we had a good chat with him before moving on to the top of the road & into the farm land where we had morning tea at the woolshed not far from the road. We squelched our way over to Maori peak, where some climbed to the top to admire the view, & then it was off again retracing our steps back up to the top, & around to Split Rock, where it was obligatory for some to make their way through the split, & back again.
We had lunch at Split rock,
We walked 9.4km; moving time 2h 17min; ave 4.1km/hr; climbed 342mtrs; max elevation 431mtrs. – Ken
11. 25/7/2012. 7 Trampers. Seacliff, Maori Peak, Split Rock. Medium.
As you might determine from the GPS of the route, we pioneered/recconnoitred some new ways of connecting Russell Road, Maori Peak and Split Rock, some better, some worse.
By going across at the immediate end of the road, we avoided having to climb the paper road over the top and the deep gully across to Maori Peak. Our gradients were more gradual. Bravo. However, on the return, at the large water tank, instead of going down, we went across and got into a no-trespassing area. (Compare route on map below on previous tramp for difference.) So, we climbed up and up and came out at the top of the road again! Ah well, it was still a good day out, and the extra exercise did nobody any harm. – Ian
10. 10/3/2010. Trampers. Seacliff, Maori Peak, Split Rock. Medium. Leaders: Ken, Hazel, Ria.
9. 9/6/2004. Hikers. Seacliff, Maori Peak. Medium. Leaders: Peter and Wendy
8. 23/4/2003. Trampers. Seacliff: Maori Peak, Split Rock. Medium. Leaders: Doug M, Arthur H, Graham.