Goodwood Road, Bobby’s Head, Puketapu

69 km from car-park

Bobby’s Head, Greenwood Road, Puketapu – Information and Trips Library

7. 19/6/2024 Bobby’s Head expand. Grade 2.5 Leaders Barbara Shackell and Dave Mellish

The weather report was not that exciting for the planned trip to the Bobbys Head area east of Palmerston.

The 6 cars eventually met at Stony Creek Lagoon down Anderson Road, off Goodward Road. This area had not been explored before by the club. Morning tea was enjoyed amongst the native plants, out of the cool easterly breeze. The group, which included a couple of newbies and a visitor from Timaru, then headed down the side of the lagoon to the beach, past recent plantings of natives.

Stoney Creek Lagoon 800 — *Circumnavigating Stoney Creek lagoon – photo & caption Phil*

The views of the interesting cliffs at the south end of the beach were partly hindered by big waves, causing excitement.

Trtc South End Stony Creek Estuary 800 — *South End Stony Creek Estuary – photo & caption Barbara*

We then walked to the north end of the beach. It was explained that the steps visible up the cliff face lead to a track that followed the cliff tops to the Shag River estuary. This is an ideal tramper’s track and could be explored further (see North Otago Tramping & Mountaineering Club Report on Anderson’s Lagoon track ~ there are several)

Another Stairway To Heaven, Or At Least Shag River 800 — *Another stairway to heaven, or at least the Shag river – photo & caption Phil*

*Impromptu Quiz – photo & caption Jenni*

Returning to the cars, we then headed to Bobby’s Head – an unusual name.

Trtc Bobbys Head Well Marked Route With Commentary Available 800 — *Bobby’s Head well marked route with commentary – photo & caption Barbara*

Bobby’s head was originally known for its volcanics but more recently known for its yellow eyed penguins. A walk through native plants lead us to the beach where lunch was enjoyed in a sheltered area of maram grass.

Trtc Sheltered Lunch Spot Among The Coastal Dunes On Tavora Reserve 800 — *Sheltered lunch spot among the coastal dunes on Tavora Reserve – photo & caption Barbara*

In 1996 a yellow eyed penguin trust was formed to protect the penguins. Native plants/trees were planted over an extensive area for their shelter. Penguin numbers increased for a while but then declined and now, very unfortunately, there are none. From the beach we walked up a zig zag track to the cliff top and around the headland. Views overlooking the coastline were amazing.

From Bobbys Head South 800 — *from Bobby’s head south – photo & caption Phil*

The volcanic pillow lava rocks were evident on the side of the track. Pillow lava meaning lava forming millions of years ago,under the sea, and cooling like pillows or very large cauliflowers.

The cool breeze kept us moving up and down till we reached the cars. Coffee was enjoyed at the Outpost at Waikouaiti by those who didn’t have destinations north.

Trtc Bobbys Head Rd Between Tavora (lhs) &goodwood (rhs) Reserves. The Final 500m 800 — *Bobby’s Head Road between Tavora (LHS) & Goodwood (RHS) Reserves. The final 500m – photo & caption Barbara*

20240619 142143 800 — *Coffee – photo & caption Helen*

It was a pleasure to be with such a great group of keen hikers!

Dave Mellish and Barbara Shackell (TEC).

6. 24/5/2023 Mt Royal/Bobby’s Head Trampers. Grade 3.5 Leaders Graham Thurlow and Carol Thurlow.

On a calm and sunny winter’s day we arrived at the Tavora Reserve car park.

Trampers 24 May Entering Tavora Reserve Pam — *Entering Tavora Reserve. Photo & caption Pam*

Some of us came via various routes! As we walked along the road towards Steven Foote’s farm and then up the paddocks toward Mount Royal, Graham explained that the Goodwood Rd had been the original wagon road to Palmerston and up to the goldfields through the Pig Route.

We walked up through the paddocks turning to admire views out to the coast, and the Pleasant River estuary to the southeast.

Trampers 24 May view S over Pleasant River estuary Phil — *View S over Pleasant River estuary. Photo & caption Phil*

Trampers 24 May Admiring the view back towards the south coast Pam — *Admiring the view back towards the south coast. Photo & caption Pam*

Trampers 24 May Yes, there still are more sheep than people in New Zealand. John — *Yes, there still are more sheep than people in New Zealand. Photo & caption John*

Trampers 24 May Looking over Tavora Reserve. Pam — *Looking over Tavora Reserve. Photo & caption Pam*

Then also looking further up the coast Graham explained that the large homestead on a knob facing west, was built by the Preston family in 1904. Some of their descendants still own Longlands Station inland at the end of the Pig Route as you enter the Maniototo. This house (shown below) was once their winter residence.

Preston Homestead — *The Homestead (photo taken from a real-estate listing in the NZ Herald)*

Then from a point higher up as we entered the valley we looked down on Ireland Road. Graham explained this valley had been occupied by many Irish families. The Kelly’s were the last to leave. We arrived at the Foote family Hut in the valley and had lunch.

Trampers 24 May Lunchtime at the cottage Pam — *Lunchtime at the cottage. Photo & caption Pam*

Trampers 24 MayChef Pam takes lunch orders Phil — *Chef Pam takes lunch orders. Photo & caption Phil*

Trampers 24 May Up, up and more up. Hut in the background. Helen — *Up, up and more up. Hut in the background. Photo & caption Helen*

After that we headed straight up to the Skyline and through the gate into Simon Engelbrecht’s farm. (Formally Graham’s farm). At the top we stood beside the survey Trig marker. We viewed Palmerston below us and up to the north the Kakanui mountain range. To the west were clear views of the volcanic peaks inland from Waikouaiti including Mount Watkin.

Trampers 24 May been there done that (Mt Watkin). Photo & caption Phil — *Been there done that (Mt Watkin). Photo & caption Phil*

As we walked back down to the coast we observed the remnant native forest still on the farm largely ngaio, broadleaf, houhere or lacebark, totara, matai, kanuka and red matipo. Down Bobby’s Head Rd to the Tavora Reserve around the cliffs we observed seals lazing about in the sun.

Trampers 24 May Native bush in the reserve Pam — *Native bush in the reserve. Photo & caption Pam*

Trampers 24 May Number 7 Style, lucky for some! John — *Number 7 Style, lucky for some! Photo & caption John*

Trampers 24 May That Fur Seal sleeping on his back will be the one snoring! John — *That Fur Seal sleeping on his back will be the one snoring! Photo & caption John*

Trampers 24 May Rugged Coastline. John — *Rugged Coastline. Photo & caption John*

Back at the cars everyone expressed their enjoyment to be out tramping again on a good day. Our thanks to Steven Foote and Simon Engelbrect for granting us access across their farms.

Screenshot_20230525_084855_New Zealand Maps Screenshot_20230524_180351_New Zealand Maps

5. 31/3/2021. Hikers. Leaders Dave Roberts and John Gardiner

On a pleasant morning with a questionable (two way bet type) weather forecast IE – Mostly cloudy, isolated showers, at 9.50 a.m. 14 Hikers in 5 cars rendezvoused at the Waikouaiti Community Centre. Twelve hikers journeyed from Mosgiel , Dave and I direct from Dunedin. The convoy, led by Jill Dodd travelled north, turning right into Goodwood Road, then right again, into the gravel, Bobby’s Hill Road, to reach the hike’s starting point. We arrived at 10.15 am.at Goodwood Road being South of Palmerston. After a brief warm up walk along a pleasant, grassy track, morning tea was enjoyed at 10.35 a.m. on the Waikouaiti Beach.

Morning tea on the beach (Photo and caption John Gardiner)

By 10.55 a.m. we were on our way again beginning our circular hike up and around Bobby’s Head. As we climbed we were treated to magnificent views looking South back to the beach and coastline beyond.

With frequent stops to regroup, a ‘park bench’ halfway up the hill became a resting spot for Clive, Jay, Lester and Shona. Upon rounding the point of Bobby’s Head we were treated to more spectacular scenery. First a cave calved out of a cliff face, later the sight of young Fur Seals frolicking in their crèche, being a sheltered cove.

Rounding Bobby's Head — Rounding Bobby’s Head
(Photo and caption John)

Soon the bush opened out into open farmland, and with little wind, we were able to have lunch in a sunny spot, just before mid-day.

Lunch in the sun
(Photo and caption John)

From here it was a pleasant walkdown to Bobby’s Hill Road, which took us back to our cars. On this part of the hike we were joined by a flock of sheep who wandered alongside us (still in their paddock) matching our pace. One sheep, having somehow crossed the fence even took over from Dave as our leader (no flouro vest!). She soon sped up to ‘Trampers Pace’ and left us behind however!

Sheep on the right, coming for a hike
(Photo and caption John)

Having returned to the cars at 1.10 p.m. the second part of our hike began. our route back to the motorway, we turned off at the Karitane intersection and were soon traveling on the Old Coast Road. After a short stop at the Karitane Lookout we proceeded to the Warrington Domain. From here the more energetic members of our group walked along Warrington Beach.

Karitane lookout view — Karitane Lookout view
(Photo and caption John)

It was here that the morning’s questionable weather forecast began to make sense! Looking towards the northern end of the beach storm clouds were brewing in a dark grey ominous sky, to the south blue was the dominant colour. With the ‘mostly cloudy’ bit right, caution prevailed and isolated showers did look like an understatement! We headed back to the cars, then on to Blueskin Cafe, arriving at 2.20p.m. for refreshments and socializing.

A special welcome to new member Cathy, this being your first hike with us, I hope you enjoyed yourself? A thank you to Jill Dodd for her help, and cooperation in letting Dave and I ‘tap into’ her knowledge of the area.

John

4. 21/03/2020 Trampers. Goodwood/Puketapu. Leaders Jill D and Jenni

15 trampers ventured out this Wednesday 1stly to do a loop walk round Bobbies headland following a well maintained track through the Tavora reserve.

IMG_1581res — Photo and Caption Jenni – “Stunning views of Tavora Reserve.”

This area is just north of Waikouaiti and out to the coast. The Tavora reserve is maintained by the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust. (Tavora is the old name for penguin). They have done extensive replanting in the area to try and recreate the original vegetation. A relatively easy track zig zags up to the headland. Here there are magnificent views up and down the coastlines.

DSC03943res — Photo and Caption John – “Rugged coastline.”

We had our morning tea on the beach and spotted seals under the cliff on the rocky outcrops.

P1010237 (1)res — Photo and Caption Gordon – “Morning tea in the sand dunes.

DSC03931res — Photo and Caption John – “Seals watching us have morning tea.”

The headland was once (18,000,000 years ago), an active volcano.

This walk took about an hour.

Photo and Caption John – “Erosion like rust never sleeps.”

IMG_1589res — Photo and Caption Jenni – “Returning the information sheet at the end of the reserve.”

From here we travelled by inland route 10 kms to Palmerston where Puketapu the 300 m Sacred Hill is situated, a landmark on the surrounding countryside.

DSC03951 (1res — Photo and Caption John – “Starting up Puketapu.”

The track starts relatively easily, across the face of Puketapu crossing several elaborate fence like styles.

The last 50 m is straight up to the famous monument in memory of James McKenzie.

P1010259res — Photo and Caption Gordon – “A real stiff climb to the tower.”

DSC03964res — Photo and Caption John – “The McKenzie plaque.”

This monument is 13 m high with an internal metal stairway to a viewing platform. From here there is a superb 360 degree panorama south to the Otago Peninsula inland towards the Pigroot, to the Maniototo and north to the Shag river Waitaki district

IMG_1592 (1)res — Photo and Caption Jenni – “Karen on top of the world.”

At the summit we enjoyed a leisurely lunch break taking in the view and very little wind to spoil the day.

P1010266res — Photo and Caption Gordon – “Lunch at the tower.”

DSC03953res — Photo and Caption John – “Taking in the view from the top.”

P1010269 — Photo and Caption Gordon – “A view of Mt Watkins from the top of the tower.”

Our return trip down followed a sheep track till we met the gentler slopes again. Sheep and cattle grazed unconcerned with the humans passing by.

IMG_1600res — Photo and Caption Jenni – “Cattle unconcerned as we wander by.”

As a side each year there is the annual Kelly’s canter race up and down Puketapu at a much quicker pace than us!

In the last 6 weeks we have summited 3 prominent peaks Mt Watkins, Mt Charles and now Puketapu great effort by all.

Total for the 2 walks 8.3 kms but 94 floors !!

We debriefed at Blueskin nurseries cafe.

Jenni and Jill D

3. 24/1/2012. Trampers. Goodwood. Ken.

4 of us went to Goodwood Rd. just south of Palmerston, & then onto Bobby’s head Rd. It was drizzling some of the way there, & the conditions didn’t look all that good with low cloud etc. We parked at the interpretation sign, & walked along the cut grass track to the beach, where there is another interpretation sign. We climbed the hill, on the cut grass track, up onto the top of the ridge leading to Bobby’s Head, stopping at a bench seat to have morning tea. We continued on around this track, taking time to look at the view along the coast.

View North from Bobbys Head. (Ken pic and caption)

By the time we got to the end of this track back at the road, it was only 11:20am and steady drizzle, so we decided to go & see what conditions were like at Palmerston, with a view to climbing Puketapu. The drizzle had stopped when we got there, so we set off to climb to the top. We had lunch inside the monument at the top, …