14/08/2024. Taieri Mouth Excursion. Grade 3. Hikers. Leaders: Bill Cubitt & Alex Griffin.
26 hikers gathered at Knarston Park on a beautiful late winter’s morning.
We decided to have morning tea at the park as it was well after 10.00am by the time we had everyone present. Smoko was very tasty with Ady having brought her own recipe nut fudge to share amongst the group.
After a short walk around the riverfront, we entered the track and began a very pleasant hike along track and boardwalk – we were greeted by the sounds of Tui and Bellbird as soon as we entered the bush. The DOC description of the flora along this walk is spot on and we passed under some magnificent Totara, White Pine and some huge Tree Ferns – the track was in pretty good order and the gradient certainly worthy of a 3.5!
The lookout seat at the pinnacle of the track was a welcome sight for our intrepid group and we were able to relax and enjoy our lunch in glorious sunshine. The views are awesome both inland along the Taieri River and coastwards out over Moturata Island.
The return journey is quite challenging for wearying bodies and the leading group of walkers soon tired of my assurances that there were no more climbs as we laboured upwards yet again!
It was a lovely day out with a great group of people and fittingly capped off with refreshments at the Brighton Cafe …
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.