16/07/2025. Heyward Point from Aramoana. Grade 3.5. Trampers . Leaders: Karen McInnes, Gail Williams.
Twenty-three well rugged up trampers left cars at the bottom of the start of the Heyward Track and began the steep ascent to the top.
We all experienced sunstrike, a stiff cold wind and an abundance of sheep poo which was rather slippery but gave a rural aroma to the climb.
When the track levelled out, morning tea was enjoyed in the sun, sheltered from the wind.
From there we continued on an undulating track, through stands of trees and across paddocks to a steepish descent…
… down to Heyward Point beacon and the remains of an old winch used to heave up fuel to power the beacon.
Lovely views but it was cold and windy.
Lunch was at a calm sheltered spot at the top of the climb away from the Point where the fantails entertained us with their antics.
We continued to retrace our steps back through the trees and across paddocks down to the cars.
It was a short but grunty tramp. A social gathering and coffee was enjoyed at Santosha in Port Chalmers.
Gail and Karen
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.