27/08/2025. Peggy’s Hill from Macandrew Bay. Grade 4. Trampers. Leaders: Graeme Souter and Gwenda Farqharson.
Peggy – who on earth was Peggy? Read on ….
A calm day greeted 23 trampers at Macandrew Bay eager for our trip to Peggy’s Hill. I think this was the first time this trip was undertaken by the club, at least I could find no other mention of previous trips to Peggy’s Hill.
After a few notices about electric gates / fences and the probability of ewes lambing we headed off along the cycleway to Company Bay and McTaggart St. A short walk soon brought us to the start of the Harbour Cone track where we enjoyed morning tea in a grotto surrounded by pine trees.
Following morning tea we continued along the track which offers great views of Broad Bay and the harbour.
We were soon on Camp Road and a steady climb to the top of the track,
just below Larnach Castle and onto a second section of the Harbour Cone track.
Again we were greeted with magic views over Broad Bay, Port Chalmers and the outer harbour.
We were forewarned by the farmer that there was the possibility of ewes lambing in this area so care was needed. Sure enough we ventured onto a wee beastie hiding in a clump of grass on our intended route. No problems, a detour soon saw us down through the paddocks giving the wee thing a wide berth.
Soon we reached the gate that was the entrance to Peggy’s Hill proper. Who knew that Peggy’s Hill is the second highest peak (401 metres) on the Peninsula just marginally under Mt Charles at 408 metres (see NZ Topo maps).
We climbed steadily up a fairly easy farm track, and on through the gate with the on/off switch for the electric fencing. Safely through, there was a bit of a scramble up through the paddock to a large plateau and onto the summit to enjoy lunch and views that makes the climb worthwhile.
So who was Peggy? A good number of clever cookies correctly guessed – Peggy was indeed a cow owned by the Christie family, one of the first to farm in this area, who apparently would wander up there to have her calves. This information is sourced from a book written by Brian and Diane Miller (Macandrew Bay – a history of a community on the Otago Peninsula). There is some conjecture however as the Hereweka Block Historical Material – page 23. advises that Peggy’s Hill is named after a cow who died up there belonging to the Riddell family.
Lunch completed we headed off back down through the paddocks to Camp Road coming out just short of Larnach Castle entrance, a much easier and quicker descent. It was then a leisurely walk along the road to Pukehiki and the Greenacres track which took us back to our cars.
Coming down the gravel road to Macandrew Bay one of our group took a tumble. This resulted in a few good scrapes and grazes, but fortunately other than a loss of dignity no major damage. A big thank you to everyone who helped out here, especially to Sandy, who soon had our patient bandaged up and on the road again.
Back at Macandrew Bay most decided an ice cream was in order although a few did pop into The Duck for a coffee. All up we covered just under 12km in little under 5 hours with a climbing total of 403 meters.
A great day out on a trip which I think will become one of the clubs favourites in the future.
Lastly a massive shout out and thank you to the farmer Brendon for allowing us access to Peggy’s Hill, especially as this was our second go at this trip, the first being cancelled due weather.
Graeme
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.