10/09/2025. Nicols Creek, Moon Track, Swampy Ridge, Pineapple and Shortcut Tracks. Grade 4. Trampers. Leaders: Gwenda Farqharson, Lyn Keene.
20 Trampers met at Leith Valley Road, our tramp followed the Nicol’s Falls track. The Track is renowned for its scenic beauty as well as the Glow Worms who make their home in the damp hollows of the track.
We continued up the hill to have morning tea at Finnerty’s old house site which was a popular tourist attraction in the late 1800’s.
Michael Finnerty charged sixpence to guide visitors to the Falls. However, this extra cash earned for the family started a 10 year feud involving sabotage, arson and several court battles.
We continued up Nicols Track then branched off onto Moon Track which was very muddy in places with lots of overgrown flax bushes and the dreaded gorse.
Just as we arrived at the Swampy Ridge junction the weather was starting to change. The forecast indicated rain later in the day, but by the time we had arrived we experienced rain which later changed to hail stones. This weather front continued on as we were walking along on the Pineapple Track. But surprisingly we didn’t feel the cold, as we all rugged up and were walking at pace because we were all looking forward to our lunch.
We still were able to see the amazing views of Dunedin and surrounding hills before we turned off onto Shortcut Track.
We stopped for lunch in the bush and whilst there we were also treated with some lovely bird song. By the time we left the lunch break the weather had improved. We returned to the vehicles via Nicols Falls track.
A very enjoyable day in the hills, Ks 9.4 4 hours walking
Leaders Gwenda Farquharson and Lyn Keene
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.