08/10/2025. Raceman’s Track. Grade 2.5. Hikers. Leaders: Sandra Lawn & Bruce Spittle.
A group of 16 cheerful hikers gathered to walk a circuit around Raceman’s Track, Tunnel Track and back along Whare Flat Road to the starting point at Silverstream car park.
Joining the group was Trudy a first-time walker and Stuart on his second walk. There were four walkers experiencing this area for the first time, some living locally and unaware of what’s in our own back yard in the historic Silver Stream Water-Race tracks area. Walkers generously shared their knowledge of the historical aspects of the area, walking stories, bush bashing getting ‘lost’ stories, and memories of picnicking and swimming in the weirs.
The group was well prepared for slippery mud after the previous heavy rain on the weekend, however the mud wasn’t as bad as expected, although that may depend on individuals own ‘mud rating.’
From the Silver Stream car park the group ambled along the flats, visiting the lower weir, before tackling the first promised steep muddy narrow uphill track heading for the morning tea stop at the junction of Raceman’s track and Tunnel Track.
The group continued along the wide Tunnel track which follows the remaining water race, tunnels and pipes of Dunedin’s original water supply. Some club members noted the overall deterioration of the track after years of storm and rain damage. Everyone managed to negotiate the fallen trees across the path and mud steps without mishap.
The number 14 55 on the marker signifies the BM(Bench Mark) number for a specific survey point. Surveyors can then use the unique code to locate and access its data through LINZ’s systems. (Information from hiker Mike).
The lunch stop was on a clay bank in the pine forest with everyone enjoying the warming temperatures of 21C on this spring day.
After lunch there was a short onwards and upwards on the clay pine forest path before following the track down and around to the final muddy descent and stream crossing completed without wet feet with the aid of Bruce’s rope.
After walking along Whare Flat Road in brilliant sunshine members enjoyed a coffee at Wals Garden Centre.
Sandra and Bruce
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.