Kaik-Otakou

150 square15/04/2026. Kaik-Otakou. Grade 3. Trampers.  Leaders: Sylvia Watts and Carolyn Pridham.
On a super lovely day we headed down the Otago Peninsula to Otakou all stopping near the bus stop.

As we walked up Ellison Rd we counted 28 persons which is an awesome tramping number.

Perfect spot for morning tea overlooking the otago harbour. caption and photo pam
Perfect spot for morning tea overlooking the Otago Harbour. Caption and photo Pam
Early view from the track. caption and photo john
Early view from the track. Caption and photo John

On the journey there were many gates and those who opened stayed and closed, many thanks.  At the top we glanced around looking at Otago Harbour on one side and the Papanui inlet on the other. Fantastic views.

Great views – signal hill to mt cargill caption and photo ross
Great views – Signal Hill to Mt Cargill Caption and photo Ross
Over the ridgeline, mt charles in the background caption and photo jane
Over the ridgeline, Mt Charles in the background Caption and photo Jane
Looking south at wide open spaces. caption and photo john
Looking South at wide open spaces. Caption and photo John

On the descent we eventually made it down onto the Riddell Track. Then it was a short walk to the Pyramids.

 

The pyramids at okia reserve caption and photo pam
The Pyramids at Okia Reserve Caption and photo Pam
Over the fence into okia reserve our route down from ridge in background caption and photo jane
Over the fence into Okia reserve – our route down from ridge in background Caption and photo Jane

At this point we found a cosy little spot to hunker down for lunch.

The cave explorers caption and photo marijke
The cave explorers Caption and photo Marijke
Lunchtime under the watchful eye of one of the pyramids caption and photo marijke
Lunchtime under the watchful eye of one of the Pyramids Caption and photo Marijke

After lunch there were some who climbed the pyramid while others walked back to the gate prior to heading towards the hill/mountain!!!
The return had us huffing and puffing upwards.

Ongaonga thriving beside the farm road in taiaroa hill forest remnant caption and photo jane
Ongaonga thriving beside the farm road in Taiaroa Hill forest remnant Caption and photo Jane
A steepish climb back up the farm track to the taiaroa hill ridgeline caption and photo jane
A steepish climb back up the farm track to the Taiaroa Hill ridgeline Caption and photo Jane

Once on top we all meandered back down towards our cars.

Looking back at otago harbour’s narrow entrance. caption and photo pam
Looking back at Otago Harbour’s narrow entrance. Caption and photo Pam

The consensus of the group was how gracious were the landowners, Edward and Jason, to allow us on their land.
I personally would like to thank Edward for sending me a map of where the track should direct us. I’m immensely proud that we have connected since school days.
Edward, the trampers would have loved you to be with us to answer many questions. We put some chocolates in your mailbox.

Otakou to okia route map – a unique experience caption and photo jane
Otakou to Okia route map – a unique experience Caption and photo Jane

Stats: (including Little Pyramid side trip)

Distance 11 km

Total ascent: approx. 450 m

Total time: 4 h 44 mins

Moving time: 3 h 15 mins


Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.

 

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