29/04/2026. Macandrew Bay, Company Bay, Camp Road, Pukehiki, Greenacres Track. Grade 3.5. Hikers. Leaders: Jenni Wright & Jill Dodd.
The weather gods were on our side as we left Mosgiel and arrived for our destination, Macandrew Bay car park, where we met our Dunedin and Brighton contingent
We welcomed two potential members, Richard and Pauline, and 18 of us set off along the walkway to Company Bay. Our morning tea stop was at the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust Nursery where we were welcomed by Nursery Supervisor, Louise Ashton. Louise outlined the work that is undertaken by her team and volunteers. They are hugely passionate and proud of the efforts to replenish coastal forests and shrublands where the penguins nest. Thousands upon thousands of trees and shrubs have been raised and planted, and huge numbers of pests have been eradicated over the vast area of the Otago coastline. It was thought that perhaps TRTC could volunteer there in the future.
We left the nursery in brilliant sunshine and headed up McTaggart Street. This is reasonably grunty and then begins the farmland section, a series of stiles, and on down towards the sea. There were numerous trees toppled along the well-defined track but there was ample room to avoid the obstacles.
Up and up we meandered stopping to admire the stunning views of the peninsula. It was an eye opener for those who had not completed this hike before. We chose a beautiful spot for lunch just beneath Larnach Castle with views down and across the harbour.
Post lunch was more uphill with views over the Future Forest, Hereweka/Harbour Cone and Sandymount. This uphill was reasonably short, and we then proceeded along Camp Road, in single file with hi vis vests. This windy road is pretty narrow with little verge to retreat to for oncoming cars.
Ahead of us was Pukehiki and how lucky that workmen at the library had access so we could visit the beautiful church. The church has been well maintained, and we thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to view.
From here we proceeded towards the Greenacres track which was a little slippery with the recent rain, super dry through the macrocarpas and all descended without incident with Macandrew Bay township in our sights.
Most had icecreams with the remainder enjoying coffee and cake at the Duck.
The round trip was around 10 km. Special thanks to Jill Dodd for stepping up as TEC.
Jenni.
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.