19/08/2026. Taieri Floodbanks. Grade 2.5. Hikers. Leaders: Alan Scurr and Phil Keene
The day dawned with a smile on its face and 29 folk found their way to park at the woolshed on Riverside Road to meet Alan and Colin Scurr.
Cars were taken to the historic Riverside Homestead to use as transport between the end of walk 1 and onto walk 2 thence back to the woolshed! All would be revealed!
The group set off down Riverside road and crossed the railway without incident,
then walked along side the Owhiro (moonless night) stream. The paddocks had dried considerably since the recce, and atop the control gates over the Owhiro the group received it’s first briefing for the day.
We ambled and shambled with views of the farming operations as well as glimpses of the Taieri (spring tide/ clear and shining waters) River until we arrived for a slightly later than normal morning tea at the confluence of the Mill Creek (where there is a pumping station) and the Taieri. There was considerable farm machinery scattered around, enough to provide comfort for having a cuppa and continue the craic.
We negotiated a number of gates and hot wires as we continued on around the flood banks, firstly to the confluence of the Silverstream and Taieri, then up and around both sides of the Silverstream via the bridge on Riverside Road back to the Taieri.
Getting close to lunchtime at the Riverside Homestead we had some talks on the varying stages of the flood control initiatives and how and when the floodgates are opened. Water and gravity have such a close relationship!
We arrived at Riverside Homestead for lunch. We were to learn that it accommodated a bakery, a school, a library, an aviary and a farm centre; occupied by a teacher, pupils, a farmer, a historian, baker(s) and probably many other artisans!
Following lunch the group was transported to walk 2, with tickets for the hay ride with Scurr’s Transport selling out the fastest.
Alan provided a chat on the building of the new yards and we then completed walk 2, not before being challenged by a Murray Gray bull, who raised a fair bit of dust as he snorted, bellowed and eyed us up.
We were then transported back to the woolshed where we enjoyed more warm hospitality and home baking with our cuppa. We had an informative update from Alan and Colin on their farm history and the possible upcoming changes to the ORC rating systems for the lower Taieri flood control system. Get involved being the message.
This was a varied and interesting day out for everyone, with special thanks to the Scurr families on contributing so much, as well as obtaining access where required.
In round figures we walked 13km and would record the walk as 2.5 for planning purposes!
Phil K
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.