Author: Graeme

Waikouaiti, Hawksbury Lagoon, Matanaka – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes covers trips on the North Coast north of Dunedin City, Waitati and groups trips to Waikaouati, the Hawksbury Lagoon, Matanaka Homestead. (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of about 2. This is indicative only, as trips can be allocated a higher or lesser grading depending on the route taken. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.

How To Get There:

Take SH1 north to Waikouati township. Turn right onto Beach Street and follow the road to the beach where there is parking. Conversely continue on the road (to the left) to the recreation reserve where again there is parking and toilets available.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

07/05/2025. Waikouaiti – Matakana. Grade 2.5. Combined.  Leaders: Carol Thurlow, Jill Thomas and Clare Banks (with much help from Graham Thurlow)
09/04/2025 Old Country Track, Waikouaiti Grade 2  Hikers or Combined.  Leaders: Jan Butcher, Shirley and Noel McRandle.

Waikouaiti: Matanaka, Beach Walk. 2024 – 2017 (15 trips with 8 reports)
Garden Bush. Trig 1080: HH (hill), Waikouaiti. 2003 (1 trip photos only)

Careys Creek, Rongami, Honeycomb, Evansdale Glen, Black Gully Dam – Information and Trips Library Post

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes covers trips on the North Coast, north of Dunedin City, Waitati and groups trips to Careys Creek, Rongami and Honeycomb Tracks, Evansdale Glen and Black Gully Dam. (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of 4. This is indicative only, as trips can be allocated a higher or lesser grading depending on the route taken. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.

Information on the Seacliff Dam, historical creek track and pipeline.

How To Get There:

Careys Creek is reached via SH1 at Evansdale Glen located just as the road begins to climb over the Kilmog. A sign on the left of the road indicates the route down to Evansdale Glen where there is limited parking available prior to driving through the stream to the picnic area.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

28/05/2025. Careys Creek / Black Gully. Grade 4.5. Trampers.  Leaders: Ross and Wyn Davie.

Evansdale , Careys Creek, Honeycomb, Rongomai. 2024 – 2005 (17 trips with 9 reports).
Careys Creek from Evansdale. 2022 – 1989 (13 trips with 4 reports, 2 with photos only).
Black Gully Dam/Careys Creek. 2019 (1 trip with report).
Careys Creek track, Black Gully Dam to Evansdale. 2017 – 1994 (8 trips with 6 reports).

Mt Watkin – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes covers trips on the North Coast north of Dunedin City, Waitati involving club trips to Mt Watkin. (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

Mount Watkin/Hikaroroa Open Day. 2023 – 2010 (4 trips with 4 reports)

Chrystalls Beach, Toko Mouth, Cooks Head – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes covers trips on the South Coast and includes trips to Chrystalls Beach, Toko Mouth and Cooks Head. (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of  2. This is indicative only, as trips can be allocated a higher or lesser grading depending on the route taken. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.

How To Get There:

Take SH1 south and turn left onto Forsyth Road (just before Milton). At the end of this road turn right onto Back Raod then left onto Glenledi Road. Follow this road some distance to reach Chrystalls Beach.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

Chrystalls Beach, Toko Mouth. 2023 – 1989 (22 trips with 10 reports)

Nichols Farm (was Michelles Farm) – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes covers trips West via SH87 which includes trips to Nichols Farm – north side of the Taieri River. (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

Access Permissions are required as trips to Nichols Farm ventures over a working farm – refer guidelines

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

Nichols Farm (formerly Michelles Farm), North Side Taieri River, Outram. 2023 – 1989 (15 trips with 6 reports)

Woodside Glen, Maungatuas – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes covers trips West via SH87 which includes trips to the Woodside Glen and Maungatuas. (maps)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

Woodside Glen, plus to top of Maungatuas. 2024 – 1992 (18 trips with 11 reports)

Outram, Allanton, Floodbanks, Lee Stream, Traquair, Whare Creek – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes covers trips West of SH87 which includes trips to the Outram area, Lee Stream, Traquair / Whare Creek (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

13/11/2024  Outram Glen to Lee Stream. Hikers.  Leaders: Julie McKenzie & Katrina McKenzie.

04/09/2024. Outram Heritage Trail and Floodbank. Grade 2. Combined. Leaders: Anette MacRae, Katrina McKenzie, Cathy Ferguson, Janette Abbot.

Outram – Allanton Flood Bank. 2023 – 2011 (4 trips with 3 reports).
Outram Glen Track to Lee Stream. 2023 – 1992 (15 trips with 10 reports)
Outram Museum. 2020 (1 trip with report)
Outram Glen and Traquair/Whare Creek. Cartwright Track. 2014 – 2008 (6 trips with 5 reports)

Karetai, Tomahawk, Soldiers Monument, Smaills Beach, Highcliff, Buskins Tracks – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This pages of club tramps and hikes covers trips to the Otago Peninsula and involves trips to the Karetai Track & Road, Tomahawk Lagoon, the Soldiers Monument commemorating those from the Peninsula who died in WW1. Also included are trips incorporating the Highcliff and Buskins Tracks.(map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of 4. This is indicative only, as trips can be allocated a higher or lesser grading depending on the route taken. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.

How To Get There:

(1) Karetai Track commences at Smaills Beach. Take Tomahawk Road past the lagoon, bunkers and lookout and down to Smaills Beach where parking is available. Take Southdale Road (on the right by Tautuku Fishing Club) to the start of the track.

(2) Tomahawk Lagoon – Take Tomahawk Road and turn left onto Oregon Street before the hill. The reserve entrance is on the left with ample parking. Access track to Soldiers Monument commences here.

(3) Soldiers Monument – access to monument is off Highcliff Road. A layby for parking and track access is well sign posted.

(4) Buskins Track – can be access from Karetai Track. Follow road at the end of the track to McMeeking Road which will take you to Buskin Track. Access is also from Highcliff Road on the right heading to Pukehiki.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

23/10/2024. Tomahawk, Soldiers’ Memorial, Karetai Track. Grade 4. Trampers. Leaders: Di Bezett, Gail Williams and Lyn Keene

Tomahawk Lagoon and Nearby Tracks and Areas. 2023 – 1989 (43 trips with 21 reports)
Buskin Track from Bottom Tramps. 2022 – 1994 (4 trips with 3 reports)
Buskin Track from Top Tramps. 2022 – 1994 (14 trips with 6 reports)

Sandymount, Sandfly Bay – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes covers trips to the Otago Peninsula and involves trips to Sandymount, including Lovers Leap and The Chasm, and Sandfly Bay (map).

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.
Sandymount and Sandfly Bay Information

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of 3. This is indicative only, as trips can be allocated a higher or lesser grading depending on the route taken. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.

How To Get There:

Access to Sandymount is via Sandymount Road (off Highcliff Road) where carparking is available.
Access to Sandfly Bay is possible by following the poled route from the Sandymount track. Can also be reached via Seal Point Road (also off Highcliff Road) to the car park.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

21/05/2025. Sandymount. Grade 3. Hikers.  Leaders: Jenni & Bruce Wright.

Sandymount – Sandfly Bay. 2024 – 1996 (25 trips with 15 reports)
Paradise Road, Braidwood Road, Sandfly Bay. 2010 (1 trip with report)

Harbour Cone – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This pages of club tramps and hikes covers trips to the Otago Peninsula and involves trips to the Harbour Cone. (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

Hereweka Harbour Cone Future Forest – Background Information

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

27/11/2024. Around Harbour Cone. Hikers (and Trampers).  Leaders: Jenny Flack and Rhonda Wilson.

Harbour Cone, Broad Bay, Turnbulls Bay, Bacon Street, Peggys Hill. 2024 – 1988 (20 trips with 12 reports)

Victory Beach, Pyramids – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes covers trips to the Otago Peninsula and involves those trips to Victory Beach and the Pyramids (map).

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

TRTC Grading Information – trips to the Victory Beach and the Pyramids are generally given a TRTC grading of 2.5. This is indicative only, as depending on the track conditions, allocation of gradings can differ from this. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.

How To Get There:

This trip commences at the end of Dick Road where there is a small carparking area to the Okia Reserve where the Pyramids are located. There are a number of well marked tracks through the dunes to Victory beach.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

Pyramids, Victory Beach. 2024 – 1988 (30 trips with 16 reports)

Mt Charles, Cape Saunders – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club temps and hikes covers trips to the Otago Peninsula and includes those trips to Mt Charles and Cape Saunders (map)

This trip commences at Allans Beach carpark and ascends through farmland to the summit of Mt Charles overlooking Papanui Inlet and Allans Beach. It also includes a visit to the Cape Saunders lighthouse and Puddingstone Rock.

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

Access Permissions are required as trips to Mt Charles and Cape Saunders venture over a working farm – refer guidelines

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of 4. This is indicative only, as trips can be allocated a higher or lesser grading depending on the route taken. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.

Cape Saunders Lighthouse and the grave of two children.

How To Get There:

Take Portobello Road to Portobello township and turn right onto Allans Beach Road to the carpark at Allans Beach.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

Mt Charles, Cape Saunders, Puddingstone Rock, Allans Beach. 2024 – 2004 (12 trips with 9 reports)

 

Rustlers Ridge, Burns Track, Swampy Spur, Transmitter Tower – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of the Clubs tramps and hikes covers trips known as the Rustler / Burns circuit incorporating the Swampy Spur and the Airways Transmitter Tower.

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating the Rustlers / Burns circuit are generally given a TRTC grading of 4. This is indicative only, as depending on the route taken, conditions of tracks etc. allocation of gradings can differ from this. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.

Car parking is off SH1 motorway at Leith Saddle yard (alternatively down side road at bridge (restricted space).
Walk across side road to track.
Going further: along road past doppler radar to DoC sign.
Right along Rustlers Ridge track to junction with Burns Track.
Through junction and up and round hill on Rustlers Ridge Track. (Lunch on hill)
Down ridge to pipeline. (Alternatively turn right at junction for Burns and down to pipeline)
Turn right along pipeline.
5.5 hours in all.
Burns – Rustlers circuit Maintained by Green Hut Track Group. DCC land.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

30/04/2025. Pipeline, Burns, Swampy Summit, Rustlers Ridge Circuit. Grade 4. Trampers.  Leaders: Carolyn Pridham and Esther Willis.

25/09/2024. Rustlers Ridge, Burns Track. Grade 4. Trampers.  Leaders: Phil Morris and Sarah McCormack.

Leith Saddle, Swampy Spur, Transmitter Tower. Also Rustlers and Burns Tracks. 2023 – 1989 (35 trips with 11 reports).
Burns – Rustler tramps.  2007 – 1989 (8 trips – no reports).
Burns-Rustler track-crossing original signs. (photos only)

Kuri Bush Forestry, Big Stone Road – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This grouping of Club tramps and hikes covers trips involving Kuri Bush (Big Stone) area located  on Taieri Mouth Road between Brighton township and Taieri Mouth beach. It includes Big Stone Road, Daphne Road, Margaret Road and Kathleeen Road. (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these trips are generally given a TRTC grading of about 3. This is indicative only, as trips can be allocated a higher or lesser grading depending on the route taken. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.

How To Get There:

Drive to Brighton and continue through the township onto Brighton Road which becomes Taieri Mouth Road. Follow this road to Kuri Bush and the park on the south of the houses.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

11/09/2024.Big Stone Road. Grade 3. Hikers. Leaders: Bill Cubitt & Adrienne Ensor.

Kuri Bush Forestry, Daphne/Margaret Road, Kathleen Road, Big Stone.  2021 – 1988 (19 trips with 5 reports)

Kuri Bush, Taieri Mouth Beach – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This grouping of Club tramps and hikes covers trips from Kuri Bush to Taieri Mouth beach. Kuri Bush is located on Taieri Mouth Road between Brighton township and Taieri Mouth. (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these trips are generally given a TRTC grading of about 3. This is indicative only, as trips can be allocated a higher or lesser grading depending on the route taken. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.

How To Get There:

Drive to Brighton and continue through the township onto Brighton Road which becomes Taieri Mouth Road. Follow this road to Kuri Bush and the park on the south of the houses.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

Kuri Bush – Taieri Mouth Beach.  2022 – 2012 (6 trips with 4 reports)