Author: Graeme

Track and Planting Activities – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

TRTC in liaison with the Green Hut Track Group undertakes to maintain those tracks on Swampy and Flagstaff on the Silverstream side above Rollinsons Road. This page groups together those trips where track maintenance has been undertaken by the Club.

Also included on this page is planting activities undertaken with the Halo Project which is an Otago based organization within Predator Free Dunedin who work collaboratively to protect and strengthen communities.

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

06/05/2026. Flax Clearing Day. Combined.  Leaders:  John Gardiner and Graham Thurlow.
06/05/2026. Track Clearing – Boulder Beach  Leader: Pam Cocks.
05/11/2025. Future Forest – Broad bay. Grade 2.5. Combined.  Leaders: Jenny Flack, Linda Partridge, Gwenda Farquharson, Pam Cocks.
06/08/2025. Halo Project. Combined.  Leader: Jill Dodd
11/04/2025 Flax/ Track Clearing.  Trampers.  Leader: Phil Keene.
26/03/2025. Flax / Track Clearing. Trampers. Leader: Phil Keene.
21/03/2025. Track Clearing.  Leader: Phil Keene.
18/11/2024 Track Clearing.  Leader: Phil Keene.

Halo Project Planting  2024 Combined Leader: Jill
Track Clearing  2024 – 2004 (27 trips, 16 with reports and photos, 10 with reports only, 1 with no report or photos)

 

 

 

 

Taioma, Mt Allan, Wingatui Viaduct, Parera – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes in the North via Gordon Road  area and groups together trips incorporating Taioma, Mt Allan, Parera. (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

Access Permissions maybe required as trips to Taioma and Mt Allan can venture  onto Wentia Forestry land and the Taieri Gorge Railway line – refer guidelines
Note:  You are not allowed to be on the railway line unless you have permission. Furthermore it is Private Property on Garroway’s cottage at Parera.

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks 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.

Background information on Salisbury property

Background Information for Wingatui Viaduct Taioma Hike (20/8/2025)

How To Get There:

Upon leaving Peter Johnston Park drive to the main street of Mosgiel (Gordon Road) and turn right. Follow Gordon Road about 1 km to the five way cross roads and go straight through onto Taioma Road. This road will cross the Taieri Plains and onto a zig zag section of road which will ascend a fairly steep hill and into Mt Allen forest. Continue on the gravel road which will descend across the railway line to Mullocky Creek and up to an area (before a locked gate) where parking is available.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

13/05/2026.  Mt Allan area/Mullocky Stream to Parera. Grade 3. Combined.  Leaders: Sylvie Watts and Carolyn Pridham.
08/04/2026. Taieri View Farm Tramp. Grade 3. Trampers.  Leaders: Jill Reid and Sue Johnstone.
20/08/2025. Wingatui Viaduct. Grade 2.5. Hikers.  Leaders: Maria MacNee, Bill Cubitt..

Taioma, Parera, Viaduct. 2023 – 1988 (18 trips, 4 with reports and photos, 2 with photos only, 1 with report only, 11 with no reports or photos)
North Taieri Church, Salisbury, Taieri River Lookout off Taioma Road 2018- 1992 (10 trips, 4 with reports and photos, 2 with reports only, 1 with photos only, 3 with no report or photos)
Boulder Hill from Taioma Road. 1999 – 1988 (3 trips, no reports or photos)
Outram Bridge, Taieri View, Taioma Road. 1997 – 1998 (2 trips, no reports or photos)

 

 

 

Chain Hills, Abbotts Creek, Friends Hill – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes in the Fairfield, Green Island and Mosgiel surrounds area and groups together trips incorporating Chain Hills, Abbots Creek and Friends Hill.

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.

Restrictions: Crossing of main rail line is not permitted

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

03/09/2025. Fairfield via Abbotts Creek Track to Wingatui and Mosgiel. Grade 2.5. Combined.  Leaders: Barbara Shackell, Jenni Wright, Sandy Webb and Esther Willis.

Chain Hills-Friends Hill Tramps. 2024 – 1989 (47 trips, 20 with reports and photos, 2 with photos only, 25 with no reports or photos)

 

 

 

 

Saddle Hill – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes in the Fairfield, Green Island and Mosgiel surrounds area and groups together trips incorporating Saddle Hill.

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

Saddle Hill Hotel  – Historical background information

Access Permissions are required as trips to Saddle Hill venture over a working farm – refer guidelines

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.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

04/03/2026. Saddle Hill. Grade 3-3.5. Combined.  Leaders: Esther Wills, Lynn Keene, Jill Dodd, Katherine Martin.

Tramps associated with Saddle Hill, (Makamaka). 2020 – 1989 (42 trips, 6 with reports and photos, 3 with photos only, 33 with no report or photos).
Saddle Hill, Fairfield. 2010 – 1990 (3 trips, 1 with report and photos, 2 with no reports or photos)

 

 

 

 

 

Moores Bush – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes to the Leith Valley area and groups together trips to Moores Bush (map) incorporating Leith Saddle, Patmos Ave and Sullivans Dam.

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks 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:

Ascend the Leith Valley road out of Dunedin and take a left turn into Thompsons Road, and not far along is the entrance, signposted but fenced, to this Forest and Bird Society property.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

19/02/2025. Moores Bush & Sullivan Dam. Grade 2.5. Hikers.  Leaders: Pam Clough, Jay Devlin.

Patmos Avenue, Leith Saddle, Moores Bush. 2017 – 2002 (5 trips, 1 with photos, 1 with report and photos, 3 with no reports or photos)

 

 

 

 

President’s Update – November 2023

November 2023 Update: Taieri Recreational Tramping Club 

Hi everyone, 

Running a bit late with this, but following our birthday party and AGM, a bit has been happening so  here goes. Firstly …. 

Welcome 

Who needs marketing teams to drum up business when our reputation for visiting interesting places  and walking, talking, drinking coffee and eating ice-cream is out there. So welcome to Carolyn  Pridham, Heather Reid, Chris Bezett, Val Cayford, Katrina McKenzie, Lenore Armstrong, Wendy  Langley, Sylvie Watt, Adrienne Ensor, Vivienne Manning, Karon Read and Jenny Wilton. We are  enjoying your company. 

Photo Show for 35th Birthday Celebrations 

After a bit of experimentation and playing around with options Ross has placed these photos on his YouTube site and these can be accessed at https://youtube/004hkDp4xt4. On your smart device/TV  they can happily be displayed to add background to a romantic dinner or showing others that we  have not aged down through the years or….. 

Summer Trip Programme 

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and for the teams putting the programme together. The programme is presented in two ways on the website.  

  1. listed under “Recent Posts” – “Upcoming Trips”  
  2. can be printed direct from the link “copy of trip programme for printing”. Due to the dynamics  around trip organisation please note the “Upcoming Trips” is the most timely information. 

Fuel costs have been adjusted for the summer programme and a reminder that the club will  reimburse a driver for doing a recce where the fare is $10.00 and over per person times 3 = $30.00.  An email to the Secretary ([email protected]) confirming the recce was done and the date will be  sufficient for the reimbursement to be arranged. 

There are some trips where a grading is not shown, this can be due to a variety of reasons, maybe a  first time, or the exact details are not finalised until the recce is complete and the leader provides a  confirmed grade for the weekly email. 

One of the actions being undertaken by the Webteam is to build a master spreadsheet of all the  tracks that we use/ have used. We intend to add to this list the grading of the track as well as when  the walk was last undertaken. This spreadsheet will have multiple benefits, not the least being having  one master rather than multiple lists to comb through when compiling upcoming trip programmes. 

We have also made some small changes to the Grading document to emphasise that we are grading  the track, not fitness. The grading of a track is the same regardless of which group is undertaking it.  To assist in getting track profiles completed, feedback on gradings is always welcome and could be  included in the feedback when write ups are completed etc. 

With the ongoing changes to the contact list of members the Committee has agreed that a hard copy  will not be kept with the locator beacon bag; members (and Committee) can download a copy onto  their phones.

Webteam 

The team met recently to review how they are operating and to discuss detail, which happily most of  us don’t see, but which is critical to the functioning of the team and maintenance of the website. The  eagle eyed amongst you may notice some subtle changes. Subsequently myself, Jenni Wright and  John Gardiner joined the team. 

It was agreed that 

  • a session will be run for those interested in sending in photos to the Webteam  • from time to time, the master photo (Saddle Hill) on the home page be refreshed  • we assess options for refreshing the website 
  • we assess back up options for maintenance of the more IT aspects of the website; this is  quite critical as what may appear as quite easy requests or functions actually require  multiple pages of instruction! 
  • we evaluate what information sets require passwords/be restricted or unrestricted 

It was also agreed that a fourth web team member be added to the team to give more flexibility and  that also we identify a back up for the Communications Officer especially in the more detailed areas  of the website administration. If anyone is interested in assisting in these roles, please contact/  discuss with Ross Davies. 

Kelvin Heights 

Arrive Sunday 25 February 2024 – depart Friday 1 March 2024 

Just a reminder to pencil this in and detail will follow in due course. This will focus on walks with no biking organised this time. Contact Anne at [email protected] if you require more  information at this time. 

Xmas Lunch and Walks 13th December 

Pencil this one in, to be held at the North Taieri Church Hall. More information shortly. Note the first walk in 2024 is on the 17th January 2024. 

Track Clearing 

A separate note will follow very shortly but as mentioned the aim is to continue the work of Neil  Morrison and Arthur Heenan by taking a working bee approach under the umbrella of the Green Hut  Group. I have met with Arthur, Neil and Graeme Elliott from the Green Hut Group to confirm how we  could assist and under what terms and conditions, as the Green Hut Group has formal arrangements  with DCC and DOC. All we need now is volunteers! 

Thanks everyone and looking forward to a warm dryish summer of walking. 

Phil Keene 5 November

Link to President’s Update information Library  for previous updates

Bull Ring, Flagstaff Walkway, Ben Rudd, Pineapple Track – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes in the Dunedin Central City area groups together trips from the Bull Ring (Flagstaff / Whare Flat Road) and incorporates the Flagstaff Walkway, Pineapple Track and Ben Rudd shelter. (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.
Location: 13.3 km from car-park.

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks 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.

Dunedin’s Hills’ History for background information.
Pineapple Track for background information.
Pineapple and Flagstaff walk for background information.
Flagstaff Name for its origin.
Ben Rudd Article for background information.

How To Get There:

Access to the Bull Ring (and the Pineapple Track) on Flagstaff is off the Flagstaff-Whare Flat Road. This can be accessed off Three Mile Hill Road by turning left at the top of Three Mile Hill and continuing approx. 5 minutes to the Bull Ring carpark.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

10/06/2026. Flagstaff. Grade 3. Hikers.  Leaders: Phil Keene and Barbara Shackell.
23/10/2024. Flagstaff, Bull Ring.  Grade 2.5. Hikers.  Leaders: Theresa White, Julie MacKenzie.

Bull Ring, Flagstaff Walkway/ Pineapple Track. 2018 – 2008 (8 trips, 3 with reports and photos, 2 with photos only, 3 with no reports or photos)
Bull Ring, Ben Rudd. 2024 – 1995 (13 trips, 3 with reports and photos, 10 with no reports)

 

 

 

Sullivans Dam, Cloud Forest, 3 Peaks – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes in the Dunedin Central City area groups together trips  to Mt Cargill via Cowan Road, Sullivans Dam, Cloud Forest Track, 3 Peaks Track, Escarpment Track. (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

Map: Sullivans Dam, Cloud Forest, Telegraph (Old Bridal) track to Pigeon Flat, Escarpment Track, Cowan Rd, Short Cut to Fox Rd, down to Sullivans Dam – drawn 2002. – click on Sullivans Dam, Cloud Forests, Escarpment, Cowan round trip link below.

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks 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:

(1) Sullivans Dam – drive north along the one way street system to David Street and turn right. Follow the road through the traffic lights to Malvern Street (past Woodhaugh Garden). Continue up Malvern St to Morrisons Road (where the seal ends) and cross the overbridge (over SH1) to Sullivans Dam.

(2) 3 Peaks Track – this is accessed off Cowan Road. Take the one way street system north and turn right just before the motorway onto Pine Hill Road. Continue on this road to the very end and turn right onto Cowan Road.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

12/11/2025. Three Peaks, Escarpment, Cloud Forest Loop. Grade 3.5. Trampers.  Leaders: Sarah McCormack and Karen McInnis.

Pine Hill, Mount Cargill round trip. 2023 -1991 (4 trips, 1 with report and photos – 23/9/2023)
Sullivans Dam, Cloud Forests, Escarpment, Cowan round trip. 2022-2005 (10 trips, 5 with reports and photos, 2 with photos only, 5 with no report or photos)
Sullivans Dam. 2009 – 1998 (7 trips – no reports or photos)
Leith Saddle, Sullivans Dam, Bridle Track, Pigeon Flat. 2006 – 1999 (4 trips – no reports or photos)

 

Greengage Track – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes in the Silver Peaks area groups together those trips to the Greengage Track  (map) which incorporates Raingauge Spur, Swampy Ridge, Rollinsons and Green Ridge Tracks.

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of 5. 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.

The Greengage Track runs between Raingauge Spur and the Green Ridge Track. There is a number of ways to access this track – the following provides 3 options.

How To Get There:

Option 1 – via Raingauge Spur which is via Rollinsons Road and  will require a key to the gate approx. 2 km’s from the “Elbow” where the Raingauge track starts. A key is currently held by the club President.

Option 2 – via the Swampy Ridge Track. Access to the summit of Swampy is via Rollisons Road (option 1) with the track commencing from the Swampy Summit. This route joins the Green Ridge which forks with Greengage.

Option 3 – via Waitati. Turn left onto Double Hill Road which joins Semple Road to the starting point of he Green Ridge Track.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

30/10/2024. Greengage Track. Trampers.  Leaders: Graeme Souter and Graham Thurlow.

Greengage Track. 2019-2014 (3 trips with reports and photos)

 

 

 

 

Trotters Gorge – 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 Trotter Gorge. (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks 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:

Take SH1 North and at the end of the Katiki Straight (before Moeraki) turn left onto Horse Range Road. Follow this road to Trotters Gorge Road and turn right onto Trotters Gorge Road continue on to the DOC Scenic Reserve for parking and toilets.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

09/04/2025. Trotters Gorge. Grade 3. Trampers.  Leaders: Neil Hodgkin and Sarah McCormack.

Bus Trip: Trotters Gorge. 2022 – 2003 (4 trips, 2 with reports and photos, 1 with phots only, 1 with no report or photos)
Horse Range, Trotters Gorge. 2004 (1 trip, photos only)

 

 

 

 

Harwood – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes covers trips to the Otago Peninsula and involves trips to Harwood. (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:

Drive along Portsmouth Drive and turn left over the causeway and follow Portobello Road through Portobello township (approx. 19 kms.)  and onto Harington Point Road. Take a left onto Tidewater Drive (where Harington Point Road takes a sharp right) to Harwood township

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

29/01/2025. Harwood Area. Grade 2. Hikers.  Leaders: Raewyn Keene and Helen Morris.

Harwood – End of year picnic. 2017 – 1998 (6 trips, 1 with reports and photos, 3 with photos only, 2 with no report or photos)

 

 

 

 

Akatore Area (inc. Coutts Farm / Gully, Taieri Mouth) – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes in the South Coast area groups together trips to the Akatore Area including Coutts Farm / Gully, Sawmill Road and Taieri Mouth. (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

Access Permissions are required for trips to Akatore and Coutts Farms – refer guidelines

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:

To reach Akatore Creek take the Taieri Mouth Road from Brighton, across the bridge at Taieri Mouth. Continue on Moturata Road and onto Akatore Road to Akatore Creek carpark on the left, just before crossing Akatore Creek bridge.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

16 /7/2025. Taieri Mouth. Grade 2.5. Hikers.  Leaders: Alex Griffin, Adrienne Ensor.
09/07/2025. Coutts Farm. Grade 3. Hikers.  Leaders: Bruce Wright and Peter Beal.
15/01/2025. Akatore Creek to Taieri Mouth. Grade 3. Trampers.  Leaders: Spen Walker and Jane Bruce.

Coutts Gully / Farm, Sawmill Road. 2024 – 1988 (23 trips, 10 with reports and photos, 1 with photos only, 1 with report only, 11 with not report or photos).
Akatore Farm Walk or Beach Walk. 2019 – 1991 (15 trips, 8 with reports and photos, 2 with photos only, 5 with no report or photos)
Akatore Forest. 2016 – 1991 (8 trips, 4 with reports and photos, 4 with no reports or photos)

 

 

 

 

Takitakitoa Wetlands – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes in the South Coast area groups together trips to the Takitakitoa Wetlands Reserve. (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.

https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/game-bird-hunting-in-new-zealand/where-to-hunt/regional-info/otago/takitakitoa-wetland/

https://www.southroads.co.nz/projects/takitakitoa-wetland-restoration-project

How To Get There:

The Takitakitoa Wetlands is located about 40 minutes drive south of Dunedin and is at the end of Takitakitoa Road off Otokia-Kuri Bush Road. Take SH1 south and turn off at the Henley turn off just before the bridge that crosses the Taieri River. Turn right onto Otokia-Kuri Bush Road West which will intersect with Otakia-Kuri Bush Raod.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

11/12/2024. Takitakitoa, Wetland, Waihola Hall. Grade 2. Combined hike and Christmas Lunch.  Leaders: Jan Butcher, Wendy Langley, John Gardiner, Graeme Souter.

7/4/2021. Takitakitoa Wetland/Lester Harveys 90th Birthday. All. Leaders. Raewyn, Phil and Jill D

 

 

 

 

 

Powder Ridge – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes in the Whare Flat area  groups together trips to Powder Ridge (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of 5. 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.

Silver Peaks Forest for background information on the nearby area. DCC land.
Powder Ridge Maintained by Green Hut Track Group.

How To Get There:

Powder Ridge track runs between Racemans and Long Ridge Tracks. It is best accessed from Racemans Track approximately 30 -40 minutes from the Whare Flat carpark along the Silverstream Valley Road off Dukes Road North (just before Three Mile Hill)

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

12/02/2025. Powder Ridge to Long Ridge (return). Grade 5. Leaders: Pam Cocks, Esther Willis.

Powder Ridge tramps. 2021 – 1991 (13 trips, 6 with reports and photos, 1 with photos only, 6 with no reports or photos)

 

 

 

 

Craiglowan Falls – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes in the area of Whare Flat groups together trips to the Craiglowan Falls (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:

From PJP take Factory Road to Dukes Road and turn left onto the Silverstream Valley Road. follow this road to the right turn onto Flagstaff-Whare Flat Road. Proceed past Rollinsons Road to the track which is located on the right at Sanitorium Road.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area: 

22/04/2026. Craiglowan Falls. Grade 4. Trampers. Leaders: Katrina McKenzie and Julie McKenzie
21/05/2025. Craiglowan Falls. Grade 4. Trampers.  Leaders: Katrina McKenzie & Julie MacKenzie.

Craiglowan Falls. 2018 – 1997 (9 trips, 4 with reports and photos, 1 with photos only, 4 with no reports or photos)