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Maps – Chrystalls Beach
Author: Graeme
President’s Update – May 2025
May 2025 Update
Hi everyone
What fantastic days we have been having – the grass and weeds keep growing but time ‘in the hills ‘has been magic – things look a bit different either side of King’s Birthday!
Welcome: A warm welcome to Maryam Purvis, Carol-Anne Buchanan, Jan Palmer and Katherine Martin. It’s great to see you all enjoying your time with us.
At the last Committee meeting the winter trip programme was finalised and is well underway, remember 9.15am meet for 9.30am start after Kings Birthday. Fuel costs were assessed and held at the current level.
It’s always hard to get trip planning perfect but we need to stay focussed on what’s approved and not try and make too many changes. We have adapted the application for membership form for new members to stress the expectation that assistance to lead or be tail end charlie with trips is critical to the growth of the club and that these responsibilities are not limited to a few. We appreciate that organising trips (and recces) comes easier to some but assistance is always at hand! And yes we acknowledge that others have done their share!
We again discussed the formalisation of the ramblers group but decided to leave things as they are – we stay open to feedback on this. From time to time some members informally organise a walk through phone calls the night before or on the day; if they wish you could make use of the web team to send a note out the night before to let others know the where and when.
Speaking of the growth of the Club there will be changes at this years AGM. As most know John Gardiner and I are both standing down (I will become Immediate Past President and stay on the Committee) and Jenni Wright also wishes to step down. Please give your consideration to assisting the club and consider nominations for when we send out AGM papers in July. (Diary the AGM for Thursday 14 August).
Whilst we have a very good framework in the Club, but also keeping it informal, things can always be improved etc and not always done as they always have been! New blood brings new ideas.
Barbara will be organising a night for showing photos from trips members have undertaken – – around the world in an hour or two! If you would like to show some photos please let Barbara know so we can structure the night; each may have to have their top 20 photos or so……
as well Ross will take a short time to demonstrate techniques for photos that we send in to the web team following the weekly walks.
Also as seen a note from Jenni has highlighted the Mid Year lunch at Waihola Tavern on 2 July.
I know politics should not be discussed but the Committee agreed I should do a submission on a community trust proposal for Puketapu – the Palmerston Hill – to cease grazing and implement a restoration plan with clear access to the monument. To hand is a decision from the hearings committee of the Waitaki Council supporting and recommending to the full Council the restoration plan and reducing the grazing area. Also at very short notice I submitted to the DCC on the Tunnels Trust and the link between Wingatui and Abbotsford. Hopefully we’ll get the same posituve result! Happy to provide copies of the submissions on request.
We have had 4 track clearing days this past summer, a little down on the usual but a range of factors have limited our efforts – I’m catching up with the Green Hut Group shortly. Thanks to everyone who volunteered.
If you get the time have a quick refresh of the Track Grading document on the website. The gradings allocated are based on a range of factors as well as a recce could result in slightly different route – and grade from the last walk write up.
Note that track grades do not change because of the weather. The grade is the grade is the grade – regardless of hot and dry or wet and muddy.
There is a footnote in the document ‘Cautions
Although tracks are graded, any track may be more difficult on the day due to conditions like recent rain, deteriorating weather, or fallen trees.’
Lastly a wee reminder if a club plb (locator beacon) is used for a recce – (use of the 3rd plb held by Phil and Raewyn is preferred) then Clive Crossman should be emailed or txt’d ([email protected]/021866410) with the details of the recce. When a plb is activated the authorities contact Clive as our nominee to check the signal is in all probability genuine and real.
Keep walking, keep talking and stay warm
Phil
Link to President’s Update information Library for previous updates
Rosella Ridge – Information and Trips Library
Scope:
This page of club tramps and hikes in the Silver Peaks area groups together trips to Rosella Ridge. (map)
Background Information:
Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.
TRTC Grading Information – trips to Rosella Ridge are generally given a TRTC grading of 5. This is indicative only, as depending on the route taken, allocation of gradings can differ from this. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.
Silver Peaks Forest for background information on the area.
Accessed from Mountain Road from old forest HQ 6 hr ret, Route, DOC and private land.
How To Get There:
Take the Northern Motorway to Waitati and just past the store take a left turn onto Double Hill Road. Continue on this road which merges into Semple Road and onto Mountain Road. Access can be via the River Track at the bottom of Walkers Road or before that take the Green Ridge track at Hightop to Pulpit Rock turning onto Rosella just prior to Pulpit Rock.
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
Rosella Ridge. 2024 – 1992 (9 trips, 8 with reports and photos)
Raingauge Spur – Information and Trips Library
Scope:
This page of club tramps and hikes in the Silver Peaks area groups together those trips on the Raingauge Spur. (map)
Background Information:
Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.
Access to the Raingauge Spur can be made via Rollinsons Road which will require a key to the gate approx. 2 km’s from the “Elbow” where the track starts. A key is currently held by the clubs President.
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
18/09/2024 Raingauge Ridge – Steve Amies. Grade 4.5. Trampers. Leaders: Neil Hodgkin and Sarah McCormack.
Rain Gauge Spur via Picnic area, Nth Coal, Racemans. 2009 – 1998 (8 trips, 1 with a report, 1 with photos only, 6 with no reports / photos)
Pulpit Rock, Rocky Ridge, Hermits Cave – Information and Trips Library
Scope:
This page of club tramps and hikes in the Silver Peaks area groups together trips to Pulpit Rock, including Rocky Ridge (Hermits Cave). (map)
Background Information:
Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.
TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of about 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.
Silver Peaks Forest for background information.
How To Get There:
There are any number of tracks within the Silver Peaks that will reach Pulpit Rock. Arguably the most common way is via the Possum Hut track.
Proceed via the Northern motorway to Waitati and turn left onto Double Hill Road (just past the store on the left at the end of the motorway), which joins Semple Road where there is several access points to the Possum Hut track.
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
19/11/2025. Hermits Cave via Pulpit Rock. Grade 5. Trampers. Leaders: Graham Thurlow and John Gardiner.
14/05/2025. Pulpit Rock. Grade 4. Trampers. Leaders: Graham Thurlow, Lyn Keene.
Hermits Cave Silver Peaks Rocky Ridge Tramps. 2003 – 2018 (8 trips with 4 reports and photos, 3 with photos only, 1 with no report / photos)
Green Hut, Pulpit Rock. 2023 – 1988 (10 trips with reports and photos, 13 with no reports).
Shuttle: Mountain Road, Pulpit Rock, Long/Powder Ridges, Whare Flat. 2019 – 1998 (3 trips with 1 report and photos, 2 trips with no reports)
Maps – Horsehoof Station, Maungatuas
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Horsehoof Station, the Maungatuas – Information and Trips Library
Scope:
This page of club tramps and hikes covers trips West via SH87 which includes trips to Horsehoof Station and incorporating the Maungatuas Traverse. (map)
Background Information:
Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.
Access Permissions maybe required as this trip ventures over a working farm – refer guidelines Lambing September – November
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:
From Outram take SH87 (Lee Steam Outram Road) turn left onto McKendry Road. Continue to the end for parking. Further, continue on SH87 to second left turning onto Woolshed Road. Parking is at the end of this road.
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
Maungatua traverse. 2021 – 1998 (3 trips, 1 with report and photos, 2 with no report or photos)
Horsehoof Station Tramps. 2019 – 1989 (22 trips including 1 private trip with photos 29/03/2010, 9 with reports nad photos, 1 with photos only, 12 with no reports or photos)
McKendry Road, Roseburn, Woolshed Road, Horsehoof Station. 2018 – 1992 (12 trips, 3 with reports and photos, 1 with photos only, 8 with no report or photos)
Abbotsford, Fairfield, Green Island – 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 Abbotsford Fairfield and Green Island areas.
Background Information:
Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.
TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of about 1.5. 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.
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
Abbotsford and Environs. 2024 – 1993 (20 trips, 9 with reports and photos, 1 with photos only, 10 with no report or photos)
Sinclair Wetlands – Information and Trips Library
Scope:
This page of club tramps and hikes in the area West via SH87 (Maungatua, Waipori River, Berwick) groups together trips to the Sinclair Wetlands (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.
Official Sinclair Wetlands website.
How To Get There:
From Peter Johnston Park drive to Outram. Proceed through the township and turn left onto Formby Road and then right onto Huntly Road. Follow this road, it turns into Maugatua Road and proceed to Berwick Road. Continue to McPherson Road and turn left where parking is available.
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
Sinclair Wetlands. 2024 – 1990 (5 trips with 4 reports)
Frasers Gully – Information and Trips Library
Scope:
This page of club tramps and hikes in the Central City area groups together trips from Frasers Gully Reserve, incorporating Friends Hill to Wingatui Racecourse including the Wingatui Tunnel. (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:
Frasers Gully track is located at the end of Frasers Road off Kaikorai Valley Road. Carparking is available by the Roslyn Wakari Football club rooms at the start of the track.
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
18/03/2026. Frasers Gully Bush Walk & Glenross Ramble. Grade 2. Hikers. Leaders: Carol-Anne Buchanan and Val Cayford
18/06/2025. Frasers Gully – Friends Hill. Grade 3.5. Hikers. Leaders: Janette Abbott and Maria MacNee.
20/11/2024. Frasers Gully / Friends Hill / Wingatui Tunnel & Return. Grade 3.5. Trampers. Leaders: Anne Ward and Lyn Keene.
09/10/2024. Fraser’s Gully. Grade 2.5. Hikers. Leaders Helen Morris and Heather Reid.
Frasers Gully. 2024 – 1989 (32 trips with 11 reports, 1 with photos only and 20 with no reports)
Bethunes Gully, Forrester Park – Information and Trips Library
Scope:
This pages of club tramps and hikes in the Opoho, North East Vally, North Road area groups together trips to Bethunes Gully and Forrester Park. (map)
Background Information:
Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.
TRTC Grading Information – trips to Bethunes Gully are generally given a TRTC grading of 3. This is indicative only, as depending on the route taken allocation of gradings can differ from this. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.
Mount Cargill history
Opposite Brown House corner is an RSA Memorial to First World War servicemen and the old Junction School. (General Information).
How To Get There:
Follow North Road up North East Valley to Norwood Street and continue up Norwood Street to where the road begins to climb. Turn left into Bethunes Gully and take the short gravel road to the available carpark.
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
13/08/2025. Bethunes Gully to Mt Cargill. Grade 3. Trampers. Leaders: Esther Willis, Graeme Souter.
12/02/2025. Mt Cargill / Forrester Park Grade 3. Hikers. Leaders: Bill Cubitt and Peter Beal.
Bethunes Gully, Mt Cargill, Buttars Peak, Organ Pipes, Old Main North Road, Brown House Corner, Norwood Street, Bethunes Gully. 2023 – 1990 (27 trips with 10 reports, 17 with no reports)
Waldronville, Blackhead, Kaikorai Estuary – Information and Trips Library
Scope:
This page of club tramps and hikes in the South Coast area groups together trips to Waldronville and incorporates Blackhead, Kaikorai Estuary, Ocean View and Brighton. (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 Brighton Road from Green Island through Waldronville Township. Parking is available past the township on the left just before crossing the bridge over the Kaikorai Lagoon.
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
30/07/2025. Waldronville. Grade 2. Hikers. Leaders: Avis and Rhonda.
Waldronville 2024 – 2003 (14 trips, 10 with reports, 4 no reports or photos)
Beach Walk, Blackhead, Kaikorai Estuary, Ocean View, Brighton Tramps. 2009 – 2004 (6 trips, 2 with reports, 1 with photos only)
Cleghorn Street, Signal Hill – Information and Trips Library
Scope:
This page of club tramps and hikes in the Opoho, North East Valley, North Road area (Dunedin City) groups together trips to Cleghorn Street, Signal Hill area.(map)
Background Information:
Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.
TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of between 3 – 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:
Follow Old Main North Road to Cleghorn Street which has the best view of the harbour. Walkway sign.
Walk starts starts at the gate on right, up McGregors Hill. Beyond stile Pine plantation on 3rd stile at summit.
Gravel road 10 minutes to end. Locked gate. Last stile. Signal Hill road.
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
04/12/2024. Cleghorn Street to Signal Hill Monument. Grade 3.Hikers. Leaders: Maria McNee and Peter Dodds.
13/11/2024. Chingford Park, Cleghorn Street, Opoho Circuit. Grade 4. Trampers. Leaders: Ross and Wyn Davies.
Signal Hill Tramps. 2023 – 1992 (19 trips with 5 reports, 4 with photos only, 10 with no reports or photos)
Signal Hill Centennial Memorial, Ravensbourne, Big Easy. 2023 – 1998 (24 trips with 7 reports, 2 with photos only and 15 with no report or photos). See reports dated 18/5/2022 and 24/11/2021 for reference to Cleghorn Street.
Middlemarch Area – Information and Trips Library
Scope:
This page of club tramps and hikes in the area West SH87 groups together trips to the Middlemarch area including Shannon and Sutton. (map)
Background Information:
Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.
Access Permissions are required for trips to Shannon’s Farm – refer guidelines
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.
Rock and Pillar via Six Mile Creek This climbs 1,005 m. (3300 feet) up the eastern face from Glencreag Station up a leading ridge south of Six Mile Creek. This is the most direct approach.
Rock and Pillar via spur south of Lug Creek. Information: Climbs 910 m. (3000 feet) up the eastern face of a well-graded vehicle track up a leading spur south of Lug Creek. Average time to Leaning Lodge is 3 hours on foot.
DoC access. 9.5km north of the Middlemarch store on SH87, just before Lug Creek, is a farm entrance (RAPID 7219 – no DoC sign). A short way up the driveway is a DoC car park. There is public access up the vehicle track to the conservation area boundary. The track is now a recreation reserve administered by DoC.
Easiest route to Big Hut from Leaning Lodge (foot only – unmarked – good visibility essential) is another 45+ minutes climbing gently southwards to cross a steep gully and then climb a gentle shelf to above the eastern basins. Sidle several hundred metres past the lower prominent rock tors before gently descending to Big Hut once it becomes visible. Route very wind and cloud-prone. Ice axe and crampons may be necessary to traverse steep snow slopes near Leaning Lodge.
64 km to Middlemarch. 66 km to Stonehurst Track.
Redan Crater- contact for access Ken Rennick.
How to Get There:
Stonehurst Track – take SH87 to Sutton / Middlemarch. Just over the rail line at Sutton turn left onto McHardy Road then right onto Gladbrook Road. Start of track is about 1 km on left on Gladbrook Road – see DOC sign post.
Sutton Salt Lake – take SH87 to Sutton / Middlemarch. Turn left onto Kidds Road (before rail crossing). Sutton Salt Lake Reserve is approx 2.5km from turn off on the left.
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
26/02/2025 Stonehurst Track. Grade 4. Trampers. Leaders: Jill Reid, Sylvie Watt.
Middlemarch Area Tramps. 2023 – 1988 (16 trips with 13 reports, 1 with photos only, 2 no reports)
Jones Property, Matarae. 2022 (1 trip with 1 report)
Shannon’s Farm Walk. 2023 – 2020 (3 trips with 3 reports)
Portobello – Information and Trips Library
Scope:
This page of club tramps and hikes on the Otago Peninsula groups together trips to Portobello. (map)
Background Information:
Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.
How To Get There:
Drive along Portsmouth Drive and turn left over the causeway and follow Portobello Road to Portobello township – approx. 19 kms. At Portobello township turn right onto Allans Beach Road to park at the Portobello Reserve..
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
20/05/2026. Nyhon and Hereweka Tracks. Grade 3.5. Trampers. Leaders: Esther Willis & Lyn Keene.
19/02/2025. Hereweka Road / Portobello . Grade 3.5. Trampers. Leaders: Di Bezett, Lyn Keene.
Portobello, Clarks, Sheppards, McArthny, Varleys Hills. 2023 – 2008 (13 trips with 10 reports, plus 2 with photos only)
Portobello, Hatchery Road, Quarantine Point. 2022 – 2005 (10 trips with 2 reports plus 3 with photos only)