Author: Graeme

Karitane, Split Rock, Maori Peak, Seacliff, Warrington – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This page of club tramps and hikes covers trips on the North Coast north of Waitati and groups trips to Karitane (Huriawa Pa site), Split Rock (including Maori Peak), Seacliff and Warrington. (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

Access Permissions are required as trips to Split Rock and Maori Peak ventures over a working farm – refer guidelines

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of 2-3. 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.

History of Huriawa Pa, Sir Truby King or early Methodist missionary James Watkin, it’s all just a click away here.
Background Notes on Maori Peak
Seacliff Hospital Fire (Backgound information)
Brinns Point to Seacliff (General Information)
Seacliff Dam Historical Track (General Information)
Seacliff Hospital (General Information)

How To Get There:

(1) Warrington – take SH1 North around Blueskin Bay to Evansdale and turn right onto Coast Road and follow road to Warrington. Take right turn down Bank Road and left into Bay Road that ends at the beach domain.

(2) Seacliff (Maori Point, Split Rock) – take SH1 North as above and continue on Coast Road past Warrington and turn left onto Russell Road to the Truby King Reserve.

(3) Karitane – as above, follow Coast Road past Warrington and Seacliff directly to Karitane, or continue on SH1 to Hawksbury (formerly Cherry Farm) and turn sharp right onto Coast Road, follow to Karitane township. Park at the Karitane Domain.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

16/10/2024. Warrington, Seacliff. Grade 2. Hikers.  Leaders: Maria MacNee, Julie MacKenzie..

Karitane beach to Huriawa Pa, Beach walk. 2022-1989 (24 trips with 9 reports)
Maori Peak, Split Rock (Trampers). 2024 – 1989 (18 trips with 8 reports)
Seacliff, Split Rock (Hikers). 2021 – 1988 (14 trips with 3 reports)
Warrington. 2024 – 1993 (11 trips with 7 reports)
Warrington, Omimi, Slaughterhouse. 2012 – 1991 (9 trips with 4 reports)
Warrington, Porteous Hill, Hammond Hill, Guilds Hill. (2004 – 1996 (3 trips with 1 report – photos only)

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

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 Mount Watkin. (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:

Take SH1 North and turn left onto McGrath Road just before the Hawkesbury (old Cherry Farm site). Continue on this road to the intersection of Ramrock and Mount Watkin Roads and turn left onto Mount Watkin Road. Continue onto an area (approx 5kms) to a limited parking area below Mount Watkin itself.

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

Restrictions: lambing August-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:

Drive to the Outram Bridge via  Outram Mosgiel Road. Turn right before going across the bridge and park down underneath the bridge. Limited parking is available.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

20/08/2025. Nichol’s Farm (Michelle’s Farm). Grade 4. Trampers.  Leaders: Gail Williams, Lynley McArley.
23/7/2025. Nichols Farm. Grade 3.5. Hikers.  Leaders: Wendy Langley and Carol-Anne Buchanan.

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.

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:

Take Outram Mosgiel Road to Outram, proceed through the township and turn right. Turn left off the highway (SH87 – Lee  Stream – Outram Road) just before it starts climbing the hill onto Woodside Road then right onto Ravensburn Street (5-10 minutes from turn off) and then left onto Mountain Road which leads to the Woodside Glen and the picnic area.

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, Scrogies Farm,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, Scroggs Farm, Traquair / Whare Creek (maps)

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: Scrogies Farm – Lambing Aug – Oct.

How To Get There:

Take Gordon Road from Mosgiel onto SH87 (Outram Mosgiel Road) and continue to Outram township. For trips to Lee Stream via the Outram Glen track turn right immediately after the bridge over the Taieri River for parking and toilets at the Outram Glen site.

Parking is also available at the Outram Rugby Club field. Continue through Outram township and turn left onto Formby Road. The club is situated on this road just before the intersection with Huntly Road.

To Scorgies Farm: Take Lee Steam / Outram Road (SH87) to the 1st Mahinerangi Raod and turn down left onto this road. Continue to the bridge crossing Lee Stream and park cars on the right by the farm gate.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

25/02/2026. Outram Glen to Lee Stream. Grade 2.5. Hikers. Leaders: Maria MacNee, Avis Williamson.
04/02/2026. Lee Stream/Scorgies Farm. Grade 2.5 (hikers), 3.5 (Trampers). Combined.  Leaders: Sylvia Watts, Lynley McArley, Phil & Raewyn Keene.
10/12/2025. Lee Stream Area – hike before Christmas Lunch. Grade 2.  Combined.  Leaders: Lyn Keene, Anne Ward, Janette Abbott, Shirley McRandle.
22/10/2025. Outram Glen and Beyond. Grade 2. Trampers.  Leaders: Jill Reid and Heather Kirk.
13/11/2024  Outram Glen to Lee Stream. Grade 2. 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.

Lee Stream Road Ramble, Scorgies Farm 2023 – 2006 (7 trips with 3 reports and photos, 3 with reports only, 1 with no report or photos)
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, Paradise, 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, Paradise 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:

26/11/2025. Highcliff, Paradise and Buskin Tracks. Grade 4. Trampers.  Leaders: Clare Banks and Carol Thurlow
29/10/2025. Smaills Beach (Karetai Track) to Boulder Beach Outlook. Grade 3. Hikers.  Leaders: Jenni & Bruce Wright.
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:

(1) Access to Sandymount is via Sandymount Road (off Highcliff Road) where carparking is available.

(2) 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:

18/02/2026. Sandymount. Grade 3. Trampers.  Leaders: John Gardiner & Graeme Souter.
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.

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.

Hereweka Harbour Cone Future Forest – Background Information

Hereweka / Harbour Cone Background Information

How To Get There:

(1) Macandrew Bay – Greenacres Track – drive along Portsmouth Drive and turn left over the causeway and follow Portobello Road to Macandrew Bay township – ample parking available in front of playground.

(2) Broad Bay – Bacon Street – drive along Portsmouth Drive and turn left over the causeway and follow Portobello Road to Broad Bay. Go through the township to Turnbulls Bay and turn right onto Bacon Street. Parking is best at the Broad Bay Sailing  club on the left.

(3) Portobello – 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 Allan’s Beach Road to park at the Portobello Reserve.

(4) Hoopers Inlet – 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 Allan’s Beach Road then right onto Hoopers Inlet Road. Limited parking available at Nyhon Track entrance.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

27/11/2024. Around Harbour Cone. Grade3. Hikers (and Trampers).  Leaders: Jenny Flack and Rhonda Wilson.

Harbour Cone, Broad Bay, Turnbulls Bay, Bacon Street, 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:

15/04/2026. Kaik-Otakou. Grade 3. Trampers.  Leaders: Sylvia Watts and Carolyn Pridham.

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

Note: all access to farm was denied (May 2026)

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)

 

Presidents Report 2023 – 2024

Taieri Recreational Tramping Club
Presidents report 2023-2024 

It is my pleasure to present this report. 

The year has been another outstanding one with 80 or so walks enthusiastically completed by  members across the walking spectrum! Our membership stands at 131.  

Particular Highlights have been – 

– a very successful ‘combination’ Xmas function at North Taieri that included the garden tour at Joy  and Peter Horrell’s, an uphill walk that took the breath away and then a successful Xmas lunch.  The bring and buy also worked well! 

– A week of walking, with some challenges, and talking based at Kelvin Heights in the Queenstown  Lakes District that catered for all capabilities and there are so many more options in that area…  Over recent years we have also visited the Upper Hollyford, Borland Lodge, and Bannockburn.  What could be next? 

– a successful mid-winter function enjoying the spectacular Tunnel Beach walkway followed by a  great meal and camaraderie at the Concord Tavern, so successful that I see the Tavern is now going  to double in size! Goes to show hospitality is still a goer if you get the mix right. 

The Committee has worked very well together to produce another varied walking and social  programme as well as address matters of the moment; we have monitored the membership numbers  and impact on walks, and options for formalising the Ramblers, fuel costs for trips, and tweaked the  track gradings and track guidelines documents. In addition, working with the Web team, the club’s  website is undergoing a makeover and is receiving great feedback for its clarity and simplicity. 

The working bee approach to the track maintenance on the Lake Whare track network we undertake  on behalf of the Green Hut Group was a significant achievement with 220 hours of volunteer time – so successful that the Green Hut Group would like to add a couple more tracks to our  responsibilities! We’ll hold fire on that until we get underway again over the summer. Our efforts  are reported through the GHG to DCC and DOC. 

I would particularly like to thank John Gardiner, Jenni Wright and Ross Davies for their support and  great work through the year. Also, Karen McInnes, Jan Butcher and Jay Devlin for their committee  work as they have stepped down this year. Jan and Jay have been on the committee since  2018/2019 respectively, and always provided good practical advice and solutions. They have been  the drivers for the Hiker’s Walk programme. Thanks so much. 

I move that this report be adopted 

Seconder 

Phil Keene August 2024 

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

Scope:

This page of the Clubs tramps and hikes covers the Leith Valley area and groups together trips to the Rustler / Burns circuit, the Leith Saddle track, incorporating the Swampy Spur and the Airways Transmitter Tower. (map)

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating the Leith Saddle track, 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.

How To Get There:

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:

21/01/2026. Leith Saddle/Swampy/Burns Track. Grade 4. Trampers.  Leaders: Pam Cocks and Neil Hodgkin.
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).
Leith Saddle, Waitati Valley Road, Sawmill Track, Swampy Ridge, Burns Track.  2008 – 1992 (3 trips – 1 with report and photos, 1 with photos only, 1 with no report or photos)
Burns – Rustler tramps.  2007 – 1989 (8 trips – no reports).
Burns-Rustler track-crossing original signs. (photos only)