Author: Graeme

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:

19/08/2026. Taieri Floodbanks. Grade 2.5.  Hikers. Leaders: Alan Scurr and Phil Keene
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:

15/07/2026. The Pyramids, Victory Beach. Grade 2. Hikers.  Leaders: Rhonda Wilson, Jenny Flack.
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)

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:

11/02/2026. Kuri Bush Road/ Otokia Road Forest Walk. Grade 3. Hikers.  Leaders: Neville Griffiths and Rhonda Wilson
08/10/2025.Daphne/Big Stone Roads, Brighton. Grade 3. Trampers.  Leaders: Sylvie Watt & Lyn Keene
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)

Annual General Meetings – Information Library

Scope:

This page groups together the Taieri Recreational Tramping Club Annual General Meeting Minutes, Meeting Reports and the President Reports.

Links to Annual General Meetings / Annual Reports

2026
AGM Minutes 27/8/2026 – Draft only to be confirmed
Meeting Report 2026 – written by John Gardiner
Presidents Report (2025/26) – written by John Gardiner

2025
AGM Minutes 14/8/2025
Meeting Report 2025 – written by John Gardiner
Presidents Report (2024/25) – written by Phil Keene

2024
AGM Minutes 22/8/2024
Meeting Report 2024 – written by Phil Keene
President’s Report (2023/24)– written by Phil Keene

2023
AGM  Minutes 24/8/2023 
Meeting Report 2023 – written by Phil Keene
Presidents Report (2022/23)  – written by Phil Keene

2022
AGM Minutes 18/8/2022 – includes Presidents Report
Annual Report (2021/22) – written by Phil Keene

2021
AGM Minutes 21/10/2021  – includes Presidents Report
Presidents Report 2021 – written by Arthur Keenan

2020
AGM Minutes 15/10/2020  – includes Presidents report 
Presidents Report 2020- written by Arthur Keenan

2019
AGM Minutes 22/8/2019 – includes Presidents Report
Presidents Report – written by Jill Dodd

2018
AGM Minutes 23/8/2018 – includes Presidents Report
Presidents Report – written by Jill Dodd

2017
AGM Minutes 24/8/2017 – includes Presidents Report
Presidents Report  – written by Judy Knox

2016
AGM Minutes 25/8/2016  
Presidents Report – written by Judy Knox

2015
AGM Minutes 27/8/2015
Presidents Report – not available

2014
AGM Minutes 28/8/2014 
Presidents Report  – not available

2013
AGM Minutes 25/8/2013
Presidents Report  – not available

2012
AGM  Minutes 23/8/2012
Annual Report  -written by Beverley Harvey

2011
AGM Minutes 25/8/2011
Annual Report  – written by W.A McLean

2010
AGM Minutes 27/8/2010
Annual Report – written by W.A McLean

2009
AGM  Minutes 27/8/2009
Annual Report – written by Peter Bathgate

2008
AGM Minutes 22/8/2008
Annual Report  – written by Peter Bathgate

2007
AGM Minutes 16/8/2007
Annual Report – written by Arthur Heenan

2006
AGM Minutes 17/8/2006
Annual Report – written by Arthur Heenan

2005
AGM Minutes 18/8/2005
Annual Report  – written by Arthur Heenan

2004
AGM Minutes 19/8/2004
Annual Report– written by  Ian Fleming

2003
AGM Minutes 21/8/2003
Annual Report  – written by Ian Fleming

2002
AGM Minutes 22/8/2002
Annual Report – written by Colleen Gamble

2001
AGM Minutes 17/8/2001
Annual Report – written by Colleen Gamble

2000
AGM Minutes 17/8/2000
Annual Report – written by Les Smith

 

 

Taieri River Flood banks, Riverside Road, Silverstream, Owhiro Stream – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This grouping of Club tramps and hikes covers trips in the West via SH87 area including the flood banks on the Taieri River and incorporates Silverstream, Riverside Road and the Owhiro Stream,

Background Information:

Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.

Links to tramps and hikes in the same area:

Taieri Plains Tramps.  2003 – 2019. (8 trips including 5 with reports).
Lower Silverstream Tramps.  2023 – 1996 (23 trips including 15 with reports).

 

Botanic Garden, Northern Cemetery, Chingford Park, University Walkways, Woodhaugh Gardens, Waters of the Leith – Information and Trips Library

Scope:

This grouping of Club tramps and hikes covers trips in the Central City and involves  the Botanic Garden (both upper and lower), Northern Cemetery, Chingford park, University walkways, Willowbank, and the Woodhaugh Gardens incorporating the Waters of the Leith.

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.

Links to tramps and hikes in this area:

11/03/2026. Leith To The Sea. Grade 2. Combined.  Leaders: Katrina McKenzie and Julie MacKenzie
24/09/2025. Northern Cemetery-Botanic Garden. Grade 1.5. Hikers.  Leaders: Wendy Langley and Linda Partridge
28/08/2024. Botanic Garden, Chingford Park. Grade 3. Hikers. Leaders: Dave Roberts, Vivienne Manning

Chingford Park, Quarry. 2021 – 2007, 6 trips with 5 reports
Street Walk – Willowbank-Opoho area.  2022 – 2017, 2 trips with reports
Botanic Garden, Logan Park, Northern Cemetery, Chingford, Big Easy  2021 – 1996, 25 trips with 16 reports inc. 15/05/2019 and 19/11/2008 for Chingford.
Waters of the Leith. 2023 – 2022, 2 trips with reports
Woodhaugh Gardens and Leith. 2020 – 1996, 10 trips with 5 reports