No. 35 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Berwick Forest. G Such. Wenita. Nov-April. Year round”
Location: Old Wool Shed: 30 km.
Location: Lodge: 33 km.
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40. 11/9/2019. Trampers, Waipori Forest, Meggetburn. Leaders: Alan and Kerry
22 Trampers set off down to Berwick and left a car at the Government Track car park.5 cars then carried on to the start of the track, by the road, into the Berwick Forest Lodge.
A steady walk up through native bush and forest
1st obstacle. (Gordon pic and caption.)Heading to Morning tea break. (Gordon pic and caption.)
to a welcome morning tea stop.
Morning tea. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Then down hill to the Meggatburn Stream which had quite a waterflow, so it was difficult to cross without getting wet feet.
2nd obstacle– Some wet feet. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Then up we climbed to Shaws Road. The track had been clipped back to allow for easier access. Therefore the track was easy to follow.
Regroup on way to top. (Gordon pic and caption.)
The day started well weather wise but with showers pending,
Heading down to Waipori Gorge for lunch. (Gordon pic and caption.)
we quickly carried on
A couple of budding models on the stone seat. (Gordon pic and caption.)
to a hut for our lunch, near the old Waipori picnic ground which is no more.
Walking out after lunch, we crossed the bridge on the Waipori River
Next stop Wobbly Goat. (Gordon pic and caption.)
and walked down to where the car was parked.Then 5 drivers returned to the rest of the group to collect trampers. Followed by a coffee session at the Wobbly Goat. – Kerry.
39. 12/12/2018. All. End of year. Pot luck meal at Berwick Lodge. Leaders: Peter, Wendy and Dave.
Route map, courtesy Ian. Trampers and most Hikers were led from the Lodge by Dave and Keith along Hook Road, up, up, up Farm Road, left along Old Boundary Road and down, up and back down again along a track through broom, gorse and trees to the Old Wool Shed site on Hook road, and back along it to the Lodge again. Peter led the Ramblers on a shorter walk.Young at Heart – Judy!!! (Dave pic and caption.)
A number of former club members turned up to a well-provisioned finger food meal at mid-day, and bowser a well covered trestle table of books, sale proceeds to go to the new Mosgiel swimming pool. Over 40 of us leisurely ate and talked till President Jill took over. She introduced Bruce who had composed a 4-stanza song to the tune of “The Old Grey Mare, and after lyric sheets were handed out, led hearty singing of it.
Thanks to excellent preparation, Jill had a briefed a number of us to give 2-minute accounts of private trips, local and overseas. These were many and varied. A good ending to the year, at a venue many of us hadn’t visited before. – Ian.
There were 14 keen Trampers out today for a walk in the forest – one member of the group used the word “intrepid” in describing us.
It must be a few years since our Club has tramped this track? Anyway, the cars parked at the usual spot by the old woolshed on the road into the “Berwick Forest Lodge”.
It was noticed that the toilet facilities by the carpark were absent, as about a month ago some “empty head” had burned it down!
There was a brief paddock walk in the sunshine (sunny all day) before crossing the footbridge over Boundary Creek, to the beginning of the track up into the pine trees. After about 150 yards we came to 6 large trees down over the track, which were successful negotiated by going under, over, or around.
Smoko was taken in a sunny trackside spot, at the appropriate time.
Gathering on way up. (Helen pic and caption.)
Continuing uphill we soon came to and crossed a Forestry Road (Prentice Road). Now descending slowly we eventually came to the Meggat Burn, which was crossed without mishap using a variety of techniques. Electing to just plough through, not worrying about wet feet, and some crossed on the shallowest part of the rock ledge where it was maybe only 3 inches deep. The burn was only slightly up after all of the rain a few days ago.
(Margreet pic.)
While the track was muddy in many places, it was surprisingly good after the quantity of rain that had fallen. Further up there was vegetation, especially gorse, beginning to encroach but not impeding our progress.
The track came out onto a forestry road, Tobermory Road; and in 10 minutes more we reached Shaw Road before 12 noon. Down Shaw Road for a few minutes took us to our lunch spot in a sunny area under the Pole Line that parallels Shaw Road. There was a limited view down on to the Taieri from here, with Hope Hill in the background. We could even see the sea.
Lunch spot. (Helen pic and caption.)
The sunshine was most enjoyable, ideal for lying back forma little nap after eating – one tramper having to be roused to begin the return journey!
Our return followed the same route, some care being necessary descending a slippery clay section before arriving back at the Meggat Burn. All crossed in safety again although a piece of equipment may have been lost?
It was uphill for a little while, and then it was down all the way. It was very noticeable that the leaders were in a hurry to get home (I was at the back of the group here), and not wasting any time – probably they could detect the aroma coming from the coffee shop? But it was just their imagination!
We were back in the lovely sunshine at the cars by 2.30 pm, having tramped 13.5 km for the day’s effort.
The Leader was most gratified to hear that all of the party had thoroughly enjoyed the day’s walk (and talk). Considerable birtdsong was heard in the forest.
As per the usual custom, a stop was made in Outram for refreshments and discussion. And then back to Mosgiel, and then home for boot cleaning duty. – Art.
37. 15/12/2010. All. End of year. Lodge, Farm Rd, East Boundary, Old Wool Shed, Lodge. Pot luck meal at Berwick Lodge. Leaders: Peter and Wendy.
For some of us, accustomed to entering Berwick Forest along Terrace Range Rd by the Old Woolshed at the old HQ site, it was a new experience to travel further along the Berwick Road to enter the forest by the sign-posted Webbs Rd and then down Farm Rd, turning left onto Boundary Creek Road to arrive at the Lodge.
The walk took us back up Farm Road.We stopped for tea break at its crest where it crossed East Boundary Rd and continues to Webbs Road.
GPS of route courtesy Ken
From here we had a good view across to Waipori Lake.
View of Lake Waipori
Almost immediately off Webbs Rd, Peter and Wendy led us along a forestry track paralleling the E Boundary Rd (which you can see on the left of our GPSed route) through Douglas Firs…
Through Douglas Firs
…and blackberry brambles in the more open areas.
Brambles
Interesting foot bridge
The track ended where at a log-loading site we joined up with the East Boundary Road. Turning right, were almost immediately at the two-storey lookout, with its lovely view of the Sinclair Wetlands.
The Lookout on E. Boundary Road.
Boundary Road eventually wound its way around to Terrace Range Rd near the old HQ site by the Old Woolshed.
Further on it was left off Terrace Range Rd onto Boundary Creek Rd, (passing Farm Rd on our left, thereby completing the loop,) and so back to the Lodge for lunch. Good planned timing, Peter and Wendy!
Lunch inside
Peter reported that the tramp was 6kms long and 19 happy trampers took part, with one or two others joining us for lunch and a singsong with Bruce and his guitar.
Bruce leading the singing.
Peter, as Past President, gave a speech on behalf of President Bill who unfortunately could not attend due to ill health, and wished us well for the Christmas season. – Ian
36. 8/9/2010. Hikers. Berwick Forest from Old Woolshed. Leaders: Bob and Evelyn.
35. 13/5/2009 Both. Berwick Forest from old Woolshed. Pink Route. Terrace Range, Shetland Saddle Ridge, Market, East Boundary Medium. Leaders: Ian, Ken.
Well, an unusual start to the day. For a wet morning, but promising to clear up later in the day, 10, mostly Hikers, turned up at the carpark and after much discussion forewent the programmed Cleghorn Street-Signal Hill walk, and settled on a Berwick Forest road-walk, because ground everywhere was SO WET. And again, despite a longer walk than usual, it proved that Hikers can do anything, given time-out on the hills.
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Lunch. Ken & Neil stading. Peter & Bev sitting.
We endured one or two showers initially, giving way to cloud and latterly even to sunshine.
Down Shetland-Saddle Ridge. Peter & Neil at back. Bev at front.
It was instructive to witness extensive flooding everywhere and how waterways cope; also the transformations brought about by forest harvesting and re-growth that had taken place over the 10 years since the club last visited the area. Views of the Sinclair Wetlands rewarded the last stages of the day and we got back to the cars just after 3.00 p.m., tired, a bit sore, but triumphant. – Ian.
34. 31/10/2007 Shaw Road?
Although once again, weather report not so good and some cloud hanging around, we left the car park at 9am as usual for our hike in Waipori – Berwick Forest area with high hopes of a good day out. We parked by the side of the road and set off walking along the road then across farm land and up a fairly steep hill.
Morning Tea
Took our time and stopped frequently to admire the view which got more interesting and expansive the higher we got.
Certainly well worth the effort. Had views over Taieri, down to Waihola and over the Wetlands, as well as the hills and valleys round that area. We really enjoyed our morning tea break after our hard slog up the hill. From then on it was fairly easy, pleasant going along forestry roads and through the trees. Found a nice sheltered spot in the sun for our lunch and sat and made the most of the break and rest before returning to the cars the same way we had come. Day turned out to be a good one for hiking. Not too hot at first but warmed up considerably by the time we were on our way back. Another happy day for hikers. Bev.
32. 12/9/2007. Trampers. Berwick Forest from Old Woolshed. Medium. Leaders: Doug J, Tom
31. 7/6/2006. Old Woolshed to Shaw Road, return. Leaders: Bob H and Arthur H.
30. 7/6/2006. Both. Berwick Forest Lodge. Leaders (Medium): Bob H, Arthur H, (Easy): Margaret D, Val.
29. 14/12/2005. End of Year. All. Berwick Hall. Bring a plate. Leaders: Lance and Lois, Lesley S.
28. 26/5/2004. Old woolshed at Berwick to Waipori Return. H.Started from the old woolshed, through the forest, Meggat Burn to Shaw Road, and down the track to the picnic ground near the Waipori River Bridge to have lunch there. Returned the same way. It must have been a long, tough tramp to do that. (Recalled by Art.)
27. 18/12/2002. End of Year. All. Berwick Forest Pre-Christmas Tramp. Finger food lunch and flasks, wet or fine. Leaders: Bill H, Lesley S, Wendy J.
26. 19/12/2001. End of Year. Combined. Berwick Forest. Pre Xmas Tramp. Finger food lunch and flasks. Leaders: Graham, Bill H, Wendy J.
25. 13/12/2000. Berwick Forest – Pre-Xmas Tramp. Finger food lunch and flasks. Leaders: Margaret and Les, Bev H.
23. 16/2/2000. Berwick Forest Circuit. Leaders: Barbara McC, Mary L, Sabina.
22. 15/12/1999. Pre-Christmas tramp and lunch. Berwick Forest. Wet or Fine. Finger Food and Flasks. Leaers: Margaret and Les, Colleen.
21. 12/5/1999 Old Wool Shed. Green Route. Half track, half road. East Boundary, Hook, Halfway, Prentice, Oban, Ret. Leaders: Claude, Lex, Molly.
20. 3/2/1999. The Circle at Berwick Forest. Leaders: Jack R, Pat, Hazel.
19. 19/8/1998. Berwick Forest Tramp. Leaders: Les W, Eleanor.
18. 13/5/1998. Berwick, Shaws Hill, Hayes Woolshed. Leaders: Bill H, Lesley S.
17. 17/6/1998. Old Wool Shed. Pink Route. East Boundary, Market, Shetland Saddle Ridge, Terrace Range, Ret. Leaders: Graham, Claude.
16. 30/7/1997. Old Wool Shed. Pink Route. East Boundary, Market, Shetland Saddle Ridge, Terrace Range (Part), Halfway (part), Bishop, Longspur, Terrace Range (part), ret. Leaders: Graham, Claude, Les W.
15. 19/3/1997 Waipori Gorge to the Megget Burn stream, Berwick. Leaders: Molly, Diana and Ray
14. 12/2/1997. Woolshed Shaws Hill and return. Leaders: Colleen, Ted, Sabina.
13. 13/7/1994Berwick Forest Woolshed to Waipori and return.Leaders: Molly, Dot T, Graham, Frank
12. 31/3/1993. Berwick Forest. Medium. Leaders: Jack R, Barbara McC, Mervyn, Doreen.
11. 17/6/1992. Berwick Forest walk. Average. Leaders: Mary Y, Nola, Doreen, Mary McG
10. 25/9/1991 Berwick Forest and Native Reserve. Average. Leaders: Dot B, Jean Y, Denise
9. 10/7/1991 Berwick Forest Woolshed to Waipori. A good winter tramp. Average. Leaders: Eric & Dot, Ray, Joyce I, Catherine T
8. 11/10/1989. Berwick – Shaw’s Hill Road. Easy. Leaders: Joyce I, Joan A, Norman.
7. 6/9/1989 Berwick Forest. Average. Youth Camp to Native Reserve. Leaders: Ria L, Peg C, Peggy A
6. 7/6/1989. Berwick Forest from Forest Headquarters. Sheltered pine walk. Leaders: June W, Ria, Peggy, Peg
5. 14/5/1989 Waipori Gorge to Meggetburn stream, Berwick. Bush and Pine walk. Leaders: Daphne, Helen W, Mavis
4. 3/2/1989. Berwick Forest – The Upper Circle. Incorporates the Otago Youth Adventure Trust training track. Leaders: Jack, Pat, Hazel.
3. 21/9/1988 Berwick Forest from Old Woolshed to Boundary Creek and O.Y.A.T.I. camp. Leaders; Kees and Ria, Doreen.
2. 22/6/1988 Berwick Forest from the Woolshed. Back early for barbecue. Leaders: Dave and Jean
1. 13/4/1988. Berwick Forest from Shaw Hill Road. Leaders: Hugh, Jean Y.
3. 4/9/2019. All. Hightop, Semple Road, Green Hut track loop.
New meeting place. (Judy K pic and caption.)
Trampers. M. Leaders: Arthur and Gordon. M.
Route map highlighted, courtesy Arthur.
A new tramp. Parking on Semple Road, 16 Trampers followed the old, original track in to the Silver Peaks to begin a circuit of Hightop. Quite muddy at first, the old track hadn’t been cleared for many moons, but was well defined.
Mud-glorious mud. (Gordon pic and caption.)Heading to renddezous with hikers for morning tea. (Gordon pic and caption.)
We caught up with the Hikers at Sleepy Hollow for smoko together. It was a combined day, but they were heading for Green Hut.
Bit damp to sit down for smoko. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Fifteen minutes took our group back to the Swampy Ridge Track, which we followed through the muddy patches, made worse by wild cattle in the area over winter. And then on a good track, climbing now.
Nearly there 6th. Gordon pic and caption.)
The day had been sunny to start, but by 11 a.m. the north-east wind was bringing in cloud on upper Swampy.
In cloud, and with a cold wind, lunch was taken in the shelter of the Airways building at the north end of Swampy top.
Lunch; but mainly sheltered. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Faint mutterings about mud and hills were heard, but dismissed as inconsequential bay the leader. A kind offer to describe the views from there was declined!
We started off into the cold wind on the return journey, but it was downhill and were soon into the shelter.
Heading back down from Swampy. (Eleanore pic and caption.)
Going downhill all hopped and skipped merrily through the mud,
Muddy patches. (Eleanore pic and caption.)Muddy patches. (Eleaanore pic and caption.)
to arrive back at the junction to Sleepy Hollow for a group photo.
The HAPPY tramping group. (Gordon pic and caption.)
The last leg of the circuit about Hightop took us, on a lovely piece of track, back to our cars. The cloud had lowered. 12 km, or little more, for our day’s adventure was good.
Thanks to all, especially Phil and Gordon for doing the recce of Hightop with me.
A refreshment stop was made at Blueskin Nurseries on the way home.
Home to clean our boots! – Art.
Hikers. Semple Road to Green hut. Leaders: Clive and Alex.
After conducting a recce of the track to Hightop this Hiker deemed it too boggy for the hikers and lead a recreational hike from Semple Road to the old Green Hut site.
22 hikers set off in good hiking conditions of around 13 degrees and sheltered from any wind by high kanuka trees.
setting off from Semple Road. (Clive pic and caption.)
We met up with the trampers at sleepy hollow for a shared morning tea
Tthe combined hikers and trampers at morning tea. (Clive pic and caption.)
and the more intrepid trampers then set off for swampy’s and we set off for green hut. A couple of the climbs had several hikers blowing hard at the top (Leader included), but the underfoot was good with evidence of recent clearing and maintenance by the ‘Green Hut track group’ (see ‘Keeping up with the Green Hut Track Group’). By midday we arrived at the site of the old green hut and enjoyed a sociable half an hour over lunch.
Lunch at Green Hut. (Clive pic and caption.)Great view across the forest and bush. (Clive pic and caption.)
The more downhill return to Semple Road meant we were back in the cars by 2pm and at Blueskin Nursery Cafe shortly after. The trampers were not that far behind. – Clive.
Ramblers. Semple/Mountain Roads. E. Leaders: Mutual.
Seven of us contented ourselves with a road trip, going on a good bit further beyond the locked gate to lunch in sunshine – turned cloudy and windy – turned cold, before returning back to await the Hikers’ return. Did something like 4 km. All good company and chatter. (Interesting point to note: sign posts have extended Semple Road quite a bit beyond the Green Hut parking spot to where it eventually turns into Mountain Road.) – Ian.
Then, a recce, before we go any further. Ian wasn’t a likely starter because of problems at home, so Judy recruited Bev, but in the event Ian was able to come, but the recce had to be fitted in at the last moment.
We entered in at the Mountain Road entrance and made our way up to the first junction with the top track on the map that runs roughly parallel to Semple/Mountain Road. Only a short way in and solid gorse blocked the track. But a short loop down to the left and back up again recovered the track, much more open. Up and over the top to the fence line and here our troubles started. Snow fellings of the scrubby manuka from that heavy winter snow-fall plus the gorse made for much ‘bush-bashing’. Still hopeful of getting to the next junction we pushed on. But no. Time was passing, so back out again and on to the Sleepy Hollow junction.
This was well-cleared, but we had lost quite some time by now. We lunched on the way and nursed our gorse-pricked legs.
Gorse-ravaged legs.
We pushed on to the Swampy Track junction, also well-cleared, where a majority decision was taken to turn back, with the Swampy route to be the one taken. So we didn’t explore the less inviting Hightop one to the left. Time was running out.
Now to the tramp. All went well till we came to the Swampy Track junction. Ian had still wished to have at least a wee look at the Hightop track to the left, so general consent was given and he and several others set off on it, only to find it was nicely cleared and seductively inviting over a clear rise. So much so, that he phoned back to Judy an invitation for the remainder to follow. But several didn’t wish to come, asserting the Swampy track was the one that had been planned. On the other hand, Ian and the others with him were so reluctant to give in that a grudging assent from the nay-sayers was won and the two groups were reunited. The cleared track led us out onto Semple Road but we could find no sign of the emergence of the bush-bashed track anywhere.
Anyway, we lunched back up at the DoC sign indicating Silver Peaks Conservation Area that we had passed earlier before retracing our steps back to the cars. But Ian still doubtless remains unforgiven for his ‘splitting the group’ and adopting a cavalier ‘Trampers’ attitude. His phone call did put fellow-leaders Judy and Bev, who had both remained behind, in an invidious position.
So, we had made it 3/4 of the way around Hightop but the last side still awaits a good track-clearing day. 21 Hikers out on the day. A good overcast tramping morning, getting quite hot in the afternoon. – Ian.
1. 16/9/1992. Hightop, Swampy. Start Double Hill Road. Average. Leaders: George, Doug M, Penny & Peter
The threatening weather report did not deter 16 keen trampers’ from turning up ready for a walk. The trip to Mt Watkins was postponed because of some of the track’s lack of shelter to the elements. It was decided to walk the tunnel and raceman’s tracks becausethey are in the shelter of native bush.
We parked and left from the school house area on Whare flat road. The tracks were in very good condition but a bit wet and muddyin places.
That was a tricky bit. (Gordon pic and caption.)Careful Don’t slip. (Gordon pic and caption.)
It was pleasant walking along the track adjacent to theold water race. Morning tea was appropriately had along from one of the tunnels.
Putting the world right over morn. Tea. (Gordon pic and caption.)
The Silverstream water race was built between1877 and 1881 and consisted of nearly 30km of open races, sluices, tunnels and weirs. In 1920 a pump was installed. Later pipes were partially in stalled with little success. It was abandoned in the 1960s.
We continued on walking briskly to ensure that we all kept warm. The native bush with all its array of greens was a pleasant sight. Lunch was had just before a creek crossing that could have been more challenging to cross!
A perfect lunch spot. (Gordon pic and caption.)
We headed back using a detour to avoid a loop on racemans. The bird song was pleasant on some parts of the tracks. The sun even briefly shone through the trees at times.
Still smilling. Heading to coffee stop. (Gordon pic and caption.)
On reaching our cars, after a few creek crossings,
1st & last obstacle. (Gordon pic and caption.)
we had completed 15.8 km. A good walk with plenty of cool fresh air! The temperature was 5 degrees when we returned to Mosgiel.
Coffee at Blend. (Helen pic and caption.)
It was a pleasure to share Helen’s birthday with coffee and cakes at Blend. – Dave
As the destination for the designated tramp [Swampy via Morrisons & poleline track] was covered in wet cloud, we decided at the carpark to just walk the Tunnels/Racemans tracks instead. This turned out to be a good choice, as the weather was fine all day in the valley.
Of the eight trampers that came along, two had never been in this area before, so it was a good opportunity for them to see the work that was done on this impressive old water race.
We had morning tea at the top in the pines, & then walked along to almost the junction with Little Coal track, where we stopped for an early lunch.
The pic is of our lunch stop (Ken pic and caption)
As I was recovering from two weeks off with a very sore back, [damaged while gardening — be aware, it’s not good for your health !!] I decided that I was going to turn back here, so I informed the others of my intentions, & they all said they would be happy to go back with me. [7km at this point]. So we retraced our steps back to the cars at the old school house, clearing some storm damaged vegetation as we went along.
The track was in mostly dry condition with only the odd muddy patch to contend with, & the creek crossings were very shallow.
walked 14km
4.3km/h
3h 15mins moving.
climbed 147m. – Ken.
15/4/2015. Trampers. Pumphouse, Tunnels, McRaes
Walked 9.6km
3.9km/h
2 1/2hrs moving time
climbed 275m
6 hardy trampers turned up to do the walk into the Tunnels & Silverstream tracks, which was, due to the weather conditions, chosen as an alternative to the Leith Saddle tramp scheduled for today.
We parked by the school house, & made our way up to the start of the Tunnels Track, but on arriving at the creek crossing, we found it to be far too deep & swift to attempt a crossing without getting wet feet. So we made the decision to go in from the pump house at the Whare Flat car park. We drove back down the road & restarted the tramp along the fence beside the Silverstream, & up & over the short but quite steep climb, to the grass are at the upstream end of the swing bridge. We turned up the first track just past here, & made our way up onto the Tunnels Track, then back towards the school house, to the start where we couldn’t cross the stream earlier. Then we retraced our steps, & walked all the way along to the creek crossing just past the Racemans Hut that has the tree down across it. This is the creek crossing with the ropes on the other side to help with the climb up the bank. here the water was also too deep, & swift to attempt a crossing, so we had a look at the Tunnels weir, then walked back out, & down an unmarked track leading down to the picnic table on the grass area beside the Silverstream. We had lunch here, then walked back out to the cars.
Conditions in the bush were sheltered, not very wet under foot, & very few muddy patches, so everybody enjoyed the walk. – Ken
On a cool but what turned out to be a very nice winters day, 5 trampers took to the Tunnels /Racemans Tracks. However, we didn’t get very far before we struck the first of many snow damaged trees across the track. This made for very slow going, & we didn’t even manage to get to the favourite morning tea spot in the pines before it was time to stop for a cuppa. We met up with some guys who were supposed to be track clearing, from the DCC, but from what we could see, they weren’t doing much good. There are some VERY LARGE trees down across the track, which require some careful negotiation to get past.
Some of the fallen trees across the track. There is a large Rimu in there somewhere. (Ken pic and caption)
Also, looking very sad is the old Racemans shed.
Racemans Shed (Ken pic and caption)
It has a tree which has fallen right across the top of it, & the roof has completely gone.
Roof gone. (Ken pic)
We only got as far as the creek crossing with the rope on it, when we gave up the struggle, as the creek was choked with fallen trees, & we could hardly see the other side where you climb out of the creek with the help of the rope. We backtracked to an unmarked side track down to the Silverstream, where we found a picnic table to have lunch at.
Lunch at the picnic table.
It was then a short walk out to the pumphouse at Whare Flat, & then back up the road to the cars at the old School house. Distance 8.2km, ave 4km/hr. – Ken.
22 of us made a large group. Great. We had our morning cuppa at the top of the Tunnels track.
Morning Tea in the pines at the top of the Tunnels Track.
We made our way back on down to join with the McRaes Track and along to the weir. At this point, Dorothy, recovering from a hip injury wisely declined the steep rope-assisted climb up the further back of the stream and accompanied by three others, returned back the way we had come and down from there by a link track to meet us later at the Pumphouse.
The rest of us carried on around the McRaes track to lunch at the point where it links with the Racemans.
About to set off after lunch.
Down the Racemans and on to the swing bridge. Some elected to cross it and risk the depth of the water at the Pumphouse ford but most went by more hilly track along the Silverstream true left.
Up to that point, we were well led by Fred and Elaine, but from here on it was ‘Brown’s Cows’ back up the r0ad to the cars. We were all back home in time for afternoon tea.
Taieri Scenic reserve was unavailable, due to bulldozers working on a road. We chose a short Tunnels tramp instead, as heavy rain was forecast for the afternoon.
We stopped along Racemans for the morning tea break.
We continued on. At the short water-race pipe point, we dared some of the newer members to crouch their way through it. Amazingly, three took up the dare. Bravo. Then it was on past McRaes weir. The vertical climb out from the stream bed gets no easier for the writer, feeling his arthritic age.
Reaching the end of the McRaes side gully (to the Silverstream proper), we turned back down onto the first part of the Raceman’s track where it climbs up to reach the water-race. Had a look at the Pump-house’s intake weir. Climbed back up to the Raceman’s by the track near the swing-bridge, turning right at the top to climb back up the Tunnels’ hill.
Lunch back at the top of Tunnels track.
Lunch was slightly early, as we remained conscious of the forecast rain. We felt its first drops as we finished lunch. We heard the patter of rain on the leaves above us as we made our way back down the hill. We emerged onto the road by the alternative exit and walked back up to the cars with only the lightest of rain sprinkling us. A nice dry morning out, on a nice dry track in nice bush. – Ian.
4. 28/9/2011. Hikers. Pumphouse, road, Schoolhouse, Tunnels, McRaes Weir, Racemans, Pumphouse . Leaders: Peter and Wendy.
GPS of trip route, courtesy Ken. (Click to see full pic)
21 of us started the Tunnels track just up from the old Schoolhouse and down the track a little were soon admiring a railed bridge over a ditch and a new track complete with steps around the top of a large slip, put in by Neil and his group of track repairers. The track gently climbed to its top point over the race tunnel where we stopped for an early morning tea under pines, resting on their bed of thick pine needles.
Tea break, top of tunnels hill. (Ken pic)
Tea break 2
The track had been beautifully cleared of trunks and debris brought down by a recent storm and we quietly ambled along the long stretch that eventually took us past the old Racemans Hut to the broken-down McRaes Weir. Across the stream we were confronted with a washed out vertical bank with only a knotted rope and some steep cut-out steps, but with the bottom one now missing. There ensued much pushing and pulling, and slipping and collapsing as we made our various ways up to the top of the bank.
Steep climb out of McRaes Stream
Then it was plain sailing (apt metaphor?) again out of the large McRae’s gully till we reached the junction with the Racemans where we stopped for an early lunch.
Lunch at junction McRaes and Racemans. (Ken pic)
From there we descended the Racemans to pass the old Silverstream weir and inspected the weir from which water is now piped to the pumphouse. We elected to return via the swing-bridge because there had been a tree-fall over the true-left track. Crossing the ford at the other end was not the happiest part of the walk for some. Then it was just 2 km back up the road to the cars parked at the old Schoolhouse. The day was perfectly calm with much of it sunny, if not hot. It had been a good day. – Ian
8. 24/7/2019. All. Doug’s 90th. Alan Scurrs, Riverside Road. Leader: Alan.
24 th July proved to be a special day.
The Weather frosty cold to start ,then clear calm and pristine. An enthusiastic group of tramping club members 54 out walking in total.Some even cycled down from the Bush Road carpark to Alan and Kerry’s home. Here we were greeted by inquisitive Llamas.
We spread out through boggy farmlands with the bonus of country smells to accompany us on the way.
On the way down Owhiro Stream. (Gordon pic and caption.)
We followed some of the Taieri waterways onto the floodbanks which have over the years saved farmlands from being completely destroyed/submerged in floods. Alan had some photos of the extensiveness of the flooding over the years.
A catchup were the Owhiro Stream enters the Taieri River. (Gordon pic and caption.)the control gate into the ponding area. (Clive pic and caption.)
Morning tea was held beside the Mill stream pump house. The stream flows into the Taieri river. The river was full and very discoloured.
Morning tea Mill Creek. (Clive pic and caption.)
From here we split into smaller groups depending how far people wanted to walk back to the party house.
Overall walking distances ranged from the Ramblers’ ramble to the longest distance approx 10 kms and then a ride home for them.
Heading towards South Fork farm. (Gordon pic and caption.)Alan suppyling information on slipway at flood gates. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Alan had vehicles placed along the way to get all home by about 1 pm to be together to share Doug’s 90th birthday lunch. A real party lunch shared by all including some of our members who like to be involved with activities but not always able to join us on some of our weekly outings.
Lunch back at homestead. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Helen Morris spoke about Doug
Helen speaks about Doug.
– out most Wednesdays a very busy man with an immaculate house and garden, a perfect gentleman, and a great bagpiper and ball room dancer. Always wearing shorts!
Doug. (Helen pic and caption.)
A big Thankyou to Alan and Kerry hosts extraordinare for providing an idyllic location and perfect weather (hardly a breathe of wind ). We wish them well for their overseas trip next week and look forward to hearing of their experiences.
Jill on behalf of the club.
(Add 100m to kms, as turned GPS on late!) Route: Riverside Rd, School Rd, Taieri Flood bank, Siverstream Flood bank, McKay reserve, paper road.
Twenty-five of us started along Riverside Rd from cars parked at the end of Dukes Rd. Turned left into School Rd. At about the 3.3km mark (a tiny swiggle on the map) Peter let us in through a combination-locked gate to the Dunedin Model Aero Club site and welcome bench seats …
Cuppa at Dunedin Model Aero Club site on School Road.
… upon which to enjoy morning tea. One of us preferred …
An alternative hat
… sitting on a table, rather fancying himself in his newly acquired piece of headgear.
As we were walking back out onto School Road, Leader Peter told us in interesting detail the history of the road, originally the Mosgiel-Outram railway route. The raised bridge over the Taieri River necessitated a fully-laden passenger train locomotive stopping and waiting for twenty minutes to get up enough steam to get its load up and over. School Road was the most difficult part of the line to construct. Hector told us of the need of a foundation of flaxes to first undergird the permanent way over the Taieri swamp. At road’s end, we followed the old rail bed as it veered right and led us to the Taieri River flood bank, alongside an interesting flood gate structure, designed to release flood waters into the flood plain alongside when needed to alleviate flooding elsewhere.
Making our way alongside the river, we had to negotiate a tricky fence, armed with live electric (fortunately the stretchy kind) wires on either side. Eventually, we were able to carry on. Arriving near the river’s confluence with the Silverstream, we perched ourselves alongside the latter …
Lunch
… for a leisurely lunch. Fortunately the wind abated for the while we were there.
Up and along the Silverstream’s true right floodbank, under the Riverside Road bridge and on to a heavy flood gates structure protecting a large drainage ditch at the lower corner of the McKay’s Triangle Wildlife Management Reserve from flooding back.
We walked along the ditch’s true left through luxuriant spring grass freshly tracked by some vehicle’s wheels, a boon denied the leaders who had to brave the reserve completely lacking track indicators to keep them free of boggy underground. Along the way we passed by
Lake Kate
a lake, adding to the scenic variety of the reserve. We persisted up along the aforesaid ditch, seeking yet another lake that unfortunately failed to materialize. So back down to enter in via a mai-mai to circumvent the beautiful Lake Kate, …
Lake Kate
… unseeable from the track. Thank you leaders, for finding the way into this hidden jewel for us.
We were then cleverly led by twisting track and footbridge out to the other major track, this one bordering yet another drainage ditch set at right angles to the other. This led us in straight alignment with Duke Road, virtually its paper road extension, back up to the cars again.
Thanks to Peter and Lesley for a carefully planned trip with the McKay’s Reserve as a surprising cherry at the end. – Ian.
6. 4/8/2010. Both. Gladfield Road, School Road, Stop Bank, ret. E. Leaders: Bev, Ian.
GPS of route (Courtesy, Ken)
We parked the cars at the end of Dukes Road and made our way along Gladfield road, stopping at School Road for morning tea. Down School Road and crossing Riverside Road onto the Outram railway embankment to the Taieri River. Turning left, we followed the river down stream, keeping on the flood bank much of the way.
Continuing along the stop bank and bypassing Lindsay Road, we crossed over a flood gate immediately adjacent to the confluence of the Taieri and Silverstream rivers.
Shutting the stock gate on the flood gate. (Ken pic)
It was time for lunch, so we went down to shelter, sit and eat around a pile of bulldozed willow logs by the confluence.
Lunch1 (Ken pic)
Lunch2 (Ken pic)
Then it was up first one side, then the other of the Silverstream till we reached Gladfield Road and its pedestrian swing-bridge.
Bridge (Ken pic)
Then it was just back along Gladfield Road to the cars, and home.
A good day, with both groups together and 23 setting out. – Ian
5. 15/7/2009 Dukes Road, stop bank, School Road. Leaders: Marjorie, Peter.
4. 11/6/2008 Taieri Ramble from Dukes Road. Leaders:
Taieri in the winter. Who? Dot, Who? Margaret, Joyce, Lex, Arthur, Who?
A perfect winters day for the 20 hikers who parked their cars at the end of Dukes Rd to enjoy awalk on the roads and farmland on the Taieri Plains. We went along Gladfield Rd to School Rd where we found a spot to sit and have our welcome morning tea break. Off down School Rd for a short distance then on to farm land. Across paddocks, along stop banks, making the most of the beautiful sun and scenery which made this an especially enjoyable day out. Sat and had our lunch in a very pleasant spot amongst trees and near the Silverstream.
A Presidential munch. PeterThe ‘swing’ bridge
Then it was across more paddocks, over a ‘swing’ bridge and back to the cars. Not a hard hike but one everyone enjoyed very much. – Bev
3. 11/6/2008. Hikers. Dukes Road, Stop Bank, School Road. Easy. Leaders: Bob H, Bev H.
Park end Dukes Rd. Straight ahead SE to McKays Triangle Wildlife Management Reserve. (Seek permission for this part, although paper road.)
Turn Rt/SW by drainage ditch, across Taieri. Follow either of following alternatives:
1st Alt: Trampers. Carry on, cross Mosgiel/Outram Road, up hill, (seek permission for hill part) then left and down to Taieri upstream of bridge. Return down Taieri (Seek permissions, but probably not necessary) and back by reserve.
2nd Alt: Hikers. Turn left SE down to Taieri River flood gate. Followed river back along flood bank to Silverstream. Upstream to Riverside Rd and back to cars.
2. 4/7/2007. Both. Dukes Road, Stop Bank. easy. Leaders: George, Bob H, Les & Margaret, Bev H
Permissions from Mt Gowrie Station, Strathview Station, Calder Station.
13. 20/6/2019.Trampers. Deep Stream Pipeline from SH 87. M. Neil M. and Carol.
A fine but cool day dawned for the 10 trampers to depart for the big bend to start the Deep Stream walk to the East. Now just because it’s called a pipeline doesn’t mean it’s flat. Once the water is in the pipe the line goes up and down continually. In fact going by past reports for the distance we walked we climbed over 700 metres.
We left the cars about on the hour of 10.0 and walked up
Throwing our shadows o’er Jack Frost (Phil pic and caption.
to the top of the first hill on the line in about 20 minutes, so a break was called for coffee and smoko.
M:Tea. Great view. (Gordon pic and caption.)
After that, onwards and what do we find but the first big dip.
Quite a bit of uphill. (Gordon pic and caption.)
From where we had coffee/ tea one could see the track in the distance but not all the gullies we have to go through, which could give one the wrong impression of this walk. Although the day was cool, it did warm up as the hours ticked by. We arrived at the high point in the walk about 12.15pm for lunch where we could see back towards Mosgiel and Saddle Hill. A good view all round.
Now the return trip started about 1/4 to one and we arrived back at the road by 3 o’clock. One noticeable thing about the return trip, there wasn’t as muck talk.
Last steep pinch. Gordon pic and caption.)
Maybe some were getting a little tired. Well, we walked about 16 kms and probably climbed more than 700 m so not a bad effort.
At this stage of the day, coffee calls, so we stopped at Clarks Junction Pub – come cafe, to satisfy these cravings before returning to Mosgiel. – Neil and Carol.
12. 22/6/2016. Trampers. Deep Stream Pipeline from SH 87. M. Leader: Neil M.
10 Trampers left Mosgiel at 9.30 am. It was somewhat cloudy with a very gentle breeze but pleasant conditions.
It was 10.10 am when we left the cars and from there an approximate 30 minute tramp before morning tea.
On a few occasions the pipeline and relief flues surfaced …
Pipeline. (Helen pic and caption.)Looks like a bird to me. (Helen pic and caption.)
… whereby Peter gave us a lesson about hydraulics (water pressure and air bubbles) before disappearing again …
Pipeline and some nice rocks. (Helen pic and caption.)
to wend its way …
Track. Very deceiving as no flat. (Helen pic and caption.)
… through stunning country of craggy rocks, sheep pastures, Deep Stream/Creek and even a lone, healthy hebe.
The many ‘ups’ were balanced out by ‘downs’ and that led us to a 12.30 pm lunch stop …
Group at lunch time. (Helen pic and caption.)
…from where we looked across to the Rock and Pillars on the west and the Kakanui hills to the north.
At 1.00 pm (after squeezing an extra 5 minutes out of our keen-to-get-going leader) we left the well-placed rock tables and seats and headed back by the same route.
Having walked 15 kms in 4 hours moving time and 720m height rise total, we arrived at the cars at 3.00 pm. Huffs and puffs had subsided at this stage and would shortly be replaced by sips and slurps of coffee! – Carole.
11. 13/5/2015. Trampers. Deepstream/creek pipeline where it crosses Hiway 87.
GPS of Deepstream pipeline – North. Courtesy Ken. Walked 16km; 3h 53m moving; 4.1 km/h; climbed 982mtrs [this is probably the most climbing we have done on a day’s tramp so far]; none of the climbs are very long, there are just so many of them.
For the Wednesday tramp, I changed the location, due to the difficulty of contacting the landowners [possibly 5 or 6] of the properties we needed access to. I don’t know why people have phone numbers, if they can’t answer their phones, or reply to messages left on their answer phone. I don’t think I will be putting the Omimi/slaughterhouse tramp back on the program ever again.
So, we went to the Deepstream/creek pipeline where it crosses Hiway 87, & proceeded to walk along the pipeline track towards Mosgiel. There was no set destination here, so it was just walk as far as we wanted to go, then return back the same way.
As there was a cool breeze blowing, we struggled to find a suitably sheltered spot for morning tea break, but eventually found a gully with not much breeze.
1 Morning tea stop. (Ken pic)
Then we ambled along admiring the view into the river below as we went. We found a very nice spot to have lunch in the sun, & almost completely devoid of wind, so it was a reluctant group that packed up their gear, & headed back out again.
This track has lots of up’s & down’s, so is quite a good workout, but I hope the walk was enjoyed by all. – Ken.
10. 18/7/2012. 8 Trampers. Hindon-Deep Stream Pipeline. Half of full distance. Return. Medium.
GPS of route. We walked 13.8km. GPS records level distance only so probably did close to 14.5 or more up and down. Total height climbed: 660 mtrs. max elevation 447 mtrs. Moving ave. 3.7km/hr Moving time 3hr 46min. – Ken (edited)A large ‘thing’ in the only cutting on the pipeline.Panorama of our lunch spot. Pines of homestead on skyline.
9. 9/7/2008. Trampers. Hindon Pipe Line from Highway 87 to Wallaces Ford Road. Easy+. Leaders: Ian, Ria
Permissions from Mt Gowrie Station, Strathview Station, Calder Station.
The pipeline stretches into the distanceAn interesting feature
A better day couldn’t have been provided. We were in the centre of a strong high pressure system that provided clear, sunny skies, a warm calm, and a quiet peacefulness, broken only by a gaggle of garrulous gulls over Deep Stream and the occasional baaing of sheep, while the remains of the snow from earlier in the week defined the lee edges of gullies against green pastures and brown tussock tops, providing us with a glorious panorama (taking in Maungatua, Silver Peaks, Rock and Pillar, Kakanui ranges). Our route was open and easy to follow and the track was broad and grassy. We had interesting man-made features, ie the Deep Stream pipeline, to accompany us.
And we had 14 companions whose enjoyment of the day we could share.
Six at a gate. George, Evelyn, Bruce, Who?, Hazel, Lex
Bliss. Except, that is, that vigorous debate about the means of ferrying ourselves and cars from start-point drop-off at Deep Stream Bridge on Highway 87 to finish-point collection 15km downstream at Wallaces Ford Road took up quite a bit of the ride. Bruce reminded us of the old puzzle about the ferryman who had to transport a fox, a hen and a sack of corn across the river only one at a time not leaving two together when one would be devoured. (We did solve it.) And except for the fact that we were also on a roller-coaster ride. The benched track we were following that was the access road for the construction of the pipeline looked to be horizontal from a distance, but of course, Deep Stream is appropriately named and its contributories have a similar character. So we sang, “And when they’re up they’re up, and when they’re down they’re down, and when they’re only halfway up, there’s still more up and down!” as we crossed the gullies.
Looking back down at the longest and steepest climb out of a gully
But what a feat the pipeline is, bringing water 60km from Lammerlaws to Dunedin, with siphon after siphon traversing the deeply-incised landscape. So we admired the weather, the landscape, the engineering and our good fortune at being able to appreciate it all! Thanks to Ian and Ria, and to Ken who regrettably missed all but the recce. – Bob
8. 27/6/2007. Trampers. Deep Stream Bridge, Middlemarch Rod, Hindon Pipeline. Medium. Leaders: Arthur and Barbara.
No. 1 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Maugatua Microwave. J Roy. Year Round.” Permissions from Horsehoof.
Distance from car-park: 24 km.
29/5/2019. Horsehoof, – Maungatua. M. Arthur.
18 of us set off from Mosgiel and travelled through Outram and turning left off on a road into Horsehoof Station. Clear looking sky and the anticipation of a great day.
Parked up in the paddock, we set off up the first hill. The wind was very cold and strong up there, brass monkeys were the call, and numerous layers the call, jackets and hats also.
We stopped in a sheltered spot for our morning tea. Farm trackended and then it was onto DOC land and tussock.Not much track at all and quite hard going. The odd slip on the terrain.
Making it to the top
Finally the Summit. (Gordon pic and caption.)
where photo shoots were taken.
The new Saddle Hill volcanic crater.(Phil pic and caption.)
Great views but soooo cold and windy. Decided to go back to some shelter in the tussocks for lunch.
Lunch out of the wind. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Back up to the corner of Horsehoof,
Out of the West ( Mahinerangi in background) (Phil pic and caption.)
and with three going back down the start track to look for poor old Dave’s iphone lost on way up, while the rest of us went the longer way.
Two things sprung to mind on this tramp. If you go a different direction you need to let the leader know for safety reasons.
Lunch needs to be finished by everyone before some start on their way.
All in all a great tramp in some windy conditions, travelling 14kms. Refreshments well received
Coffee. (Helen pic and caption.)
with great service at the Wobbly Goat in Outram Helen.😉
MAUNGATUA DEBRIEF
It saddens the leader to have to write these notes, due to the fact that a few of the group completely ignored the club’s Safety Rules up on Maungatua.
The club formulate these safety rules many years ago, which were updated 2-3 years back. All new members are given a copy when they join, and they are on the club’s website. (v. Page 7a.) Everyone should be familiar with them.
There is nothing difficult about these rules, just simple commonsense things (but of course, as they say, common sense isn’t common any more. (A detailed email is going out to all members about this) – Art.
21. 27/2/2019. Maungatua. M. Leader: Gordon.
A Fairy Tale.
Once upon a time 12 happy trampers set out to climb the big mountain of Maungatua. They wanted to get to the top, and were very determined.
But the nasty rain came just as they set out, and the cold wind joined in to make things unpleasant for the 12 happy trampers.
The cloud came down too, to hide the top of the mountain, but that was no deterrent either. Jackets and gloves kept them warm.
Uphill they went, on the good 4WD track, into the cloud and with the wind and rain attacking them.
In time they were high up on the mountain, and stopped to have their morning tea in the slight shelter of a little hut, beside some aerials.
After a brief stop to enjoy their hot cups, discretion was decided upon, and the 12 happy (still) trampers returned back down the mountain to their cars.
But the 12 happy trampers had had a good morning’s exercise, covering more than 6 km and the rain and wind had given a good test to the weatherproofness of their clothing.
Feeling a bit wet and cold, the 12 happy trampers drove back to Mosgiel, returning safely to their homes.
And they all lived happily ever after! – Art.
20. 10/5/2017. Trampers. Maungatua trig via Horsehoof. M. Leader: Arthur.
Clear skies, a light breeze, and lots of sunshine gave perfect conditions for our tramp up onto Maungatua. The cars were left high up beside the farm road on Horsehoof, a group of 13 happy trampers setting out from here on the uphill dozed farm track.
About halfway up morning tea was taken, with stunning views to enjoy at the same time, in the clear air.
Onward and upward, we reached the top boundary of Horsehoof Station, and climbing through the fence were in the DOC reserve which encompasses all of the top of Maungatua. It was then single file through the tussock and turpentine shrubs on the faint track.
We stopped to admire the Big Rock,
The beautiful rock. (Helen pic and caption.)
photos being taken of the group.
The group of 12 plus me. (Helen pic and caption.)
Just as we were preparing to move on a pair of N.Z. falcons flew in and landed on top of Big Rock just above us. They weren’t at all worried by us humans, and it was marvellous to see them there.
In single file we moved on, and eventually came to the summit post at 12 noon – perfect timing for lunch.
From here, on the highest point (895 metres) we could see in all directions – 360 degrees. A huge fog bank right down the coast totally hid the sea and the Otago Peninsula, but the land was in clear view as far as the eye could see. What terrific scenery.
Margreet pic.
Lunch over we began the return journey, which meant retracing our steps. With an occasional brief rest/regroup stop, we were back past Big Rock, through the fence onto Horsehoof again, and down hill with a brief uphill bit to reach the cars.
A group of 13 happy trampers had had a great day, walking a total of 12 km. The perfect weather certainly added to the enjoyment of the day.
But, the tramp finished too soon (obviously too short), as it was necessary to stop in Outram for a while on the way home so that discussion that hadn’t had time to be had during the tramp could be concluded.
The leader was particularly pleased to have such a good turn out of trampers today – thank you to all. – Arthur.
19. 11/1/2017. Hikers. Maungatua Big Rock and Trig via Horsehoof. M. Leaders: George and Ian.
It wasn’t the best tramp to ease into after the relaxing holidays. However the easier programmed Kuri Bush beach walk had not taken the tide times into account. What to do? Something inland. George scouted Saddle Hill (summit not tackled by the Hikers since 2010) and Horsehoof (last done by the Hikers 2011). Relevant property owners for Saddle Hill could not be reached, so Horsehoof and Big Rock then.
Seventeen turned out on the day. A respectable number, given that some members were still on holiday. Admittedly the road entrance to Horsehoof is easily missed, as happened to some on the day, but eventually all the cars arrived and drove on up to park in the high paddock where the FWD track to the top corner of the station starts. At about 690m here, we had already made good inroads on Maungatua’s Big Rock elevation of 880m.
It was still a bit early so we trudged through that first unavoidable gully to merelyregain the cars’ height a kilometre or two further on, finding a bank to sit on for morning tea.
(Clive pic.)
No more gullies now but it was up, steadily up, with frequent regrouping stops to eventually reach the Horsehoof Station’s top corner. At 865m effectively all climbing was behind us. We had gained 225m since leaving the cars. One of us elected to stop here and await the return of the others, and Mollie, who hadn’t wanted to miss the chance of revisiting Horsehoof, was happy to keep her company.
Now it was 15 who scrambled through the fence onto the Maungatua reserve to push on through the tussock and dracophillum (turpentine bush) till we reached a point opposite to the Big Rock.
(Clive pic.)
Here, along with George, ten were happy to make this their destination stop,
(Clive pic.)
while a remaining group of five carried on with an assurance it was only another half hour to the trig. W-e-l-l not exactly. More likely three quarters, as one found the going harder than others. But we got there! Or rather two did.
Made it! 895m.(Ian pic and caption.)
Too bad,the other three had stopped off short of the last rise and lunched. However with the encouragement of the trig returnees (or is it returners?) they were encouraged to push on so that they could say they had made it too. And they did!
On the return we discovered the hypotenuse short-cut that avoids a right angle in the fence and which we had missed on the way in due to overgrowth disguising it at its other end. A shame. It needs a fence indicator.
When we arrived at Big Rock, we discovered the ten others had long since given up waiting for us, and were back waiting for us when we straggled up the last weary slope up to the cars – at least weary for this writer.
So there it is. A good traditional tramp perforce resurrected for the hikers by an unfortunate tidal assesssment. And an enjoyable stop and chat at the Wobbly Goat to finish it off. And roll on the better weather. – Ian.
18. 10/2/2016. Maungatua Summit. Leader: Arthur H.
Horsehoof Station to maungatua peak. GPS of route, courtesy Ken. (Ken pic and caption) 13.2km; 3.7km/h; 3h 33m moving; total ascent 409m; max height 900m
Nine trampers set out in ideal conditions to conquer Maungatua. The day was sunny with some high cloud. The breeze was light all day – westerly, then changing to southerly for a while, and then died away altogether.
We drove in through Horsehoof Station, up the road towards the microwave. A car shuttle was set up by taking one car back 2-3 km, leaving it at the top of the hill above the woolshed.
We took the dozed farm track that winds its way up to the top of Maungatua, stopping for morning tea at a suitable spot.
We reached the top of the track, where the small shed and various aerials are situated, at 10.50 a.m. Climbing over the fence we were then in the DOC Reserve, which covers a large part of Maungatua.
From here there is a faint track heading to the summit, which is some 2.5 km away. This is undulating country.
We soon came to the large tor, and stopped for several minutes to inspect and photograph it.
Side trip to rock tor (Helen pic)
Continuing on along the track, which follows the fence line, we gained the summit a few minutes before 12.00 noon. A black and white painted post now marks the spot, …
“Trig” post with rock placed on top by one of the party. (Helen pic)
… and is visible from a short distance. Sitting down in the tussock, we had a relaxed lunch on the spot. The slight breeze was just a tad cool, we noted.
Lunch at the “trig”
From the summit there is a great 360 degree view, but unfortunately haze in all directions spoiled this somewhat.
Half of the group had a look over the brow, down in the direction of the 3 Kings -which isn’t visible. All of us then picked our way through the rough vegetation, in an easterly direction, to get a better view down on the Taieri Plain and Airport.
Making our way back up to the track, we returned along it to the shed and aerials, and over the fence. A brief stop here, where it was noted the altitude was 865m, compared to the 895m at the summit.
We now walked down a 4WD track through the tussock, following the western spur.
On fence line track well down to the Lee Creek gully showing ‘uphill grunt’ on other side. (Helen pic)
A restful stop was made at the bottom, in the shade of the beech trees at the north branch of Lee Creek. A short uphill grunt gave a “tang” to the end of our tramp, and we were soon back at the “shuttle” car.
All agreed that it had been a good tramp and an enjoyable day. This had been a first time for most.
Seven held a debrief at Outram on the way back home.
Coffee at Outram. (Helen pic)
The tramp distance was 13.2 km. – Arthur H.
29/3/2010. Private. Horsehoof, Maungatua Trig.
GPS of route from car to trig
At the Maungatua Trig (1)
At the Maungatua Trig (2)
17. 4/5/2011. Both. Horsehoof upper paddock to Big Rock. Medium. Leader: George.
George had recceed the programmed McKendry Road tramp and found the mud too squishy and the undergrowth too thick so elected to fall back to Horsehoof Station again.
We took the cars on through several gates to the paddock that gave us a shorter walk up to the paddock corner at the top.
It was a misty day, but at our tea-break the weather cleared to reveal the wind turbines beyond Lake Mahinerangi.
Beyond the fence at the top corner, we went on to negotiate the turpentine shrub (dracophyllum longifolium), tussock and alpine moss to reach the large rock for an early lunch.
A cool westerly wind drove us to shelter in a cleft in the rock’s SW side.
A sheltered lunch spot.
An interesting bank of fog in the west.
The tarn beyond the big rock.
Obviously scientific, an exclosure on the tarn.
After all that, we returned the way we had come back to the cars. A good outing. – Ian.
16. 15/9/2010. Trampers. Horsehoof to Big Rock. Medium. Leader: George.
Walked up the 4WD track that went by the Microwave.
Morning Tea break. George. (Emma pic)
Lunched at the Big Rock.
Keith and George at the Big Rock. (Emma pic)
Returned back down through the Woodside Creek gully.
15. 6/5/2009 Both. Horsehoof Station. Bridge over Woodside Creek, top corner, back down the more regular farm road. Medium. Leaders: Bruce, Wendy.
Many were discouraged by the wet morning start, but 8 of us enjoyed a farm walk on what turned out to be an cold overcast day (which we were well wrapped up against) interspersed by sun at morning tea and lunch. From the regular parking spot, for a change we turned down steeply click to enlarge
Descent to bridge
to cross the Woodside Creek upper tributary nearby
Woodside Creek
and to then climb steeply
Climb ahead
to enjoy a cuppa at the set of rocks a little way up.
Cuppa.
Then to carry on up to the top corner of the station. This was a route the club hasn’t taken for five years and more. We forewent going on to the big rock and tarn through the rather heavy wet dracophyllum we would have had to struggle through, so lunched at the top under the shelter of a bank
Lunch in sun
and returned by the more regular farm track.
Rock and Pillar Range in sunRecycled car bolstering bridge. Wee waterfall behind.
We all enjoyed a good tramping day but regretted there were not more to share the walk with. Bruce stood in for Marjorie who was indisposed on the day. Our thanks to Wendy and Bruce for their leadership. – Ian.
This turned out to be a tramp from Horsehoof Station rather than from the advertised Allendale Farm. So it was simply up by the regular farm road to the Maungatua Trig and back. click to enlarge
Decorated Trig. George, Hazel, Ria, EmmaSaddle Hill from Maungatua
What was different was the wind measuring masts
Mast for measuring wind?
and various markers presumably installed by Trustpower. A breeze pleasantly tempered the heat of the sun and 8 of us enjoyed a tramp in the tussocks and Maungatua top with the George making it easier and shorter by having the two cars parked further up the hill than on previous tramps. – Ian
13. 27/8/2008Trampers. Horsehoof Station Upland road-walk Leaders: Ian, Ken
Winter conditions decreed a firmer road walk in place of the anticipated soggy ground we would have encountered at the Flagstaff big rock. So it was Horsehoof Station for a look at the fast disappearing snow conditions. click to enlarge
Drift snow remains. Ken
Seven of us set off from our cars parked down at the shearing shed and walked steeply up in the general Maungatua direction. It was a good walk in the fresh air with general sunny conditions turning to threatening clouds later. The breeze was fresh but sheltering in the lee of a gully made for a comfortable morning tea.
Lunch was on the sheltered side of the repeater station,
Emma and Glenys approaching the Microwave. George ahead.
reached by cutting across a couple of wet gullies swollen with fresh snow runoff.
The return. Bill, Pat, Emma
A shorter day but the sun was out most of the time and the views and company were good. – Ian
The return. Bill, Glenys, Emma.
12. 18/6/2003 Horsehoof Station walk. Leaders: Shirley M, Bill & Pat.
Lex, Doug J, Arthur, Doug M
Snow on NE Maungatuas
11. 16/2/2005. Both. Maungatua with Summit option. Leaders: Val and Brian, Arthur and Barbara.
10. 18/9/2002. Microwave – Maungatua Summit. Medium. Leaders: Ria L, Barbara and Arthur.
9. 21/11/2001. Maungatuas Summit from Microwave. Medium. Leaders: Les W, Mary M, Shirley R.
2. 17/4/2019. Hikers. Edgar Centre to Rotary Park, return. E. Shona and Jill D.
28 hikers assembled at the Edgar Centre, before walking along Portsmouth Drive to Bayfield Park stopping en route to admire the memorial stone “RONGO”.
We enjoyed an early morning tea on the seats at the park, then continued to the bus
stops (some keen souls had continued to the stop further up the street) and
caught the bus to Shiel Hill terminus.
We continued walking up to Rotary Park, through the pine trees there and down the reserve track to Harbour Heights, missing our planned stop as it was too early for lunch, which we took further down Larnach Rd in the sun at the local school playground.
After lunch, we continued down to Shandon St, before turning and walking down
the Arthur’s Walk steps to reach Portobello Rd to follow the harbourside walkway back to the cars and continuing the early theme of the day, having an early coffee at Nichols. Distance 6.7kms. – Shona Jill
1. 16/8/2017. Hikers. Edgar Centre to Rotary Park, return. E. Leaders: Judy and Adrienne.
(Adrienne pic.)(Adrienne pic)
26 hikers met at the Edgar Centre carpark in clear sunshine after a frosty start to the morning. We walked along Portsmouth Drive a short way to the Bayfield sports fields for a leisurely morning tea on the comfortable seats in front of the pavilion.
From there it was another short leg to the bus stop at the bottom of Silverton Street, where we boarded the bus for the ride up to the Shiel Hill terminal. Another short walk took us further up the hill and across the road into Rotary Park for an early lunch. A lazy breeze found us well spread out, seeking sunshine and shelter – hard to find both. The views of the city and harbour are magnificent from this park.
Soon we were joined by Les and Margaret, with welcome birthday chocolates – thankyou! It was good to see Les up and about again after a bout of pneumonia.
Unfortunately it was a bit too cool for the proposed lengthy lunch and sunbathe, so by midday we were off again for the walk down the hill, via McKerrow St, Larnach Rd and Shandon Rd to the top of Arthurs Walk. With knees creaking a bit we descended the many steps down to Portobello Rd, and so back to the cars, and coffee at Nichols. – Judy and Adrienne.
13 Trampers did a circuit today, on tracks that have been kept clear in recent years by volunteers from the Club.
The circuit was as follows – up the full length of Swine Spur Track, which took us high up on Swampy, right along the road, down Porkies Track, left on Possum Busters, right onto Smithys Track, and then down Steep Track to Lake Whare, finishing with a short road walk back to the cars.
The day was overcast and cool.
Heading up Swine Spur tr. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Morning tea was taken almost at the top of Swine Spur, after the hard climbing was done, …
Moving on after morning tea. (Gordon pic and caption.)At the top of Swampy. (Helen pic and caption.)
… and with a good view.
As we started down Porkies
Walking down before the rain started. (Helen pic and caption.)
low cloud began coming in from the city side over the ridge and on Flagstaff.
Crossing one of numerous creeks on way home. (Gordon pic and caption.)
The day was deteriorating now, and light rain began to fall at 12 noon (the forecasters were spot on).
A little later we stopped to have our lunch, but the tree canopy was leaking on us – and they the sky opened with heavy rain falling.
Quickly packing up we moved, and to save time took the shortest way by going down Steep Track (well named).
Being in he lead I couldn’t see back, but from the squeals, and other expressions of glee from behind, it was obvious that all were enjoying the descent as they swung from tree to tree!
We were soon down, and then visited Lake Whare, as the rain was mostly past now.
Distance for the day was about 8.5 Km. Back to Mosgiel, where thoughts of a hot shower was much more inviting than stopping for coffee, but it had been a good day out. – Art.
7. 8/11/2017. Trampers. Swine Spur. M. Leader: Dave.
Last Wednesday’s tramp could have been called a number of names and probably was!!
(a) Swine spur – was it the pig rooting or the steepness of the trail in a gale?
(b) A walk on snow in wintery gale conditions in November or
(c) How many differently named tracks can you do in a day?
Ten keen trampers’ left the car park having some idea what the weather might be like for the day ahead. We parked in Rollinson’s road just below the bridge adjacent to the entrance into the bush with the sign ‘swine spur’. The bushes and trees were wet from the rain the night before. It was pleasant walking through the Kanuka with lots of clematis flowering. However it wasn’t long before the colour of the track resembled the colour of the clematis! SNOW WHITE!!
Started off in snow.!! (Helen pic and caption.)
As we wandered up the track the snow got thicker and the wind got stronger. We decided to have morning tea in the last bit of shelter before the track upwards became exposed. The wind was very strong – we could just stand up! Keeping together we supported each other, through flax and dracophylum, up to the top to the green building on Swampy. The wind was so strong that there was little shelter even behind the building.
A very short break and then we followed down ‘swampy ridge road’ until we reached ‘Porkys track’ – this faced into the gale. We slipped and slid where the snow lay on the grass. Gradually we headed down to where the shrubs became trees. After a while we came to a track junction and then followed ‘possum busters track’. There were a number of creeks, full of water, from the rain the night before. To cross – you had to get wet again!
Tricky creek crossings. (Helen pic and caption.)
A welcome lunch was had amongst the trees in the shelter.
It was then on to the junction with ‘smithies track’ which we followed for a while through attractive natives. ‘Whare Loop track’ was then followed to Whare lake.
The group at Lake Whare. (Helen pic and caption.)
At this spot the Maoris of the past used to soak the flax in the lake – later making both twine and linen. See Flax in New Zealand – Wikipedia. The remains of a stone house were inspected before completing the loop and out onto the road where the cars awaited. A distance of approximately 10.2 km was covered.
The group decided to go for a well, deserved coffee at a usual coffee shop but alas the power was off, probably because of the winds. We soon found another where we recounted our adventure which was enjoyed by all.
Many thanks to Neil M and Arthur for the track clearing they have done, this was very evident. Others have volunteered to help them.
Swine Spur route done. Red indicates the heavy Swine Spur work, yellow the faster road work!
At the car park, the trampers lacked a leader knowledgeable of the Swine Spur track programmed for the day, so this hiker was dragooned into going with them, with his traitorous act objected to strongly by one of the hikers (who shall considerately remain nameless) with his friendly invitation for the writer to never go with the hikers again.
A careful inspection of the access road roadside eventually elicited the heavily grassed over entrance to the Possum Busters track. We made it through Manuka-Kanuka wood and the two steep guts of Mckenzie Creek and the other unnamed one, to stop for the cuppa at the traditional stop at the intersection of Possum Busters and Swine Spur tracks.
Then we turned left up the Swine Spur through the easily graduated track that was to inevitably bring us to the foot of the near vertical strenuous climb to Swampy Ridge roadway.
A word of appreciation here of the sterling track clearing from the route of all the impedimenta the once-in-a-life-time wet snow storm of last August brought down across it. Bravo, you track clearers! It was obviously a massive job.
Anyway, we reached the small concrete-block aerial navigation building sitting there at the top and turned left along the road to pass the Airways Corporation combined VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Radio) and DME (Distance Measuring Equipment – where’s an easier name?) setup to head down the access road. We forewent going on through Swampy to Hightop, as had been programmed, indulging in an easier day instead. (A concession to the hiker, the writer suspects.)
Well, that was to be just a boring road walk back to the cars, but most pleasantly interrupted with a lunch stop at the 0ld-trampers’ picnic area at the head of the Steve Amies track. With all the time in the world, we just lazed there around the tables before eventually deciding to head back out and down to the cars. We arrived back at the car park BEFORE the hikers! One for the record book? – Ian.
Navmap of tramp, courtesy Ken. Rollinsons Track at top, part of it hidden on slope behind Swampy Ridge
Ria and Hazel led us into the start of Possum Busters from off Rollinsons Road. The two deep gullies were still there, but with the steep banks provided with wonderful sets of steps. Bravo, track-clearers. We stopped for a tea-break at the Swine Spur junction, wishing we had the tools to re-attach Les Murcott’s track signs to the remaining-standing manuka trunk. Then it was up the gentle incline of the Swine Spur track before it steeply climbed onto the actual Swine Spur.
Snow on track near top of slope of Swine Spur.
We were delighted to find the last bit onto the Spur was now a well-defined route, replacing the half-dozen or so attempts through the over-grown area. Reaching the top, we stopped for a brief shelter from some cold wind.
Sheltering from wind at building at top of Swine Spur.
Then it was along the road to Swampy Summit.
Snow on Swampy Summit
The Swampy Summit Track beyond the summit led us down through slippery frozen snow and on to our next turn-off. The Rollinsons Track was well-indicated and its route well-defined with copious track markers. Another good change from a time when it was really hard to detect parts of the track. Again, thanks to some excellent recent work by some good people, added to by our leaders on their recce.
Lunch scene. Foreground: track marker on bush, background: left to right, Pulpit rock, Silver Peaks No. 2, Rocky Ridge, The Gap.
The track kept high on the slope, avoiding the wetter parts of Swampy.
Tarn at heart of Swampy
The track wound its way back up and out of Swampy to join with the Rain Gauge track. Again, the track sign had been clearly renamed “Rollinsons” instead of the “Swampy Tarns” sign that had been put over the old faded sign. Then it was just out to Rollinsons Road at the hairpin bend and on down to the cars.
Thanks to Ria and Hazel for this lovely tramp over the whole Rollinsons again – a replacement for the trip into Jubilee Hut that had been thoughtlessly scheduled for during lambing. – Ian.
3. 30/4/2003. Both. Access Road, Rollinson Track, Swampy Saddle, Swine Spur Track. Medium+. Leaders: Ria, Bill and Pat, Denise, Anne R.
2. 19/9/2001. From Access Road, Rollinsons Track, Swampy Saddle, Swine Spur Track. Medium. Leaders: Ria L, Doug and Myrie, Joyce.
1. 6/7/1889. Frozen Tarn on Swampy.
Frozen Tarn on Swampy. Alison Kerr, Jean Allen, Ria Hakkart, Mary Young, Leis de Yong in foreground. (Ian pic, scanned from Peg Chisholm photo collection.)
2. 20/3/2019. Trampers. Thornicroft Station. Leader: Jill R and Sue.
Starting steep climb to Wind Turbines. (Gordon pic and caption.)Heading to num.2 for lunch. (Gordon pic and caption.)Lunch. (Gordon pic and caption.)Sub station. (Helen pic and caption.)Weir. (Helen pic and caption.)
1. 12/10/2011. Both. Mahinerangi Wind Farm. Leaders L Smith, N Buckley
Background.
The Deep Creek Water Scheme was built during the depression of the 30s.
The Pipeline is 58 years old and 64 km long.
The intake is 675m above sea level.
The catchment is 5420 hectares; mainly tussock with some grassland.
The steel pipeline, lined with bitumen, was in a bad state of repair by the 80s and the leaks were constantly plugged with tapered wooden plugs until it resembled a porcupine.
The authorities were eventually persuaded to renew the worst section, this being done with the aid of a helicopter in 1992. It is a useful supplement to Dunedin’s water supply.
The Pipeline is made of bitumen-lined steel excepting the first 1.4 km which was replaced in 1992 with concrete pipes.
Water quality is variable and often discoloured.
Over the 58 years the yield has dropped from 11,000 cubic metres to 6,800 cubic metres a day.
The water goes to Booth Road Treatment Station and Sullivans Dam.
Replacing the rest of the pipeline is estimated at $20,000,000 and would increase the flow to 17,000 cubic metres a day.
– From a hand-written record in the President’s file and supplemented with other data.
3. 13/2/2019. Trampers. Mountain Road to the Silverstream. Hard. Bus. Leaders: Arthur and Eleanor.
The sun was shining brightly in a clear blue sky as Bob the Busman (no, not Bob the Builder) transported 16 eager Trampers to Mountain Road for the day’s adventure.
The tramp started at 9.35 a.m., with the first objective being Pulpit Rock.
Afters 30 minutes, morning tea was partaken of trackside – in the shade, as the heat was building.
A brief rest stop was taken at Green Hut (site), and then again, briefly, after the short stiff climb just after.
Past Green Hill, and then up the steep climb towards Pulpit Rock. Puffs of a lovely cool nor-east breeze were very welcome assistance here, although the group got well spread out anyway.
Heading to Pulpit rock – Steep. (Gordon pic and caption.)Not long now. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Eventually we made it to the top, several going to the summit of Pulpit Rock (760 metres – we had started the day at 400 metres.)
The few who conqured the Rock. (Gordon pic and caption.)
The others were content to wait and rest on the track below, and all had earned a good rest.
The group before starting down Long Ridge track. (Gordon pic and caption.)
At 11.55 a.m. we began the descent down onto Long Ridge. Altitude is lost quickly at first, and the track had been well cleared here.
The walk down Long Ridge was most enjoyable, although it was through knee high grass mostly. The lunch stop was called at 12.30, when a suitable shady spot was found. A very enjoyable half hour was spent here.
At 1.25 we had climbed up off Long Ridge onto the highest knob of Powder Ridge (586 metres) and taken a last view of the Pulpit. The cloud was building now on the windward side of the Silverpeaks and Swampy, with its pleasant cooling breeze accompanying us.
The final leg of our tramp was now down Powder Ridge, and a new rope was a great assistance going down the first brief steep bit.
The track undulates, always trending down, but with some brief climbs up a knob before descending once more. It is a beautiful track, and the N.E. breeze was filtering through the trees to help cool us.
Rest and regrouping stops were made at 2pm and 3pm. It is a long way down Powder Ridge, but the time eventually came for the final steeper descent to the bottom of the track.
Easy going now, we crossed the Silverstream at the old weir,
The last obstacle. (Gordon pic and caption.)
and onward, arriving at the car park at 4.20 – tramp complete (at 100 metres altitude). The distance metres stated 19 km -what a great effort by the group. Congratulations to all for completing it.
A special tramp indeed!
And thanks to Eleanore for helping organise the day so ably. And also to Gordon, Dave, Alan, and Art. for getting up early to position the cars at the Pumphouse, so that we could all return to Mosgiel.
What a great day it was.
Thanks to all the group. – Art.
2. 15/10/2003. Trampers. Semple Road to Whare Flat. Hard. Shuttle. Leaders: Lex, Wendy J, Evelyn C.
1. 25/2/1998. Semple Road to Pulpit Rock, Long Ridge, Whare Flat. Bus fare to be arranged. Leaders: Jack R, Nelson, Claude.
12/11/2018. Hollyford Camp. M. Phil. Trampers: 12-16 Nov: Hollyford Camp. M. Phil.
Hollyford Escapades:12-16 November 2018
Planning to execution seemed to go very well as everyone was at Waihola early….. this being a trait that continued for every start during the week.
18 intrepid walkers in 6 cars set off and bang on time arrived at Cocoa’s Café at Mandeville airport for a necessary kick start to getting to Te Anau reasonably refreshed.First stop was at the DOC I-site to get hut tickets and check the weather, then it was food and petrol top-ups plus a visit to the best public loos in the world for most – albeit some of us had to go back to the car to get the entry gold coin!
The clearing weather meant the drive up through Te Anau Downs and the Eglinton Valley was pretty well up to the Mercedes car advert standard, then after a brief stop at Knobs Flat we arrived at The Divide.With clear tops on the Livingstone Range, it was decided to attack Key Summit,
At the Divide about to head up Key Summit . (Gordon pic and caption.)
initially via the Routeburn/Greenstone track, before branching off on the zig zags to the Summit and, for some, beyond the well known tourist look out.The group split into 3 as each limit was reached; lovely views of Lake Marian, the Darrans, the Hollyford and also the Greenstone Caples were in view and appreciated.
On Key Summit looking to the Greenstone: McKellar Saddle ( and Caples). (Phil pic and caption.)
We finally descended in good time and once back in the cars, moved into the Hollyford proper.Turning right into the Lower Hollyford Rd we stopped, read and discussed the memorial to Davey Gunn that celebrated his 56 mile journey over bush tracks from Big Bay to the Milford Rd in 23 hours to raise support for the injured in a plane crash there.What the books don’t say is Davey had a cuppa then returned to Big Bay to carry on his guided trip… he had also cracked some ribs getting plane passengers from the crash in the surf….
Finally we arrived at Gunn’s Camp and settled in to our ‘little huts on the Prairie’…… followed by good craic and a variety of well cooked dinners.
We were at the Lake Marian track ahead of time on the Tuesday morning, everyone keen to get going.Crossing the Hollyford River involved the first swing bridge for the week, then some time was taken on the Gantries overlooking the tumbling waters of Marian Creek;
Marian Creek cascading. (Phil pic and caption.)
from there it was a steady 2 hour walk up to the Lake, to be greeted by emerald clear water and towering peaks,
Lake Marian in all her glory. ( Phil pic and caption.)
capped off by some loud avalanches at the top of the valley (they resembled large waterfalls).We stayed here for a good 40 minutes enjoying a very special environment, before returning.
It was a sign of the nature of the track that the return time was also 2 hours……
After lunch, having ensured that no-one laid down on their bunk, we travelled up the Upper Hollyford and just before the Homer Tunnel, veered off to park in the Gertrude Valley carpark.We then rambled a while to the base of the Saddle, enjoying the amphitheatre of surrounding peaks as well as the early celmisias, ourisias and Mt Cook lilies that were smiling back at us.
Gertrude Valley with Saddle behind. (Phil pic and caption.)
Once back at the cars we returned to Camp, allowing for a short stop at Falls Creek where new carparks and Gantries have ensured another great stop on the Milford Rd.
The Camp was busier on the second night with the Stray Bus arrival, plus some trampers who had arrived from the Demon Trail, telling of tall stories and lots of trees over the track, and loads of hunters and jet boaters in the huts…
Wednesday dawned fine and we travelled to the road end, where we set off to enjoy the Hollyford Walk;
Heading off down the Hollyford Track. (Gordon pic and caption.)
guarded over by towering mountains named mostly after Ngatimamoe and Ngai Tahu chiefs intersprinkled with mountains named after bureaucrats, nieces and mothers;
Mt Karetai. (Phil pic and caption.)
we rambled through forest of Beech, Miro, Matai, Totara, Kamahi and Rimu, finally arriving at Hidden Falls Hut for lunch (having already stopped off at the Hidden Falls to get showered upon).
Lunch at Hidden Falls. (Phil pic and caption.)
A few green hooded orchids spread throughout the moss and liverwort track edges.
Following lunch, 5 hikers turned right and returned to the road end by 4pm, whilst 13 trampers turned left and after 40 minutes begun the ascent of Little Homer Saddle;through the forest gaps great views of Mts Madeline and Tutoko were enjoyed and after another 30 minutes we were at the top of the saddle;whilst not high, the effort was considerable in the heat of the day…… a drop off to the Little Homer Falls
Little Homer Falls. (Gordon pic and caption.)
followed with tree falls along the way becoming a little harder to limbo under….. the Falls drew everyone to them and then after a well earned break we set off for Lake Alabaster through self pruning beech forest.As we veered in to the Pyke Valley, we were greeted by tall straight Kahikatea.
Finally we emerged into a clearing where the Pyke Lodge of the Guided walk stood and gazed upon the majestic view of Mt. Madeline dominating the Hollyford skyline.
A further 20 minutes of tired tramping followed before we arrived at Lake Alabaster
First views of Lake Alabaster. (Gordon pic and caption.)
– 7.5 hours after we started, and according to GPS estimations some 2 kilometres longer than official publications credit, at just on 23 kilometres for the day!
Progressively the breezes dropped and shadows and mountain and forest reflections dominated the Lake,
The Darran Mountains and Mt Madeline reflections in Alabaster. (Phil pic and caption.)
interspersed with splashes of delight as keen trampers (some) had a ‘swim’ and dried off before the sand-flies could do damage.
A good spread of birdlife was enjoyed along the walks including tui, bellbird, grey warbler, (bush robin at Marian),shining cookoo, ruru (at night!), chaffinch and the melodious Kaka.Masses of perching orchids (the bamboo – Earina mucronata) adorned tree branches around the shoreline.
We had the company of a small number of other trampers for the first night at Alabaster.
On the Thursday morning, helped by feedback from trampers off the ‘Demon Trail’, 10 decided to follow the dotted lines on the map along side the Lake up the Pyke Valley;this in effect being a bush bash with the lapping levels of the Lake the easier going.About half way along we stopped at a large flowing creek…. fishing and fossicking were undertaken, with not a lot of luck, though style was fine.
Returning through thick bush we stumbled upon a small ‘grave site’ and then returning to the hut we had a cuppa and lunch, before crossing the largest swing bridge in Fiordland over the Pyke River, to touch upon the Demon Trail.A hundred metres of this was enough to convince us that we should save this for another time…..!
Our second night at Alabaster was a very social affair, with jet boaters …
What do jet boat drivers have that fellow walkers don’t? (Phil pic and caption.)
… and pack rafters arriving along with a range of trampers heading up or down the valleys from or to the Coast.Deer had been shot, trout caught, a jet boat sunk and being expensively recovered with helicopters ….so much to catch up on….. and best of all, no news from the outside world!Mattresses were spread throughout the common areas to accommodate all.
Notwithstanding the week of walking everyone was up and away at 6.50 am on the last morning, well before the official start time, as a slight rain began to fall…and fall….and fall.At last we were experiencing a Fiordland shower… becoming so consistent and insistent that when the time came we made a detour to Hidden Falls Hut for an early brunch to recharge, before the last 2 hours trudge to the road end.We took 1.5 hours off the incoming time, very commendable as we were going uphill all the way!(but then apparently the GPS said the distance was shorter…) ah we are better off without these new contraptions!
After 6 hours tramping we quickly reorganised before driving to Gunn’s Camp where we checked for final messages from the Hikers, picked up belongings, then drove back to Te Anau and civilisation.We caught up with the Hikers at a local Café which was being inundated by bus loads of tourists, they were swarming and biting better than sand-flies!
The Hikers meantime, had an enjoyable day trip to Milford Sound on the Thursday.First stop was the well known Chasm, and then they made a call into the Milford Sound Lodge.What used to be a backpackers hostel now has several new cabins and areas for motorhomes, all well laid out with the Cleddau River nearby.
Enjoying Milford Sound. (Raewyn pic and caption.)
The coffee wasn’t bad either apparently!On the way out they made a stop at the historic bridge over the Tutoko River and a lookout near the tunnel entrance.Friday for them dawned with heavy rain so the decision was made to stay put, light the fire and relax in the common room awaiting the trampers return. By 1pm they decided to head for Te Anau for lunch and rendezvous there as originally planned.
Overall
A most enjoyable 5 days of great company, tracks and views to click the camera at.Four days of sunshine out of five is not a bad record in Fiordland terms. Next stop Martins and Big Bays?
Gunn’s Camp
Everyone felt at home here and the accommodation and facilities most appropriate for a stay.It is a very good base for exploring northern Fiordland, whether sightseeing, fishing, hunting or walking and would save multiple trips to and from Te Anau – or to just step back in pace or in time.
The day dawned fine, with a smidgen of frost to sharpen the air. We had sunshine all day, with a few clouds and light winds at times – perfect conditions for our excursion into the Silver Peaks.
Leaving Mosgiel at 8.30 a.m., we began our tramp from the car park on Mountain Road at 9.20 a.m.
Smoko was trackside in the sunshine. Past Green Hut (site), up, along, and up, up, with an occasional brief rest/regrouping stop.
Approaching Pulpit Rock,
Heading to Pulpit Rock. (Gordon pic and caption.)
weed-eaters/chainsaws could be heard to our left. We soon spotted some of the Green Hut Track Clearing Group hard at work down on Long Ridge. You work is greatly appreciated chaps!
Several of our group took the opportunity to climb Pulpit Rock
Happy mountaineering trampers. (Gordon pic and caption.)
before we moved on.
Ready to move on. (Gordon pic and caption.)
The Pinnacle Rock pointed our way onto the Rocky Ridge, where the track was rough but easy to follow.
We stopped a half kilometre short, on a rocky knob to have lunch in the sunshine, while enjoying the terrific views. It was really special to be there!
While the others finished their lunch, the leader recced ahead to the Hermits Cave. The rest followed …
Hermit cave on the horizon. (Gordon pic and caption.)
… to inspect it and to make an entry in the Visitors Book. (The previous entry was back in July.)
Leaving Hermit Cave. (Gordon pic and caption.)
At 1.30 p.m. the return journey began. An occasional brief rest/regrouping stop was made, and eventually a happy but a little tired, group of Trampers ended. Their tramp ended back at the cars at 4 p.m.
All had enjoyed their venture into the Silver Peaks, and the weather had suited us to perfection, couldn’t have been a better one.
There was a large variety of birdlife to be seen and heard today – two got a brief glimpse of a N.Z. Falcon along Rocky Ridge, and a Fern Bird flew across in front of us in the vicinity of Green Hill.
The “distance-meters” couldn’t agree, and ranged from 17 to 20 km for our day. Take your pick. An average of 4 k.p.h. was maintained by our group of 11.
We were back in Mosgiel before 5 p.m. and what a wonderful day it had been.
7 keen trampers set out for a trip in to the Silverpeaks, leaving the cars on Mountain Road at 9.25 p.m.
The weather was perfect for the inward tramp, overcast with a slightly southwest breeze to keep the temperature down.
After 40 minutes we stopped for morning tea. Past Green Hut site we climbed through the bush before emerging into the open. Good views in all directions, upward, and then stopped briefly to admire Pulpit Rock.
pulpit. (Helen pic and caption.)
A little further and we turned on to the Rocky Ridge track. At 12.15 p.m. we were on the track just above the Hermits Cave, the leader descending to find A cave, but not the Hermits Cave he remembered!
No one else was keen after watching him toiling back up to the track, so there was nothing for it but to have our lunch.
All sat and enjoyed the view – what a great spot it was. We could see the “Devils Staircase” leading down to Jubilee Hut also visible.
Lunch above Hermits cave. (Helen pic and caption.)Looking down to cave. (Helen pic and caption.)
As we prepared to leave, a fine drizzle arrived and cloud was forming immediately to the east of Rocky Ridge. Coats on, and in a few minutes it was raining. Within minutes all the trackside vegetation was wet for us to walk through, the breeze changing to easterly with it.
By the time we got back to Pulpit Rock we were completely surrounded by cloud – the Pulpit Rock loomed rather eerily through the mist as we passed.
The rain had eased by the time we were back down to Green Hut, and after an occasional brief rest stop, we were back at the cars in the mist at 3.05 p.m.
We had made good time all day, both going in and coming back. Keith recorded the distance at 16.6 km for the trip.
A recovery time was taken at Blueskin Bay on the way home. We found Dunedin and the Taieri bathed in sunshine – but we had been in a different world! – Art.
6. 19/9/2012. Trampers. Hermits Cave via Green Hut, Pulpit Rock.
GPS of route, courtesy Ken.
18km 5hrs 34 moving time, stopped for 1hr 39min.
Total ascent 1051 mtrs. max elevation 754mtrs.
moving ave speed 3.2km/hr.
Mountain Road wasn’t bad, except for one deep corrugation.
And apart from the odd slushy patches on the track, its surface was largely dry with good grip. The weather was good but a strong breeze blustered us at exposed spots on the top ridges.
Seven of us went in, and seven came out, but it was a long day and the last 5 km out were a weary plod.
One of us developed an excruciating cramp on several occasions, necessitating quite a wee wait each time for the pain to recede.
A long day but not bad for a group including 3 in their 80s. – Ian.
Hermit’s Cave Bivvy. Pam’s proof positive for hubby.Hermit’s Cave Bivvy. Pam insisted on Ian being in the pic too.
5. 23/2/2011. Trampers. Hermits Cave via Green Hut, Pulpit Rock.
As the first track entrance sign round High Top has been removed, it is as well that the worst road holes beyond have been roughly filled to make the route in to the second entrace navigable.
The track in to the new sign shown below is just impossibly bad in wet weather. It has to be the most slippery and dangerous to be found anywhere. Apart from the Swampy Ridge Track indicated below, side track signs are now no longer there.)
The new sign at the foot of Green Ridge. No longer able to be rested upon!
New track sign opposite Possum Hut track turn-off. But no longer any indication of such.
Track sign by Pulpit Rock. No mention of Long Ridge.
Rocky Ridge ahead as we emerged from alongside Silver Peak No. 3.
The new Jubilee Hut (and out-house) clearly seen from Rocky Ridge.
Hermits Cave rather obscured by flax.
The roomy interior of the cave.
The small bivouac on the track right opposite Hermit’s Cave. Many going past don’t think to look down the hill to see the much roomier famous bivvy.
4. 11/10/2006. Trampers. Hermits Cave via Green Hut, Pulpit Rock. Leaders: Doug M, George
Claude, Ian, Doug, Lex Ria? Arthur, Evelyn
Jubilee
3. 26/11/2003. Trampers. Hermits Cave via Big Stream, Mount Allan. Hard. Leaders; George, Hazel.
Just past Poplar Hut turn-off. George, Doug J, Bob, Doug M, Hazel
Descending to Hermits Cave from off track. George, Arthur, Doug
1. 9/3/1994 Hermits Cave, Silverpeaks. 3 alternative stages – long, medium, short. Leaders: George, Doug J, Jean A, Eleanor
The hermit.
An account by a long-standing OTMC member.
Nice guy. Working for L T Martins in fancy furniture. Small. Some hang-ups. Disagreement. Found out not to be a partner. “Little Ross” Adamson. Disappeared. Went all round South Island. Seen in a few different places. Seen peering through window at Jubilee Hut. Caught some sheep. “Big Ross” Lake, a friend, and another male sought out Little Ross (with the knowledge of the police) and persuaded him to come out after two years. Police lenient. Lived normal life. Married. Children.
Another account. A leading light of the OTMC. Missing for 2 years. All over South Island. Silver Peaks for only the latter six months. Police brought him in when he started killing sheep. Account agrees it was indeed Jubilee Hut, not Green Hut as is commonly supposed, where he was seen.
A further comment by another: A little man – had a swelling on the side of his face which embarrassed him. Quite withdrawn but had a great sense of humour when you got to know him. An excellent bushman and a good teacher and leader in the hills. In the late sixties he worked for Valley Industries as a sheet metal worker and lived in a flat in (I think) Heriot Row – lived alone. Lots of stories about his history.
