Taieri Recreational Tramping Club

Forty two Trampers/hikers set out from the old Whare Flat School along the Tunnel Track and The McRaes Weir Track and back down to the Waiora Scout Camp.  Obviously there was a lot of manual work done by hand  many years ago to help supply water to Dunedin.

The walk took approximately 2.5 hours and was 7km in length.

Terrain was gradual and quite easy! With occasional rope climbing.

 

Arriving back at The Scout Camp where camp mums’ Jill and Adi had kindly set up tables with members’ Christmas food contributions.   Joined by 10 other members, there was a great spread of food.

As well as excellent entertainment which included singing and travel experiences.

 

I need to take the opportunity  to  say thank you to everybody for making this day successful and memorable.

Merry Xmas  fellow club members

Regards Kerry Popham

 

17/12/2008 Waiora Scout Camp. Leaders: Bruce and Marjorie.

Marjorie and Bruce led us on a well-thought-out trip around the Waiora property into corners we had never suspected existed. There were paths/routes to follow everywhere.

The swimming hole was large for such a small stream.

No. 111 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Bus Trip. Walk Millers Flat to Beaumont”

5. 2/10/2019. Both. Bus Trip. Millers Flat/Horseshoe Bend – Beaumont. Rail Trail-Road/ORC Millennium Track-Road. M. Eleanore and Bob.

On a chilly spring morning, 45 members assembled at 8:15 a.m. eager to board bus and head Central for a walk along the Clutha Gold Trail.
We arrived at the Island Block entry at 10:10 a.m., luckily to a convenient hay barn where we had smoko.

This was followed by a show of hands to see who was keen to layer up and head off in a shower of rain—17 accepted the offer to hike 3km round the hill track …

… to the Horseshoe bend swing bridge crossing the Clutha …

…  to meet up with the rest of the group.
Meanwhile, we travelled to Millers Flat, crossing the Clutha and turned right heading back down the rather narrow gravel road (managed to meet a twin cab and trailer coming our way, he backed off and let us through).  We passed the Lonely Grave site, then soon after arrived at Horseshoe Bend.  Car Park was probably not designed as a bus turn, however, Wayne successfully manoeuvred his bus turn.
The majority got off in sunshine

to head along the trail.  Looking back we spotted the first group hot on our heels.

The Ramblers were happy to enjoy the bus trip back to Beaumont where some intended to hike along from the bridge and back.  I also  heard a whisper on the bus, some were happy to try out lunch at the hotel.
We stopped for lunch

by a little old shed and cattle stop at 12:15 p.m. for half an hour firstly in sunshine,

followed by another shower (Lots sheltered in the shed).

We all set off

enjoying looking at fresh bright willow leaves, healthy Hereford cows,

the mighty Clutha,

blossom

and particularly the easy grade of the track.
We arrived back to the bus …

… at 3.00 p.m. after a 14km (17km) trot along the trail.
Afternoon tea was pre arranged at the hotel for $10.  We were greeted with very friendly staff and a great spread, including scones with jam and cream!  YUM.  We thanked them and they thanked us for the business.  Was great to observe how happy everyone was enjoying catching up with each other.  Particularly, with Judy Knox, who was on her last outing before moving to Townsville.  I am sure you will come back and visit us Judy.  We sure will miss you!!
We arrived home about 5:15 p.m. after a great day out.  Thanks to the Club for subsidising the bus.
Eleanore and Bob.

Location: Old Wool Shed: 30 km.

Location: Lodge: 33  km.

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

to a welcome morning tea stop.

  Then down hill to the Meggatburn  Stream which had quite a water  flow, so it was difficult to cross without getting wet feet.

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.

 The day started well weather wise but with showers pending,

we quickly carried on

[See this URL for Molly Vaughan on the same stone seat in 2013. Its provenance is unknown. – Ed.]

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

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.

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.

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.

From here we had a good view across to Waipori Lake.

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…

…and blackberry brambles in the more open areas.

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.

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!

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.

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.

We endured one or two showers initially, giving way to cloud and latterly even to sunshine.

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.

33. 24/10/2007. Hikers: Berwick Forest. Medium. Leaders: Lex, Tom.

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.

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.

24. 30/8/2000. Berwick Forest Area. Leaders:  Claude, Graham, Ian.

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. 13/7/1994 Berwick 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

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

Tunnel and Racemans tracks 31/7/19

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 because they 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 muddy in places.

It was pleasant walking along the track adjacent to the old water race. Morning tea was appropriately had along from one of the tunnels.

The Silverstream water race was built between  1877 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!

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.

On reaching our cars, after a few creek crossings,

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.

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.

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.

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.

Also, looking very sad is the old Racemans shed.

It has a tree which has fallen right across the top of it, & the roof has completely gone.

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.

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.

6. 14/11/2012. Hikers. Schoolhouse, Tunnels, McRaes Weir, Racemans, Pumphouse, return by road. Leaders: Fred, Elaine.

22 of us made a large group. Great. We had our morning cuppa 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.

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.

Twenty-two. Whew! An impressive turn-out. – Ian.

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 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 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.

3. 6/10/2010. Both. Schoolhouse, Tunnels, McRaes Weir, Racemans, Pumphouse, return road. Leaders: Ian, Ken.

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.

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.

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

2. 7/11/2001. Combined. Tunnel – Racemans Tracks. Leaders: Bob H, Winifred, George.

1. 21/6/1989 Whare Flat Pottery. Pine walk. Peggy A, Helen W, Daphne

Location: 13.3 km from car-park. Click Dunedin’s Hills’ History for background information. Click Pineapple Track for background information. Click Pineapple and Flagstaff walk for background information. See Flagstaff Name for its origin.

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14/2/2018 Trampers. Flagstaff.

The main tramping group was away this week in camp at Aspiring Hut, but 6 of those left at home felt the need for their usual Wednesday tramp, so decided to go and do something about it.

An early shower at 8.30 am, and low cloud in Mosgiel didn’t look very promising but as we drove up the gravel road to the Bull Ring our cars were raising dust.

The day was overcast and very pleasant, with a very slight breeeze increasing only a little in the afternoon. No cloud to bother us.

The summit of Flagstaff was our first objective and from where we viewed a helicopter operating from beside the Firebreak Track. It was transiting close to us, and spraying somewhere low down in the Nichols Creek area apparently – out of our view.

Morning tea was taken at the junction of the first cross track to the Firebreak. During our stop, 2 hidden birds, only metres away, were calling – a single “click” sound. After a time one flew a few metres and was briefly visible before going back into cover. My guess was that it was maybe a Fern Bird? Are there any ornithologists out there who can confirm if there are any Fern Birds up on Flagstaff?

We continued along the Pineapple Track to the next junction, and turning left crossed to the Swamp Ridge Track, to follow it to Swampy Summit.

We travelled at an easy pace, stopping for a rest at times at the top of the steeper bits. Eventually we came to the top of the Swine Spur Track, and followed it down about 50 metres to admire the recently erected track sign – well done Ian H.

It was 12 noon now and it was decided democratically by one person (not me) that we would stop here and have our lunch in the shelter of the Airways building.

Afterwards we retraced our steps back along Swampy Ridge and then the Firebreak Track …

… to finish at the Bull Ring. Again our pace was easy and pleasurable allowing plenty of time for taking (by some anyway).

On returning to Mosgiel we all adjourned to the Blackstone Cafe for after tramp relaxation.

In summary it had been a very enjoyable day out for the six of us, and we had some good exercise in travelling the 13.5 km. – Art.

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As it was such a nice looking day after all the wet weather we have had, it was decided to stay in the sun for the day. So we went to the bull ring with the intention of going to Hightop. We took the long way around by going up the Skyline track, & along the tops to the junction with the track up to Swampy summit, & down to Booth Rd. The track up to Swampy summit was in quite good condition, but it doesn’t get any less steep as time goes on !!! On the way up the Skyline track we stopped at the NEW seat overlooking the city [which was covered in fog on this occasion] for morning tea. Lunch was held at the last Airways building …

… just at the start of the Swampy Ridge track leading over to the Green Hut track. A few of us walked down to the University research building during our lunch break, just to be able to say “I’ve been there”. After lunch it was decided that we would return to the cars by the same route, so we set off to the accompanying display from a helicopter …

… that was spraying gorse & broom at quite low levels. it was a brilliant day out, …

… with no wind, & glorious sunshine all day, which had us discarding clothing to keep cool.
Looking forward to many more days like this.
Walked 16.6km; moving time 4hrs; ave speed 4.1km/hr; climbed 658mtrs; Max height 749mtrs. – Ken

9/4/2014. Hikers. Bullring, Flagstaff Forest, Firebreak, Flagstaff walkway. E. Leaders: Bruce and Marjorie.

Cars met at the Bullring.

Of special interest was the presence with us of Continue Reading »

37 km.

6. 13/12/2017. All. Picnic lunch. E. Leaders: Alex and Liz

5. 27/9/2017. Hikers. Portobello to Harwood. E. Leaders: Chris and Dot.

The track from Portobello to the aquarium being made difficult with slips and mud, the leaders decided on a new hike for the day.  20 keen members left the cars at the Portobello show-grounds and headed the short distance up the hill to the cemetery for morning tea.

It was a glorious morning, calm and mild, and there were many comments on the fact that cemetery sites always seem to have the best views…. this one right across Portobello and the tranquil, beautiful harbour.

The thought of walking all the way to Harwood seemed a bit daunting to some, but in fact was very pleasant, following the cycle track all the way so that traffic was never a problem.  The predicted north-east breeze never arrived and jackets were gradually shed along the way.  Round Lower Portobello Bay several slips were commented upon, and we reached the picnic grounds for a leisurely lunch by mid-day.

After the young-at-heart had a play on the swings…

…and slides not to mention the hammock,

we made our way back to the cars by the same route, and so to Macandrew Bay for coffee etc.

A hike not done before, so thanks to Chris and Dot for some thick quinking (thanks Jay!) in finding a great alternative for the day. – Judy.

4. 17/12/2012. All. Harwood. End of year picnic. Leaders: Chris and Dorothy.

3. 15/12/2004. All. Christmas finger food lunch at Harwood. Leader: Chris.

2. 17/12/2003. All. End of year Tramp. Share finger food. Leaders: Jean, Chris.

1. 19/12/1998. Xmas Lunch, Harington Point. Leader: Chris.

17. 9/8/2017. Hikers. Millennium Track. Leaders: Bob and Lesley.

20 Hikers set out on this bush walk along the Taieri River. The usual wet portions were muddy following all the rain. There were a few small slips onto the track and a few bites out of the lower side, but all negotiable. The track was carpeted with leaves and twigs. Morning tea was at the usual spot down beside the river…

…and lunch at John Bull Gully.

This track with many silver ferns and birds is a favourite for many members. We ALL adjourned to The Black Swan for refreshments. – Lesley.

16. 29/7/2015. Hikers. Millennium Track. Leaders: Helen, Bev.

Our day started with some rain so we had morning tea early at house at start.

15. 5/10/2014. Both. Millennium Track. Leaders: Les and Margaret.

14. 24/7/2013. Hikers. Millennium Track. Leaders: Les and Margaret.

13. 15/6/2011. Hikers. Millennium Track. Leaders: George, Dorothy

12. 18/8/2010. Both. Millennium Track. Medium- Leader: Lesley St.

Four Trampers unable to do their tramp came with Hikers but walked further to the seat. – Ian

11. 9/9/2009 Hikers. Millennium Track. Medium-. Leaders: Evelyn, Graham

10. 21/1/2009. Hikers. Millennium Track.  Easy+. Hikers Leaders: Les, Margaret, Bev

9. 2/4/2008 Leaders: P McLean, L Gowans

Being the first tramp of the month, trampers and hikers combined to walk a good old standby, the Millennium Track down the Taieri River from the old Wardells house. It was a substitute for Berwick Forest which is presently difficult to gain access to. Although only 16 turned out, with many trampers noticeably absent, it was still a good day out, starting cold but improving. In spite of being a frequently used tramp, it’s a lovely piece of bush to take your time in and enjoy and the bird life is a joy to hear. A feature of the walk for the trampers was that 11 walked on beyond John Bull Gully to sample the recently broadened track as far as the seat at the high point of the track. The gradient had been realigned with all steps eliminated, sometimes however making for steep slopes. With the pine plantation gone, we were surprised to see that bullibulli

has largely colonised the area. A delightful surprise on the return walk was a juvenile harrier hawk (?)

perched on a broken trunk which quite calmly allowed us to photo it. The 5 of us who chose to go just to the picnic spot by the river really had a very happy time, taking in the scenery, having our lunch and walking back to cars in a leisurely way. – Bev and Ian

No. 82 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Old Stone Barn Clarendon Farm”

38 km from car park

Associated farm on Cullen Road has new owner requiring signing in and out, and therefore no longer viable as a round trip. [Edit.]

14/6/2017. Clarendon, Cemetery,Sinclair Wetlands, Berwick Camp. Leader: Eleanore.

Today 7 hardy (maybe silly) trampers drove to Phosphate corner at Clarendon, then along Berwick road, parked up and walked up the hill to the Cemetery (my Great Great and Great Grandparents,  some Siblings and Children from Sinclair family are buried there.
We then drove further along Berwick road, parked and proceeded up the track to the hay barn for smoko.

We all decided it would be no fun climbing round and up Mary Hill with frequent showers and a bitterly cold wind.
On the way back we briefly stopped at Sinclair Wetlands then drove into Berwick Camp, a year 8 class was there on camp, talked with the Activity Coordinator and strolled up to the dam.

It was plain to see what fun the young students were having, particularly when having a turn driving round with a leader in an old converted type of Land Rover in the mud.
So after all this strenuous activity we journeyed on to eat lunch (and cake) at a little hilltop cafe in Clyde street. – Eleanore.

24/4/2013. Hikers – and a few trampers. Limesprings Farm, McNeil Rd, Whale Museum, and return back through Farm by a different route. Leaders: Jim and Betty.

The overcast day succeeded a wet 24 hours, and several trampers joined us after cancelling their bush walk up Raingauge Spur for safety’s sake. We parked the cars halfway along Driver Road and walked on to enter Limespring Farm. Continue Reading »

Distance for carpark: 31.5 km.

11. 29/3/2017. Hikers. Murrays Farm. M. Leaders: Keith and Shona.

It was a foggy, misty morning when 19 Hikers met at the gateway bel0w Murrays Farm before ambling up the road to having morning tea in the implement shed.

We then followed the fenceline up and across the paddocks before descending to explore around a container being used as a crib.

We exited onto the coast …

… where we had lunch …

… out of the northerly wind.

We followed the water’s edge around past the old boat shed, climbing up the hill and visiting an old dwelling also being used as a crib and back along the farm tracks to the hole in the hedge and down the hill to the cars.

Coffee was at Macandrew Bay cafe. – Shona and Keith.

10. 20/2/2013. Hikers. Murrays Farm. Medium. Leaders: Peter and Wendy.

Five trampers scaled the almost vertical ascent to the Sandymount road before descending further by the bush.

Hoopers Inlet video

We sampled the beach at the mouth but a keen wind persuaded us up around the point to a boathouse in a more sheltered position.

Just along a little bit from the boathouse, we came upon this nest.

Then it was just a case of following our noses back across paddocks to the cars. – Ian

8. 10/2/2010. Hikers. Murrays Farm. Medium. Leaders: Margaret and Les, Fred.

7. 14/5/2008. Hikers. Murrays Farm. Easy. Leaders:Chris, Gwen.

Chris, who knows the area well, ably led us and, before returning home, some of us were lucky enough to stop off with her at a relative’s house on the hill and walk around the interesting garden, admiring both the plants and the panoramic views. – Marjorie.

Distance from Bush Road car-park to Seacliff: 44 Km.

Click on Brinns Point to Seacliff for background information.

Click on Puketeraki Beach for archaeological history. Seek permissions

Click on Seacliff Lunatic Asylum for history of the hospital.

Click on Demolition of Seacliff Lunatic Asylum for photos of its demolition.

Notes: Whole cliff moving. Caversham Sandstone. Burnside Mudstone. 3 or 4 mudstones – like Abbotsford.
Cracks in hill above coastline. Tunnel – brick-built. Rock cracked – eroding. Middle of tunnel caved in as bricks fell. Middle 30m. Tunnel closed. Cutting through hillside. Railways sank a shaft, covered with sleepers &c. Cut access-steps down to check line on brink of cliff.

8. 1/3/2017. Both. Seacliff/Brinns Point. M. Leaders: Shona and Keith.

For the combined walk 28 people started at the lay by 2kms north of Seacliff township. We crossed the road and wandered uphill for morning tea before most ventured not/into/around the rock or did combinations of these.

We came back down to the cars where several opted to stay. Twenty-one continued downhill to cross the railway line and follow it north for 200 metres where we entered a rugged track formed and marked by the very obliging farmer, which we followed downhill and out to the coast. We had lunched in a clearing out of the sun in among the pines.

At the coast we climbed through the fence and followed single file on sheep tracks in the paddock from Green Point

to the historic Urupa (Maori Cemetery) at Brinns Point, seeing a couple of seals on the rocks below as we were passing.

After climbing uphill we arrived back at the cars. Distance walked 6.5kms. Coffee followed at Blueskin Cafe. – Shona and Keith.

Trampers’ report. Being the first Wednesday of the month, this was a combined tramp to Green Point and Brinns Point in the Seacliff Area.
It was 10am when the cars arrived, so morning tea was taken then. 10 trampers left first, following the railway line  north about 1.5km  to inspect the disused rail tunnel .
After looking at the south end, we negotiated along the top of the cutting,  and down the steep clay bank onto the rail line, and to the northern tunnel entrance. This was blocked completely by a fall a few metres in.  The brick roof immediately  inside the entrance looked dangerous. The trampers then returned to the cars by the same route as the outward journey, down the paddocks then to  Green Point, before following the coastline south to Brinns Point.
The trampers ran out of energy just before reaching the top of Brinns Point, and stopped for lunch, a very picturesque scenery to look at while dining but very hot with no cooling breeze.
A 5 minute climb took us up to the interesting  little Cemetery  on Brinns Point where all took time to inspect the few headstones and  plaques.
Down hill then, to the south, and out onto the bouldery beach. At  the south end is an interesting cave. Ian H. did a cliff-side recce first using his crampons, but we then found that the tide was just far enough out, that all 10 were able to scramble around the rocks to view the cave.
It was then back along the beach to the entry point, and uphill to look at the old house ( which is to be restored ) and back to the cars. Some of the trampers also walked around to the Truby King Memorial Gardens, at Seacliff, on the way home. A hot, but very interesting day’s tramp. Arthur H.

Hikers’ report.  Very few of the club had been in this area before, and even fewer of those who had, had any memory of it. It was a substitute on the day for the programmed “Mahinerangi Area” tramp for which the leaders could not think of a suitable venue. The Hikers followed the Trampers to the tunnel, but only the southern end. Back at the cars the Hikers leisurely explored the Green Point coast line cliffs and the bouldery beach, being caught up at the latter by Trampers  who pushed ahead to stop off just short of the short steep climb to the Urupa which the leaders had planned for the lunch stop. In the confusion, some of the Hikers stopped off with them, although most persisted with the short stiff climb and to take in the wider view at the Brinns Point cliff edge and relax in the shade of the lupins.

After lunch thee two groups split again, with the Trampers going on to explore the cave to the south of Brinns Point.

The hikers meantime made a leisurely climb up from the Urupa, across and back to the cars. In the event, from this point on, cars left on the return trip in their own time, disrupting any organised resorting to the Truby King Reserve. However a few car-loads made it, visiting the highlight of the visit, the famed Magnolia Tree referred to by Janet Frame with the metal plaque below it inscribed with Janet Frame’s poem. – Ian.

6. 17/3/2010. Trampers. Seacliff, Brinns Point, Truby King Recreation Reserve. Leaders: Ian, Ken.

(Suggested alternative for a future tramp: Split Rock, Green Point, Brinns Point to give a fuller day.)

Only Doug turned up for the leaders to take on a tramp. We first made our way down to Brinns Point and the graveyard.

click to enlarge

4. 15/1/2003. All. Karitane, Ellison Farm, Green Point. Medium. Leaders: Ria L, Catherine.

3. 15/11/1995. Karitane: Ellison Farm, Green Point. Leaders: Ria L, Catherine, Nel K, Ria H.

(Distance from car-park: 44 km.)

8. 1/6/2016. Akatore Forest Both Groups. M. Leaders: Bruce and Marjorie.

Akatore tramp 1 June 2016.
We obtained the access permit for the recce, on Saturday 21 May 2016, from the Wenita website at http://www.wenita.co.nz/use-the-forest/. The only limitation on numbers mentioned on the access permit was 4 hunters per permit. We obtained the permit for the tramp on Wednesday 1 June from Ian at the Wenita office, 11 Hartstonge Ave, Mosgiel, on Tuesday 31 May. Permits for entering the forests at the weekends can be obtained online. Wenita like to issue weekday entry permits at their office in the preceding week so they know what forestry operations will be taking place. No number limitations were mentioned on the tramp permit for 1 June in contrast to the limit of 15 that has been on some permits in the past.
35  trampers set off along Pleasant Road from the gate approximately 400 m south of the Akatore Creek bridge, approximately 6 km south of the Taieri Mouth Bridge at Taieri  Mouth. We had morning tea, after approximately 2.25  km, near the bridge at the junction of Pleasant and Boundary Roads.

After morning tea we climbed the gradual ascent on Centre Road for approximately 3.75 km to the turnoff to the left onto Staircase Road.
We lunched at 12.30 pm on Staircase Road in a rather chilly situation after negotiating the major obstacle of the day,   a large wind-fallen tree.

After lunch we proceeded for the remainder of Staircase Road …

… (total approximately 3.75 km) to the junction with Pleasant Road.
The main group proceeded with Marjorie back to the cars by the gate while a smaller group followed Bruce up Pleasant Road for approximately 1.5 km to the junction of Pleasant Road and Kamahi Road before getting back to the cars at approximately 2.45 pm.

The day was generally quite cold and keeping moving helped for staying warm. No rain fell but the tracks were mostly in the shade and there was some wind at times.

Coffee followed at Wals. Distances: approximately 12 km without the Pleasant Road dogleg; 15 km with the dogleg.
– Bruce and Marjorie.

7. 6/5/2015. Akatore Forest Both Groups. M. Leaders: Bruce and Marjorie.

The 10k Group

The 10k group of 10 parked on the right approximately 200 m past the Akatore Creek bridge…

…on the Akatore road, went around the locked gate and walked 1.41 km along Pleasant road to the junction with Level road where the party stopped for morning tea.

They then turned left into Level road and proceeded 3.07 km up the road to where a road comes off on the right to a hill top (about 150 m before the junction of Level road and Mailbox road. Some went up this road to look at the view. They then returned down Level road and turned left into Pleasant road and proceeded 0.41 km along this road to the bridge area for lunch. They were surprised to meet the 10 in the 14k group standing on Pleasant road beside the turnoff on the right to the concrete bridge.

Both groups had lunch together 150 m up Boundary road. Some sheltered under pine trees to shelter from a few spots of rain which did not persist. After lunch the 10k group returned along Pleasant road for 1.82 km to the cars. The weather was pretty good overall with only a little very light rain and generally warm temperatures. A few fantails were seen. Total distance approximately 10 km, climb approximately 120 m.

The 14 km Group

The 14k group of 10 parked on Quoin Point road, 3 km south of the Akatore Creek bridge. (It is easiest to turn at the widest part of Quoin Point Road at the junction with Akatore road and back up Quoin Point road and then parking on the left facing Akatore road. )

We walked 200 m down Akatore road, heading north towards the Akatore Creek bridge, and then turned down Mailbox road, on the left, past the locked gate for 1.07 km to the junction with Level Road. We turned left to remain on Mailbox road and, after 1.21 km, passed Serpentine Road branching off on the left. We stopped at the junction with House 21 road, 780 m past the Serpentine road junction, for morning tea. After morning tea we continued on Mailbox road for 1.48 km to the junction with Ridley road where we turned right and proceeded for 940 m before turning right into Pleasant road. We went down Pleasant road through the forest for 4.67 km arriving at the bridge area about 12.20 p.m., a minute or so before we met the group of 10k trampers. We had lunch with them. After lunch we waited for them to depart before proceeding along Pleasant road again for 410 m, turning right into Level road for 3.07 km, and then turning left into Mailbox road again and walking uphill for 1.07 km back to Akatore road, and then 250 m to the cars in Quoin Point road. We saw a tomtit and some fantails. Total distance approximately 15 km, climb approximately 400 m. – Bruce.

6. 13/3/2013. Akatore Forest Walk via Mailbox Road entrance. Leaders: Bruce and Marjorie.

On a calm mild day after crossing the Taieri River at Taieri Mouth and then Akatore Creek we proceeded south for about  3 km on Akatore Road and parked on the left hand side of the road about 70 metres past Mailbox Road on the right just before Quoin Point Road on the left.

We went down Mailbox Road for about 400 m to the junction with Level Road and had morning tea about  150 m along Level Road at the junction with a logging road on the left.

We then continued on Level Road (on the right) for about 2.2 km to the junction with Pleasant Road. We turned left into Pleasant Road…

…and had lunch in the trees about 2 km further along. After lunch we continued another 2 km along Pleasant Road and turned left at the end into Ridley Road. We proceeded about 600 m down Ridley Road passing some bee hives on the right and took the first road on the left, Mail Box Road.

The sign for this was obscured by gorse. We continued along Mail Box Road until the junction with Level Road where we started the circuit (it was the third road on the right) and returned up hill to the cars. The weather remained calm and mild. We saw some fan tails and a tom tit. We heard brown creepers in the canopy and a grey warbler. Leslie heard a falcon. We obtained a permit from Wenita prior to the tramp and estimated that not more than 15 were likely to attend. Having more than 15 makes an event and different rules apply. Distance travelled 12.4 km. – Bruce.

5. 16/5/2012. Both. Akatore Forest Walk via Pleasant Road entrance just beyond the Akatore Creek Bridge. Leaders: Chris, Bev.

In the light of questionable weather, and uncertain weather reports, few ventured out to the car park. The Hindon area trampers’ tramp promised high exposure to cold winds so was really out of the question. But the Hikers’ Akatore Forest promised a more sheltered tramp. As it turned out. With plenty of sunny spots on the roads. The route turned off Pleasant Road to anti-clockwise climb the hill and later descend via Staircase Road to Pleasant Road and out again. Bravo. Congratulations to the leaders and their determination to give it a go for six of us. – Ian.

4. 26/2/1997 Akatore South Side. Leaders: Jack M, Hugh, Mary L.3. 3. 7/8/1996 Akatore Farm Walk. Average. Leaders: Jack M, Jean A, Ria H

2. 9/2/1994. Akatore. Medium. Leaders: Jack M, Eleanor, Judy & Rob

1. 30/1/1991 Akatore Forest Walks. Leaders: