Category: Hikers

Well, the Sanctuary is BIG.  Much bigger than the writer had imagined.
13km we went, with 9 of them around the perimeter, starting from the
bottom carpark, going around the estuary and clockwise thereafter
ascending from sea level

to near the top of Mopanui (400m+), then down
to the main top gate where the visitor centre will later be built,
near the junction of Blueskin and Mopanui Roads. We lunched there, couldn’t find the sleeve to Joyce’s thermos though we looked hard (and that was because it was back on her kitchen bench) and then it was all downhill

back to the cars, but in calm, warm conditions. A really
pleasant walk.

The fence that encloses the Orokonui Ecosanctuary ( the old Orokonui
DoC reserve which includes NZ’s tallest tree, plus all the additional
land) was closed off in July 2007. Almost all pests have been
eradicated, even down to the last goat. An employee behind the fence
explained that they were currently on a spraying programme around the
fenceline as even a bit of gorse widening a gap in the wire mesh will
create a ‘mouse breach’!  While it is not yet open to the public, it
is possible to walk around the fence and marvel at what is being
planned. There are steep sections, especially at the northern end of
the fence but in general the 3 to 4 hour walk was very
straightforward, following the wide, gravelled perimeter track. There
was plenty to see: great views, named fence posts (we spotted No.10
Fleming Street where the PM is in residence) (well, actually it was
Prime Mover Ian and Shirley Fleming’s plaque on fence post No.10) and
varying vegetation. We could hear rosellas and a rifleman, but we
didn’t catch a glimpse of the 6 Kaka that have been released, although
Leslie Gowans, who visits regularly to detail sightings of birds, says
that they have not strayed much further than 100m from their release
site so far. The Orokonui website if you want to know more, can be
found at: www.orokonui.org.nz – Bob M

7. 7/7/2004 Leaders: Ian, Bill, Pat Before fenced in. Right around through entire gully.
6. 1/3/2000. Orokonui, Big Tree. Leaders; Shirley McN, Val.
5 .28/7/1999. Orokonui, Big Tree. Leaders: Shirley McN, Judy C, Val.
4. 30/9/1998. Orokonui, Big Tree. Leaders: Shirley McN, Judy C.
3. 7/5/1997. Orokanui – Big Tree round trip.
2. 6/11/1996. Orokonui – Big Tree Round Trip. Leaders: Shirley McN, Judy C, Wendy.
1. 22/5/1996. Orokonui – Big Tree round trip. Medium+ Leaders: Shirley McN, Judy C, Wendy

10/9/2008 Mornington – Southern Cemetery

Very surprised and delighted to yet again have another fine Wed. after having 2-3 days of mist and rain. A bit cloudy but fine and not too cold. Ten keen hikers parked their cars in Lees St. and set off on a very convoluted walk to get to their final destination  which was the Southern Cemetery. It was up hill all the way to our morning tea stop which was the play area in the Mornington Park. After a refreshing cuppa it was off again on the ups and downs of the streets in the Maryhill/ Mornington area till we eventually got to Eglington Rd and the very top gate of the Southern Cemetery. We walked down through the area of very old graves and found a spot on a grave in the sun to sit and eat our lunch. Very peaceful and quiet. No people or traffic to disturb the peace! After lunching we strolled around among the graves, reading inscriptions where they were still legible and finding many of well known early citizens of Dunedin. Also the area where the early Chinese were buried in place that was supposed to be separate for the rest of the community.

All in all an interesting place to visit and the first time for most of the hikers there on Wed. From there it was a fairly short walk back to the cars. Everyone said how much they’d enjoyed the day. Bev.

Leaders:

10/9/2008

9/7/2008 Street Walk: Wakari

What a beautiful day and absolutely perfect for our Street Walk round the Wakari area. The 13 Hikers who met to make the most of the warm sunny day parked their cars at the southern end of Helensburgh Rd, by the back entrance of Wakari Hospital, and set off down Hood St. Only a short walk before getting to our morning tea spot which was Dean St. Reserve. As the Reserve had no seats and was rather muddy and wet we sat on the footpath! Very pleasant in the sun. Then we set off, and with my co-leader, I took everyone on a real tour of discovery round streets and areas that most had never been. Lovely views.

Out to sea, over Kaikora Valley, Roslyn and Mornington and then after lunch, over the other way to Flagstaff and Three Mile Hill. We eventually arrived at Mayfield Reserve, a lovely childrens play ground at the back of Wakari School, which proved a very suitable & agreeable place to enjoy our lunch break. We soaked up the warmth the sun and made the most of the ‘amenities’!

From there it was another zigzag through a few more streets and walkways, back to the cars. Everyone agreed they had had an enjoyable and enlightening day, especially in such perfect weather. – Bev

Leaders: Bev H, Bev M