Taieri Recreational Tramping Club

No. 40 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Silverstream Weir. Racemans. Winefields. Year Round”
No. 107 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Whare Flat – Silverstream Weir Year Round “

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20. 11/01/2023. Racemans Circuit, Trampers. Grade 4 (regraded 3 – see below). Leaders: Neil Hodgkin, Julie MacKenzie.

Trampers: 10 women, 4 men
Weather: Low cloud, drizzly, calm, 16 degrees
Track: 14 kms, 3.5 hours walking and 170 m height gain.
A good, mainly flat walking surface, the odd muddy patch, and sometimes short, sharp, steep, descents/ascents in and out of side creeks.

Several crossings of the Silverstream and even though the flow was low, care was needed and poles were helpful with slippery and unstable rocks.
As a first up tramp for 2023 it was great and a very suitable tramp for the weather conditions. In the bush there was no precipitation and no wind. We had the usual stop for smoke-o …

…and got to the weir about midday…

…but decided to move on down the track for lunch where it was less noisy.

On our return I as leader came face to face with six barking and not so friendly dogs who were eventually followed by a female runner who didn’t seem to worry. She said that the dogs were barking because we had sticks, but I didn’t believe her. What goes up must come down so we were expecting their return and when we heard them approaching we all stood off the track, sticks by our sides and gave them a TRTC guard of honour!

Grading: The grade of this tramp is solely dependent on the flow and depth of the Silverstream. The way it was on Wednesday, I’d put it at 2.5 – 3, but with more water it would certainly be a 3 -3.5 I think.

Neil.
Continue Reading »

Distance from carpark: 26 km

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27/04/2022. Trampers. Sawyers Bay Mt Cutten. M. Leaders: Lyn Keene and Diane Bezett

Eleven Trampers left Mosgiel and travelled to Sawyers Bay to attempt to Climb Mt Cutten. The weather was not looking great as we drove down the Port Chalmers highway.   We parked on Reservoir Road and walked up the track through beautiful bush and then around the Sawyers Bay Reservoir where we found a dry area under the trees and had morning tea.

We continued through bush and then up a 4wheel drive track to the Cedar Creek Reservoir.

It was constructed in the 1950s as a backup water supply for Port Chalmers. It is no longer used and the pipeline is now connected to the DCC supply.  We walked around the reservoir through rhododendrons and native bush.

We picked a spot under the pine trees to have lunch.

Meantime the rain was getting stronger so a decision was made not to tramp to the summit and leave Mt Cutten for another day.

Suggestion was made to possibly look at returning in November when the rhododendrons are in flower.

History –  Mt Cutten was named after William Cutten who was an early settler and was involved in the establishment of the Otago Daily Times. He  built the house located in Sunshine Dunedin called Belmont also known as La Scala.

Andrew Drummond, a New Zealand Sculptor and Painter, dedicated a tribute to Len Lye.  The sculpture, a stainless steel entangled telegraph pole, was erected on the South side of Mt Cutten looking over the Sawyers Bay, Port Chalmers and parts of the peninsula.  Len Lye 1901-1980 was born in Christchurch.  He was internationally recognised as one of the 20th century most original artists, Pioneer Film Maker, Poet, Writer and Painter.

Mt Cutten elevation 308 metres   Mt Cutten is situated nearby Mt Martin and south of Mt Kettle (545 Metres)

Lyn Keene

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12/9/2012. Hikers. Sawyers Bay, Golf Course and Reservoir. Leaders: Chris, Elaine.

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21/3/2010. Hikers. Sawyers Bay, Golf Course and Reservoir. Leaders: Chris, Dorothy.

Reflection (Bill pic)

We sat in a lovely grassy, area beside the reservoir for our lunch. Then it was back down to the cars. We all agreed what a pleasant surprise it was and how much we had enjoyed discovering it. Very many thanks to our leaders, Chris and Dororthy. -Bev

57 km from car park.

24. 02/11/2022. Combined. Karitane. Grade 2.  $13. 56km. Leaders: John and Dave R

In our tramping and hiking endeavours, many factors are beyond our control. The weather is our greatest variable, but not the only one. This time it was Covid that scuttled our planned visit to the Puketeraki Marae.

Many thanks to Mauraka for agreeing to host us when I phoned to arrange the visit. Get well Mauraka. A key part of the Puketeraki Marae visit was the Powhiri (welcome). Googling this, did cause some consternation, appearing to be more involved and complex than expected. Thanks to Barbara and Grant, for putting my anxiety to rest, by offering to manage this part of the visit for me. Yet another example of the depth of expertise within our membership. Sometimes things just don’t go to plan.

Subsequently, with a “glass half full” philosophy 27 keen hikers and trampers began their combined adventure at the Marae. Spending morning tea overlooking the beautiful settlement, the bay, peninsula, and beach that is Karitane.

Under blue skies we drove back to the reserve, where we regrouped at 11.00am, and began our walk. With a slightly chilly wind and choppy high tide waters in the bay, it was a relief to get out of the wind, on the more sheltered track around the Te Awa Peninsula.

Here we followed the well-formed track, passing the spectacular Te Awa Mokihi (Butterfly Bay), the imposing Pa-katata Cliffs, and the unique Ke Pehu’ Blow-holes, before passing The Pinnacles, (a group of offshore rocks).

With lunch beginning at 12.15pm overlooking Karitane Beach the day was right back on track, and spirits were high.

After lunch we walked down to the beach, joined by an unusual looking, resident old dog, who stayed behind to devour a dead seagull he found on the beach!

Our group got well and truly spread out on the beach, that we had pretty much to ourselves, with people walking at their own pace, enjoying the pristine surroundings, clear sands, and gentle sea breeze.

Special thanks to Dave, for his efforts as tail end Charlie in these conditions, (I know it’s just against your nature to be behind, or to go slow Dave!) By about 1.30pm we had all regrouped at our starting point on the beach, and following a short street-walk were at the Karitane Store for an ice cream at 1.45pm.

Blueskin Cafe’ was reached, dead on time, at 2.15pm for alfresco Coffee.

In summary, Karitane is such a beautiful spot, one the club has visited many times, but one that never fails to delight. Ideal for our diverse group with varying abilities, it allowed flexibility for people to safely go at their own pace, yet permitted lots of interaction between hikers and trampers. The Grade 2 classification seems appropriate, with just over 7 Km walked.

20 km from car park

8. 19/10/2022. St Leonards. Grade 1.5. Helen and Linda

Eighteen of us met at the Ravensbourne carpark opposite the old hotel, and in beautiful sunshine we walked along Totara St above the main road along to the park at the end where we had morning tea. From there we sauntered down the hill and crossed Ravensbourne Rd to the walkway and followed it until we got to Burkes.

The bus stop there has a striking monochrome mural (or ‘Muriel’ to longtime Coro viewers) of the old brewery that used to stand on the site.

Up to the streets above Ravensbourne Rd, all named after native birds where we walked to St Leonards passing well kept gardens including one with a stall of plants from Bluestone Nurseries for sale which the keen gardeners amongst us were very interested in. We saw both Lodges in St Leonards, and stopped for an early lunch at the end of Takahe Terrace on the edge of a sports ground. Then back down to the walkway which took us all the way back to the Ravensbourne carpark. A very relaxed and enjoyable day.

We stopped at Emersons for a coffee on the way home. Thanks to Raewyn for organising this hike. And a  special thanks to Linda for leading the group at short notice.  Helen

7. 12/6/2019. West Harbour Walkway. E. Jay and Raewyn.

On a very nice winter’s day 30 enthusiastic hikers made their way to the Carpark opposite the
Ravensbourne Hotel to start the walk along the West Harbour walk and cycle way.   We stopped 15 minutes along the track for morning tea and those that felt a need had a turn on the exercise equipment to test
their skills.   Along  the way we came across a  railway maintenance crew  doing work on the track.  This really fascinated many though mainly the men. I’m sure with a bit of encouragement they would have
jumped the fence to have a try at hammering in the squiggly steel rods.   Further along  we left the track at Burkes and crossed a very busy road to walk up the various streets including Kiwi St, Kaka St. down Pukeko St. past  St Leonards Hall and school.

On the way we enjoyed  looking at  historical homes and lovely gardens including St Leonards Lodge

and  University Lodge.  We had lunch in the sunshine at
the St Leonards Park.

After lunch we returned to our cars walking the whole way on the track and also had the pleasure of watching the large tanker and tug boat making their way up the harbour.  A very
pleasant 10.5kms.   Coffee stop was at the stadium.  – Raewyn and Jay.

6. 19/7/2017. Hikers. Boat Harbour to St Leonards ret. Leaders: Bev and Judy.

21 hikers parked at the Otago yacht Club and walked the cycle/walkway to St Leonards and back, a total of 11 ks.

21 hikers parked at the Otago yacht Club and walked the cycle/walkway to St Leonards and back, a total of 11 ks – not bad for a mid-winter day with planned hikes cancelled due to illness of leaders.  Morning tea was had on the yacht club verandah as it was still a bit chilly.  With a cold breeze in our faces we stepped it out briskly …

… to St Leonards where lunch was eaten with a bit of sunshine to help.  The return trip saw us well spread out with unfit ones like myself dragging the chain a bit at the back of the pack.  We were reunited at the University coffee shop where a pleasant social hour was spent. – Judy.

5. 13/1/2016 Hikers. Ravensbourne – Burks – St Leonards. Leaders: Judy and Adrienne, Helen.

We parked cars down below the Ravensbourne Hotel and took the walkway to Burkes where we morning-tead.

We took the old road to St Leonards reflecting on its probably origin as just a track through the bush following the easiest gradient. We turned up Kiwi Street, along Kaka Street, admiring well-kept properties there, down Pukeko  and along past St Leonards Hall and the school. Up Ruru to view the mock Tudor House.

Down again  to front past the University Lodge  Gates, and next it, St Leonards Lodge. Then along to St Leonards Park for lunch.

Returning back to the cars we were relieved the cold southerly had abated somewhat. Thanks to Judy, Adrienne and Helen for excellent leadership. – Ian.

4. 29/10/2014 Hikers. Ravensbourne Walkway. E. Leaders: Peter and Wendy.

On the 29th October a very good group of hikers started off from the boat club on from the stadium. The day was cool to start with then got warm and sunny.

What a pleasure it is to walk on this wonderful walkway. There was so much going on in the harbour and train tracks. A very large goods train sped past us

and a not very tidy rail car …

… I thought was up and down the track a few times.

The $12million Otago tug

chuffed along the channel following [Tug illustration chosen shows the tug going the other way earlier. Sorry. Ed.] a cargo ship …

… going to the Dunedin wharf.
Lunch stop was very sheltered, with plenty to watch on the walkway – runners … cyclists … mums with prams …
Two of our group caught the eye of another group and had their photo taken which was published in the Star local paper on Thursday 30th.
I was very taken with a stone sofa on the side of the walkway.

Who made it and how long has it been there?
All up we walked over 10km Lets hope this walkway does find its way to Port Chalmers in the future.
We spoke to a young girl on the track from Uni. She was part of a group of students from the Mining dept. She was amazed when Mollie told her how old she was. Then Doug came striding along and I said he was the same age. She was very impressed with us.
We had a coffee at the Plaza which is the cafe at the stadium in the uni part.

Have a good week everyone. – Elaine.

3. 27/3/2013 Hikers. Pedestrian-Cycle Track Rowing Club to St Leonards. E. Leaders: Arthur and Barbara.

2. 9/3/2011. Hikers Pedestrian/Cycle track North End Rowing Club to Maia E. Leaders: Arthur and Barbara.

From there we proceeded to Maia crossing the railway line at Hume Pipeworks, opposite the Ravensbourne Hotel, which looked closed for the winter.

There are extensive notices in yellow & red advising one NOT to cross the railway line but in this case we had no alternative as the walkway from the Ravensbourne yacht club proceeded on the left-hand side of the yacht club on the site of the second railway line which has since been removed.

Upon leaving Maia we proceeded up Ascog Road & along Totara St and down Adderley Terrace to the Ravensbourne Hotel, across the road to the overbridge at the Ravensbourne Yacht club and back to the cars.

The walk took approx 1 1/2 hours and because of the cool temperatures and accompanying wind chill factor it was decided to go home for lunch.

An enjoyable walk taking 3 hours (includes an hour travelling time) – Angela.

19. 5 October 2022. Combined. Green Island/Abbottsford and surrounds. Grade 3-3.5. $5. Leaders: Phil & Colleen, Raewyn & Jenny F.

With weather forecasts of snow and strong winds fresh in their minds, 24 hardy walkers gathered at the Village Green, some hoping no doubt as we walked passed the cafe that we were going for an early fix.

But to no avail as we immediately had to climb Thomson Street, short and not too sharp for our first huff n puff for the day. Immediately there were good views of the south end of Green Island, Estuary and Saddle Hill. On the far side, the ridge outline of Green Island Bush Rd, and the farm we did our recce through,(would the weather let the trampers make it that far?)

Gardens in the area were festooned with blossom and bright ground cover and we all admired the Abbotsford home for wayward boys, it looked pretty good to the writer.

Walking through the new subdivisions, (once the playground of post war GI and Abbotsford lads), everything seemed much grander than back in the day. The natural storm-water basin was a delight with native plantings, and the entrance to the subway under the railway was a feature, painted by pupils of the school. A suggestion was made that some may want to take a little more time to walk Abbots Hill Rd while others stayed in the school playground for morning tea.

Mmm the majority headed off in the first group! Many thanks to Jenni and Bruce for the ‘sweets’ and congrats again for the milestone anniversary and birthday.

Following morning tea the groups reunited to reach the top of Abbots Hill, and descend down the land that was the top of the now (in)famous Abbotsford slip in August 1979.

With the agreement of the lifestyle owners we were able to eliminate many of the fences encountered on the recce, and take in the views. Having stayed together to the upper rugby grounds of Miller Park, the two groups split with the trampers heading down, through the tunnel under the motorway and up the other side of GI to the GI Bush Rd, whilst the hikers would move south up Neill St and down into the town via the motorway overhead footbridge for lunch. For the trampers more information on the slip was shared in the area of what was the lounge of the writers house, built by his parents in 1942.

Following lunch on the reserve ‘in town’ and with advancing stormy clouds the Hikers decided to head to the Village Green, along the way finding shelter from the storm under the motorway overhead bridge.

At the same time the Trampers ascended Church Hill Rd and took some very deep breaths near the top as the winds and hail hit; thankfully we saw out the worst of it and carried on to GI Bush Rd where apart from one more brief flurry requiring shelter behind the Hawthorn Hedges,

and passing the memorial to the site of the first GI school in 1853, we were rewarded with literally some breathtaking views of the Maungatua, the Saddle and the ocean, including Green Island and Blackhead, the latter more like a battleship viewed side on.

Our kindly farmer had undertaken some inventive gate fixing to make the entry onto the farm much easier than on the recce, and we were able to enjoy plenty of views as we ambled and shambled down through the farm, the lambs gambolling in the breeze…..(with apologies to Wordsworth). We lunched on a sunny bank near the farm buildings, before heading to the Village Green ‘through town’.

This was a rewarding day and of course all cobwebs were well and truly blown away. For the trampers a solid Grade 3, just on 12km and 350 altitude gain, while the Hikers were Grade 2 and 8km. Well done everyone and special thanks to the landowners involved for allowing access to build a great round trip.

Phil for Raewyn, Jenny F and Colleen

10. 14/09/2022. Hikers. Street walks of Dunedin – from the Oval. Leaders Jenni and Bruce

Memorials, buildings and landmarks that we drive past regularly were revisited when 24 hikers ventured out on a clear but cold Wednesday. Wearing many layers of clothing, we set off from the Oval, which as one clever quiz team recalled, covers 22.9 acres.

Henry Ely Shacklock, Prince of Wales Hotel, Carnarvon Station, Bell Pepper Blues, the Empire Hotel – the home of the Dunedin Sound, all conjured up memories of time passed.

Further along Princes Street, we admired the beautiful refurbishment of Wains Hotel, now a 5 star boutique hotel and its across the road neighbour, Distinction Hotel, formerly the 1937 Chief Post Office. This building housed a huge number of public servants over the years.

Morning tea was taken in the sunshine on the Dunedin Cenotaph.

There was much to observe and discuss in the Exchange. The Cargill Monument, originally erected in the Octagon, but shifted to the Exchange in 1872. A mammoth effort, considering the detail.

It was interesting to visit Queen Elizabeth II’s, great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years and seven months. What an amazing length of service from our two stoic royals.

Rattray Street, today a crumbling collection of buildings, has huge memories for many of the team ….. Hong Kong Café, Sunset Strip, Dragon Café, Tai Ping Restaurant, the Rolling Stones party place, Calder Mackay and the Crown Hotel to name a few. Along Manse Street, up Stafford Street. Ross and Glendining Ltd, Kempthorne Prosser, Sew Hoys and the St Mathew’s Anglican Church. The architect for the church was William Mason, MP and Dunedin’s first mayor and yes related to Mason and Wales of today.

Next came the stories from the Rugby Hotel, topless waitresses (from one who knows) and the Bell tea building.

The Market Reserve was our next destination, and there’s miles of history around what was formerly a tidal inlet, the original shore of Otago Harbour. The Victorian style men’s toilets were discussed, ladies were no where to be found. The Crown Roller Mills building has now been beautifully restored and houses 12 luxury apartments and a restaurant.

We admired the house Johnny Jones lived in (39 Melville Street) which is still in great shape and then popped our heads into The Dunedin Club which was built for him. Royalty have stayed there. This is used today as a hub for business people, weddings, conferences etc. It also has eight luxurious suites for accommodation. As an aside did you know that Jones donated the land for the building of St Paul’s Church in the Octagon?

We zigzagged up the 98 steps (one of the quiz questions), to Maitland Street and some viewed the Bottled Sunshine sign for the Lanes lemonade factory. Some missed that! Carroll Street which was previously known as Walker Street, was the red-light district of Dunedin and associated crime. The top block of Carroll Street was known as the Devil’s half acre. The arrival of the Lebanese community helped improve the area, but the reputation was renowned. Now, we’re informed the red-light district is all around us, with online ordering and home deliveries!

The team made good progress up the steep Maitland Street and arrived at our lunch stop at Unity Park. The wind chill factor caused us to depart sooner than we would have liked. We were happy to know the Trampers had reached the top of Mt Cargill for their lunch stop but they couldn’t see us waving!

The only other site worth mentioning was from Walter Street and overlooking where Carisbrook once was and pondering what might be in store for the Forbury Trotting site.

Back through the Southern Cemetery, a rather sad place with many delipidated plots.

At the Oval, we popped into the Kensington for a short quiz on the day’s findings. One of the team’s names was “Time for Ovalteam” – clever! The team though who won the quiz was “Outram Plus 1” and received boxes of Smarties, which seemed appropriate. Drinks and homemade nibbles were enjoyed, service was a bit slow.

Walk was around 9 km.

We would like to thank everyone for their keen participation for an enjoyable day out.
Bruce and Jenni.

Note: Toilets on this walk are few and far between. If you want the Oval toilets open, you need to organise this with the DCC – www.dunedin.govt.nz/do-it-online/book/facility-bookings or phone 477 4000. The ones in the Exchange area where the ACC building is being erected, are no longer available.

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9. 16/02/2022. Hikers. Town Belt Circuit. M. Leaders Linda Partridge and Diane Paterson

Thirteen keen hikers met at Woodhaugh Gardens for morning tea before setting off on a circuit of the northern/central part of the town belt.

We began by taking the zigzag path and steps up from Duke Street. When we reached Queen and Warrender streets, after our first ascent, we viewed the university in the distance and saw up close where many of the students lived in their hillside flats. We met some students from Auckland moving into their new abode and friendly banter ensued between the students and the sprightly TRTC hikers. We also marvelled at the parking arrangements in these narrow steep streets.

We continued on to Cosy Dell and took time to view the tennis courts and the array of historic homes, many now flats that are located in a small area.

More steps (and groans) and we made our way along Park Street to Heriot Row, London Street and then around by Moana Pool to our lunch spot at Olveston.

Unfortunately we felt we were a little early for lunch so low and behold another set of steps were located and we climbed up to Wallace Street and then found a pleasant route back down to Olveston for a well-earned lunch.

After lunch and a brief look at the lovely Olveston gardens our route back took us along streets and tracks through the town belt until we regrouped at Stonelaw Terrace. Given we were making good time we did a detour down Cannington Road and Braeview Crescent before descending on the historic Bullock Track to our cars at Woodhaugh Gardens.

It was a great day with lots of interest including history, panoramic views, friendly students, the very special Green Belt and a few laughs along the way. The circuit we took was around 9kms.

Afternoon tea was enjoyed at the café in the Botanic Gardens.

Linda and Diane

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8. 11/9/2019. Hikers. Town Belt- walk, bus trip. Leaders: Pam and Jenny.

Click Dunedin’s Hills’ History for background Information.

30 km from car park.

24. 31/08/2022 Hikers. Port Chalmers. Leaders: Michael Webb and Bruce Wright M.

On a typically beautiful Port Chalmers day with no hint of Mosgiel type frost, 32 hikers met at the Back Beach car park for what some thought was going to be a gentle stroll visiting some historical sights in West Harbours hidden gem.

The first hill climb on the track from Back Beach to Island Terrace cut short the usual discussing of sore hips, knees, dieting, prostate problems, midnight trips to the loo, hot flushes, ungrateful children, recalcitrant grandchildren, the Mayor and Jacinda.

It was during this first ascent of many hills that the first mumblings of mutiny were heard. The leader took this on board, totally ignored it and proceeded to lead the group up to Hotere Hill via Campbell Buchanan lane where we had morning tea.

We then descended a track to Back Beach for a relaxed stroll alongside the harbour where Faye revealed herself to be a “legend” with her lecture on oven cleaning.

A walk up Currie Street to see some historic buildings including the old Buffalo hall was followed by a welcome comfort stop at the Port Chalmers Library. Another steady ascent took us to the Lady Thorn dell for lunch.

Yet another climb took us to Scott Memorial before crossing the road for our last uphill leg before descending through some bush and a track past the old cemetery back to Port Chalmers.

Refreshments were taken at The Galley where one unnamed lady ordered a Bloody Mary. Due to the many steep tracks and hills in Port Chalmers this could possibly be a Grade 3.  The hike was 8km. Michael Webb

7. 17/08/2022. Vauxhall/Musselburgh.  Grade 2. Leaders: Raewyn & Jan

Thankfully the weatherman got it wrong. Mosgiel was shrouded in fog as we left PJ Park, but there was no sign of rain or wind as we arrived at Bayfield Park. 18 hikers set off over the Causeway, along Portobello Road past the large slip and on to the Vauxhall Yacht Club for morning tea. After a short history about the ‘White House’ & Arthurs Walk, we stopped to reflect ‘what might have been’ as we passed the now derelict house, and continued onwards up the steps.

An ‘up & down’ Glengyle Street provided great views across to the city, while Glendevon Street had views over the rest of Waverley. Another short history here regarding the ‘Vauxhall Gardens’ – an 1860s playground for the rich, now non-existent.
The high hedges (popular in the area) provided some interest too, particularly at the south end of the Peninsula where an octagon shaped hedge surrounds another ‘white house’.

After walking the one-way lane around said hedge, we returned to Larnach Road and walked up to Mathieson street where unfortunately a chilly wind greeted us for lunch.

It was then time to make the steady descent downhill and cross the park before venturing to Sunshine. A walk along Rawhiti Street, up Moana Crescent & through Sunshine Lane, soon brought us to ground level again and back to the cars.

A consensus of 8-9km, with coffee at the Daily Dose. Thank you to Jan for standing in for Linda, and Margreet for taking the photos. Raewyn.

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6. 25/1/2017. Musselburgh, Andersons Bay, Cemetery. E. Leaders for Musselburgh: Les and Margaret; for Andersons Bay: Peter and Wendy.

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At last some decent weather. No rain, just clear skies and a sunny day. It was really great to see everyone again after the seemingly long enforced break with 40 keen hikers/ trampers heading off to our outing at Aramoana.

After quickish morning tea and a catch up on birthday shouts at the carpark the group was herded off to the Domain for a comfort stop before the short walk along the track / boardwalk out onto the salt flats.

Following a quick count to ensure we hadn’t lost anyone we returned the way we came back to the carpark then onto Shelley Beach. This takes you to the harbour entrance with Taiaroa Heads opposite.

The tide was favourable, so we were able to clamber over some rocks at the end of the beach to round the spit past the old pilot wharf quietly eroding away.

We were greeted by a large bull sea lion resting in the shallows. He didn’t seem to be too concerned about us trudging past so after he posed for a few photos we left him to it and carried on back to the carpark. The plan was to head out to the end of the Mole for lunch however with the wind starting to get up a bit and time pressing on it was decided to give that a miss and instead we would have lunch. This turned out to be an inspired move as it meant we would make our deadline for afternoon tea later on. The cafe had expressly informed us they were closing on the dot at 3pm.

Following lunch John gave a small talk to the group on the workings of the locator beacons we carry on all tramps and hikes. I think this was very useful as it is important for everyone to be aware of what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency.

It was very tempting to push the button for a helicopter but as there were no takers for a ride, we headed off down Aramoana Beach.
Now everyone saw another sea lion on the beach making a nuisance of itself by chasing those who got a bit close. That is except for Jim.

It was an impressive turn of speed from Jim (he would not be out of place at the Comm. Games 50 metre dash) once the animal had him in his sight. After much hilarity and no injuries, we continued along the beach to the impressive rock formations then along a track in the sand dunes that took us back through the township to the cars.

Upon returning it was generally accepted we walked a total of 8 kms and it is most pleasing to report that even we lost no one returning with our full quota of 40. It was then off to Port Chalmers for a coffee / tea / beer at a great wee cafe called the Galley.
After the trials and tribulations of the last few weeks it was a great day out with lots of laughter and of course great companionship.
Graeme

No. 62 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Tunnel Beach. Farm”

Tunnel Beach.

See 1983 for an account of its opening.

Tramping Track managed by DOC. Tunnel Beach Road accessed from Blackhead Road.

Plenty of parking at end of Tunnel Beach Road. Distance from carpark:

Concord Tavern park for longer walk. Distance from carpark: 10 km.

22/06/2022. Hikers. Tunnel Beach/St Clair. M. Leaders: Kathryn and Sue

We all met on a very cold frosty morning at Peter Johnstone Carpark. We then gathered outside St Clair Golf Club where twenty hikers walked along Hillhead Road then onto Blackhead Road in brilliant sunshine.

We stopped outside the Cemetery for morning tea then onto Tunnel Beach.

For those that hadn’t been there before it was a real eye opener and enjoyed by all.

We had our lunch in sunshine with great views.

We then climbed back up and Ady did comment on the number of stairs she had to climb to get there.

We proceeded back to the cars and went to The Village Green for coffee and a lovely finish to the day. Sue Nichol / Kathryn Fagg

27 km from car-park.

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7. 14 June 2023. Hikers. Allans Beach. Grade 2, $9, 39km, Leaders: Bruce Spittle, Alex Griffin

Fifteen hikers, including new hikers Heather and Val, set off from the car park at the end of Allans Beach road with clear skies but a chilly breeze. We briefly explored the east end of the beach as far as the waves allowed and then had morning tea in the shelter of the sand hills where there was some sun.

We walked the length of the beach to the outlet of Hoopers Inlet where the tide was coming in noticing two sea lions on the way.

We then followed the sand on the edge of the inlet to near the fence at the end where the inlet turns to the right and had lunch, at about 12, in a relatively sunny sheltered spot.

After lunch we explored the salt marsh area as far as the tide allowed and some more sea lions were spotted.

We retraced our steps to the west end of the beach and ascended into the sand hills about 100 m from the end of the sand hills near the inlet and after finding our way through some vegetation found the track through the farm leading back to Allans Beach road.

We arrived at the cars about 1405. Distance travelled approximately 9.5 km. The weather was reasonable for winter with sunshine and little wind most of the way. The views of the inlet and hills were tranquil. Coffee was had at Nichols.

Thanks to Co-leader, Alex Griffin and to Liz Griffin for liaising with Nichols.

Bruce Spittle

No. 18 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps.”Ocean View – Saddle Hill. D Bennett. Farm. Lambing.”

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7. 08/06/2022. Hikers. Ocean View. Leaders Alex and Bruce.

Sixteen hikers assembled in the Brighton Bowling Club rooms and exited following Alex to the right passing the $50,000 new retaining walls, crossing the Brighton-Taieri Mouth road, and proceeding to the playground at the domain for morning tea.

We then crossed the domain, without disturbing any persons who were preferring to live in cars, and descended the steps to the Brighton Beach. The depth of the Otokaia stream was about 2 cm and we all successfully negotiated it without any drownings. We ascended the steps behind the Brighton Surf Club rooms, followed the footpath to the Braids Hill car park and then proceeded north along the beach until about 11.30 am when we reversed direction.

After a brief stop at the freedom camping site, where new posts and chains have been installed to more clearly delineate the freedom camping area, we proceeded along the track through the dunes until turning up a path to the right by some macrocarpa trees passing through Bruce’s property at 727 Brighton Road where Alex spoke of his experience with Black Boy Peach growing.

 

We continued south on the footpath and turned up Creamery Road, where we arrived at 11.57 and listened to Warren Harris tell us something of the history of the area and had an opportunity to view his museum with its extensive collection of various historical items including toys, tobacco tins and tools.

After accepting Warren’s kind invitation to have lunch on his property we thanked him and walked via Creamery Road, and John St through a grassy area on the left and down some steps through bush to Brighton Road. We crossed the road and turned left at the clothing collection container and followed the path to the beach, and then along the river and through the sandhills to the Braids Hill car park and along the footpath to the Otakaio Creek bridge.

Several photos were taken of a white heron/Kotuku looking for food in the creek. It has been a resident of Brighton and Ocean View for some weeks. Some Royal Spoonbills were also seen near the bridge.

We then subdivided into a group that went directly to the Brighton Café while the others came after driving their cars from the Brighton Bowling Club.

The weather was cool and cloudy but the rain held off. Adi measured the distance on her cell phone at 9.43 km. Alex and Bruce were thanked for being the leaders.

Bruce Spittle

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