Taieri Recreational Tramping Club

32 km from car park

10. 11/05/2022. Hikers. Portobello Aquarium Leaders: Jim and Lester

It was different to be one of the only 2 for refreshments after a pleasant walk on Hatchery Road at Portobello.  It was at the Aquarium’s marine studies centre that our group of 15 were afforded a very interesting presentation by Tamlyn Somerford on their ongoing research that is currently being carried out.

 

Our trip by bus from the Edgar Centre was a change of outlook from traveling by car.  It was a very pleasant day for what was a short walk to a laid-back lunch stop looking out to Taiaroa Heads.

Back in Portobello waiting for the return bus seemed the perfect time to fuel up on ice cream.

Leaders were Lester & Jim

 

25 km from car park.

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4. 20/04/2022. Hikers. Kuri Bush, Taieri Mouth. Jim and Betty Finnie.

Conditions were perfect for the 16 hikers as we commenced the hike at 9:40 from a layby south of Kuri Bush.

It was less than a half hour before the morning tea stop was at a prominent firm sand terrace. The tide afforded us a generous beach area for a leisurely meander that quickly changed after the Taieri River Bridge came into view.

It was a little exciting when a rogue seal lunged out of the water and took exception to hikers walking on his beach which required a hiker to take evasive action. I think the seal’s name may have been Vladimir.

The Taieri River Bridge had a very accommodating walk way that took us to our early lunch stop at the boat trailer park on the south side of the bridge.

Retracing our way back to the cars was an uneventful stroll that made a total distance of approximately 10 km. All 16 hikers participated in the after hike stop off at the Brighton Beach Cafe. Service at the Cafe was good as we were the only clients they had while we were there.

In the numerous times that we have done this beach walk it is the first time for us to have crossed this bridge.

Leaders were Jim and Betty Finnie.

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25.  29 September 2021. Hikers. Otago Museum and the Fashion FWD Exhibition and a Springtime Walk. M. $5.00. Leaders: Jenny Finnerty, Noi McCunn

On Wednesday 19 hikers set off on a walk, starting at Botanical Gardens and walking to the Museum park for morning tea.

We then went to have a wander around the Fashion Gallery Trail in the Museum after which we walked through the varsity to the St David Street zig zag.

Things had changed since I was a kid because Arana Hall had expanded and so now there is a locked gate at the top but lucky for us a lady swiped us in and swiped us out on the other side. Had a bit of tiki tour through studentville to Dundas Street but took a wrong track but ended up at the Cemetery.

Alex took us to the gravesite of the 1st white baby born in Dunedin.

Had lunch at the Rhododendron Del and after looking around we all met up at the Croque-O-Dile for coffee.

Another walk done and dusted thanks hikers.

P.S. Was good to see our Brighton chums and others from town. Jenny and Noi.

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46 km from car park.

13. 30/3/2011. Hikers. Seacliff. Russell Road, Enchanted Forest. Leaders: Marjorie and Bruce.

Twenty-two hikers set out up Russell Road at Seacliff at about 1000 on 30 March 2011 after parking near the gates of the Truby King Reserve. After approximately 1 km we opened the double Cyclone farm gates on the left and followed a track to a concrete fertilizer store area for topdressing. We then climbed the knoll north of this to have morning tea, north of Guilds Hill, with a view down to Doctors Point and Purakaunui.

After morning tea we proceeded up Russell Road and opened the gate tied by string and a chain which was straight ahead (not the padlocked gate on the right which leads to a residence). We proceeded along this 4-wheel-drive section of Russell Road and then, when the track finished, another 150 metres to a paddock on the left over the brow of the hill where we had a view of Maori Peak below us on the right, Mt Watkin, and the surrounding valleys and hills.

7. 10/7/2002 Leaders:Shirley, George, Hazel

5. 10/6/2002. Seacliff Area. Medium. Leaders: Shirley McN, George, Hazel.

1. 3/1988 Leaders: Nancy, Bill H, Lesley S

No. 41 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Holmes Track. Pine Hill. Farms. Year Round”

26 km from car park.

13. 21/4/2021.  Hikers Pigeon Flat. Leaders: Betty and Jim Finnie.

 

12. Hikers Report for Waitati on 30/10/2019.

Twenty three hikers took welcomed refuge at the Blue Skin Cafe from the forecast down pour that struck our party a short distance from the cars. The hike was commenced in pleasant hiking conditions on the board walk to the west of Orokonui Lagoon from the Doctors Point Road.

 

From there it was a morning tea stop by the substation. From there we had foot paths to the Waitati school where it was hoped that a person from the Blueskin Resilient Communities Trust
would provide information on the schools addition of their solar panels, the BEL solar power buy back scheme & their involvement with the Eco House Build that is to be displayed at the Home &
Living show on the 2nd & 3rd of November at Forsyth Barr stadium. This house was constructed by women. It was due to attending to the final details of the Eco house that the BRCT were unable to oblige.

The next point of interest was half way up View St we came upon a couple attending to fitting new number plates to a car. The woman who was obviously very proud of this just completed conversion of this vehicle to pure electric. (EV) The bonnet was lifted to show the very neat functional set up which had a range of 140 kilometres. She just had to have a photo of the car & amp;
group. At the top of View St we crossed a sheep paddock to the top of the Waitati cemetery.

 

Apart from the final downpour it was a pleasant stroll completing the eastern Orokonui Lagoon walkway to Doctors Point Road up to Opeke for lunch & return to the cars.

Leaders were Betty & Jim Finnie

11. 25/9/2019. Hikers. Pigeon Flat and Waitati. M. Judy K.

This was a new hike for the Club, pioneered by Jim and Betty Finnie and Judy Knox.Prompted by curiosity about how far the Pigeon Flat Rd went, we explored one day and by a mixture of good luck and ancient history (Judy taught one of the land owners 50 years ago!) the track down to the Waitati River was discovered.With owner Michael Lee’s permission, an afternoon was spent clearing gorse and broom to openthe track down the fence line.

17 hikers set off from the car park at the top of the motorway in a freezing wind with a forecast of rain and snow, but luckily this didn’t arrive. Down the Pigeon Flat Rd the wind was at our backs and morning tea on the roadside was quite sheltered.

No-one was keen to linger, so it was on and over the motorway bridge, then ten minutes along to the junction with the paper road and a left turn onto a farm track.Ten more minutes took us to the locked gate, where Michael Lee had shown us the hidden key during the recce.Much easier than our scramble over it the first time!

After a regrouping at the farm sheds a right turn was made through two gates, across the paddocks and down to the bush.Another gate, then the fence line was followed for about 20 minutes,on our beautifully cleared track (thanks to Jim’s new chain saw), …

… to another fence crossing. A sharp left to follow the lower fence where cattle had churned up a few muddy patches, then we crossed the fence again and descended to the river. It was a bit early for lunch, but too nice a spot to ignore, so there we stayed.

After lunch and still a bit too cold to linger, we crossed the river (most with dry feet) for the short step climb up the paddock on side to the Waitati Valley Road. From there it was a long but pleasant trudge up the road back to the cars which were reached about 1.15pm. Our coffee stop was at Emersons.

Special thanks to Michael Lee and Donna (Waitati side) for permission to cross their land.  – Judy K.

10. 13/2/2008. Holmes Track, Pigeon Flat. Leaders: Peter and Wendy.

No. 106 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Bus Trip to Old Central Railway”

4. 3/3/2021. Combined. Daisy Bank. Leaders: Theresa White and Sara McCormack

30 trampers gathered on a beautiful mild morning at the carpark. With everyone arriving promptly we
were able to get on the bus and be away just before 8.30. We paused to pick up Heather at the top of
the hill and had a comfort stop at Middlemarch. Arriving at Daisybank we all disembarked for morning
tea in the sun.

5 hikers decided to do a shorter walk so, after morning tea, they hopped back on the bus and were
transported back towards Hyde. They started their walk from Tiroiti giving them 6km for the day.
The remaining 26 trampers set a steady pace on the rail trail towards Hyde. First evidence we were on
an old railway line was the gangers Hut called Red Dwarf Hut. We regrouped in a nice shady area which
conveniently had a toilet. A few walked down the bank to check out the river.

The next gangers Hut was at Tiroiti. This one has some information boards inside. We then crossed the
Capburn Creek bridge (built in 1897) which has been left in its original .

The next bridge to cross was Prices Creek viaduct (built 1963). Shortly after was our lunch stop in the
shade of the bank of the Prices Creek tunnel which is lined in brick. 15 trampers ventured down the hill
to check out the Taieri River Diversion before having their lunch.

After lunch, just another 3km and with the wind on our backs we were blown along, arriving at Hyde
where the hikers were relaxing in the shade.

The Coffee kart, which also sold ice creams, did a good trade. We all rested in the shade before hopping
back on the bus, arriving back at the car park just before 4.  A lovely walk in the sunshine.

 

 

3. 3/4/2019. All. Daisy Bank -Hyde. Rail Trail. leader: Bob.

After a delayed start owing to members being given differing start times the bus finally left the car park at 9am.
The morning was crisp and clear with the roadside verges having frost on them.
We arrived at Daisy Bank in time for morning tea on a calm sunny morning.

48 members set off towards Hyde on the rail trail that was excellent to walk on.

We stopped for lunch by the Taieri River 6km into the 11km walk.

At the tunnel…

…some of the more energetic members went down to the river to see the 50 mtr diversion of the river through rock so they could mine for gold on the then dry river bed.

We arrived at the Hyde Cafe at 2.30pm for an ice cream or a drink or both.

We left there at 3pm arriving back in Mosgiel just after four oclock.
Thanks to Richard Tranior of Good Time Tours for his excellent service.
– Bob & Peter.

Bob’s bus was big and comfortable. Thanks to one or two club members rounding up extra passengers, numbers travelling managed (just) to reach the 30 needed to pay for it. We arrived at Daisy Bank at ten past ten so decided to start the walk with morning tea.

With Bev willing to play the role of back-marker, we were able to set off at our own times, at our own paces and with whomsoever we cared to link up.

A warm nor-wester tail-wind comfortably tempered what might otherwise have been too hot a day. But so vigorous was its assistance at times, it was difficult to maintain a dignified walking-pace.

The viaducts were great. This one, awesome.

To the left of the tunnel entrance was the following interesting notice.

Ken, who in a previous life had worked with DoC, and had hammered some of the nails into the previous viaduct, on two – yes, two – occasions was willing to escort companions close-by at the time, down to the Taieri River diversion channel referred to in the above notice.

Yours truly was willing to cast all photogenic illusions aside to grace a tunnel alcove with human interest.

The cafe at the end did a roaring trade accommodating a big club spend-up. The day was still relatively young, and we were in no hurry to get back on the bus, so we didn’t, for a restful long while.

At long last, we were back on the bus and headed back to Dunedin through a surprising band of rain at one point. A good day out, well-enjoyed by all. – Ian

20/5/2009. Hikers. Daisy Bank to Hyde. Rail Trail. (Cancelled. Weather wet, windy. Middlemarch road closed. Snow.) Leaders: Neil, Evelyn C.

20/11/1997 ( Data missing)

41. 14/10/2020. Trampers. Leaders: Jill Dodd and Peter Gillespie

This is a little hidden treasure. A QE11 Covenent area on the east side of Saddle Hill. There is 20 hectares of regenerating native coastal forest Totara, Rimu, Kahikatea, Miro, Matau and Kanuka.

It is an iron ore residue from the now disused coal mines that are on the hillside .
A real surprise for us all was when Colin dug into an old rotten log where he finally found a Peripatus a living ancient velvet worm like creature. These worms have been around for 500 million years and found throughout NZ.

The walk concluded by reading a poem, dedicated to the greatness of trees, and looking at the 30year old kauri tree.

40. 16/3/2019. Hikers. Saddle Hill. Leaders: Bob and Jenny.

More panoramic views were taken in before we went down the hill,out of the cool breeze, and had a leisurely lunch looking out over the Taieri. We then wandered down the hill and out onto Saddlehill Road and back to the cars. Coffee was at the Village Green. Thanks Bob. – Jenny.

39. 19/9/2018. Trampers. Saddle Hill circuit. Leader: Eleanor.

On a very warm spring morning 14 trampers set off from Quarry road and walked up Coal Stage and Saddle Hill roads then down McMaster road.  Enjoying a great display of Kowhai in full bloom, also a mix of blossom and animals along the way.  One member recalls riding horses as a girl on a property we passed.

We enjoyed smoko break overlooking the ocean.  At this point with the sun shining brightly upon us, we decided to do an add on.

Turning onto Old Brighton road we headed to Fairfield, then crossed over to Flower street walked up the couple of hills crossing a stile into the water tank paddock.  Once again (on both sides of the rather steep stile) with more great views, lunch and chatting was enjoyed.

We then walked along Chain Hill road and back down Quarry road to our cars.

Blend was the chosen coffee shop, we enjoyed catching up with 2 members unable to tramp on the day.
We reckon we walked 15 km, give or take a little.
Great to be back out with such an enthusiastic group of friends.
– Cheers Eleanore

(12/2/2017.)

19 km from car park.

11/03/2020 Hikers and Ramblers Brighton Beach  E Leaders Liz and Alex

Brighton Beach is always a beautiful spot to visit, and today was no exception.

Over 25 Hikers and Ramblers set out from the Brighton Bowling Club.  The wind was cool so a vigorous walk along the beach towards Taieri Mouth got us warmed up before turning around and heading back to the surf club at Brighton for morning tea.

We then headed back into Brighton past some million dollar homes with fantastic sea views, followed by coffee and a natter at the Brighton Café.

Alex and Liz Griffin (pp Clive Crossman)

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40 km from car park.

5. 19/10/2019. Hikers. Long Beach. Leaders: John and Robert.

4. 14/5/2014. Hikers. Long  Beach. Easy. Leaders: Judy, Jennifer.

After a few days of rain 32 happy hikers shook off their cabin fever with a pleasant day at Long Beach.  At the domain we examined the information boards …

… before proceeding to the beach …

and morning tea in the sun on the sand at the first rock-climbing site.

At the far end of the beach the huge ball room cave was explored (nobody wanted to dance) …

… and the numerous anchor points for intrepid climbers marvelled over.

Back along the beach to the east end we marched, with efforts to keep feet dry crossing the creek fruitless for some.

A leisurely lunch was had in the tussock above the beach, where there were obvious signs of sea lions, but none in residence. Fred had to scramble somewhat to deliver his usual chocolate treat to us all – thank you Fred, it’s always a highlight!
And a short stroll back and up through the pines to the village, where Fred told a few tales of some of the earlier residents of the area.
An extended social hour …

… at the Orokonui Sanctuary ended a very happy day. – Judy

3. 3/2/2010. Both. Long Beach. Easy. Leaders: Bruce and Marjorie.

We have become accustomed to Bruce and Marjorie’s careful planning on any tramps they lead. First stop then, an information panel stop.

Then a walk to the large cave at the north end of the beach for morning tea.

Returning south a little way to smaller cave, Bruce told us the firm volcanic rocks here and and further south provided 166 different climbs. He encouraged us to detect various bolt points to assist climbers. Fred, who had had a crib here, pointed out the remains of a rusted ladder people once climbed as part of a short cut across to Purakaunui. Through a macrocarpa forest en route back to the cars we discovered unexploded paint balls left over from fights carried out here. Back near the cars Bruce further explained our next destination would be our lunch spot.

We followed off the road a winding path through recently planted natives to a pine plantation where we lunched. We came out another way back to the road past a memorial gate.

Further south again to the end of the beach and more volcanic rock, clearly showing its hexangonal basaltic formation.

Back to the road and round behind some houses with Fred pointing out his former house and those of several others.

Thanks Bruce and Marjorie for not disappointing us. A most informative and enjoyable day out. – Ian

2. 18/7/2007. Hikers. Long Beach. Easy+. Leaders: Barbara and Arthur.

1. 1/12/2004. Hikers. Long Beach. Leaders: Bev H, Bev M

No. 78 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Knarston Park Sth Coast (Ask Jean Young) Farm”

Akatore Farm permission required. (Ask Bob.)

Distance Livingstonia Park from car park: 31.5 km.

Distance Akatore Farm from carpark: 48 km

13. 15/3/2017. Hikers. Akatore Farm, Stream and Beach. H. Leaders: Bob and Lesley.

Bob lead 24 Hikers down the road to the bridge over the Akatore River,where we sat in the sun for morning tea.

The tide was low enabling us to walk along the estuary,to the coast.This included a few moments of rock hugging,with many helping hands to get around a bluff.

A few people declined and returned to the road,to be picked up by Braden,Bob son,on his farm “mule”and some rejoined the group.

It was a clear,sunny day,with little wind and the journey along farm tracks,above the rocks,was good hiking.We lunched and explored at a private beach, …

… then climbed the hill back to the cars,completing about 9km.

It was a different route on a favourite area,enjoyed by all, with coffee at Wals. – Lesley.

12. 5/10/2016. Trampers. Akatore Farm and Beach. E. Leader: Arthur H.

The windscreen wipers worked away as the bus took us for our tramps, the Hikers being dropped off first to walk the Millennium Track from the Henley end.

The Trampers were taken to Taieri Mouth, and then down the Akatore Road to the Taieri Beach Road, where we dismounted.

It was right on 10 o’clock, so morning tea was attended to as the first priority. A convenient ledge sheltered us from the cool breeze and light rain.

We walked down a long paddock to reach the sea. The paddock being recently cultivated was quite sticky from the rain. Our boots grew in size somewhat.

It was quite a relief to reach a lovely sandy beach, with the tide well out.

Quite a lot of bird life was evident – lots of seagulls of course, oyster-catchers, pied stilts, a pair of terns overhead, and paradise ducks out in the paddock.

After inspecting an interesting cave, we had to climb up to the paddocks for a little. Descending again, we had a nice grassy strip of grass to follow, above the rocks.

We came to the Akatore Creek mouth at 12 noon. It was almost low tide, and with a considerable flow of water exiting the creek.

Lunch was partaken of in the shelter of a steep bank, with some lovely yellow flowers about The breeze was quite light, but cool.

The next leg of our journey wass uphill through the farm paddocks. A large mob of very friendly dairy heifers followed us along the fenceline as far as they could.

At the top of the hill we devoured a little to the left to get a good view looking down onto the Akatore estuary and environs.

Out onto the road, we followed it for two kilometres to arrive back at our starting point at 1.35 p.m.

A little early for the bus, we walked the road to Taieri Mouth. Downhill was easy. A very friendly pet lamb wanted to join our group after escaping from his paddock. But we had to be firm! Near the Taieri Beach School is an animal park (closed) where we glimpsed various species, including alpacas, geese, deer and ostriches(?).

We kept walking along the road, not so enjoyable but many interesting houses and backyards could be viewed in Taieri Mouth. Eventually we came in sight of the bridge over the Taieri River and the bus parked at the southern end of it.

The Trampers came to the bus at 2.45, soon after the Hikers had finished. There had been seven in our group today, our distance travelled: 14.5 km maybe(?) (using a small-scale road map to estimate from) – please come back soon, Margreet!

The bus delivered us all back to Mosgiel, after which may invaded “Wals”, creating mayhem with the tables, but it was a good finish to the day. – Arthur.

11. 23/9/2015. Hikers. Akatore Farm and Beach. E. Leaders: Bob and Leslie.

Twenty-nine of us parked at the farm’s stock yards and walked back north along the road to enter a neighbouring property, go through past the homestead, out into paddocks and down to the coast for morning tea.

A rocky knoll tempted two or three of us to climb it and view the surroundings from there.

We climbed back out, this time heading south parallel to the coastline through paddocks, some grassed and one being freshly being turned over with a large six-furrow plough. We walked for a while down along beach and rocks …

… before being obliged by the high tide to return up the the paddocks. Eventually we reached the Akatore mouth. And what a sight. What had formerly been a gentle rock-hugging stream was now a wide mouth of breaking surf from the near side right across to the farther one.

No beach, or none at this tide level. Bob led us along the outside of a fence upstream just a little to descend a steep back to a new beach where once the stream had flowed. He had provided us with a huge hawser rope tied to the fence and lengthened at its end with a strapping belt stretching right down to the new beach.

With its aid, we all made our way safely down the cliff-face, …

… each doing so in our own fashion.

We lunched there, finding seating on lumpy dry marram grass, on the new beach of sand that must have been metres deep. What a powerful transformation the high seas had made of the old mouth we had become accustomed to.

After lunch, Bob led us up the true left edge of the stream along an edge made very narrow with an ebbing tide that still had a long way to retreat. At the first point there was no option but to make one’s way around rock still surrounded by shallow water. Never mind. The rest of the way was dry, if pebbled with rocks larger and smaller in places, sandy in others. We made our way then up to the bridge where Bob introduced us to that steep road climb that takes one right up from sea level to the top where the road first turns down. It made for a good workout, giving hikers with their varying energy levels the chance to brave the climb at their own pace. However, beside the rope provision back at the lunch stop, behold there had also been Bob’s ute sitting down at the bridge for any who didn’t relish the prospect of the climb. But bravo, no one took it. And Bob was noble enough to leave it standing there, true to his leadership role, and climb with the rest, with the intention of  walking back down later to retrieve it. Noble? Would might even say silly not to enjoy ride back up in triumphant style. Painful certainly, this reporter imagines. It’s a long hill climb to the top. Good on yer, Bob.

(It was too bad the ‘Nike + Running’ app fell over in a big way and has had to be re-down-loaded, – so no GPS record this time). This was a most interesting tramp, a replacement for the original one that had to be abandoned due to lambing. We all enjoyed the experience of a route the club had not done before, now made possible by the mighty changes the ocean had wrought on the Akatore’s mouth, and exploited by Bob. So thank you Bob (and sister Leslie!) for the planning and the advance provision of rope and ute. Great leadership! – Ian.

10. 26/11/2014. Hikers. Akatore Farm and Beach. E. Leaders: Leslie and Bev.

 

26/6/2013. Trampers. Livingstonia Park to Akatore. Beach Walk.

On a day that could’ve turned to rain, [according to the forecast] 8 trampers turned up for the walk from Taieri Mouth to Akatore. This is a challenging walk over the beach rocky outcrops, with some easier sandy sections for good measure. In some places it is safer to take to the farm paddocks to bypass some deep splits in the rocks. We had morning tea at the carpark before leaving, as it was already 10am, then headed off down the beach. We reached the river mouth at about 12:30, & went in search of a sheltered spot to have lunch, as a bit of a wind had come up, making it a little unpleasant.

We then retraced our steps, with two of the group deciding that the farm paddocks offered a better route back again. The rest of us did some beach, & some farm walk back to the cars, which took a bit longer than the outward trip due to tiredness creeping in. We arrived back at the carpark at about 4pm. (13.9km, 3hrs 44min, moving ave 3.7km/h.) – Ken

9. 8/2/2012. Hikers. Akatore farm walk. Akatore Rd about 5 kms from Taieri Mouth. Leaders: Bev, Chris.

<Video of kelp in swell firmly anchored on the rock.>

7. 15/4/2009 Trampers. Taieri Mouth Livingstonia Park to Akatore. Beach walk. Leader: Ria.

12 of us made the trip. A bit of a struggle for one or two but we all got there. Here George poses as an Indian shaman(?) in front of a cave.

There were places where we had to clamber up to the paddocks before descending to the rocks again.

This was a very narrow squeeze.

The trip was well-timed, with low tide after 1.00 p.m. so there was room for plenty of rock work clambering …

and beach sand. This is where we stopped for a pleasant cuppa.

Five lunched down at the Akatore mouth, the rest content to dine in the paddock above.

The five “down at the mouth” are just visible from the paddock.

Here is just one of the ponds as we made our return, this time largely over paddocks.

Careful rock clambering challenged some, and for others the distance was a bit of a stretch. But it was another successful day with the weather remaining kind. – Ian

6. 6/2/2008 Taieri Mouth Livingstonia Park to Akatore Beach walk. Trampers. Leaders: Ria, Hazel.

Tramp Report for Wednesday February 6th 2008

A beautiful day greeted 16 trampers as we met at Livingstonia Park for the start of our walk from Taieri Beach to Akatore. Our leaders were Ria Lippers and Hazel Leslie who had done 2 recces to make sure they had it all under control as it was the first time the Taieri tramping club had done this walk.

It turned out to be quite an adventure as we scrambled up and down rocks between the lovely bays that stretched all the way along this stunning Otago coastline. The tide was at a tantalising level as the more adventurous felt it was possible to get round, while our leaders took the more secure upper route along the cliff top. It was great to have the choice. We had lunch where the Akatore River reaches the sea, an enchanting spot with crystal clear water and white sand. George had a paddle in the water and we all relaxed in the sun. The tide was coming in, so most of the way back was along the top grassy pathway, but we did manage to go along some of the wider beach areas. As we descended the rope walkway back down to Taieri Beach we were so surprised to see so many people sunbathing and swimming, all taking advantage of the amazing Waitangi Day weather. Carol and I couldn’t resist a quick paddle before returning to the cars where everyone was waiting for us !! – Tash

Beautiful day for a beach walk when 12 hikers parked their cars at Knarston Park. The tide was out so we were able to walk south along the beach for quite some way before having to go up a rope walk to the grass area above beach to get past an outcrop of rocks. Then back down onto beach and time to sit and relax with our morning tea. Such a lovely day and so clear, the views were great and sea bird life interesting. On down the beach until we came to another outcrop on rocks that for us, was impassable and we couldn’t find a place suitable for us to climb up to top. So we decided that although it was a bit early we would have our lunch and sit a bit longer than usual, just soaking up the scenery and views. Watched the tide gradually coming higher up a little inlet, examined some interesting seaweed and heard about some of the bird life from our expert, Lesley G. 12 happy hikers wandered back to cars along the beach mostly and all agreed we’d had a very relaxed and pleasant day.- Bev.

No. 60 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Lawlor Farm”

Closed for lambing Sept-Nov.
50 km from car park.

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14. 18/4/2018. Trampers. Welshs Road, Old Farm, Deep Stream, Weir. M. Leader: Keith and Arthur.

It was a beautiful autumn day as 14 trampers travelled for about 40 minutes, out past Clarks Junction to Welshs Road.

The cars were parked by the woolshed near Deep Stream on Steve Nichol’s farm. We all had to sign the visitors book on arrival, for “elf and safety” reasons.

The sun was lovely, but the breeze was decidedly cool, as we made our start.

To be different, the leaders had planned on a clockwise circuit, and also climbing uphill through the paddocks to extend the distance.

The steeper beginning warmed all the participants nicely, before having morning tea in the head of a gully – somewhat sheltered from the breeze.

Continuing up through the paddocks the scenery was magnificent wherever we looked. At the highest point of our day we came back to Welshs Road. The wind was keen here, but there was a good view over to the Lammermoors – the “ship at anchor” was visible.

Now it was downhill all the way to Deep Stream, road at first and then following the farm’s boundary fence.

The “Te Papanui Conservation Park” was just over the fence which we had to climb through at the last. The views looking down in to Deep Stream were great as we descended to the weir.

Time for some photographs …

… before walking the 4W.D. road above the stream.

Near the mouth of Deep Creek we stopped for an early lunch on a long table thoughtfully provided. A nice spot in the sunshine, and ideal for the occasion.

The 4W.D. road was up and down a bit, but took us back to the cars, after having walked 9.8 km.

All agreed that the walk down through the Deep Stream gorge, below the weir, was the highlight of the day. It had been another very successful and happy day’s tramp for our group.

And so back to Outram, to stop at a the ‘Goat’ for water, food, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cold beverage, etc (tick the boxes applicable please). – Art.

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13. 17/2/2016. Hikers. Welshs Rd, Old Farm, Deep Stream, Weir. M. Leaders: Bob and Peter.

The leaders considerately stopped the cars about 3k short of the old farm house to give some level walking to those who didn’t wish to tackle, beyond there, the climbs over the three steep ridges on the way into the weir. (As matters turned out, they did tackle a further climb or two after all.) We all stopped first, a kilometer or so along the road, for a cuppa.

Eight of us went on  to reach reached the barb-wired locked gate, (some getting further)!

En route, (whoops, too many ‘en routes’), we passed a couple of bee hive sets of frames, with Betty getting stung several times from one of them. Happily Lester was there to help remove the bees and their stings.

On our return, we stopped in the a patch of shade for lunch.

The day grew warmer but fortunately not nearly as exceptionally hot as it was a fortnight ago. We enjoyed a brief cooling passing shower when getting close to the cars on our return.

The ridges are getting higher and steeper than ever to climb over and the tramp extension by the extra three or so kilometres gap between cars and house wearied this reporter a bit but for the others it was a breeze. A good day out. A good reminder of a tramp the club has enjoyed many times before. – Ian.

12. 23/4/2014. Hikers. Welshs Rd, Old Farm, Deep Stream, Weir. M. Leaders: Peter and Wendy.

A good memory is an attribute we came to wish we collectively had more of. Driving down Welshs Road, we  made two false stops before plucking up enough courage to take our cars yet further on to the actual Holiday Camp yards. (However, from recollection (what’s that again??) the “Both” 8/2009 group [indicated below] walked virtually the length of Welshs Rd just to reach the HP, well-notified on its gate).

Well, we eventually made it there by car and walked on and up a bit to stop for our morning cuppa.

After that stop, taken briefly because of a strong cold wind at the time, memory let us down again. A few recalled the road had several ups and downs in  it, but the road that we then took led us only up and up and up. After some confused conferring, with nervous hope of finding the right way, we retraced our steps back down the way we had come, to a gate just adjacent to our morning tea stop. Soon the reassuring ups and downs emerged, and a morning tea spot taken on an earlier tramp confirmed we we on track. (See Trampers 11/2009 for the morning tea break pics)

However the earlier uphill foray had served to discourage four of our 22-strong group from further uphill struggles and they returned to the cars. That was too bad. But eighteen still persisted.

The stream views were most rewarding. The view of the Deep Creek (exit/entrance?? – well, confluence, then) into Deep Stream looked better from an angle different from that of a pic below taken on an earlier trip.

 

A locked gate (part of which can be seen at the right in the pic below) just prior to the weir proved a further deterrent, and only five persisted beyond it. On rejoining the other twelve they found them already getting into their lunch. It was the right time too.

We straggled back to the cars in a long drawn out string of ones and twos, but all eventually made it, to unsurprisingly  find the earlier four long gone.

Then it was only for a dwindling ten (did Elaine deliberately hide herself behind Pat?) of us to reunite at the No 8 w Herbs cafe for a drink of …

… – you’ve guessed it – coffee, not to mention a tasty treat of chips and dips, courtesy Elaine. – Ian

This was a tramp that most of the 9 that turned up had never done before.
We walked up the gorge all the while looking down to Deep Stream to see if we could find a more interesting walk than on the road with it’s quite steep climbs. Once again most of the ones who are going on the Motatapu trip next week were carrying their big packs with some weight in them.
We found some nice rocks to sit on for morning tea …

… at the top of one of the hills we had to climb, so we got a good view of the countryside. Then it was further into the gorge, until we arrived at the weir.

After a look around there, & a drink to freshen up …

… it was decided that we would go up the steep road opposite to where we were sitting, & walk back through the paddocks. George & Rea both remembered doing this in earlier times, so we set off, & headed away from the gorge up into the paddocks where we split up a bit & had lunch in two groups. Then it was down a gravel road that George assured us we would find, & back a short distance to the cars. The stream looked inviting, as it was a reasonably hot day, without a cloud in the sky, but nobody was game to get wet !!
After examining some peoples’ packs, & the way they were wearing them, we had an adjustment session to see if we could improve the fit for one member of the group, & I’ll also be looking at mine before next week, as it seems to be sitting too low on my hips.
We are becoming the Coffee Club No. 2 as we once again called into Outram for a chat over a cuppa on the way home, although Rea, & Hazel walked  all the way around to the Berry Farm shop for a Yoghurt Ice Cream !!
Everyone agreed that it was a good walk with interesting scenery along the way. – Ken.

10. 25/11/2009. Trampers, with a lot of Hikers! Deep Stream Holidays.  Pipeline Road. Deep Stream Weir. Easy+. Leaders: Bill and Pat.

It was 10.00 a.m. before our cars reached the Deep Stream Holidays Park. So we walked on along the pipeline road before stopping for a delayed morning tea in a sheltered corner of the road.

The road wound on up and down as the pipeline followed up beside the stream.

A point of interest was to see the Deep Creek confluence point with Deep Stream.

Eventually we arrived at the weir.

We climbed the steps from the weir to the road above. Some of us found a way up to the rock looming behind.

From the rock buttress, we had a grand view of weir and dam.

On the way back, Bill pointed out a rock wall built by Chinese goldminers to divert the stream.

9. 5/8/2009 Both. Welshs Road, Deep Stream, Lawlors Old Farm now Deep Stream Holidays. Easy+. Leaders: George, Bev.

8. 14/4/2004 Hikers. Deep Stream. Lawlors Old Farm. Easy+. Leaders: Joyce , Jim & Thelma

7. 15/5/2002 Alt. Deep Stream, Lawlors Old Farm. Easy. Leader: Mary L, Margaret and Les.

6. 23/9/1998. Lawlor Farm, Deep Stream. Leaders: Mary L, Sabina.

5. 25/9/1996. Deep Stream from Rocklands Station to Dam. Leaders: Jack M, Diana and Ray

4. 10/5/1995 Lawlor Farm. Medium. Leaders: Peg C, Mary L, Sabina, Diana W

3. 2/12/1992 Welsh Road, Deep Stream, Lawlors Farm. Average. Leaders: Daphne, Peg A, Peg C, Peg M

2. 25/4/1990 Welsh Road, Deep Stream. Great tramping area. Easy+. Only one small hill. Leaders: Mary Y, Diana B, Hugh D, Betty B

1. 1/2/1989 Deep Stream. Rocklands Station. A long but not difficult walk. Follow pipeline to dam. Leaders: Daphne, Denise, Mary

10. 10/1/2018 Hikers. Taieri River view lookout. E. Leaders: Doug and Ian.

Twenty-one Hikers turned out for the first tramp of the new year, parking the cars at the lay-by on Taioma Road beside the entrance  to the Taieri View Road. This tramp was to differ markedly from the last one we had done back in 1915.

First, a couple of the private forests along the forest road on the left had been ‘harvested’, as they say, the first one now replaced with paddocks.

Second, the former FWD track was now a road, much more heavily metalled and heavily dented by the double wheels of forest trucks carrying heavy loads.

And third, road’s end was now in the middle of the branch-and-trunk-strewn cleared second forestry. No longer a gentle grass-covered FWD track ending in a rough honeysuckle and gorse encroached track. A shock. A big shock.

Yes, the shocking new way of getting to the lookout was to have to pick our way through a debris of tangled branches down along a left-leaning bench-sort-of-slope that was marginalised by a messed-up fence line on  the right and a steep fall-off on the left.

The goal ahead of us was to be a line of small Manuka and gorse bush, a middle part of it dead. Just where the dead changed on its right to the dark green, the leaders knew to be the sturdy post at the end of a fence, alongside which was the track down through to the lookout. This they had found only after well over half an hour’s reconnoitring the previous week.

Seventeen of us reached the lookout unscathed by the sharp-ended broken branches we had to negotiate, with four electing, a short distance in, to prudently head back and wait for us near the safety of the road.

At the lookout, despite some reluctance to leave the wonder of the view,

but it being still only eleven o’clock, we eventually turned back to retackle the cleared (??) forestry slope.

This time, with leadership guidance no longer needed to find a way, a wonderful variety of routes back up to the road were found.

Back right up near road’s entrance, we stopped for lunch under power lines with the cleared area affording us a pleasant view.

Along the short distance of Taieri View Road, and out onto Taioma Road, and leaving our parked cars on our left, we headed down the road to a gate onto Salisbury property. We headed down through a couple of paddocks,

the route getting steadily steeper until its very steepest part got us down to the relief of the flat. Many elderly knees didn’t enjoy that last part one bit.

A nice flat lane led us to the wonderful restored stone cottage where we stopped to again admire the beautiful work done to it both inside …

… and out.

Then out to Wairongoa Road where two shuttle cars  ferried drivers back to their cars in the lay-by to allow everyone to return home, some by a coffee break en route.

The day was cloudy and not too hot. Just right.

The normal route would have both started and ended on Wairongoa Road, the tramp beginning with the steep climb through Salisbury paddocks to Taioma Road, morning tea half way up, and lunch at the lookout. All agreed however that through a car shuttle saving the Salisbury paddocks for just a return downhill journey and for a shorter first tramp of the year was the way to do it. – Doug and Ian.

9. 26/7/2017. Trampers.  Showgrounds, Taioma Rd, Taieri flood views. Leader: Eleanore.

Walked all but 17km and averaged 4.8km an hour.
We drove and parked at the Showgrounds.  Ten of us were eager to get out for a walk without rain.  We headed up Taioma road and had smoko at the bottom of the hill.  Then a steady uphill climb took us to the Taieri View sign, a few stops along the way were had to look at the flooding of the lower Taieri (which occurred after heavy rain on Friday and Saturday). Also, picking out landmarks and where some of us live on the Taieri.

We turned left at the Taieri View sign, then veered left again onto a Forestry road that took us to where trees had recently been milled. Looking across farmland, down to the Taieri river, cleared forest and 4 goats grazing in the distance we enjoyed the vista while eating lunch.

After lunch we walked back to the junction and decided to carry  on down the road that we veered off, where we were looking further down the Taieri towards Henley at the floods.

Once we headed for home, it was down hill all the way to the cars.  We parked  back at the car park and strolled round to Blackstone where we enjoyed coffee and cake.
The weather was calm and mild, which made our outing most enjoyable. – Eleanore.

8. 2015 Aug 26. Hikers. North Taieri Church, Salisbury and Taieri Lookout. Leaders: Pam, Dawn.

Where to start with all the happenings in this report? Well, first, when the cars arrived at North Taieri Church some of the Brighton people failed to turn up. It transpired, as was later report, their car load turned back to just walk around Mosgiel on seeing the “Road Closed” Taioma Road notice. Twenty of us set of along and up…

…the Salisbury farm paddocks to emerge onto Taioma Road just above the zig-zag and stop for morning tea on the road edge,

nicely sheltered from the cold southerly.

Incident two. After we had trudged up the road to the Taieri View side road, we looked back to see a small group stopped back down the road. The leaders went back down to find that Peter B. was experiencing one of his very occasional breathless spells (his last one, this report recalls, was on Traquair, but that time he recovered to continue afresh again.) Cell phone arrangements were made for a one of the leaders’ spouse to drive up and take Wendy and Peter back down. This was satisfactorily achieved.

Incident three. John had driven up to meet us at the side road turn-off. But under the unwise earlier advice of this reporter, had parked just beyond the turn-off at the edge of a logginh-truck lay-by  area, but had been reprehended by a logging driver for possibly impeding their movements, so got his car neatly parked in the side road.

Incident four. Keith espied a cast sheep in the paddock over the road. Mastered the barbwire fence and righted the sheep which staggered, trotted, ran off. Bravo.

On up the road, into the forestry road

and down,

steadily down

to the river look-out rock. The bold (reckless?) stepped out onto the large rock to admire the view, the timid (prudent?) stopped well back from the intimidating drop.

Lunch,

snugly tucked in among grass and gorse against the wind. The leaders shortened the lunch-stop for fear of approaching rain but it failed to eventuate. In fact, sunshine and the climb back out proved a even a bit over-warming.

Incident five. Back at Taioma Road, Mollie and George graciously accepted the invitation of a ride back in John’s car.

Incident six.. Trudging back down the Salisbury paddocks, someone remarked that Dot (of the returning car, alas) had intended sharing her big-birthday chocs with us. Sigh.

Next a stop at Mr McElwee’s beautifully restored cottage, an eye-opener for some of our newer members. Then out to the cars where we were found a cheerful Peter waiting to greet us, none the worse for his setback earlier. Relief all round! Then off to Topiary for some for their accustomed coffee fix.

A great day out, with Salisbury’s steep paddocks testing breathing on the way up and knees on the way down. A day full of interesting incidents. A tramp very well led by Pam and Dawn. A good day. – Ian.

7. 2013 Apr 3. Both. North Taieri Church, Salisbury and Taieri Lookout. Leaders: Fred, Ian.

 We started out from beside the North Taieri Church, numbering 20. We admired some black sheep along the way. Mollie pointed out that the hill ahead was Vaughan Hill, once owned by her late husband’s parents. We admired the restored stone cottage, of course. Mr McElwee had determined on everything being authentic to its old age, including …… donated from the Vaughan farm. We then set about climbing the hill ahead, this time via  a gentler track (only slightly) from around its back. At a water trough, well up the hill, we stopped for morning tea and to admire the view, and to increase our number by Lex arriving down from his car parked in Taioma Road. Light rain came on, and so did our parkas. By the time we arrived at the “No Exit” entrance to Taieri View Road we found our numbers had dropped to sixteen, five opting to seek car and home rather than carry on in the rain. On taking the forestry road turn-off, some found water off the wet grass soon got into  wet boots making for a gentle sloshing sound as they moved. But we carried on to successfully reach the Taieri River lookout, and return up that steep part o the track at its end to lunch under the shelter?? of some forestry pines. It was at this point that we had reached the dispiriting point for many. We found we had only  exchanged the fine rain outside for large forestry drops that soon soaked any part of us that was not already wet. And here any respect for the leadership vanished. It wasn’t too long before the leaders discovered numbers had now dropped to four, the rest having returned up the track to shorten what had turned into a miserable experience as quickly as possible. The leaders caught up briefly at Taioma Road, only to see the majority head off down to make a road-walk, regardless of traffic,  back to the cars. This left the leaders now with a group of only six, who returned back down through the Salisbury farm the way we had ascended, for a grand meet-up with those under their care back at the cars. So all’s well that ends well, perhaps. – Ian.

Relying on Ria’s memory to guide us, 7 of us did the more extensive Salisbury walk,
which took us climbing, climbing to join the Taioma road at the very top.

Then we had to make our way back around Taioma road to get back down to Taieri View Road. We tried to avoid the road, busy with fast, heavy rumbling logging trucks, but paddocks proved eventually too boggy.

Shortly into Taieri View Road, we stopped for a late lunch. At this point George didn’t want to go any further, so he and his car-load took the short way back to his car. The remaining trampers made their way on down the forestry track turn-off from Taieri View Road to the Lookout. The track was much more overgrown and forestry-shaded than when the writer remembered it. However this gave us good shelter from the blustery cold wind that made itself felt when we emerged out onto the Lookout.

 

We were lucky with the weather, which held off till we reached the car. A good tramp for a cold-weather day. The tramp also had a sentimental side, as it was the last day Linzi was to be with us, before departing back home to Cornwall three days later, after tramping with us for a whole year. Farewell, Linzi. – Ian.

5. 2009 Apr 8. Hikers. Taieri View, Mount Allan Road. Medium. Leaders: Chris, Dot B.