14. 15/02/2023. Trampers. Silverstream (Raceman’s – Little Coal Creek – Steve Amies- Raceman’s Loop). Grade 4. $5 Leader: Phil Keene
The residue of Cyclone Gabbie hovering off the coast and threatening some rain seemed to have an effect on today’s turnout – only one car, one car, headed for the hills, but it’s hard to hold back quality! So we were parked up at the Powder Ridge car-park and on the track by 9.20am and shambled off up the road and we crossed the surging Silverstream with trepidation a couple of times, before hitting our straps on Racemans.
The famous 5 minus 1 cross the surging Silverstream (photo & caption Phil)
Birdsong was prevalent, nearly drowning out the chat, with the whoosh of a pigeon or two over the stream. As on the day of the recce we were overtaken by a surging team of 5 collies out for their daily run with their Goddess mistress fast coming up behind.
Enjoying a cuppa on Racemans Track (photo & caption Pam)
We morning tea’d after 45 minutes, looking out through a clearing across the valley, why is it ‘the other side’ always seems so more interesting. 1.5 hours from the car-park we took a deep breath to prepare for the ascent up Little Coal Creek and off up up and up we went.
A steady climb up Little Coal Creek (photo & caption Pam)
It was nice to have some of natures hand holds as we pulled ourselves up, being dry, very dry underfoot, just like walking on powdered cement.The going was slow though, to such an extent that these modern devices that people wear were sending out warnings that they were not recording any movement! Are you alright?
That was a good joke Phil (photo & caption Pam)
After 50 minutes of huffing and puffing I’ll blow your house down, I swear I could have, we were at the junction of Little Coal and North Coal Creek tracks.
This way ladies (photo & caption Pam)
From here the climb was more steady, drifting into plateaus, before the next bit of up. Time was taken to enjoy the views out through the bush to Pulpit Rock and Raingauge Spur plus poke our noses out over the rock ledges.
Enjoying the views to Pulpit Rock and Raingauge Spur from Little Coal Creek (photo & caption Pam)
Towards Pulpit Rock (photo & caption Phil)
3 hours from the car park we stopped at the Steve Amies/ Little Coal Creek junction and decided to have lunch here, with both sun and shade to help dry out the perspiration. Bees were prevalent and seemed to take a liking to the creams on our skins, some coming back for more, but no harm was done.
Lunch at the junction (photo & caption Pam)
At 12.45pm we were up and off down what was a lovely Steve Amies track and the gradient was such that there was more time to take in the impressive Kanuka trees, some as big as the mature Pinus Radiata that have also made their home here. As to be expected, the track had to get steep again, and care was required as we ‘dropped’ back down onto Racemans, to be followed by a 40 minute stroll back to the car- park arriving back 5 hours and not a minute more from when we left.
the famous 5 minus 1 ‘dropping’ down to Racemans off Steve Amies Track (photo & caption Phil)
Altitude gained was 509m and a little over 11kms completed. Grade 4 seemed about right. Consensus was a great day out and just 10minutes from home.
Phil K
13. 18/11/2020. Trampers. Racemans, North and Little Coal Creeks, Steve Amies. Leaders: Ross and Wyn Davies. M.
18 trampers set out from the car park just off the Whare Flat Road, towards the pumphouse at 9.25am. It was a nice morning. We arrived at the Tunnels Track junction after half an hour; time for morning tea.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Morning tea.”
Photo and Caption John – View from morning tea spot.”We made steady progress up the Racemans Track and reached the North Coal Creek junction and hour and a quarter later. After a brief pause for some energy food, we headed up the North Coal Creek Track. The track – such as it is – was in good condition. It is an unrelenting climb and we had a few stops to regroup on the way up.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Climbing rock wall on North Coal creek track.”
We reached the junction with the Little Coal Creek Track after about an hour. We carried on up the Little Coal Creek Track for another 15 minutes to a lunch spot with a view to the north.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Lunch.”
Photo and Caption John – “View over the cliff edge at lunch stop.”
We had a good panorama of Powder Ridge and Long Ridge, Mt Allan behind, Pulpit Rock and Green Hill in the centre of the Silver Peaks.
The weather started to look more threatening after lunch, as we continued up the Little Coal Creek Track for another 20 minutes to the junction with the Steve Amies Track.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Happy campers at Steve Amies junction.”
By this stage there were a few showers; enough to make the track down the Steve Amies Track increasingly slippery. Everyone took the descent carefully and we made it safely without any proper falls. It took us about an hour and three quarters all the way down to Racemans Track, by which time the rain was getting more frequent.
Getting progressively wetter we retraced our steps along Racemans Track and back to the car park in about 40 minutes, arriving back at 3:50pm. Distance was variously measured at more than 15 kms, with an average of about 15.5 kms. It was a relatively longer day in terms of distance, time walking and ups and down, which everyone coped with OK. Some decided home was the best direction but 8 of us diverted to Blend Café for hot drinks and varying amounts of food.
“quoin” definition: 1. An exterior angle of a wall or other piece of masonry.
2. Any of the stones used in forming such an angle, often being of large size and dressed or arranged so as to form a decorative contrast with the adjoining walls. Seek permissions. 03 –
Coast and farm walk. Bull Creek nature walk to waterfall (tiny!) recommended.
16. 1/2/2023. Quoin Point to Bull Creek. Combined. Leaders Bruce, Alex, Helen and Phil.
Thirty-one keen walkers headed south and after regrouping at the turnoff to Quoin Point road parked in a paddock opposite the wool shed at the end of the road where lambs were being drafted.
Keen to get started. Photo & caption John
We followed the farm road leading down the hill towards Quoin Point and then turning right opening closing gates where appropriate before stopping after 15 minutes near an inlet with a choice of sun or shade. Shade was more popular.
Morning tea near Quoins Point. Photo & caption Phil
We continued across the paddocks and paused for a time near a caravan and new home above it on the hillside with natives planted in two paddocks while Bruce chatted to the land owner Peter O’Connor of Riversdale. Peter said he was happy for trampers to traverse his property and did not need to ask his permission in the future. The two paddocks are linked by a pipe gate and the best exit to the beach and Bull Creek was at the far corner nearest the sea of the second paddock. The path goes down the hill over some grey rocks and then along the coast to Bull Creek. He plans to mow a track across the lower part of his property in about two years to make access easier.
Neil on gate duty again. Photo & caption John
An example of the beautiful farm gullies, planted in natives. Photo & caption John
Local’s dog, keen to come with us. Photo & caption John
Going to visit the ‘house on the hill?’ Photo & caption Phil
Happy trampers. Photo & caption Pam
Around the corner to Bulls Creek. Photo & caption Pam
Watching over Bulls Creek. Photo & caption Pam
We had lunch on the North side of Bull Creek in case the rising tide cut us off. A seal was spotted in the water at Bull Creek and another mammal seen in the distance on the rocks on the way back. Clare’s family had built a dam across the creek so that the seaweed in the creek could be flushed out once the dam broke.
Time for lunch. Photo & caption John
Bulls Creek iconic tree and three T.R.T.C. icons. Photo & caption John
Clare kindly arranged for 3 of the party to travel back by car; a 25 minute journey going near Milton.
The weather remained fine. Distance 13.56 km, Climb 384 m. We started walking at about 10 am and were back to the cars at 3 pm. There were many views of the coastal rocks. Hay tedding was in progress on one paddock and for the others the hay had been cut and baled since the recce.
Very precise windrowing. Photo & caption Phil
Future walks on the property might be considered for mid-February or after when the sheep are likely to have been shorn, the lambs drafted and the hay cut which makes walking easier. Thanks to the co-leaders Alex Griffin, Helen Morris and Phil Morris for their valuable leadership. Also to Neil for his opening the gates, waiting for the last person to go through and then, remarkably, being in position to open the next gate. He was also better at spotting where the next gate in paddock was, possibly due to his eyes operating at a higher elevation. Thank you again Neil. Our thanks are also due the land owners Alan Shaw, Gwen Lane and Peter O’Connor for their kind permission to be on their properties and to Clare for her local knowledge of the area and assistance with offering transport back to the cars for three persons.
Because the Brighton Café closes at 4 pm the group was given the opportunity to make their own choice for coffee, such as at Waihola or Mosgiel, or an ice cream at Brighton.
Bruce Spittle
15. 6/11/2019. Quoin Point to Bull Creek.
RAMBLERS, HIKERS and TRAMPERS report.
On a calm morning 33 keen, happy members drove up Law road and along the coast through Akatore to Quoin Point road, driving a couple of kms down to the wool shed. At 10am 6 Ramblers headed off to enjoy their day, leaving 27 to hike to Bull Creek.
Photo and Caption Helen – “Up and down” Photo and Caption Gordon – “regroup”
We walked down through paddocks to the rocks where we had smoko.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Smoko among the rocks”
(In 2014 we tried to count the pod of seals both big and small), however, today we only spotted a couple along the way. As well as 4 leaders, we had markers still in place from the Tokomairiro High school trail bike fundraiser held a couple of weeks ago guiding us. The paddocks were dry and nice to walk on. With lots of gates to open/close, amazing coastal scenery, gullies with native bush, 3 old farm houses and a couple of creeks to cross. 2 hours of hiking then came to a standstill at the now fenced off access to Bull Creek. Even with 2 stiles to cross over, their was not a track to be found. We back-tracked a short distance and found our way down. 3 Members decided on a bit of bush bashing, 2 were through in no time———then through came Doug (our 90 year old) with a grin, having enjoyed his scramble!!
Photo and Caption Helen – “Doug taking the hard way down Photo and Caption Helen – “Bull Creek”
To save getting wet feet, a most enjoyable, sociable and scenic lunch was had by all on the rocks, before you cross the creek to the iconic kiwi cribs from 12:00 to 1:00.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Lunch at Bull Creek” Photo and Caption Gordon- “Couple of Kilometres left” Photo and Caption Gordon- “Heading to Cars”
Then it was time to head back the way we came, arriving to the cars at 3pm. 2 cars travelled down the Taieri Beach road through pine forest (a new road for some) while the others down the more scenic road to the Black Swan Waihola for Coffee.
As always another happy outing covering about 12 kms. I think it is really important having the combined monthly hike, walking, talking and catching up with our hikers and ramblers.
Photo and Caption – Gordon – “View”
BULL CREEK
Different theories on how Bull Creek got its name. From a fictional character called John Bull, to the Otago Witness’ report in 1904 of the story of a wild Bull meeting a grisly end in the area, with the bull’s head later being hung on the wall of “Bulls Cottage”
The 42 or so cribs are spread over about 4ha and have their own 35 year lease, set up some years ago with the then land owners.
Eleanore, Helen, Bob and Jannette
14. 4/4/2018. Both. Quoin Point to Bull Creek. M. Leaders: Ian, Arthur and Bob.
Hikers’ Route map, courtesy Ian.
The day was fine when twenty-seven of us started down from a busy shearing shed at the end of Quoin Point Road to morning-tea down by the Quoin Point rocks. Both we and a multitude of inquisitive young seals were amazed at the sight of each other.
Quoin Point at the sealions gathering. (Clive pic and caption.)Morning tea at Quoin Point.(Clive pic and caption.)
Ten trampers set off first, closely followed by eleven Hikers…
(Kevin pic.)
… leaving seven Ramblers behind to enjoy a more leisurely walk, which they took as far as the first house, returning along the beaches before having to regain the paddocks. They got back to the cars at 1.15 p.m.
For the others, the route varied between the flats of rocks and beach where practicable, and paddocks and gates where necessary. Towards lunch-time the query of “how much further” was beginning to be raised by some of the newer hikers. The hut-on-the-paddock’s site had complicated matters with new electric fencing forcing skirting around it before reaching the familiar route again. (We did better on the return trip.)
The trampers arrived at Bull Creek …
Bull Creek. (Clive pic and caption.)
.. in time to get round to including the picnic area and the Bull Creek Bush Walk.
Along the waterfall walk. Clive pic and caption.)Along the waterfall walk. (Clive pic and caption.)
The Hikers, with their much later arrival, (their walk enriched however with much mushroom-picking) had time only to get through their lunch
Brief lunch. (Kevin pic.)
before the low-tide’s turn prompted getting back across the creek.
On the return trip, our two groups were mixed and strung out as people moved off from Bull Creek in their own time. Admirably, Bob, our back marker, kept his disciplined place, to ensure we all got back in one piece.
This time, at the second stile, fortunately Arthur remembered to remain on the flat until we had got past below the little paddock hut before resuming the paddocks.
So we straggled back to the cars, strung out in various groups, some faster, others slower as the weariness of a 12 km tramp set in. Bob’s sterling work as back marker, at this point really paid off. Several paddocks short of our destination one of us found the going too much and needed rescuing. Gordon, a new member of the club who had accompanied Bob stayed back to keep watch, while Bob strode on to fetch his large four-wheel-drive ute back to the rescue.
So all’s well that ends well. with the day ending with a congenial “coffee” stop off at Brighton. – Ian.
13. 30/7/2014. Trampers. Quoin Point to Bull Creek.
A good group of eight set out from the farm road at Quoin Point to walk along to Bull Creek. there was a bit of a wind blowing which kept the temperature down, & it was VERY muddy going across the paddocks. We didn’t get onto the beach very much as the tide was quite high, even although on the tramp program it was stated to be low at 11:30 approx. [Yes, a 0.3 m low tide i.e. on the higher side – Ed]
It was surprising to see that the gates along the coastal paddocks had “Walking Access” signs attached to them, so good on the land owners for allowing this.
We had morning tea in the shelter of some rocks, & lunch at Bull Creek. Lunch was a reasonably hurried affair, as the sandflies were eating more than we were!!! The exit of Bull Creek onto the beach was probably passable, but we didn’t fancy getting wet feet so we stayed on the Nth. side.
After lunch, it was just a return walk mostly back along the paddocks to the cars. The wind had started to dry out the very muddy parts, so it was only just a little less muddy going back. But, unfortunatly, one member slipped over at one point, & has some dirty washing to attend to !! We walked 12.3km in approx 4hrs. – Ken.
12. 5/3/2014 Both. Quoin Point to Bull Creek. Leaders: Lex and Peter.
Failed to reach Bull Creek. Ed note.
11. 13/2/2013 Trampers. Quoin Point to Bull Creek. (9)
Nine of us enjoyed the tramp, three of us oldies, six newies, to show it off to. And they did appreciate it.
We saw lots of seals/sealions (?) on the way.
It was surprising to see such a high sandbar at Bull Creek.
A high extensive sandbar now. (Ian pic and caption.)Bull Creek water backed up by the sandbar. (Ian pic and caption.)
Although a souwester was very strong at times it was good tramping weather.
A feature of the tramp at its end was the discovery of a very flat battery in Ian F’s car, whose parking lights had been accidentally knocked on and left for 5 hours! With an AA call-out rescue, we got all got home by teatime. – Ian.
10. 2/6/2010. Both. Quoin Point to Bull Creek. Leaders: George and Dot.
It was a most unusual start. Various reports had it that after the recent rainy period the paddocks would be too wet or the coast road would have been damaged. As it turned out, not – in either case. The upshot was though, that one of the leaders led a number on a round trip road walk up the Scroggs Hill from Brighton. 12 went on to Quoin Point. Of the 12, only 4 went to Bull Creek.
It was a nice low tide, but the Bull Creek flood waters were too deep to comfortably cross.
Packing up after lunch. Ken, Doug.
The remainder stopped for lunch a few gullies back.
Bull Creek minus 30 mins. (Bill caption and pic) Lex and who?
The day was brilliant with little wind.
How did this get here? Noticed on the way back.
It was a good day out. All the more enjoyable for contrasting with the previous week’s extended rain. – Ian
9. 23/12/2009. Trampers. Ken and George. Quoin Point to Bull Creek.
A good walk on Wednesday, lots of rock hopping. It was a perfect day for it as well, with virtually no wind, and not too much sun either.
Returning from Bull Creek. George. (Ken pic)
8. 4/4/2007. All. Quoin Point to Bull Creek. Easy+. Leaders: George, Hazel, Eleanor B, Joyce S
7. 1/3/2006 All. Quoint Point, Bull Creek. Easy. Leaders: Dot B, Glenis, Frank & Lesley
‘Hope Hill’ is a working farm located just south of Allanton. The owners over the years have given the TRTC permission to undertake tramps through their unique property. We parked in a paddock off the State Highway. The morning was clear and warm and 16 trampers were keen to get underway. Ahead of us was a winding farm track up to the top of the hill. With a few stops along the way to appreciate the views of the Taieri Plain we reached our morning tea stop in around 45 minutes.
A steady climb to admire views over the Taieri Plains Caption and photo Pam
After morning tea we continued on the farm track for a bit more time and then we turned left and walked on grassy pasture toward the sea.
Panorama- First glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. Caption and photo John
The interesting eastern view was unfolding for us and when we made our way up to a trig station we could see it all – Saddle Hill, Blackhead, Taieri Mouth, peninsulas beyond and forestry to the south.
Group photo using a timer Caption and photo John
After leaving the trig station we continued walking through the picturesque landscape with the ocean in the background. However, we had to leave this gentle part of the farm and tackle a steep downhill track that eventually led us to a large flat paddock. We followed sheep tracks through the paddock and eventually got to McLaren Gully Road. We turned right and had about 1.5kms to walk on the narrow, dusty gravel road. The road is used extensively by logging trucks. We were thankful that Lyn (one of our trampers) had contacted the haulage company and explained we would be on the road about midday, and they alerted their drivers to take extra care. We managed the road walk without incident. After passing wooded areas and an interesting old house the Hope Hill paddocks came back into view. We turned off the road and into the paddock at the earliest opportunity.
This side of the farm was drier and hotter and so it got a bit tougher for us. Our view now was the Taieri Plan, Dunedin Airport and surrounds.
Panorama – Allanton to the right. Caption and photo John
Our aim was to reach the two prominent cell phone towers near the top of a ridge and have our lunch. However, there was a steep climb for us to reach the towers so needless to say we enjoyed our lunch break when it came.
After lunch we continued climbing but on a gentler slope and then traversed several paddocks back to the farm track we had come up in the morning. We descended the farm track back to our cars.
It’s all downhill from here. Caption and photo Neil
More downhill Caption and photo Neil
And we’re still going down Caption and photo Neil
We walked around 14 kilometres and were all pleased to finish around 2.30pm as the day was getting hot and windy.
Thank you to Neil for all his work with helping us through fences and opening and closing gates.
Crossing fences has it’s challenges. Caption and photo John
Thank you also to Lyn for coming with us on the recce and helping us on the day.
13. 28/8/2019. Trampers. Hope Hill. M. Leader: Gordon.
The Hope Hill farm tramp started off at 9.50am, after parking cars in a paddock south of Allanton with 19 enthused trampers.
We followed a farm track straight up a ridge for nearly an hour
470. The farmer asks Are you fit and experienced trampers? (Phil K. pic and caption.)
which was pretty steep at times, arriving at the top for Smoko amongst some tussocks sheltering us from a coolish breeze.
Welcome morning tea stop at the top of Hope Hill. (Jenni pic and caption.)
The sun was shining brightly and some great views were had from the south end of the Taieri down to Mosgiel. We then set off toward the coast which provided views of Blackhead, Saddle Hill, & Scroggs Hill until we came to the ridge which would lead us down to McLaren Gully road.
Heading down to McLaren Gully road. (Gordon pic and caption.)
It was easy going for a start but got quite steep on the last half,
Pretty steep @ rocky in places. (Gordon pic and caption.)
but thankfully no twisted or broken ankles or knees were reported after reaching the flats at the bottom from where we carried on to the road. After walking on the road for a while we turned off to start heading back up toward the cell towers where a very welcome sunny spot was found for a much needed lunch break.
Perfect sunny lunch spot. (Gordon pic and caption.)
After lunch we started back up a gentle gradient track back to our morning smoko spot and down the track a bit further to where we turned off to go down a different ridge to the cars
478 Homeward Bound. (Phil K. pic and caption.)
so that we were walking on grass which most, felt easier on the feet than the gravel track.
We arrived about 2.30pm, then on to Wals for a great social hour.
Wals. (Helen pic and caption.)
A great tramp, great workout, great views, great company. Distance 14kms. – Gordon.
12. 18/1/2017. Hope Hill. M. Leader: Arthur.
Today our team was comprised of 7 regulars plus guest Kathleen from Canada and Dave coming across from the Hikers – 9 in all.
The tramp was on “Hope Hill” farm, just below Allanton and we parked in the paddock off State Highway 1. To begin, we had a 3/4 hour uphill walk on the farm road, and in doing so gained about 200 metres of altitude.
Morning tea was taken beside an old farm trailer,
Morning tea stop at top of hill. (Helen pic and caption.)
giving us a rest after the uphill bit. The weather was overcast, and just touching the top of Maungatua at the time. There were very good views from up on top.
Moving on, after paralleling the main road south for a short time, we changed direction towards the sea. We were able to view Scroggs Hill, Saddle Hill, Blackhead, and down to Taieri Mouth and beyond at times. The Peninsula was only vaguely visible in the misty conditions though.
Newly-weaned lambs were in the paddocks that we were walking through. Eventually we came to the boundary with the forestry, when the leader realised we had come too far. A little scouting found the top of the track we were to descend, requiring us to backtrack about 300 metres.
We followed a very steep track down through the bush, to emerge into a large paddock of ewes, who baa-ed a greeting to us, wondering where their lambs had got to.
Across the paddocks to McLaren Gully Road. A road walk for a while
Old farm house in the trees. (Helen pic and caption.)
before venturing back into the paddocks to climb up to our lunch spot in the shelter of a hut beside the 2 cell phone towers. It was a stiffish climb up to there,
Up the hill to lunch spot. (helen pic and caption.)
and lunch was eagerly anticipated. The breeze was cool and we sought the shelter. The weather was deteriorating now, the cloud lowering considerably. We were overlooking the airport, but the far side of the plain and far hills disappeared.
View from lunch stop. (Helen pic and caption.)
It seemed wise to make our lunch stop brief, but we had only started off again when fine drizzle arrived with the cool breeze we were facing into. We were still climbing for a while, but it was a gentle slope. Not too unpleasant.
Return to the cars was planned to take a different route, but we changed our minds due to the conditions, and descended the farm road that we had begun on – not so nice going down on it though.
It started to rain just as we got to the cars, so the timing was good. Keith’s distanceometer indicated that we had walked 14.2 km. A good tramp, giving us all a good workout on the hills – and it had been quite enjoyable, too.
Arriving back in Mosgiel, the cars detoured into “Wals” for a little while. – Art.
11. 20/4/2016. Hikers. Hope Hill from McLaren Gully Road. M. Leaders: Lester and George.
Logs being hauled down to be cut. (Jan B. pic)Log cutting & trucking on the spot. (Jan B. pic.)The steep pinch up to the masts. (Jan B. pic.)
Morning Tea view. (Liz pic and caption)Lunch view. (Liz pic and caption)Weed. (Liz pic and caption)
10. 16/2/2011. Hikers. Hope Hill from McLaren Road. Moderate. Leaders: Peter and Wendy.
9. 21/1/2009 Trampers. Wallaces’ Farm on Hope Hill and Forest tracks. Medium. Leaders: Keith, Glenice, George
Nine of us walked from foot of McLaren Gully Road through a paddock with a stand of larches, cut across the corner of a paddock newly laid down in grass but at present largely growing fat-hen, to climb a track up through scrub,
Track up through scrub. Glenice, Wendy
then manuka,
Emerging from manuka shortcut. Angela, Doug, Bob
then gorse
Gorse section of climb. Ian (Bob pic)
to arrive at the transmission mast by the macrocarpas, for morning tea. Here we enjoyed that panorama of the Taieri plain.
Panorama of Maungatua, Taieri Plain and airport. (Bob pic)
Along the farm ridge we inspected the historic site of the Harvard plane crash
Harvard crash site (Bob pic)
The wreckage of the Harvard of the No. 4 (Otago) Squadron Territorial Air Force which crashed on Hope Hill.
The Harvard crashed during a flight from Taieri on 16 Sep 1954. Both occupants of the plane, married airmen, were killed instantly when their night trainer hit the hill at an altitude of 2000ft. The men were Flying Officer Roanald Arthur Slade (30), of Dunedin, a territorial officer and Leading-aircraftman R. H Lester (30), a radio mechanic of the Taieri Air Force Station. The aircraft was one of three which left Taieri at 10.15 pm. on a training exercise. (ODT Sat 6 Sep 2009 “Within Living Memory” section).
and an antique trailer loaded with farm miscellanea.
Antique trailer. George, Doug
Further along Bob took advantage of an empty drinking trough to take a bath.
Bob bathing
and down a ridge to the right, stopping to photo Saddle Hill from the south
Panorama of Saddle Hill and Brighton coast (Bob pic)
into the forestry, with a surprisingly clear floor.
Down through open forestry. Keith, foreground.
Down, down, down, to cross a small stream then up, up up back out into the farm and further steeply up a ridge to a trig
Climb struggle over. (Bob pic)
and to complete a clockwise loop (has usually been down anticlockwise on previous occasions) and back along and down the way we came. A good day, little wind, cloud but still quite hot apart from a passing shower. – Ian.
8. 28/5/2008. Trampers. Hope Hill from McLaren Road. Easy+. Wallaces’ Farm on Hope Hill Leaders: Ian, Pat
Tea Break. Peter, Ken, George.
A chilly start in the carpark for a healthy turnout of hikers, trampers and walkers. We celebrated an 80th birthday for Anne Rose, who looked about 50, with several comments along the lines of “Hope I look like that when I’m 60 never mind 80″… A very good advert for the benefits of hiking!
We parked our cars on McLaren Gully Road and started the steep climb up Hope Hill, with someone saying no wonder it was called Hope Hill because you just hoped you would make it to the top. Morning tea was overlooking the Taieri Plains with the Taieri River and the airport down below and a panoramic vista in all directions. George gathered us together on one of the high points to tell us about a tragedy that happened here in the 1950s. A Harvard training aeroplane with 2 people on board crashed into the top of the hill, nose diving into the ground. It was found at the inquest that carbon monoxide had leaked into the plane from a pipe that ran through the cabin overcoming the pilots, probably before the plane crashed. Several people remembered the accident. We continued through Wallace’s farm, in places quite wet and muddy. At a trig we were able to see all along the coast as far as the peninsula, trying to name the headlands we could see. Then we wended our way down to a sheltered spot among some trees for lunch. We were a bit wary of the tall trees, as at a previous spot a large branch had crashed down making us all jump.
After lunch it was down, down, down a steep paddock and then a very steep track
Steep! Joyce, Lex, Ria, Tash, Peter, George, Evelyn?, Emma
Steep! Emma, Joyce, Hazel, George, Lex, Peter,
through bush until, along turnip paddocks and wet, wet, wet, we hit McLaren Gully Road again and made our way back down to the cars. Thank you to Pat and Ian for doing the recce on Saturday and Monday and making it a good circular walk. – Tash
15. 25/01/23 Hikers Outram Glen to Confluence. Grade 2 Leaders: Eleanore and Judy
On a clear still day at 9:15am, 23 of us met at the start of track carpark ready to hike the river track to the meeting of the waters where Lee Stream flows into the Taieri.
For some this was a new hike and a revisit for others.
We live in an amazing part of the country Caption and photo Mike
After a pleasant half hour walk we arrived at the river beach for smoko, knowing we had a solid climb up through the well placed rock steps for quarter of an hour.
Some flat Caption and photo Helen
Some parts of track were damaged a few years ago by washout flood damage therefore, maintained as a route standard only with care required. After we climbed the well-placed rock/wood steps, it was then a long traverse above the Taieri River for just over an hour and a half—often stopping for a breather. It was good to see the unusual crop of potatoes amongst the grass knowing we had arrived at the Confluence.
At the confluence Caption and photo HelenLunch at the Lee Stream Caption and photo MikeLunch in the long grass for some Caption and photo Chris
After a leisurely 40-minute lunch and toilet stop, we returned down the track, also stopping often to walk as a group. Trip back was 15 minutes quicker than trip up. We walked 9km altogether.
On the way down Caption and photo Helen
Coffee and cake were shared at Topiary (Wal’s) Cafe by most of us, Trampers arriving back to join in after their Hope Hill outing.
Outram Glen is a great bush walk, close to home. Care needed after rain. Today track very dry with blue sky and about 23 degrees. Thanks to Judy D. for her caring role as my Tail Ender. Hopefully, you all enjoyed the day as much as I did.
Eleanore
14. 01/12/21 Trampers. Outram Glen to Lee Stream. Leaders: Sarah McCormack and Pam Cocks
After a change of tramp due to drizzly conditions forecast for the day at Swampy, 8 trampers set out from Outram Glen Scenic Reserve following the Taieri River to the Lee Stream convergence.
Arthur keeping the girls in line Photo and caption Pam
We stopped for morning tea beside the river just before the climb up the hill.
Morning tea time along the Taieri River Photo and caption Marijke
The day was starting to warm up a bit with a few of us over dressed as we were expecting it to be cold. Barbara showed off her stone skipping skills that she learnt at a young age and obviously still practices to maintain a high skill level The track was dry and would have been slippery if there had been any rain.
Rocky crossing Photo and caption Pam
We made good time after morning tea and arrived at the Lee Stream convergence by 11:15 so a bit early for lunch.
End point of the walk at the confluence of the Taieri River and Lee Stream Photo and caption Marijke
While checking out the scenery and having a natter the wind decided it was going to come up. The wind was coming straight out of the Lee Stream valley and had a definite chill to it, so we decided to make our way back and find a lunch spot along the way.
Lunch spot was found with convenient stone seats and some also had tables. After a leisurely lunch we meandered back to the cars stopping to check out the plentiful fantails and another show of stone skipping.
Playtime before going home. Barbara was the absolute star at throwing skipping stones Photo and caption MarijkeSpotting lots of fantails in the trees Photo and caption Marijke
We finished the day with coffee at the Wobbly Goat after covering just under 10km.
13. 15/7/2020. Trampers. Outram Glen. Leaders : Joy and Kathryn
18 keen trampers arrived fully kitted out for an easy but in some places slippery tramp up to the Lee Stream.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Off we go.”
This is a favourite hike with the odd little challenge of fallen trees or wash outs adding some variety.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Negotiating the washout”
After several days of damp weather the river was running higher than normal and the rapids could be heard above the chatter of the group.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Smoko break.”Photo and Caption Gordon – “Tackling the steps.”
Photo and Caption John – “Which way?”Photo and Caption John – “Lunch”Photo and Caption Gordon – “Ready to head home.”
Gordon challenged us all to count the number of drainage pipes on the return trip. Seven, I believe was the winning number.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Final Obstacle.”
Another perfect Wednesday outing with a great group of people finished perfectly with a cuppa at the Wobbly Goat.
12. 29/1/2020. Hikers. Outram Glen M. Leaders Kathryn and Nikki
16 hikers and 5 Ramblers met at Outram Glen with the ramblers going off on their own walk.
Photo and Caption Clive -“As the sign says trail not maintained so hard going in places”
Hikers had an enjoyable walk around the track stopping for morning tea down at the river before climbing the stairs to take u5s to the Lee.
Photo and Caption Clive – “Under the trees the going was cooler.”
We were thankful of the overhead cover as it was another hot day.
Photo and Caption Clive – “The sun shining on the righteous.”
Photo and Caption Clive – “Great spot for morning tea
Photo and Caption Nikki – “Morning stop at the river.””
The track was challenging in parts for some. Everyone handled it considering overnight rain had made some of the rocks quite slippery and with heavy rain last year washing out a piece of the track and branch of a tree over another part.
We all were ready to stop for our lunch at the Lee which was lovely, before making our way back down to the Glen.
Photo and Caption Nikki – “Lunch at the mouth of the Lee”
We walked 10k and I think everyone was ready for a drink at the Wobbly Goat.
Kathryn and Nikki.
11. 18/4/2018. Hikers. Outram Glen to Lee Stream. H. Leaders: Clive and Jim.
Route map, courtesy Ian. Remembered to switch app on only at morning tea stop, so total distance more like 9 km.
26 Hikers and Ramblers set out from Outram Glen scenic reserve alongside the Taieri River to Lee Stream. This was our first visit since the storm last year caused a lot of damage to the track and trail. Repairs are on going, apparent from the pile of gravel on the track and washouts still to be repaired on the trail. Several trees still block the trail.
We arrived at the end of the track about 10.15am and had morning tea on the rock strewn beach beside the river.
Morning tea at the end of the track. (Clive pic and caption.)
Several ramblers and a couple of the hikers then turned back to the start. An intrepid 19 hikers continued over the trail, followed by fantails and tom tits to Lee Stream. There seemed to be more hills to climb and they seemed steeper. Maybe that’s an age thing!
Arriving at Lee Stream around lunch time we picked spots out of the wind to have lunch.
Lunch at Lee Stream – not quite there. (Clive pic and caption.)
It was pointed out by a senior hiker that we hadn’t actually reached Lee Stream and should continue to the stream. Walking a further 100 meters got us there. (see photo)
Lee Stream. (Clive pic and caption.Lunch of others at Lee Stream. (Ian panorama pic and caption.)
The return journey took longer than normal and unfortunately one member suffered a wound to her calf muscle on a broken bush stump whilst trying to cross a washout.
A tired crew arrived back at the carpark after 3.30pm. It was intended to visit a local coffee shop, but when we got there it was closing,.so 2 cups of coffee next time! Happy Tramping. – Clive
10. 9/11/2006. Hikers. Outram Glen to Lee Stream. Leaders: Jennifer and Dorothy S.
Route map, courtesy Ian. Total elevation of 433m the product of ALL the UPS on the track, – the by-product of all the downs!Morning tea by the Taieri. Threatening rain cautioned some to don parkas but there were hot sunny periods in the day as well. (Ian pic and caption.)Lunch at Lee Stream “beach” at the confluence of the stream with the Taieri River. (Ian pic and caption.)
9. 10/8/2016. Hikers. Outram, Historical Park and Museum, Outram Glen. E. Leaders: Alex and Liz.
Nike GPS Route Map
A good frost today but lovely and sunny for our hike around Outram
Morning tea at storage sheds at Balmoral.
which was varied with a visit to the Museum,
Waiting in the sun outside the Museum to regroup.
Vintage Park and then onto the Glen track.
Standing aside to allow a motorised tracked wheelbarrow returning empty from delivering gravel to resurface the track. A sunny spot. (Liz pic.)And a shaded spot. Frost. (Liz pic.)Lunch in the sun beside the river by the track/route boundary point of the Outram Glen – Lee Stream Track.
We numbered 25 and finished off with the Local Coffee Shop.
It was a wee bit different owing to the unknown conditions from the nasty weather three days earlier but as usual the company was good and we achieved our goals thanks to everybody. – Liz and Alex.
8. 26/3/2014. Hikers. Taieri Musem, Outram Glen Track to Lee Stream. Leaders: Jim and Betty.
GPS of track to Lee Stream
We were met with a surprise variation to simply walking the Outram Glen track. The leaders took us first up to the Taieri Historical Museum via an interesting side track shortly up the George King Memorial Drive by the bridge over Traquair/Whare Creek. We were seduced by the machinery museum building at the top of the property with its wonderful variety of early Taieri farming implements. They found it hard to drag us away.
We made our way down the driveway this time, and past a surprising number of cars to the track beginning. Time had passed so the leaders made our cuppa stop at the crest of the track’s large rise just past the entrance and in a nice sunny spot.
Then on we went till we reached the great set of steps that took us up from the river side to the high undulating bush track, or more officially, ‘route’. From the top of the steps on to the end of the route was a long series of regrouping pauses, where the more able waited for the less able to catch up. But get to the end we did.
A note to the side: On our way to the start of the track, we noticed Bob’s ute had joined our parked cars while we were up at the Museum. Some knew that he did have a prior commitment and must have presumed he would have caught up with us somewhere on the track but knew nothing of the leaders’ plan to visit the museum first. Eventually we did meet him, towards the end of the track, returning. It was all just too sad a misunderstanding.
We discovered the reason for the group of cars at the start when we reached the end. By the Lee Stream mouth was a large group of young St Mary’s School pupils being instructed on safety measures pertaining to launching inflatable rafts drawn up nearby.
Launching the rafts
There were eight rafts in all, four setting out at a time to practise the art of paddling in the stiller waters upstream before heading off down over the first set of rapids below.
The paddling rehearsal before negotiating the first rapids
By this time we had finished our lunch and just prior to entering the bush track again, were surprised again to see the rafts anchored against a cliff on the opposite side of the river, and each pupil being required to leap off a ledge in the cliff into the water, resurface, and to drift with their life jackets down to and be helped back into their rafts immediately downstream. They did this wonderfully, some choosing a yet higher ledge to leap from. Bravo.
We seemed to make much faster return time down the track than when earlier coming up, and were regaled from time to time by excited shouts and screams below us as the rafters made their way downriver.
As we neared the end, it was just a case of now of negotiating the rise at whose summit we had earlier in the day had our cuppa, (it’s steeper and more laborious on the up-track side of the rise and this reporter, at the tired end of the tramp, hates it) and we were back at the cars and en route to home.
Thanks to Betty and Jim for their imaginative planning of the day and careful looking after us. – Ian.
7. 5/10/2011. Both. Outram Glen, Lee Stream. Leader: George.
Lambing got in the way of the programmed Lee Stream ramble. The Outram Glen walk was a most successful replacement. 20 of us went. The first bit’s nice and flat in general. We stopped early for morning tea by the river. A cold wind drove us back up to shelter in the approach track.
Down-track view.
Up-track view.
Beyond the sign indicating the more difficult part of the track was the (never less) challenging (never-ending as well) set of steps. They are now well-worn but still very serviceable. We all made the ascent at our individual rates of speed. Beyond that, the various ups and downs are still well serviced by the sets of stone steps. They have stood the test of time and are firmly embedded. Well made. We all made our way to the Lee Stream confluence with the Taieri, some arriving earlier, others later. Again an early lunch enjoyed with the warmth of sun and calm, and cooler bits of breeze. But still comfortable enough.
Some of us at lunch.
The confluence of the two streams at lunchtime.
Again, we wandered back each at our own pace. A pleasant day, sheltered by bush from the coolish wind. – Ian.
6. 3/9/2008. Both. Outram Glen, Lee Stream. Easy. Leaders: Evelyn and Bob.
Nineteen of us walked the riverwalk from Outram Glen to Lee Stream. The weather was threatening but we had just a little rain, and with no wind and a mild temperature it was an enjoyable 12 kilometre expedition. Many of us had not seen the Taieri River so brown and surging for a long time.
The track in the upper reaches was quite slippery so we needed to watch our feet. Some birdsong from bellbird and fantail was appreciated as was the presence of wood pigeons. We had lunch at Lee Stream where a number could remember past picnics beneath willow trees.
Congratulations to Evelyn and Bob for leading the group. Evelyn did a stalwart job in trying to keep the group together, trying to both race ahead to hold back the fast movers and take care to see the rear guard were still with us. She even managed to end up with one more tramper at the finish than she had at the start. Well done Evelyn!
Bob provided us with some drama by taking a tumble. However he bounced back and even did it again to keep the medics on their toes. He finished the tramp in fine fettle and good humour, leading the bulk of the group on the homeward stretch. We hope the scratches and bruises do not cause too much discomfort.
George celebrated his 80th birthday and first great grandchild by handing out beautiful chocolates to all.
Altogether it was a satisfying day with a return to home base before the southerly caught up with us. – Marjorie.
5. 6/6/2007 Ian, Doug M, Eleanor B, Joyce S
4. 3/5/2006. Both. Outram Glen. Leaders: Ian, Doug, Les & Margaret S, Bev H
3. 9/2/2005. Both. Outram Glen. Leader: Nancy
2. 19/8/1998. Outram Bridge, Taieri Gorge. Leaders: Nelson and Dot.
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 “
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.
Striding out at the start of Raceman’s (photo and caption Pam)
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 …
Morning tea at the junction with Tunnels track (photo and caption Pam)Abandoned water pipe on track (photo and caption Pam)Strange objects in several places along the track. Much speculation about what they are/were. No conclusions. Any ideas? Feel free to use the Comments section at the bottom of the page. (photo and caption Ross)
…and got to the weir about midday…
Silverstream top weir (photo and caption Ross)
…but decided to move on down the track for lunch where it was less noisy.
Lunch taken between intermittent light drizzle (photo and caption Pam)
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.
5. 7/12/2022. Hikers. Macandrew Bay. Grade 2 Leaders: Jill D. and Linda
Twenty eager hikers departed Macandrew Bay car park on a cool grey morning. We walked along the harbourside walkway as far as McTaggart Street where we stopped at the Company Bay reserve for morning tea. Unfortunately, the native plant nursery was closed for the day so we were unable to do the planned visit. However, Jill was able to provide us with some information on the work that was carried out there to provide native plants for planting out on the peninsula.
Jill giving a speech at morning tea. Caption and photo Helen
Onwards and upwards we made our way up the road and on to the track, climbing over some stiles, walking across farmland and up the hill towards Camp Rd.
How many stiles? Caption and photo Phil
We stopped several times to catch our breath and to admire the wonderful views of the peninsula. After the steady climb we reached our lunch stop on Camp Rd near Larnach Castle.
We did as the farmer instructed. Left the sheep to close the gate. Caption and photo Mike
We then continued our walk along to Pukehiki where we visited the lovely little community church, with its loo with a view!
Pukehiki Church is the background for our group photo. Caption and photo Helen
From here we walked along Highcliff Rd to Greenacres track and proceeded downhill to Macandrew Bay.
Screenshot Margreet
Some opted for an ice cream while others enjoyed refreshments at the Duck Cafe, while taking in the view of the lovely Macandrew Bay Beach on a nearly sunny afternoon. Jill and Linda
Phil at Jamestown in the Hollyford, in 2003, telling the grandiose stories of James Macandrew Caption and photo PhilStanding alongside James Macandrew’s grave and memorial Caption and photo Phil
18. 30/11/2022. Trampers. Post Office Creek track from the Waipori Village side. Grade 3. $14. 60km. Leaders: Barbara and Leah.
Despite ominous weather predictions for several days prior to the 30th, and heavy rain early that morning, the visual was more promising.Three vehicles and 14 trampers left the Peter Johnstone carpark heading towards Berwick and up the Waipori Falls Road, through the Village and continuing towards Lawrence. The big, locked orange gate, although on a side road, can’t be missed! Through the locked gate, past the new picnic area, following the road below the Mahinerangi Dam to cross the bridge and climb up into the Wenita section of Dunstan Road. The potholes aren’t for the fainthearted.
About to leave the cars (photo & caption John)
The walking track is off Patearoa Road which itself is off Moonlight Road and we parked at the junction of the two. The permit was left visible through the windscreen.
Excited to be ready to go (photo & caption John)
A quick morning tea, and the party set off on the 1km down-hill (remember what goes down at the beginning of the day must go up at the end!!) to the rustic signpost indicating Post Office Creek track. There was a brief delay while one driver (nameless) went back and spent a frenetic 5 minutes searching for car keys in order to lock the vehicle. Having found the keys in the backpack, they were left on the ground while the pack was rezipped. The person (also nameless) who had ferreted them away while the rezipping was underway should be afraid; very afraid! A brief detour a few minutes down the track proper took us to the now dilapidated fishing huts.
Fishermen’s Hut hidden in the trees above lake Mahinerangi (photo & caption Pam)“Watch your head John” as the track winds under the overhanging rock (photo & caption Pam)
A scramble back up the track and we were crossing the first of the creeks and negotiating the rock bivvy.
Post Office Creek rock bivvy (photo & caption Barbara)
The entire track follows the contour of the slope with very little up or down. Many of the guts had bridges in varying degrees of disrepair but which, it’s understood, are likely to be removed entirely in the near future, after the maintenance work in the forestry has been completed. The tracks will be realigned to navigate the guts minus bridges.
One at a time crossing the old wooden bridge (photo & caption Pam)
Pigs had been digging up the track which left it nice and soft underfoot and there were a few fallen branches we cleared as we went.
Escaped from the forest (photo & caption Jenni)
We left the canopy cover of the trees as we neared the re-sited Waipori School buildings where we sat and had our lunch. Half the group elected to follow Jill to the actual Post Office Creek while the remainder sat and chatted, walked down to the lake edge and poked around the buildings.
Disappointingly there was no fishing or poetry recitation.
Lunch beside the relocated school house once used by musterers (photo & caption Pam)Our industrious leader with historical info (photo & caption Jenni)
On the return of the wanderers, we set out again, retracing our steps, looking out for litter to take back to our vehicles. The last uphill kilometer was unwelcome but all 14 made it. A change of footwear, a little shenanigans with someone’s pack and sticks, and we headed back to the locked gate, this time heading to the right, over the Lake Mahinerangi causeway, through the fishing village and back to the Middlemarch Road at Lee Stream, enjoying a commentary from Jill who, for several decades, had farmed the property on both sides of the road.
End of track at Post Office Creek (photo & caption Pam)
One carload stopped for an icecream at Outram ($2 for 2 scoops being excellent value!), but weren’t joined by the other two, who must have thought 4.30pm too late for such extravagance!
An enjoyable day on an easy track which could well be considered for a combined day.
It would be possible to leave a 4WD vehicle at the bottom of the hill, at the signpost for the track, as we did on the recce, shortening the distance by 2 km.
Barbara
17. 2/6/2021. Combined trampers and hikers. Leader: Jill
A combined group of 42 people met at Andrew Reid’s hay barn on Mahinerangi Road and soon set off down the steep hill past the cattle yards. It was nice to have several visitors out today, as the weather gods were truly kind, and the ground underfoot was firm.
Down the hill Photo: Clive
We all enjoyed walking through the rolling country and down to Lake Mahinerangi, initially opposite the old Waipori school building.
Opposite Old Waipori School Photo: Pam
The lake was very low but still picturesque. We followed a gold miners water race to a now empty dam. One can only marvel at how adaptable and hardy those early gold miners were to seek their fortunes in this remote area!
Following the gold miners’ water race Photo: Pam
The trampers then went up through the farm, intending to walk several kilometres more than the hikers, but I am not sure there was much between us in the end!
On top of the world Caption and Photo: John
Another steep pinch Caption and photo: John
Trampers had lunch beside a tree lane with good expansive views and the Mahinerangi wind turbines were turning in the distance.
Trampers lunch break Caption and photo: John
Back down to the farm lane that we followed to THAT hill and our cars.
Distance covered was about 12.5 km. Jill
Screenshot: Colleen
After parting ways with trampers 14 hikers led by Chrissy (thank goodness) climbed up a fairly steep hill where we had a short lunch with the promise of another break at the top of the next paddock! Well, we somehow went through a wrong gate so instead of doing a loop we did a loop and a half to get back on track. We were all in good spirits until we saw the road we had to go back up to get to the cars.
Hikers view of the track back to the cars Photo: Clive
But it was onwards and upwards at our own paces and, getting overtaken by the trampers, we made it back. This was a hard walk for us, but our senior members were so impressive. Well done team. PS. we never did get that promised break?
All up it was a solid 12 kilometres. Thanks Chrissy. Jenny & Jan Y.
11 trampers enjoyed a beautiful day on Andrew Reid’s property. We parked at the woolshed and headed downhill before walking along a water race created by gold miners, to a now empty dam.
10409112nd—Quick stop morning tea. (Gordon pic and caption.)On old water race above Post Office Creek. (Phil pic and caption.)
We marvelled at how this race had been dug into the hillsides – and can barely imagine the living conditions of the early miners, one must certainly hope their toiling brought rewards!! There were a few fences to climb
Another Bloody fence. (Gordon pic and caption.)
but we were rewarded with nice views over Post Office Creek and then Lake Mahinerangi.
Surveying the Post Office Creek arm of Lake Mahinerangi. (Phil pic and caption.)
We then walked away from the lake, across a dam, and through paddocks up to the farm boundary with DCC forestry. Lunch was eaten in the shelter of the trees.
A very welcome lunch break. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Then a few more ups and downs but we basically walked through the paddocks beside Mahinerangi Road back to our cars.
A most enjoyable day.
Distance walked 15.5 km. – Jill.
15. 17/1/2018. Trampers. Post Office Creek. Leader: Jill.
Route map, courtesy Keith.
13 trampers met at Reid’s woolshed on Mahinerangi Road. We walked down the hill to Post Office creek, and had morning tea at the “camp” before taking the track through gold mine sluicings to the top end of Lake Mahinerangi – a very low lake today! After viewing the old Waipori school (which had been moved to this site to use as a musterer’s hut before Waipori village was drowned) …
School inspection. The “old” Waipori School moved to Post Office Creek before the raising of Mahinerangi. (Phil pic and caption.)
… we backtracked about 1 km and shortly after went up a very steep stock lane …
Onwards and upwards to the trig. (Phil pic and caption.)
… and lunched by the trig there, enjoying expansive views of the area.
Trig A4GT -618 m altitude. (Phil pic and caption.)
We continued up the farm track towards the back of the Maungatuas – the intention had been to look over to Waihola, but it was decided that was a bit far on this occasion! It was an easy return down hill to the bridge over Post Office creek – and to our cars.
Jill proudly displaying the new charging station for e bike travellers. (Phil pic and caption.)
An 18.5 km tramp enjoyed by all. – Jill.
14. 7/5/2014. Both. Reid homestead, Verter Burn to Post Office Creek and old school buildings. Leaders: Ken and Peter.
iPhone GPS distance: 12.1 km. Garmin stats: We walked 12.9km; Moving ave 4.3km/hr; Moving time 2h 58mins; Climbed 342mtrs; Max elevation 572mtrs. Allow a further km or two for the pedometer distance recorders, and then pick the figure that suits you!
21 of us parked in the Reid’s homestead backyard and made our way through one or two fences down to a bridge over the Verter Burn (near ‘1’ on the map) for morning tea.
Morning tea at Verter Burn crossing. (Heb pic, Ken caption)
We followed a road on the stream’s true left, which begs the question as to where originated the pond with its beautiful reflection on our left. (About ‘2’ on map.)
Reflection
Between 3 and 4 on the map, is where we approached the Verter Burn ford, into which we were to plunge later, but at this stage we swung off to our left to make our way through early gold-sluiced cliffs (8/4 on map) to finally cross the Post Office Creek and arrive at (5) the former Waipori School building (as reported to the writer) of the one-time but now submerged Waipori Township.
The Township of Waipori. The valley is now flooded and the town site is inundated. Photograph taken in 1890 by Charles Kerr.
We climbed the steep hill alongside the Post Office Creek’s true left to skirt on our right a forestry of densely branched trees (larches? [and unpruned!] with a scattering of eucalypt among them) for a lunch where the forestry road levelled out at the top (6).
Then it was back down to the school building and out to the aforementioned ford, which this time we crossed with variously successful attempts in keeping feet dry, (but mostly wet).
Beyond that, was the further challenge of the BIG CLIMB, of un-fond older members’ memory. A taranaki gate at its top was new to us, but Neil successfully unscrambled its complexity. Three more paddocks and gates took us out to the Mahinerangi Road ( 11) and along it to the homestead (12.1) again.
At Outram, the majority of the (now well-established) coffee club socialised at the Wobbly Goat, …
Apres-tramp coffee at Outram
although some betook themselves to the No 8 w Herbs cafe across the road. And that’s it. – Ian.
13. 28/11/2007. Trampers. Post Office Creek, fishermen huts return. Skyline track was closed on the day. Working on roads, trees. Easy. Leaders: Bill & Pat.
The day was fine and not too hot for
13 of us to tramp the Lake Mahinerangi water-race track to the fishermen huts. We had morning tea at the Post Office Creek Old School.
Tea Break. Hazel, Wendy, Doug, George, Ken, Shirley, Pat, Joyce, Arthur L
Immediately beyond that, the leaders had found for us the clearest approach to the larch forest that borders the lake, the tussock and bog being now badly infested with gorse. A leisurely lunch in the sun at the fishing huts and the return back. The Verter Burn barring the way in and out, as always, inspired a variety of creative crossing techniques, from direct plunging through the water boots and all, to bare feet, to plastic bags over boots and even to gumboots carried in.
Crossing techniques. Abe (bare feet), Peter, Pat (getting plastic bags), Doug (bags), Barbara and Wendy (boots on rocks), Arthur (gumboots)
The long hill climb back out of the Verter Burn gets no easier with age, but all agreed it was another good day out. – Ian
Back at cars. Pat, Barbara, Abe, Peter, Ken, Wendy
12. 8/11/2006. Trampers. Post Office Creek. Medium. Leaders: Ian, Doug M
11. 18/5/2005. Both. Post Office Creek. Leaders: Doug J, Bill M, Joyce S, Lesley G
10. 29/10/2003 Forestry roads return. Leaders:
Crib by the ford. Bob Peter Arthur Barbara Who? Molly
Crossing Verter Burn. Peter Who? Molly
The gate beyond Verter Burn.
School. Arthur H Bob Peter Arthur L
Lunch stop. Arthur & Barbara on a tea break on forestry road back out.
9. 25/4/2002 Leaders: Joyce S Shirley, Wendy B
8. 30/1/2002. Post Office Creek. Medium. Leaders: Joyce, Bob H, Donny.
7. 25/4/2001. Post Office Creek. Leaders: Joyce, Shirley McN, Wendy.
6. 5/4/2000. Post Office Creek. Leaders: Joyce, Bill McL, Nancy.
5. 26/5/1999. Post Office Creek. Leaders: Joyce, Nancy, Patricia.
4. 26/8/1998. Post Office Creek. Leaders: Joyce, Pat.
3. 4/2/1998. Post Office Creek to Huts and return from Robert Reids. Leaders: Denise, Ria L, Nel K.
2. 30/4/1997. Post Office Breek (sic) to huts round trip. (Robert Reids). Leaders: Eric and Dot, Joan H.
1. 8/4/1992. Post Office Creek – off Mahinerangi Road. Average. Leaders: Hartmann, Ted, Barbara M, Mary M
4. 30/11/2022. Hikers. Highcliff Track/Buskin Track/Highcliff Road/Karetai Road. Grade 3. $7. Leaders: Max and Mike W.
Sign on Highcliff Road (Photo & Caption Mike)
M & M aka Max and Mike demonstrated their commitment to the TRTC by agreeing to lead a hike instead of sitting in front of a TV watching England thrash their Welsh cousins in the FIFA World Cup. I am not sure that this commitment was fully appreciated as shortly after the commencement of the hike there were mutterings of “when are these Poms stopping for morning tea?”
Morning tea looking over Boulder Beach (Photo & Caption Helen)
Ten hardy souls ignored the dodgy weather forecast and set off for a hike that took us around a boulder strewn hill with great views down to Boulder Beach and Sandfly Bay before descending down a zig zag poled track to join up with the Buskin Track.
Lookout over Boulder Beach (Photo & Caption Margreet)
The steep descent was made without incident although some knees were creaking a bit by the time we had got to the bottom of the hill.
Gymnast of the day award was given to Jim Finnie. At the start of the Buskin Jim demonstrated his prowess by performing an impressive backward somersault with a half pike and a reverse tuck. The landing left a bit to be desired and stopped him getting a perfect 10.
Special mention also to Jay who re-arranged some of Max’s clothing after she spotted that he had his hi vis vest on upside down and back to front.
An early lunch was taken at 1130 in a sheltered part of the Buskin Track from where we could see the views of the coast disappearing in the mist and drizzle.
Eleanore Margreet and Betty on the seat with a view (Photo & Caption Helen)
The Buskin Track does not appear to be used much as the grass was quite long in places with a few areas of thistle and nettles to be aware of.
Bushkin Track (Photo & Caption Mike)
It was also a wee bit muddy and slippery towards the top where a few planks of wood had been laid.
The group of 9 plus the photographer at our high point (Photo & Caption Helen)
Once at the top of the Buskin, it was a short walk along a private road to Highcliff Road and Karetai Road back to the cars.
The weather was not as bad as forecast. It was overcast with a few drizzle patches and one short bit of “wet rain”. Poms know the meaning of this.
Ponchos the order of the day (Photo & Caption Margreet)
Debrief at the cars agreed that grade 3 was about right and that there would not be a coffee meeting on the way home.
As usual, great company and interesting conversation made this an enjoyable hike.
Mike
We parked in the Tomahawk Lagoon carpark, & walked up the track to the Soldiers Monument,
Dunedin from soldiers monument. (Ken pic and caption)
stopping in the gorse for morning tea break,
Morning tea stop on track above Tomahawk inlet. (Ken pic and caption)
then a long road walk to get to Buskin track.
Buskin track. (Ken pic and caption)
Great views from this track down to the coast
Boulder Beach from top of Buskin track. (Ken pic and caption)
& along to Sandfly Bay, & Sandymount. Stopped for lunch at the junction of the Boulder Beach Track, & the Karatai Rd. track,
Lunch stop at junction of track to Boulder Beach, & Karatai Rd. (Ken pic and caption)
then it was a steep climb up to Karatai Rd. where we turned left, & walked down to Smaills Beach, then back to the cars. About 15.6km on a very nice day, most enjoyable. – Ken
2. 16/7/2008 Buskin Track, Boulder Beach, Highcliff Track, Paradise Road. Leaders: Bruce & Marjorie
Cliff View
Seven trampers met beside the Penzance Kennels on Highcliff and, undaunted by the thick fog that covered the whole of the Peninsula and beyond, set off on what proved to be an interesting walk.
We walked down the Buskin track until it intersected with the Highcliff track. A little way along the Highcliff track we found a very sheltered spot amidst some old macracarpas for a morning tea break, being very careful not to make contact with the prolific growth of ongaonga bushes. Refreshed, we began the very steep haul up to the top of the cliff and a clearing in the fog enabled us to wonder at the white lichen covered rocks, sheer cliffs and steep drops.
View of Boulder Beach
Hardy trampers
Boulder beach, aptly named, stretched far below us, white waves curling in a placid sea. We were unable to see the vista of coastline – that will have to keep till another day. Retracing our steps down the steep and at times slippery gradient we stopped for lunch at the same place where we had morning tea. After lunch we made a detour to the end of Boulder Beach where we were lucky to find one yellow eyed penguin standing sentinel on the rocky shore. We then laboured up Paradise Road and returned to the cars. Although unable to enjoy the views for most of the walk, Bruce made up for this by pointing out to us sites and remains of the old homesteads, stone fences and old fence posts. Even more interesting were the accounts he read to us of what life was like for the early farming families from a book by Hardwick Knight. Thank you Bruce for sharing this with us, enabling us to have a very enjoyable tramp on a grey day. – Marjorie
1. 13/4/1994 Tomahawk Lagoon, Smaills Beach, Karetai Road, Buskin Road, Soldiers Track and return. Medium. Leaders: Ria H, Jean A, June G, Betty H
Map: Sullivans Dam, Cloud Forest, Telegraph (Old Bridal) track to Pigeon Flat, Escarpment Track, Cowan Rd, Short Cut to Fox Rd, down to Sullivans Dam – drawn 2002. (Click to enlarge)
Sunshine start at Sullivans Dam (photo and caption Pam)
15 trampers set out around the lovely track around Sullivan’s Dam but we soon had to turn right up the hill that stated ‘for experienced trampers only’!
One of many old signs on our route (photo and caption John)
This track is an overgrown mostly-boardwalk that goes up and up through a patch of majestic Rimu, Totara and Miro to the Pylon Road. On the way we passed a bush telephone and a fairy grotto!
Boardwalks (photo and caption Pam)Telephone box, just in case you need it (photo and caption Marijke)
Morning tea was had under the pylons watching 2 helicopters below us loading up to do some spraying.
Morning Tea in a clearing (photo and caption John)
After refueling we set off on the escarpment track, firstly through gorse then mud, fallen trees and a rock climb up to the magnificent view from Pigeon Rock.
Some misjudged their footing! (photo and caption Pam)
Just when we thought the worst was over we came upon 2 huge pine trees crossing the track. However everyone made it safely over, then it was a short scramble up Pigeon Hill to lunch.
Lunch time hilarity over Neil’s boiled egg (photo and caption John)View from Pigeon Hill – I just love those big skies! (photo and caption Marijke)
The challenge after lunch was to follow the blue ribbons to Mt Cargill, this proved little trouble thanks to some tall scouts who could spot them among the growing pines.
Down hill from here (Cowan Road) (photo and caption Pam)
Once out on the road with the sky growing darker it was a fast trip down the 3 Peaks track back to the cars where the heavens opened! Good timing team! This is a lovely, varied track with lots to keep you interested. All seemed to enjoy it even the harder parts. Thanks for a great day out – Clare. Continue reading “Sullivans Dam, Cloud Forests, Escarpment, Cowan round trip”
10. 16/11/2022. Trampers. Nardoo Reserve: Walrus Bridge Rock. Grade 3.5 Leaders: Phil Keene and Graeme Souter
Was this going to be one of those on again off again days? Well no as eleven enthusiastic trampers turned up ready to go at 8.30am… although we were starting to think of a plan B as we travelled through rain to the Strath Taieri… however lo and behold the weather cleared, Lake Mahinerangi was calm, yay no wind on the tops, and the clay extension of Lammerlaw Rd through Waipori Station was dry.
Tailing was underway and the lambs were not gambolling, they were bolting and calling to mum. The Hereford calves had nice clean socks on and were top of the fashion parade.
We set off at 9.45am and shortly practised our fence and gate hopping and climbing to enter the reserve, where a ‘before’ photo was taken.
The ‘before’ Caption and photo Phil
We followed the remnants of a graded track that all too soon was lost
in snow tussock country.
Looking back to Lake Mahinerangi and beyond. Caption and photo John
A short sharp start to the day, before settling in to a steady upward ascent,
closely following each other to eliminate miss-steps and help form a clear ‘track’ to assist the return
journey – would it work?
Where we’re heading (ie. up!) Caption and photo John
We had morning tea on a rock outcrop festooned with lichen and a soft ‘magic’ yellow carpet of vegetable
sheep…were we already visioning?
Morning tea on a magic yellow carpet of vegetable sheep Caption and photo Phil
For the balance of the morning we crossed low saddles and followed
a line of drachophyllum that had colonised the initial track and we stayed up on the ‘faces’ zig zagging to
and fro as we got close to the boundary fences. Keep out of the gullies being the mantra of the day.
Happy trampers, during a regroup stop. Caption and Photo John
Initially the Blue Mountains dominated the views to the west, then Mt Wendon and higher still the Old
Man Range. Still no wind going by the blades of the wind farm… the tussock was dry to touch.
Head to Little Peak, that rock on the horizon. Caption and photo Sarah
We veered to the right near the top and made our way to the Walrus Bridge rock, where with dark clouds
building we decided to forgo Little Rock, and had our lunch right on high noon.
Hidden lake lunch stop. Caption and photo John
No sooner had we sat
down than a few spots of rain became steady rain and rather soggy sandwiches were dealt to. Coats and
covers came out, some of the fit and experienced trampers discovering for the first time that their packs
had built in rain covers…..gee no rain on a Wednesday for 3 years according to Charlie!
Clearly this was now going to be a game of two halves and a determined team set off, the descent much
quicker than that done on the recce, but maybe that was enhanced by the much clearer track created on the
way up – yeah right!
We were back at the cars about 1.30pm having stopped at the Reserve sign for the ‘after’ photo, was this
the same group of happy trampers? Yes they are all smiling!
The ‘after’ Caption and photo Phil
Wet gear was quickly placed into the car boots and the cars were soon steaming up….everyone agreed to
forgo coffee as hot showers and dry clothes seemed the more important…
It was heartening to hear the comment that the GPS map showed that we managed to follow the same
‘path’ both up and down… a testament to the leaders! Thanks to Esther and Neil also for taking their
vehicles that got suitably muddied on the way out…..and to Waipori Station for access.
Phil K
9. 29/1/2020. Trampers. Nardoo Reserve. Leader Phil
17 trampers headed off in to the wild blue yonder in vehicles suited to the terrain; picking up Chris at Lee Stream and then on to and up past Lake Mahinerangi ( according to one translation – ‘ moon glow of the heavens’; the lake being named after the Dunedin Mayor Burnett’s daughter, Neil S commenting he did not know marijuana was smoked back in those days).
We ventured past the windfarm and on down and up past the ‘old’ Waipori Cemetery ( prompting the question from John – where is the ‘new’ Cemetery?), the Lammerlaw bridge crossing and through Waipori Station, following large tractors doing silage on the lower slopes, till we came to the road end – where we startled 3 fine red deer spikers that easily hurdled the fences and raced off down the valley. Gary needed to be restrained and was seen to be frothing at the mouth and muttering under his breath….
Having saddled up we traced around an old water race, one of 16km of races that served the Waipori goldfields, and entered the Nardoo Scientific Reserve ( the sign not being visible from the road end) where a group photo was requested, it being decided we may not look so good if the photo was taken at the end! (this proved to be so true).
Photo and Caption Gordon – “All 17 and all still happy”
A bit of useless info was provided on the meaning of Nardoo, thanks to Dr Google….a name given in India to a plant powder used in cooking and also called ‘aboriginal flour’ in the West Island, having been extracted from a type of fern……not sure who has the naming rights.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Heading to morning tea break”
It was then onwards and upwards through a ‘garden’ where over 500 different plants exist, competing with and strangling each other in the process and yes well almost the trampers themselves, as we picked up our feet to negotiate silver tussock and spaniards and ground coprosmas and celmisias, these all punctuated by windflowers and the higher we went the purple orchid, Thelymitra.
Morning tea was provided on the first main rock outcrop where views to the Blue Mountains, the windfarm approaching Lawrence and on around to the Waipori catchment , the Maungatua and to Swampy and Flagstaff and the Silverpeaks were evident. The main route for goldminers in 1861 from Outram, the upper Maungatua and across the upper Waipori River and leading ridge to Gabriel’s Gully was outlined as well as where 2000 folk lived and mined in the 1860’s at Waipori Township.
Photo and Caption John – “Pale blue flowers in bloom”Photo and Caption John – “Morning tea from the first rocky outcrop”Photo and Caption John – “Lake Mahinerangi from morning tea spot”Photo and Caption Gordon – “Heading uphill to Walrus rock”
From then it was a steady ‘zig zag’ pattern across low saddles and up ridges till we made lunch at the base of the Walrus Bridge rock outcrops; the herb fields were parched (as were the trampers), dry and crisp and the models in the group posed for photos in the reflective waters of the tarn under the rock.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Models posing in front of the reflective waters of the tarn at Walrus rock!”Photo and Caption John – “Lunch out of the breeze”
It proved quite easy to ‘rest a while’ in the wonderful environment with the extensive views and silence and to spend time to find the first flowering gentian for the summer.
Photo and Caption John – “A well deserved break for Arthur”Photo and Caption John – “Beautiful flower believed to be a gentian”Photo and Caption John – “Small orchids could be found”Photo and Caption John – “The very fine coral lichen”
A little thought had been given to moving on to Little Peak but it was unanimously agreed that time to return to good coffee and ice cream in Outram was the more important so downward we went trying hard to re trace our upward steps to save energy….which amazingly we managed to do, with only one or two ‘off track’ moments. A benefit of leading was seeing numerous skinks playing chicken……
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Heading down to cars and Wobbly goat”
Not too far from the vehicles we were strafed by a low flying Cessna type plane flown by ‘Snoopy’ Morrison who gave us and received the appropriate salutes. Why he did not land on the airstrip to offer some a ride back? We managed to make it back to Outram in time to catch up with Hikers and Ramblers to finish off a great club day out.
For future Nardoo walks a suggestion is to start this walk at 8.30am to give time to get to Little Peak and a return to Outram for coffee and craic. And why not – a quote from our recent European escapade ‘ coffee does not ask difficult questions, coffee understands’!
Photo and Caption Phil -” The route that we followed”
3 vehicles conveyed 9 Trampers out past Lake Mahinerangi to the Nardoo Reserve, for a day in the tussock. It was an hour’s journey.
On the last few kilometres up the farm road on Waipori Station we were able to admire all the ewes with their lambs. They obviously wanted to keep up their fitness, as instead of moving off sideways, they preferred to run uphill on the road in front of us!
From our car park we walked for 10 minutes to have smoko by the D.O.C. sign, as we entered the Reserve.
Up the zig zag and into the tussock. There was a faint trail to follow all the way, but concentration was needed at times so as not to lose it.
We stopped a few times to regroup and have a rest, uphill all the way. But our precautions taken to guard against sunburn were wasted as we remained under low cloud all day.
At one of the rest stops it was noticed the cloud was flowing up the gullies on either side of us, converging, and then going upslope in front of us. The cloud was close above us further up, but we had good visibility of several hundred meres on the group in all directions.
‘’ come on up Bruce, there’s a better view of the mist here”. (Phil pic and caption.)
And so we came to Walrus Bridge, some time being spent on admiring and photographing it, before drawing up to the festal board (we ate our lunch).
Walrus Rock. Dave up on top. Rest underneath. (Helen pic and caption.)
A swallow arrived, and to our pleasure began flying backwards and forwards over the water and under Walrus Bridge, no doubt looking for a snack.
Before turning for home, some time was spent by the botanists among us, in studying the large area of mosses, etc, just beyond Walrus Bridge.
There was a lot of interest in the flower. ‘’Possibly the buttercup ranunculus gracilipis (slender) ( A Mark ‘ Above the treeline’)’’. (Phil pic and caption.)
We retraced our path in the beautiful tussock, downhill now of course, and eventually arrived back at the D.O.C. sign for a photo opportunity.
The group. (Helen pic and caption.)
And so it came to pass the 9 very happy trampers returned to the cars after a very enjoyable day in the tussock.
A brief stop was made at the Waipori Cemetery on the way back. A tranquil place. And Lake Mahinerangi was very low, we could see.
Back at Outram refreshments were obtained at the “Gobbly Woat”.
A few figures now – our day’s tramp distance was 8.7 km. We parked the cars at an altitude of 624 metre, and Walrus Bridge was at 934 metres.
My thanks to all my fellow “tussock jumpers” for such a good day out. – Art.
7. 28/10/2015 Trampers. Nardoo Reserve.
On a cool morning, 11 trampers, 9 who had not been there before, set off to visit Nardoo Reserve,
After a tentative drive along the road from Lake Mahinarangi, past the old Waipori cemetery, desperately looking for any sign that I remembered where we were, we finally arrived at the parking spot where we would start walking from.
As it was already just after 10am, we decided to have morning tea before setting off on our walk. Then it was off along the old 4WD track around to the boundary fence of Nardoo Reserve, where we were puzzled by the fact that the gate was open into the reserve. This was later explained to me by the owner of the surrounding land, who had a legit reason for it being open.
On the way up…
Some great scenery (Heb pic, Ken caption)
… the long climb to Walrus Bridge, I let some of the group take turns with the GPS so they could follow the track on the GPS display of our previous trips here.
Taking a break on the way up (Heb pic, Ken caption)
I also did this on the way home again, as I think it wise to let others see how the GPS can guide you in this type of featureless country, which is all tussock, with no track showing in most places, as it’s many years since anybody has had a vehicle up there. Most agreed that they had no idea how to return to the cars, & I think there would’ve been a lot of head scratching going on if they had to find there own way back.
After having lunch at Walrus Bridge,
Lunch at Walrus Bridge (Heb pic, Ken caption)
where everybody was suitably impressed by the sight of the pool under it, we decided to go on a little further as it was still quite early. Se we trudged across to another rocky point where we had a rest & a good look around, trying to decide in which direction Lawrence, & some other towns were. Then we made our way all the way back to the cars,
Exiting the reserve (Heb pic, Ken caption)
where some expressed amazement that the walk was quite short, but felt as though they had walked much further.
There were some appreciative comments made about the trip, so I think everybody enjoyed the day out on the open tops. And I for one have some sunburn on the back of the hand I use with my Trekking Pole.Walked 9km
3.1km/h
2h 54mins moving
climbed 382mtrs
max height 972mtrs.
The day was hot. Tempered by a strong but pleasant cool wind. Five of us enjoyed a return to Little Peak. To access Nardoo Reserve we had to drive through part of Waipori Station, whose permission was kindly given. The protected tussock of the Reserve was as long as ever but the 4WD track was still detectable. We stopped early at the customary zig-zag for the tea break.
Morning tea on the zig-zag. (Ken pic)
Then it was on up, across to the left, then right, along a bit of a gully before climbing to top the wee hill to our left, (see the first left point of the two major zigs on the GPS map.
View of Little Peak just discernable on skyline. About to climb wee hill on our left. 4WD track visible in tussock.
Then the swing down to our right, across a wet mossy decline, and up again, angling on a long reach to our left to reach Little Peak, (see the second major left point on the GPS route). Here we rested beside Walrus Bridge rock.
Break at Walrus Bridge. (Ken pic)
We had made good time and it was too early for lunch. We decided to head in the direction of Peak No. 2. The tussock on the top here shares pride of place with a large variety of mosses, and a profusion of celmisias. We made our way across these to a solitary rock on a bit of a rise and decided to lunch there.
Rock where we had lunch. Little Peak rocks in back-ground.
We were struck by the deep blue of a group of able 5 tarns in a dip, looking towards the Lake.
Deep blue of tarns viewed from lunch spot. Lake Mahinerangi. (Ken pic)
Then it was back down and across to Little Peak and to retrace our steps back to the car. Ken let us take turns with holding his GPS navigator to note just how accurately we were keeping to the track it had marked out on the ascent. (A good tool were we ever to get lost.) Only five of us, but good company. Wish there were more to share our enjoyment of yet another brilliant Wednesday. – Ian
5. 16/1/2008 Trampers. Walrus Bridge, Red Rock, Nardoo Scientific Reserve. Medium. Leaders: Ian, Bill M
Today, which saw the mercury rise uncomfortably high , 10 of us travelled in 3 very different cars to the start of the tramp, well past the turnoff to the Waipori cemetery beside Lake Mahinerangi.
This was going to be the day we all needed a large supply of water. Luckily it was only a slow leak from the water bladder and Ian did not run out of water. Ria, who is very fit, found the slow pace hard to take , although the rest of us appreciated the regular breathers Bill allowed us on the rather hot, tussocky ascent. Wonderful views surrounded us over the nearby slopes of the Lammermoors, and back over lake Mahingerangi. The area we were in was a scenic reserve called Nardoo and had been fenced off from the stock which roamed over the rest of Waipori Station.
Nardoo sign. (Bill pic)
This had allowed regeneration of the native plants and tussocks and on the summit of Little Peak 1 the Celmisias were everywhere and a real treat to see their lovely silver foliage and white, daisy like flowers. Walrus bridge is a large rock spanning a deep dark tarn and it was here we sought shelter from the midday sun and had our lunch.
Close-up view under Walrus Bridge/ (Bill pic)
We posed. Emma, Marjorie, Tash, Doug, Hazel, Ian, Bruce.
Bruce suggested it was called Walrus because a walrus moustache is shaped like a bridge over the mouth and droops down the sides rather like a walrus’ long incisor teeth. Hazel needed a good wake up call
as we headed back down after lunch and Ian managed to end up fighting to get up from the tussocks after falling dramatically into them. And so back the way we came, but this time all down hill.
Us on way back down. Ria, Hazel, Doug, Tash, Emma, Bruce, Marjorie, Ken, Ian
A great day out in beautiful, wild country with blue skies, and white shaped clouds.
Cloud effect (Bill pic)
A quick visit to Waipori Cemetery and memorial on the way out, and we still hadn’t seen a living soul.- Tash
4. 15/2/2006. Trampers. Red Rock, Nardoo, Walrus Bridge. Leaders: Ian, Bob H, Judy G.
Walrus Bridge.
3. 20/4/2005. Both. Nardoo, Walrus Bridge. Leaders: Helen S, Ria, Lance and Lois.
2. 19/3/2003. Both. Lake Mahinerangi, Red Rock, Walrus Bridge, Nardoo. Medium. Leaders: Ria, Evelyn, Molly, Mary M.
1. 14/4/1993. Lake Mahinerangi, Red Rock, Walrus Bridge, Nardoo. Medium+. Leaders: Ria L, Ria H, Jean, Lesley S.
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.
Puketeraki Matarae (photo & caption Pam)
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.
Morning Tea above the Puketeraki Marae (photo & caption John)
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.
On the Huriawa Pa track (photo & caption Pam)
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.
Dramatic hole in rock (photo & caption John)
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).
Gathering up for the views (photo & caption Helen)
With lunch beginning at 12.15pm overlooking Karitane Beach the day was right back on track, and spirits were high.
Lunch stop (photo & caption Marijke)
Heading back (photo & caption Marijke)
Interesting Stone sculptures (photo & caption Pam)
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!
The beach was like a magnet (photo & caption John)
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.
Ice creams. Very hot so needed (photo & caption Helen)
Blueskin Cafe’ was reached, dead on time, at 2.15pm for alfresco Coffee.
Looking back onto the Huriawa Peninsula and Pa (photo & caption Pam)
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.
Map (screenshot by Margreet)
23. 19/01/2022. Hikers. Karitane. Leaders: Liz Griffin and Faye Lamb
Karitane is one of the most popular walks the club has done with more than 18 walks over the years.
We started out with 14 hikers from near the Karitane fishing club. There is so much history, scenery and things to see and do in Karitane. We were not sure what the weather had in store for us so we kept an eye on the clouds. We set off up the Huriwae Pa peninsular with stories posted at regular intervals and the easy walking tracks and paths well maintained. As usual within the hikers ranks we had few ‘intrepid’ hikers (read trampers) who decided to scale the headland above the blow hole for even more spectacular views.
Once we completed the circuit of the peninsular we headed inland and followed the coast road parallel to the beach. We went to the church above the Puketeraki Marae for lunch. The views from up there reached away to the North beyond Shag River and to the South to the entrance of Otago harbour. A leisurely walk back along Coast Road got us back to the cars about 1.30pm with no sign of rain.
We had plenty of time for a coffee and biscuit at the ‘Salt & Sugar’ general store. We were wished ‘Happy New Year’ in English, German and Russian on the sign above the coffee tables. A good walk was enjoyed as the first walk of 2022. Thanks to Liz & Faye our leaders.
Report and photos courtesy of Clive
22. 20/1/2021. Hikers. Karitane. Leaders: Linda and Heather
The weather forecast wasn’t looking too promising but it did not deter 20 eager hikers travelling to Karitane for our first hike of 2021.
Fortunately wewererewarded with reasonably fine weather at Karitane.
Getting ready to get underway. (John pic and caption.)
Bob and Lester keen to get started. (John pic and caption.)
We started the day with morning tea,
Civilised morning tea. (John pic and caption.)
before proceeding along the peninsulatrack.
We walked past the totem pole and blow hole, taking in the magnificent ocean views, gazing at the distant coastline and a ship waiting to go into the harbour. Some of the more energetichikers walked up the steep track to take photos and admire the view from the highest part of the headland.
This view makes the climb worthwhile. (Joh pic and caption.)
Coastline looking south. (John pic and caption.)
Alex has walked over this in the past! (John pic and caption.)
Not much sign of wildlife today, only a few lone seals were spotted dozing on the rocks blending in as always with the sleek black rocks. Further on we took the track down to the waters edgeanother time for photos,with some amazing rock formations eroded by time and the tides.
Sure these rocks have names? (John pic and caption.)
We proceeded back up the track, which led us up on to the road. From here we walked along thebeach, admiring the lovely new beach houses.We stopped for a lunch break near the end of the beach, a time for a rest andfor everyone to catch up on what they had been doing over the holidays.After lunch we posed for a group photo in front of one of the stunning large rocks.
Happy Hikers after lunch. (John pic and caption.)
We thenheaded back along the beach and out on to the road for a short street walk, checking out the local cribs , gardens and back to our cars.We enjoyed finishing the day with afternoon tea at Salt and Sugar General store in Karitane, certainly a unique coffee stop, and I’m told the cake was very good! – Linda and Heather.
21. 27/3/2019. Hikers. Huriawa Pa Peninsula, beach walk. E. Leaders: Clive and Alex.
The week leading up to this walk at Karitane had threatened all kinds of extreme weather. So it was surprising to muster at least 26 Hikers and Ramblers at the start of the walk outside the local fishing club. First things first it was nearly 10 o’clock so fortification of morning tea was taken before setting off. We headed to the prominent headland , whose history has been recounted in earlier visits and reports. Alec who had spent many a happy hour in Karitane had extensive local knowledge and immediately tried to put it to good use by taking a little known short cut … over a cliff …. So not that way. The views from the headland are spectacular and a couple of more intrepid hikers made it further out on to the headland. See photos attached.
(Clive pic.)(Clive pic)
After the headland we made our way down through the bush to connect up with the road. Although it was high tide there was enough beach to walk on and we made our way to the basalt rocks at the far end of the beach in time for lunch.
(Clive pic)(Clive pic)
A number of the hikers were able to recall holidays spent at Karitane over lunch.
Just as we finished lunch a cool wind came up heralding rain. It was behind us so we made a faster return down the beach and up onto the main road. By the time we reached the local dairy the rain had set in in earnest so we didn’t hang about but made it back to the cars just as the heavens opened.
We followed the scenic route over the hill past Seacliff to Warrington. We had a short stop at St Barnabas’ church, which had been built in 1872 and is a tribute to the caring local community who keep it in such a fine state.
(Clive pic)
To end the day, with the rain lashing down,we made it to the Blueskin Nurseries cafe at Waitati for afternoon tea. – Clive.
Five Ramblers did a leisurely stop and start 2 km circuit of the Peninsula, rewarded with seeing a White Heron on a small outcrop while lunching. Avoided the worst of the rain while awaiting the Hikers’ return from the beach. – Ian.
20. 4/10/2017. Both. Huriawa Pa Peninsula, beach walk. E. Leaders: Jan and Bev.
Route map, courtesy Ian. Started recording late, so true distance 7 km. Trampers did 8 km.
A large contingent of trampers and hikers (40 in total) set off from the rivermouth area along the edge of the estuary to the Huriawa Pa peninsula. Track then headed upwards, and we had morning tea on a bank under a large marcrocarpa tree.
Morning tea on the start of the walk up the Huriawa peninsula. (Clive pic and caption.)
Track climbed steadily tho not steeply up to a totem pole, then along the edge of the cliffs to the blowhole. A group of trampers went up a steep little track to the highest point on the headland with great views. Past the blowhole we detoured off the main track along a mown pathway which looped round a newish planting of natives. Then took another detour down to the water’s edge and back up to the main track which led on to the beach. The weather had turned warm and sunny with no wind, so perfect beach conditions.
There’s a hole in my tooth. (Raewyn pic and caption.)
Came across a sea lion sunbathing on the beach, but he eventually trundled his way back to the water.
Basking sealion. (Margreet pic and caption.)
Walked to the end of the beach, and came back a little way to a lunch spot.
Cape Karitane launching pad. (Raewyn pic and caption.)
There were lots of large slips along the bank which runs along the edge of the beach and one of these slips provided good seating on the various tree trunks, rocks etc.
Lunch. (Ian pic and caption.)
Some of the hikers carried on back down the beach to the cars, whilst the rest took a track off the beach and meandered round the streets of the Karitane township before returning to the car park via the main road. The tide was well in by then, so quite a different look to the estuary. The majority stopped off for coffee at the Blueskin Nursery Cafe on the way home, but the staff coped well with the rather large crowd. – Jan.
19. 10/12/2014 All. End of year Christmas shared lunch. Karitane Fishing and Boating Club Hall. Tramp: Huriawa Pa, beach walk. Leaders: Elaine and Eric
Route
Elaine’s planning for the day did not disappoint us. Eric, obviously under precise instructions, ably led those who came for the tramp around the peninsula…
The peninsula. (Helen pic)
Last climb as we approach saddle near seaward end of peninsula track.
…and along the beach and return to get us back to the hall right on the dot of the appointed time of 11.30 a.m.to meet up with those who were able to come only for the occasion. Well done Eric, for someone who had never done the route before! So thanks, Eric – and Elaine, who stayed behind. And what was that for?
Surprise! Yes, meantime Elaine had been busy secretly putting up countless photos with questions attached, pens and slips of paper to write the answers down on, not forgetting bags to put them into. What preparation! What inventiveness! What tramper was the child in the photo? In what year was the camp in the photo held? Identify the car. How many pages in the day’s ODT? The puzzles went on and on, around the walls of the small hall, inside and out.
Of course there was wonderful food in all its variety…
The spread. (Helen pic)
After we were all satiated, came the declaration of the winners. from the bags accompanying their respective photos, Elaine drew answers, correct, facetious and otherwise. Each winner was awarded a Christmasy-wrapped present fetched and delivered by Eric from a large bag of presents donated by – who knows who? Where does Elaine get her sponsors from? Present after present. And we mustn’t forget the lucky numbers handed out when we first went in. It seems every number holder was awarded a present also.
After this was all over, Elaine got the Four Jolly Tramping Mates to perform their song, a song which has now come to be sung on one or two previous occasions. Well, it’s really Peter’s song as he has written the lyrics and chosen the tune. Over the years, the membership has perforce had to slightly change, with Heb now replacing Ray who has retired from the Club. And that’s not the only change either. Peter had added two further brillian verses to include Fred’s chocolates and Margaret’s red brolly. The lyric’s subjects are so pertinent, cheeky and entertaining, it has stood up well to repetition over the years. Thanks, Elaine, for arranging this part too.
The Four Jolly Tramping Mates. (Helen pic)
Well, that was it, unless you include the coffee stop (another of Elaine’s innovations) at Blueskin Cafe on the way home for some.
Well, Elaine. You have certainly put your stamp on the social side of our Club’s activities. Thank you, and Eric, for providing a most enjoyable finish to the year’s activities. – Ian.
Here we were at Karitane, all ready to set out, with Leader Bev out there on the right waiting for us to follow.
At cars before tramp. (John, Panorama)
And as you can see from John’s second panorama below,
Tramp ending (John panorama, showing both ending and starting points)
at either end of the pic you can see both the the tramp’s end on the left and its entrance point onto the peninsula. We made our way along right on the harbour inlet’s edge to a lovely spot for the morning tea cuppa. We we surprised by the occasion whiff of warm air which accompanied us for the day, until a norwester blast hit us just as we were returning to the cars, a trace of which can be seen on the above panorama.
Cuppa alongside inlet’s entrance (John pic)
Following the leisurely sit down, was a bit of moderately steep climbing to reach the top of the track where it returned back on the peninsula’s southern side. We admired the following blowhole.
Blown out blowhole. (John pic)
Les recalled how once he and Ivan McIntosh had braved the ledge along the top. Not now!
By various stops and starts (part of a track we found too flooded to negotiate so had to find another way) we made it back to the peninsula’s beginning, and onto and along the long firm beach, to lunch at its southern end. Here John and Elaine combined to make this stunning photo.
Elaine
After another leisurely break, we made our way back along the beach, across the peninsula’s neck and back to the cars.
A great day out for some 30 hikers, well led by Bev and Lesley, to whom much thanks. – Ian.
16. 30/11/2011. Hikers. Karitane from railway line. Easy.
Rock on beach showing columnar basaltic structure. (Bill pic)
End of Huriawa Peninsula. (Bill pic)
14. 30/7/2008. Hikers. Karitane from railway. Easy. Leaders: Bob H, Evelyn C.
In spite of the weather being less than conducive for a tramping day, 4 trampers & 5 hikers decided to be positive and go to Karitane which was the destinationfor the hikers that day. So off we went, hoping that the rain we drove through most of the way there would not continue for the day! From getting out of our cars,we seemed to be ‘blessed’! No rain till we stopped at the Marae for lunch where we were able to sit on the porch and enjoy our meal, out of the shower that came on at that time. Then, lo and behold, the rain stopped and we got back to the cars without getting wet all day. We all agreed we had had a very pleasant and happy day, having got some fresh air and had a good walk. Bev
13. 8/8/2007. Hikers. Karitane from railway line. Easy. Leaders: Evelyn C, Bill H.
12. 22/3/2006. Hikers. Karitane, Maori Pa. Leaders: Graham, Arthur & Barbara
11. /9/2002 Mary Y, Jean A, Chris
10. 25/9/2002. Alt. Karitane – Maori Pa. Leaders: Mary Y, Jean, Chris.
9. 10/11/1999. Karitane, over Railroad Bridge. Leaders: Catherine, Mavis, Shirley R.
8. 14/4/1999. Karitane – Maori Pa – Beach Walk. Leaders: Catherine, nancy, Lesley S.
7. 20/8/1997. Karitane Maori Pa and Church. Leaders: Catherine, Nel K, Denise.
6. 15/2/1995. Karitane. Medium. Leaders: Ria L, Catherine, Mary Y, Denise P.
5. 1/6/1994. Karitane. Medium. Leaders: Catherine, Ria L, Nel K, Mary Y.
4. 3/3/1993. Karitane. Medium. Leaders: Catherine, Ria L, Nel, Mary Y.
Ten trampers walked back along the road from the Whare Flat pump house carpark, past the Waiora Scout camp, and to the beginning of our tramp about half a Km away.
Keen to start on the Chalkies track. (photo and caption Pam)
We started on Leishmans track and passed by the remains of the hut and weir that were once part of a Mosgiel water scheme.
The old pump house. (photo and caption Pam)
The track progresses up through bush consisting of lots of fuchsia. Our upper body strength was tested at the rock face which thankfully has a knotted rope to aid our ascent.
Gwenda climbing the cliff face with the aid of a rope. (photo and caption Pam)Phil looks keen! (photo and caption John)Almost at the top Jill. (photo and caption Pam)
The track winds uphill steadily and steeply in places, and the bush changes to manuka and kanuka. Morning tea was an unhurried rest sitting on the side of the track.
Morning Tea on the track. (photo and caption John)
It was still and humid in the bush so layers were shed. Further on there were good views to be had over North Taieri, Saddle Hill and out to the coast.
Looking back over to Saddle Hill from The Chalkies. (photo and caption Pam)
We continued upwards and into the boggy area which had dried out a bit since our recce. We emerged onto a grassy lane between Larch and Douglas Fir then branched off to the tussock area at the top of Powder Hill where we stopped for photos at the old trig.
“This way team.” (photo and caption Pam)Happy Trampers at Powder Hill Trig. (photo and caption Pam)
We carried on to the Chalkies limestone formations for an early lunch. The cliffs have crumbled in places and unfortunately have been visited by taggers.
Lunch at “Chalkie Rocks”. (photo and caption John)
As we lunched, the temperature dropped a few degrees, and wary of the forecast rain arriving, we headed downhill. It’s a steady descent and steep in places. There were lots of patches of native clematis on the hillside opposite. We joined the private road at the bottom of the track and continued on down to the ford where our boots got a bit of a clean in the water.
At about 7.5km and climbing to an elevation of 525m, it’s not a long tramp but it’s a good workout out for the lungs and legs. We were lucky to have avoided the rain. Refreshments and debrief at Blackstone Cafe.
Karen
14. 21/10/2020. Trampers. Chalkies Cicuit. Leaders Phil Keene, Rob Labes.
21 today! Not just the date but as it turned out the number of proven fit and experienced trampers! Not deterred by the prospects of a walk straight up for two hours everyone set off in a pretty chipper mood and in perfect tramping weather, recent rain squelching beneath our feet as we passed the pump house and crossed the weir, then up and around and down into Leishman’s stream and the rope. Ah the rope, nope not a problem as far as the writer knows at any rate as an average 45 seconds for each of us to ascend.
Photo and Caption John – “Almost there Judy”.
From there, after re grouping, we stretched out onwards and upwards for 20 minutes, then had morning tea at the head of a gully with nice bush surrounds; after tea we continued up, some embarrassing moments for those with poor tread on their boots, plus some rather large step ups; bringing the comment that the track must have been carved out by early versions of Gordon or Phil M ‘back in the day’.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Morning tea”.
Towards the top the track was quite over grown with flax and fern, effectively hiding more mud! So it was with some relief we emerged onto the forest track and followed it until we veered off into tussock and on to Powder Hill Trig at 525m. asl; the outlook not to the usual trig standard with a maturing forest and pest plants ‘in the way’; though I must say the flowering Spanish Heath (of the Erica family) was rather pretty….
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Powder Ridge Trig (Summit)”.
We re-traced our steps and then headed off down to the Limestone outcrop for a well earned lunch. It must be said that the two hour workout did nothing to lessen the craic or enthusiasm in the group. A few wondered how the initials PK came to be engraved on the rock…..but certainly not from the recce the week before. Clematis Paniculata was blooming abundantly through out the journey, a sure sign that possum numbers must be low.
Photo and Caption John – “Could stay here all day!”.
The track down was of a much higher standard and certainly the way to go for a quick training trip to the trig if one feels so inclined! Good bird life was with us most of the walk, but alas the Robins sited on the recce had bobbed off somewhere else on the day.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Not far to cars now”.
Once descended it was a leisurely stroll through the stream to clean off mud, then back to the cars and onto Blackstone for a well earned cuppa at 1.45pm. Not a long walk at between 7-8 km but one of the better workouts on a real tramping track!
Special thanks to Rob for recce and encouragement from the back…and all the best for your travel forays over the next few months.
12 keen trampers arrived at the Chalkies circuit entrance on Silverstream/Whare flat road ready for a good walk.
The start of the track was pleasant through native trees.
The weir that supplied water for Mosgiel in the past. (Gordon pic and caption.)
We soon came to a cliff face with a rope hanging down for support. It looked a bit challenging!!
Waiting @ climbing the cliff .face with the aid of a rope. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Everyone climbed it safely even though the knots in the rope could have been closer together. Morning tea was had on a flat piece of track above the steeper part.
A deserved break @ top up. (Gordon pic and caption.)
We then continued onwards and upwards through manuka/kanuka trees. It was good to see a lot of young totaras growing which in many years ahead may be the dominant canopy. The trig was reached by 11.10 – we had a good look around but cloud on the top spoiled the best views. We walked down to the limestone cliffs for lunch. Big rocks had fallen and destroyed the cave. However they made a great resting place for lunch.
Lunch break @ the Chalkies. (Gordon pic and caption.)
It was a steady and pleasant walk down the track, joining up with a drive that finally that lead us back to Whare flat road and the cars.
Autumn colours heading back to cars. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Coffee was had at Blend with the knowledge that we had completed a significant and pleasant climb of around 460 metres.
A good frost began the day, which was also the shortest day of the year.
13 Trampers turned up at the car park, from where we travelled in 4 cars up “Silver-Stream Valley” road to park near the beginning of what used to be called “Leishmans Track”. DoC have renamed it as “Chalkies Circuit Track”, with no mention of “Leishmans” any more.
The track was very wet and muddy to begin with, drops of water were falling from the tree canopy – presumably from the thawing frost.
We soon came to the old pump house…
The old pump house. (Keith pic and caption.)
…and weir of the long dis-used water supply going to Mosgiel from Leishmans Creek.
We had to cross the creek several times, and also negotiate some steep slippery steps, eventually coming to “The Rope“. The rope was essential as the track going steeply up here was very wet, muddy and slippery.
All of the group made it up safely, and I was assured that it had been fun, (no, I’m not joking). We continued on for another 10 minutes or so, until above the steepest part, before stopping for morning tea.
The track was drier, mostly, now as we proceeded uphill, ever uphill.
Speaking of the track, the whole circuit had been attended to very recently by The Green Hut Track Clearing Group, who had made an excellent job. Thanks, chaps, well done.
We made it out onto the summit of Powder Hill (altitude 525 metres) in time to have our lunch at the “trig”.
Margreet pic.
Good views in many directions; to Saddle Hill; some snow on the Rock and Pillar. Pulpit Rock was quite prominent too. A smoke haze covered the whole of the Taieri Plain indicating an “inversion”, it being very thick over Mosgiel.
We continued our tramp, downhill now, stopping to inspect the limestone outcrops of “The Chalkies”, for a few minutes.
Chalky rock. (Keith pic and caption.)
Further down we were lucky enough to see a pair of South Island Robins. They were aware of our group (quietly) watching them feeding on the forest floor only 2 or 3 metres away, but weren’t bothered by us.
Out of the bush, and down the private road, after a time we came to the ford by the pumphouse. From there it was down the still frozen road to the cars, having covered 8 km doing the circuit.
Back to Mosgiel, the smoke haze was extremely bad as we drove down Factory Road and Bush Road on our way to “Wals“.
It had been a very happy group out today, and all had obviously enjoyed the day’s exercise. It was also pleasing to see the numbers of our group growing.
Thanks to all. – Art.
11. 26/8/2015. Trampers. Leishmans, Chalkies.
GPS of route, courtesy Ken. Leishmans Long Ridge Chalkies. (Ken caption) Walked 11km; ave 3.4km/h; 3h 15m moving; climbed 730m; max 532m.
Todays tramp was different to what was in the program due to a problem getting permission for the farm walk we were supposed to do.
So we set off for Leishmans track in the Silverstream valley, which not many of the 7 trampers on the day had done before. This turned out to be quite a grunty climb to get up on the top of the ridge, & it was slow going with very slippery conditions underfoot. One member only got about 2 hundred meters into the track when he sat down in the first creek crossing, not a good start to the day !!! It was just past here that the track got steep as it wound it’s way up the hillside. After a few rest stops we eventually made it up into the flax & tussock area at the ridge top, & we made a short detour to see where the trig at the top of Chalkies track was, just to get our bearings. Then it was off along the 4WD track to try & find how to get onto Long Ridge.
We failed in this, so turned around & walked back down the road past the turn off to Leishmans, & away down heading in what seemed the direction of the Taieri. We eventually came across a track junction that I recognised from a few years back when a friend & I were in that area looking for deer.
After a short stop here we again turned around, & went back to the entrance of the Leishmans track, along here till the turn off to the trig at the top of Chalkies, & down here to the lookout area where we had quite a long break.
Lunch stop (Ken pic and caption)Lunch (Ken pic and caption)
Then it was down Chalkies, being careful to not slip on the slippery surface, & back out to the cars via the Scout camp grounds. – Ken
10. 28/5/2014. Trampers. Leishmans, Chalkies.
GPS of route, courtesy Ken. Leishmans Chalkies exploration. ((Ken caption)
We started off to go up Leishmans, & down Chalkies tracks, however, when we got to the Silverstream Rd, there was a ROAD CLOSED sign up, not a good start !!
We drove up to the start of Leishmans where there was a track closed sign up saying ‘Closed for Maintenance’ — so what to do?? We walked up the track to see what was happening, & soon came across the problem, it was a real mess with trees down across it & virtually impassable, so we retraced our steps back to the road.
Here we decided to go & have a look at Chalkies track, so we drove up the road to the car park at the pump house, where we could hear logging operations going on in the Chalkies area. We decided to go & have a look anyway, so as the stream was running a bit high we went the long way around, & came back down the road to get to the bottom of the Chalkies road, which was a quagmire for it’s full length due to the forestry operations. All of the forest on the LH side going up is gone, & the track up to where you turn off onto the bush track has been dozed, & is very muddy & rough.
It was a pleasure to get onto the bush track, but it doesn’t get any less steep as time goes on !!
As we had taken loppers with us, we did some track clearing on the way up, which helped to fill in the day. At the junction to the Chalkies ledge, we dumped our packs, & worked our way to the top where the spear grass started to appear, & we could see the trig on Powder Hill about 3 – 4 hundred meters away.
It was now well after 12pm, so we went back to the ledge & had a leisurely lunch break, …
Lunch at Chalkies Ledge (Ken pic and caption)
… after which we walked & slid our way out to the cars, this time crossing the stream to wash some of the mud off our boots, with some getting wet feet for their trouble. – Ken.
9. 16/11/2011. Trampers. Leishmans, Chalkies.
Seven of us did the shorter 7 km tramp up Leishmans, down Chalkies. We entered in past the weir and old Mosgiel water supply holding tank and negotiated our way to the small bluff at the foot of the ridge. We were surprised to find a sturdy new rope. So, ‘plus ca change plus c’est la meme chose’. First the old rope. Then the ropeless period after its removal. Now a new one. Well, bravo, anyway. Safe and reassuring.
Morning tea on the only plateau on Leishman track.
At the tea stop, we met a wonderful man, coming the other way, who uses enforced leisure to keep his adopted track clear. A great relief, as on previous tramps we have found the Leishman always overgrown.
Out at the top, we forewent pushing on to Boulder Hill and struck across to a leisurely 11.30 a.m. lunch at the Chalkies’ bivvy ledge.
Lunch on Chalkies bivvy ledge overlook Dodds Gully.
Eventually we reluctantly stirred ourselves to retrace our steps back up, and over and over the top of Dodds Gully to descend its true left ridge. We emerged back out to the cars to get back home in oodles of time for afternoon tea. – Ian.
8. 16/3/2011. Trampers. Chalkies, Boulder Hill, return. Medium.
GPS of route, courtesy Ken
This walk replaced the scheduled Possum Hut one. Plenty of rain the day before had ruled out attempting the track in from Mountain Road, dangerously slippery when wet.
Three recent new members augmented the group to 8, a good number. The ford by the pumphouse was slightly up, rewarding some with thoroughly wet feet right from the start.
We climbed the (initially steep) track on the true right of Dodds Gully to the bivvy near the top.
Tea break at Chalkies bivvy. (Ken pic)
At the top, the trip beside Powder Hill across to the road beyond was more than usually sloshy.
The firmer road was welcome. It’s straight route took us across to another coming up from below that led us briefly up over a brow to its end. Then down and across to a contoured track around the base of Boulder Hill that emerged onto the forestry road coming in from Long Ridge that took us up to its summit.
Lunch on Boulder Hill. (Pam pic)
Returning the way we had come we almost missed two turn-offs. The first was onto the contour track and the second was onto the straight road that led back across to Powder Hill. Thanks in both cases to Ken’s GPS tracker for rescuing us. This time we climbed the short distance to Powder Hill’s trig.
On Powder Hill. (Pam pic)
Back at the top of Dodd’s Gully, we elected to take the true left track down. Sun had dried exposed parts of it making for good grip, but in the bush there were too many slippery roots to manage to avoid all of them!
There were teasing occasional views across to the sandstone faces of the gully.
Chalkies from Loop Track. The bivvy is at top left of pic with tussock ridge in it. (Ken pic)
Apart from one or two slips, we made it down safely and returned back to our cars and homes in time for a late afternoon tea. – Ian.
7. 26/3/2008. Trampers. Leishman, Chalkies. Medium. Doug M, Leonie.
Morning Tea amongst kanukaFeeding the horses
Another wonderful day for our tramp. Just as well it was dry as it was quite a steep climb up the Leishmans track and in wet weather it would be very slippery. It is quite a tricky track to navigate but thanks to the excellent recce done by Doug, Ian and Leonie, who unfortunately couldn’t be there today, we were safely navigated through the trickier twists and turns. After crossing the stream several times we had to ascend a tricky rock face. Doug let down a rope which Wendy was able to grab hold of to help her up as she tried to go up the middle. Those of us further back were able to take advantage of an easier side of the rock, which had more footholds. The bush was close up and in our face but thanks again to the leaders the densest parts had been cleared and we were able to push on forwards and upwards….and suddenly there was the road and several horses
Lunch stop ledge
to greet our emergence from the bush. Graham tried to feed one of them a plum but that was spat out with disgust. Then it was time to start over to the “Chalkies”, following a fence for a while. We started quite a steep descent down one side until a turning to the left took us to the wonderful lunch stop on a ledge overlooking bush covered hills and valleys below us. After a leisurely lunch in the sun we continued down the track with Ian losing his footing and taking a slide (so did George – Ian). Luckily with no harm done other than to pride, we gradually worked our way back to Whare Flat where the cars were parked. – Tash
2. 19/10/2022. Trampers. Herbert Forest. Grade 3. Leaders: Di, Anne and Lyn
Today we set off over the Kilmog to the Herbert Forest; a hidden gem saved from the axe over 50 years ago. It is one of the last Podacarp (hardwood) forests left of the North East Otago region.
Photo Pam
We parked off Reid Road and proceeded along Swallow Track following the creek and crossing over the creek into steeper terrain.
Dappled sunlight on Swallow track Caption and photo PamMany a Creek crossing on Swallow track Caption and photo Pam
After much huffing we reached a little yellow sign beneath a stone outcrop announcing the presence of the cave (Dave Melish was involved with this signage).
How did you pop up there Eleanore Caption and photo John
We stopped here for morning tea then continued up and onto the forest road, walked along a bit and went down to the Podacarp Track which is known for its big native trees Totara, Matai, Rimu, Miro and Kahikatea.
Some parts of the track were slippery and bit muddy due to the recent rain, but after a few creek crossings we came to the junction of the loops and had a well earned lunch and thanks to Anne for the liquorice allsorts.
Old codgers Caption and photo Esther
We walked back on the Glenburnie Loop with its very impressive silver ferns and bird life, came back onto Podacarp Track and returned our steps back to cars taking a shortcut at the top of the Swallow Track.
View towards end of track. 1st view. Caption and photo HelenTramp post mortem Caption and photo John
We stopped and had a delicious ice cream at Hampdon Store and headed home.
Overall we had a varied terrain and some neat flora and bird life along the way, thanks everyone who assisted on this tramp.
Cheers
Di, Anne, Lyn
1. 30/1/2019. Trampers. Herbert Forest. Leader: Dave.
34 keen trampers and hikers met at the carpark and organised themselves, into vehicles to head to Waianakarua’s Herbert Forest. The drive from Mosgiel is approximately 1hr 15mins to the start of the Swallows track.
The clue is in the middle 4.5 hours Total Loop! (Clive pic and caption.)
The track was damp in places, we passed through Punga ferns to a cave where we had morning tea.
Morning tea at caves. (Gordon pic and caption.)
It was then on to the Podocarp track which is known for its big native trees that weren’t milled ie. Totara, Rimu, Matai, Miro and Kahikatea. It was pleasant in the damp gully on such a hot day.
Lunch was had at the top of this track on Breakneck road.
Part of the large group at lunch. (Gordon pic and caption.)
The final track was the Hoods track which included stream crossings, waterfalls and climbing down a vertical ladder through the bush!
One more obstacle. (Gordon pic and caption.)One of many sream crossings. (Gordon pic and caption.)Nearly down. (Gordon pic and caption.)
The walk ended by visiting a beautifully, large landscaped garden. “The trees and plants looked good to the eye wherever you looked”.
Enjoying the beautiful garden. (Gordon pic and caption.)
The trip concluded with well deserved icecreams at Hampden.
Thanks to those who assisted on this walk.
Distance for the day: approximately 14 km. – Dave.
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.
Photo Helen
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.
Photo Helen
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.
Jenny flexing her muscles on the exercise machine Ravensbourne walkway. Caption and photo Linda
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.
Great views of the harbour. (Clive pic and caption.)
On the way we enjoyed looking at historical homes and lovely gardens including St Leonards Lodge
One of the grand houses. (Clive pic and caption.)
and University Lodge. We had lunch in the sunshine at
the St Leonards Park.
Lunch at St Leonards’ football club ground. (Clive pic and caption.)
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.
Route map, courtesy Ian.
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 …
Walkway name. (Ian pic and caption.)A ship. (Ian pic and caption.)
… 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.
Route map
We parked cars down below the Ravensbourne Hotel and took the walkway to Burkes where we morning-tead.
Cuppa in bus shelterCuppa on lawn
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.
Tudor house by the harbour
Down again to front past the University Lodge Gates, and next it, St Leonards Lodge. Then along to St Leonards Park for lunch.
Sun/shower security.Ladies on the lawn.
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.
Harbour View Hotel (John Pic)
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
Train (John pic)
and a not very tidy rail car …
Shabby railcar (John pic)
… I thought was up and down the track a few times.
The $12million Otago tug
Tug (John pic)
chuffed along the channel following [Tug illustration chosen shows the tug going the other way earlier. Sorry. Ed.] a cargo ship …
Ship. (John pic)
… 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.
Looking very nonchalant! (John pic, Fred caption)
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.
“GPS” of route.
LPG tanker viewed from walkway
2. 9/3/2011. Hikers Pedestrian/Cycle track North End Rowing Club to Maia E. Leaders: Arthur and Barbara.
1. 17/6/2009 HikersPedestrian/Cycle track North End Rowing Club to Maia E $4.00 Leaders: Lois & Lance
7 members (Molly, Neil, Lois, Lance, Bev, Margaret and Angela) set off at 10am from the University Aquatic Centre (just north of the Boat Harbour, via Leander St- opposite Butts Road on the way to Port Chalmers beside Palmers Quarry – now known as Shiel Concrete) for a brisk stroll to the Ravensbourne Yacht Club, stopping a while for morning tea.
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.
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.
Oh what a beautiful day Caption and photo Ady
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.
Morning tea in Ralph Hotere Garden Caption and photo Helen
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.
Boat shed on Back Beach Caption and photo MichaelStone boat – how many just walked by? Caption and photos Phil
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.
Neil will give anything a go – once. Caption and photo Phil
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.
The town Caption and photo Helen
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
23. 25/11/2020 Hikers. Port Chalmers. Leaders Mike Webb and Jay Devlin. E-M.
17 of us set out from the car park at Back Beach
Setting off from Back Bay. (Clive pic and caption.)
on a typically beautiful Port morning for a walk around Port Chalmers. First stop for morning coffee was at the Sculpture Gardens commonly called Hotere Hill
Morning tea at Ralph Hotere’s sculpture garden. (Clive pic and caption.)
where a discussion was held by some about the new time ball on the flagstaff. The first of many “are we there yet”? was heard on the track up to Hotere Hill. From there we walked down Aurora Terrace and up Constitution Street to Campbell Buchanan lane to visit the plaque commemorating the young local lad who was killed during a Pacific naval action in WW2 and who was awarded the USA Navy Cross for gallantry. The lane is named after him.
Next stop was Island Terrace where a few houses of interest where pointed out and good views across to the Peninsula were to be seen.
From there it was a descent on a track to Back Beach road
Around the harbour. (Clive pic and caption.)
and a leisurely stroll via Victory place and Wickliffe Terrace to George Street where a comfort stop was taken by a few before heading up Ajax Road and Church Street to have lunch in the Lady Thorn Dell. On the stroll around Back beach a brief stop was had at the plaque commemorating the sinking of the Pride of the Yarra in 1863 where 13 persons drowned after a collision with a vessel called the Favourite.
Three hikers left the main group at the comfort stop and re-joined by car for lunch at the dell
Lunch at the rhododendron dell. (Clive pic and caption.)
and met up with us again at the completion of the hike.
After lunch the rest of us proceed to Scott Memorial via Brailey’s Track where there was a good view from the observation platform of a container ship approaching Port accompanied by two tugs. A steep climb through the bush on some steps on the other side of Blueskin Road was the last of the climbs. From there we walked down a steep track to Blueskin Road where we crossed to Blacks Track, had a quick walk through the old cemetery and on to Iona Church and back to the cars.
The afternoon coffee/tea break was held in the courtyard at the back of the Galley Cafe in Port which was the site of the opium den many years ago. Hence why the Galley used to be called the Tall Poppy and the smaller building at the back is the Small Poppy and is where us locals and townies go on a Friday night for drinks and live music. – Mike
22. 19/9/2018. Port Chalmers walkabout. E. Judy.
On Wednesday 19 enthusiastic hikers gathered at the Careys Bay Hotel
Establishment on a beautiful spring day. We walked up to the lookout with stunning views of the harbour and had morning play-lunch at the
Ralph Hotere Garden. From there we made our way down to Back Beach
Met up with some children on our track walk down to Back Beach. (Jan B. pic and caption.)
where we did a short walk out to the point where there were people
fishing for their evening meal. We then walked round the point
Our walk around Back Beach taking us out to the Port Chalmers School. (Jan B. pic and caption.School children on a kayak lesson. (Jan B. pic and caption.)
and made our way to the Lady Thorn Rhododendron Dell for lunch. After lunch we walked up to the cemetery where some walked back down the hill and the others carried on another steep track which then took us down to the town and back to Careys Bay Hotel
Jan B. pic.
where we all enjoyed a beverage of various delights. – Leaders Elaine and Jay.
21. 22/11/2017. Hikers. Port Chalmers. Leader: Judy.
Route map, courtesy Ian. Battery died within the last half km. So really 9 km.
22nd November saw two members celebrating the same birth date (Dave Mellish and the writer). Are there any other shared birthdays in the Club?
Anyway, after some rather off-key singing, 18 hikers set off for Port Chalmers and the Careys Bay car park on a beautiful warm sunny morning. The planned morning tea stop on Boiler Point didn’t happen, as the track was closed for new wharf development, so it was a bit of a slog up to the lookout (with a look inside the church on the way) and the Hotere garden for a well-earned break.
With a cruise ship in, there was plenty to see, and it took a while to gather the troops for the walk down to Back Beach, then around the point past the school …
(Kevin pic.)
… and rugby grounds, across the railway line and so up to the rhododendron dell for lunch. Everyone sought whatever shade could be had, and we were entertained by rock climbers on the cliffs behind.
(Kevin pic.)
The excitement of watching a container ship berthing delayed some after lunch, and the group split at this point, eight continuing up the hill to the Scott Memorial, …
Radiance of the Seas and recently berthed container ship, taken from Scott Memorial. (Ian pic and caption.)
… then up and around the track beyond the car park on the far side (sorry, the leader forgot it went up some steepish bits for a while) and down in leaps and bounds to the Blueskin Road, across it to the track again, and so down to the Iona Church and a look inside here too. There were quite a few cruise ship visitors about, and it was a good excuse for a rest as we stopped and chatted…. The choice then for these eight was either up and through the cemetery, or straight down to the road – guess which way we went? Well, we were pretty hot and tired by then.
The remainder of the group were well installed in the hotel by the time we arrived, having taking an easier route through the cemetery and straight down to the Bay. After some liquid refreshment and a leisurely chat, it was quite a late return home! – Judy.
20. 3/8/2016. Both. Port Chalmers. Leaders: Judy and Peter D.
On a cold wet winters day with snow predicted to 200 mtrs 9 hardy trampers left the carpark for Port Chalmers. We were farewelled by 6 fellow members who opted to go for a coffee fix rather than getting wet right from the start of the outing.
However our trip was very pleasant. Leaving the carpark at the back beach …
Back Beach. (Helen pic & caption.)
… of Port Chalmers following the road round the harbour with views of the Peninsula and further down the harbour towards Dunedin in the haze to the Harbour side rugby pavilion where we had shelter from the northerly driving rain, to enjoy our morning tea break.
Morning tea at rugby club. (Helen pic & caption.)
We didnt dilly dally for too long as it didn’t take long to start chilling off. From here we proceeded along the railway line to the main road into Port Chalmers up to Ajax St and along Church St over the main trunk line to the junction of the road to Lady Thorn Dell and up the short steep gravel track to the Blueskin Bay Rd. Over the road and into the bushes following the Rangi track till we came out to a clearing greeted by a colourful array of noisy roosters at the Scott Memorial.
Two of the brave (?) few. (Margreet pic.)One of the brave (?) few and a noisy (?) rooster (?) (Margreet pic.)
In this area we were very sheltered by the canopy of bushes . At the lookout we had panoramic views …
A rainy view. (Margreet pic.)
… of the container port at work and into the haze we could see right down to Tiaroa Heads. Quite surreal. Still no snow. From the monument we followed the Brailley Track to the Port Chalmers Cemetery where we found a shelter for lunch.
Lunch at Cemetery. (Helen pic and caption.)
Careys Bay was beneath us so a quick zig zag through the cemetery to the famous Hotel where they allowed us to hang our wet gear in their front foyer while we enjoyed the warmth of the environment and the open fires.
Coffee at Careys Bay hotel. (Helen pic and caption.)
Two of our men did the gentlemanly act by fetching their cars and brought them round to Careys Bay to save the rest of us from further exposure from the elements !!
We walked 6.6 kms and ascended 200 mtrs, all satisfied that Wednesday’s tramp was a good day out – different from the many sunny days we have had in the past !! – Jill.
19. 22/4/2015 Hikers. Port Chalmers. Leaders: Judy and Jennifer.
Nike app GPS of route around Port Chalmers.
Judy, well backed up by Jennifer, led 30 Hikers an interesting trek around Port Chalmers, pointing out several locations associated with her ancestors.
From the car park on Peninsula Beach Road she immediately took us up onto the Island Terrace road whose northern end put us onto the steep fenceline track that took us struggling up to the Flagstaff Point, (as it was originally called, but also variously known as Observation Point, Flagstaff Point and Flagstaff Hill, in case you really wanted to know). (abt 0.22 km.) From here we took in the view of a China Shipping Line (a term new to this reporter)…
China Shipping Line. (John pic)
…ship, riding high in the water, loading containers. Back into the Hotere Sculpture Garden…
Hotere Garden. (John pic)
…we morning teaed…
Cuppa. (John pic)
…and wandered round the well labelled (well, they were brass plates really) exhibits.
Judy then took us down and along the full length of Constitution Street before turning down – at its end – to right at the other end of Island Terrace, and down a bush track to the Peninsula Beach. Road. (abt 0.8 km) We walked to the Peninsula’s end and reflected on the sinking of the Yarra. (abt 2 km)
Yarra. (John pic)
From here the road became Victory Place and yet further along, Wickliffe Terrace. Around about here Judy pointed out, half-hidden about us, what could well be the largest old house in Port Chalmers, the home of a former Dock Master, one of Judy’s relatives. At this point we turned off down a track that got us (abt 3 km) across to Albertson Avenue and thence to the southern end of George Street, which we crossed, to climb- in turn – Ajax Road and Church Street. Crossed the Railway line, (abt 4 km) pass the gate of Lady Thorn Rhododendron Dell, on and up to end up via Braille’s Track at the Scott Memorial…
Lunch at Scott Memorial (John pic)
…and the “Nine Fathom Foul” large anchor (which used to foul fishermens’ nets)…
“Nine Fathom Foul” Anchor. (John pic)
…for lunch.
Back down Braille’s Road, this time turning off into the Port Chalmers Cemetery,…
Port Chalmers Cemetery (John pic)
…noting on the way one of Judy’s Knewstubb relatives graves. Out near the bottom, now on Church Street again, (abt 4.8 km) across onto Harbour Terrace, viewing a wee ‘but-and-ben’ of Judy’s parents when young, down Slant Street to Join Macandrew Road by the Careys Bay Hotel. Along that road, past the dock entrance (abt 6.5 km) and along Beach Street back to the cars.
Thanks, of course, very much, to Judy and Jennifer for keeping us safe and well informed on a very well-planned route. – Ian.
18. 8/5/2013 Hikers. Sawyers Bay, Old Road, Lady Thorn Dell, Lookout, Back Road, return. Leaders: Mollie and Pat.
Route
25 of us parked in Stevenson Road in Sawyers Bay, walked
from its end around Borlases Road, turned up Ajax Rd above the steepled Presbyterian Church, onto Church Rd, crossing the railway line to reach Lady Thorn Dell for morning tea amongst the Rhododendrons, small groups disported between the seats and tables there. The day was fine and the view from the viewing platform down to the container wharves excellent.
It was then back down Church Rd, Ajax Rd, onto Mount St, to cross State Highway 88 to climb steeply up Grey St, Scotia St and Constution St to the Lookout at its top. We spent some time there watching bundles of logs being slowly craned into the bowels of a rather rusty looking ship. A passing ship towed a tug on up the channel heading presumably to the fertilizer or the petroleum wharves nearer Dunedin. We then crossed the point, steeply down this time to reach Peninsula Beach Road at the back, and to have an early lunch there. Happily the group supporting blind trampers passing by noticed us and came across for a chat, with a number in each group recognizing friends in the other.
After lunch, we completed the circumnavigation of the peninsula, detoured off across a rugby paddock to walk alongside the railway to the railway crossing, and back along State Highway 88 to Sawyers Bay Station Rd and up to the cars.
A point to note is that Hiker numbers are growing larger, making group control by the leaders more of a task, as our wide range of individual fitness led to us becoming a rather straggled out band at times. However, the weather was pretty ideal, if a little windy at lunch time and draughty when walking alongside logging trucks, and the social chatting side was well attended to. Thanks to Pat and Mollie for a most satisfactory day. – Ian.
17. 10/8/2011 Hikers. Port Chalmers, Scott Memorial, Lady Thorn Dell. Leaders: Bob and Evelyn
16. 16/9/2009 Hikers. Aramoana, and Port Chalmers. Leaders: Lex, Marjorie.
15(?) of us set out on a fine, mild day with only light breezes – an ideal hiking day – led by Lex and Marjorie, to walk at Aramoana. As that was deemed to be too short, we called in first at Port Chalmers, where, from Mount St, we ascended Grey St, passing the grand old Presbyterian Manse whose 14 rooms, recalled Lex from his courting days, were occupied by bachelor minister George Jeffries and several student ‘tenants’ – hence its nickname “Holy Fryers (Friar’s?) Abbey”. Lex’s reminiscences of his courting days continued as we passed his wife’s old family home and pictured him sunbathing on the lawn. We discovered, again from the Learned Lex, why Meridian and Magnetic streets are so named. (Answers are at the end (1) if you need them). Morning tea was enjoyed at the top on a grassy knoll looking at the splendid view towards Portobello.
Morning tea in a ‘room with a view”. (Bob caption and pic).A couple of coneheads. .. or … a couple of pointy heads. (Bob caption and pic).
The descent was by Fox St to Peninsula Beach Rd and back to the cars by Beach St past the stacks of logs and chips. On to Aramoana. We parked at entrance to the township, puzzled over three signs of a crossed-out “H” in a circle alongside an arrow head, (a prize for the one who answers 1st as the answer is NOT at the end (2) if you need it) and walked to the north end of the beach, and along the beach to the Mole and a self-satisfied sea lion basking on the sand. Lunch at the start of the Mole looking out across sparkling waters
Lunch by the Mole. (Bob caption and pic).
and asking how far we could see was most enjoyable. (We didn’t know the answer but see the end (3) for an informed guess). Of course we walked along the Mole and stood by the new “lighthouse”
The new “lighthouse” at Molesend. (Bob caption and pic).
(What was the date inscribed in the concrete base – see the answer (4) at the end), and noted albatrossesses whitely plumped on Taiaroa Head and also saw one or more flying. The dredge entertained us as we tried to determine its movements (See (5) at the end for a guess), and one of the divers was pleased to chat.
The long Mole … and … (Bob caption and pic).The short Mole (?) (Bob caption and pic).
Lesley reckoned she had found a clump of Capt Cook’s scurvey grass, but noted that there seemed to be much less of the rare plant than there used to be around there. (See (6) at the end for some more information). And so to the memorial to the Aramoana Massacre where we sat briefly and talked of the events and the film “Out of the Blue”. Chris had played a part in its production and recalled the actor playing the role of David Gray (See (7) at the end for the name)) being very empathetic in the role. Consensus was that it was a good film in being even-handed in its treatment of Gray. But did the police need to be stalking in white shirts? Perhaps they were taken by real surprise at such an event.
The memorial to the massacred 14 (Bob caption and pic)
To the park and out along the boardwalks
Salt marsh boardwalk. (Bob caption and pic)
and gravelled paths among flax to the salt marshes, where Joyce delighted in betting on the crab races.
Elaine and Bev conspire to push Joyce over the edge. (Bob caption and pic)
And back to the cars. A view near Deborah Bay of a wee house wedged between road and water where the Lewis family lived with 17 children!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A pleasant walk. One learns new things every time one comes out with the TRTC. Thanks to all who share their knowledge and entertainment. Bob Answers1 Magnetic Street points to the magnetic North, while nearby Meridian Street points to the geographical North2 a prize for the 1st correct answer3 on looking at a map, probably Shag Point or perhaps the more distant Katiki Point where the Moeraki lighthouse is situated.4 March 20095 It appeared to dump its load, acquired from out by the buoys, near the Spit Beach as it returned to the sea so much higher in the water6 on the following website you can see a picture of the plant Lesley found which looks very like Cook’s Scurvey Grasshttp://www.nzpcn.org.nz/documents/NZ%20Favourite%20Plant%202005.pdf7 Matthew Sunderland
16. 27/8/2009. Hikers. Port Chalmers: Iona Church, Rangi Park, Cemetery, Scott Memorial, Lady Thorn Dell, Observation Point, Hotere Garden, Back Beach, Stinking Point, Walton Park, return.Leaders: Fred, Bob.
Eighteen keen hikers set off from around Iona Church (Peter claimed that we were moving in religious circles, and when Bob said “Iona Church” he wondered how he had come to be the “owner” ), and climbed up the Rangi Park track. We were diverted past the old cemetery
where we were regaled by stories of Lex’s youth, drinking there before the annual ball and being “late”. The steep track is well formed, though some of the steps are high, and passes through a most extensive grove of Brachyglottis Rangiora (or Rangiora )
Rangiora Row. (Bob pic and caption). Pat, Elaine.
that large-leafed, white-backed foliage you can write on with a ballpoint. Several lookout points were good for stops to admire the views across the port, harbour, islands and peninsula.
We descended from the Scott Memorial and Nineteen Fathom Foul anchor along Brailleys track to the new cemetery and thence into Church St and the Lady Thorn Rhododendron Dell
Rock Dwellers. (Bob pic and caption). Lesley G, Evelyn, Les.
for a welcome morning tea – a warm and picturesque spot with early shrubs coming into blossom, and seats for all.
Round the church again (2 churches really with 2 spires – 1872 and 1883), down to the town centre,
Stopp Twins
up Grey, Scotia and Aurora streets to great views at Observation Point. Neil was so engrossed there in pointedly chatting up a young lady that he made no observation that the rest of us had moved off. A few moments were spent in the Hotere sculpture garden where Les and Peter tested the smacking law with some choice whacks of the inverted male’s bottom,
An inverted sense of humour? (Bob pic and caption. Les, Peter.
and there was a photo opportunity for some old hulks to pose by the old hulk, “Black Phoenix II”.
Old hulks pose by an old hulk. (Bob pic and caption). Fred, Bill, Peter.
Down the hill to the Yacht Club and the public toilet,
Revenge: This is the woman who nominated me for Vice President. (Bill pic and caption). Margaret.
where there was much toilet humour, and then along the Back Beach walkway to a sheltered, planted picnic spot for lunch.
The Lunch room. (Bob pic and caption). Bill, Neil, Lesley, Les, Dot, Arthur, Peter, who? Pat, Fred, Angela, Margaret, Elaine.
Now rested, we could complete the journey along the gravelled Peninsula Beach Road, past Russell Moses’ “Koputai” – the boat-shaped groyne sculpture,
Groyne boat (Bob pic and caption).
round Stinking Point (where there was no smell but a useful seat) and the Pride of the Yarra Plaque (where there was a
plaque and another seat.) Along Victory Place and Wickliffe Terrace to the track above the school we strode, descending to Walton Park at Mussel Bay and along the grassy waterfront track to the railway line. A stack of uplifted tracks provided tiered seating for a wee rest out of the breeze,
Tiered seating. (Bob pic and caption). Who? Evelyn, Fred, Lesley S, Pat, Bill, Les, Elaine, Peter, Lex, Dot, Joyce, Who? Margaret
and a garden filled with ornaments of all kinds offered a wee feast for the eyes.
An ornamented landscape. (Bob pic and caption).
The last stretch of the journey was along the George St shops and up Mount St to the cars. Less than 10km walking, but 4 hours of good exercise, and a route with some new ingredients for most. Fred and Bob led luminously in the club’s fluorescent jerkins. – Bob.
15. 26/11/2008 Hikers.Port Chalmers. Leaders: C. Hughes, G. Baxter
14. 16/1/2008. Port Chalmers. Leaders: Tash, Lex.
Scott Memorial
On a lovely calm and warm summer morning 15 hikers parked their cars at Sawyers Bay and set out for Port Chalmers. We went round the back road and then up the hill to the Scott Memorial and Centenary Lookout. Perfect place for morning tea break. Lovely views, shade or sun to sit in and the colourful company of the resident ‘free-range’ roosters and hens who are always very interested to check out the visitors! Then it was down the hill and through the Port Chalmers cemetery to the port itself. No cruise ships that day but two left recently and another due in that night. Up the hill then to the Conservation Point Flagstaff Lookout. Perfect day for great views all round. We sat in the recently developed little reserve that has a sculpture by Ralph Hotere as well as a couple of other rather intriguing and interesting ones, and enjoyed a restful and relaxing lunch break. Then, down the hill again to the back beach road. About half way along we went up a track that took us up to the top of the hill again. From there it was down the road, across the railway line and back along main road to Sawyers Bay and the cars. A happy and convivial day out. – Bev.
13. 16/1/2008. Hikers. Port Chalmers. Park cars at Sawyers Bay. Easy.Leaders: Lesley S, Eleanor B
12. 7/2/2007. All. Port Chalmers from Sawyers Bay – Cruise Ship. Easy.Leaders: Peter and Wendy, Molly, Lois.
11. 28/6/2006 Hikers. Sawyers Bay, Back Beach. Leaders: Jean A, Chris
9. 21/8/2002. Alt. Port Chalmers Careys Bay Back Beach. Leaders: Dot B, Joan H, Anne R
8. 17/10/2001. Alt. Port Chalmers, Back Beach. Leaders: Nelson and Dot, Mavis.
7. 6/6/2001.All weather. Overgrown. Port Chalmers, Deborah Bay. Easy+. Leaders: Bill H, Lesley S, Winnifred 6. 8/11/2000. Port Chalmers. Leaders: Mavis, Peggy M, Catherine.
5. 7/6/2000. Deborah Bay. Leaders: Bev H, Les & Margaret 4. 8/1/2000 Port Chalmers Careys Bay Back Beach, Rangi Park walkway. Leaders: Mary M, Catherine T 3. 21/5/1997. Port Chalmers, Back Beach, Rangi Walkway. Leaders: Daphne, Les and Mavis. 2. 13/11/1996. Port Chalmers Back Beach – Rangi Park Walkway. Return trip. LeadersL Les and Mavis, Daphne. 1. 12/7/1995. Port Chalmers. Deborah Bay. Easy+. Leaders: Shirley, Bev H, Ria H, Jean A
