Jul 24 2021
Boulder Beach
Boulder Beach closed during yellow eyed penguin nesting, moulting, December-February months.
Distance from car-park: 24 km to Macandrew Bay, 27 to Highcliff Road.
17. 21 July 2021. Trampers. Greenacres St -Boulder Beach – Seal Point Rd. M. Leaders: Ross and Wyn
Brrrrr… it was cold in Mosgiel after a light frost so we were keen to get into our cars and head out for Macandrew Bay, our starting point. After meeting up with the Trampers from town, 23 of us set off from Macandrew Bay just after 10am. (I thought there were 22 until morning tea when I realised I hadn’t counted myself!). We headed up Greenacres Street…
…where we came across our first of many animals of the day (and my favourites) – Highland cattle and even baby ones.
After about 35 minutes of uphill and not far up the Greenacres Track we stopped for morning tea by a seat at some big old macrocarpas.
We then carried on up the track until we came to Highcliff Road (280 metres of climbing). We had certainly warmed up after that and we were able to admire the views as we walked along Highcliff Road towards the Paradise Track.
About halfway along we crossed the road to look at the monument to New Zealands first Cheese factory in 1871. The monument was understated considering how important the dairy industry has become. Then it was onto Paradise track which leads down to Boulder Beach. It was slippy slidy in places but everyone seemed to remain upright.
A few animal distractions on the way starting with a group of friendly alpacas which received quite a bit of attention.
Then we came across 2 sheep engaging in rather vigorous headbutting. After all the animal antics we made our way on down to the bottom of the track to the Beattie cottage which we had a look around…
… before making our way to Boulder Beach through the protected area. It was 12.30pm and lunch was had on the beach near a leopard seal sunbathing on the sand who seemed to pose to have his photograph taken.
It was very calm and even warm with a short appearance of the sun. The return journey was an uphill climb via Braidwood Road (a 4-wheel drive track), leading onto Seal Point Road which in turn joined up with Highcliff Road at Pukehiki. The church has been undergoing renovations with a very smart paint job in grey and white.
A bit further along Highcliff Road to Greenacres Track again for the thankfully downward journey to our cars (with the customary stop at the BIG swing).
We had a well-deserved coffee at the The Duck café at Macandrew Bay where we were pleased to rest our weary legs and chat some more. A great end to an enjoyable tramp.
Wyn