20. 7 February 2024. Combined hikers and trampers. Aramoana – Heyward Point.
Hikers: Leaders Heather and Val Cayford
‘Pathway to the Sea” – 7th February 2024 at 8.45am on a grey overcast morning with slight drizzle 15 hikers left Peter Johnstone Park and arrived at the small coastal settlement of Aramoana at approx. 9.45am – a peaceful place with 260 permanent residences as of 27th January 2024. Continue reading “Heyward Point, Kaikai Beach, Whareakeake Road”
10. 31/01/2024 Mihiwaka/ Mount Kettle. Trampers Grade 4 Leaders: Pam and Diane
11 trampers left PJ Park at 8.45 and meet up with 5 Dunedin trampers on Borlases’s Road, Port Chalmers. We continued onto Blueskin road in misty weather which got thicker as we drove up to park 1km north from Cedar Farm Forest carpark (CFF) A car was left at CFF carpark to ferry drivers back to their cars at the end of tramp. Continue reading “Mihiwaka, Mount Kettle, and Cedar Farm”
Ocean Grove, also known as Tomahawk, is a suburb in the southeast of the New Zealand city of Dunedin. … The suburb was known as Tomahawk until the 1930s, the name not being a reference to the weapon, but rather possibly an anglicised form of the Māori words tomo haka, meaning “dance by a gravesite”.
No. 23 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Karetai Rd via Monument from Lagoon. Year round.”
DCC List: 41 Peg Track. Otago Peninsula
Accessed from Oregon St. 3.5 hrs ret. Tramping track – unbenched. Managed: DCC CAM, private land. Description – This track provides a link between Ocean Grove and Highcliff Road. Access to the track in Ocean Grove is off Oregon Street. An attractive walk around Tomahawk Lagoon then climbs through gorse and native bush. Turn right towards Soldiers Memorial through paddocks with gorse sometimes obscuring the rock walls.
Information Rock and Pillar via Six Mile Creek This climbs 1,005 m. (3300 feet) up the eastern face from Glencreag Station up a leading ridge south of Six Mile Creek. This is the most direct approach. Rock and Pillar via spur south of Lug Creek. Information: Climbs 910 m. (3000 feet) up the eastern face of a well-graded vehicle track up a leading spur south of Lug Creek. Average time to Leaning Lodge is 3 hours on foot. DoC access. 9.5km north of the Middlemarch store on SH87, just before Lug Creek, is a farm entrance (RAPID 7219 – no DoC sign). A short way up the driveway is a DoC car park. There is public access up the vehicle track to the conservation area boundary. The track is now a recreation reserve administered by DoC.
Easiest route to Big Hut from Leaning Lodge (foot only – unmarked – good visibility essential) is another 45+ minutes climbing gently southwards to cross a steep gully and then climb a gentle shelf to above the eastern basins. Sidle several hundred metres past the lower prominent rock tors before gently descending to Big Hut once it becomes visible. Route very wind and cloud-prone. Ice axe and crampons may be necessary to traverse steep snow slopes near Leaning Lodge.
64 km to Middlemarch. 66 km to Stonehurst Track.
Redan Crater- contact for access Ken Rennick.
19. 15/11/2023. Hikers. Cleghorn Street to Signal Hill. Leaders Pam Clough and Jay Devlin
23 keen hikers gathered on a beautiful day at the Bottom of Cleghorn St where we made our way up the gravel road to the beginning of our walk which was firstly over farmland. Continue reading “Signal Hill Tramps”
Location: 43 km from car park. Click Silver Peaks Forest for background information. No. 21 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Green Hut & Pulpit Rock return or via Possum Hut. Year Round. Long.”
23. 1/10/2023. Combined. Green Hut Site and Pulpit Rock. Tramp Grade 4, Hike Grade 2. 43km. Leaders: Neil Hodgkin/Chris Bezett, Dave Roberts/Jay Devlin.
Hike to Green Hut (which is now two seats as the hut was deconstructed in 1988 because of ongoing vandalism).
On a foggy morning 18 keen hikers regathered at the On the Spot garage at Waitati where we turned left up a dusty road to the beginning Continue reading “Green Hut, Pulpit Rock”
No. 87 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Michelle’s Farm Outram Farm”.
11 km from car park.
Park under Outram Bridge. Contacts: Seek 3 permissions.
Proceed east side of Taieri River along gravel road to gravel pit. Bear right uphill to power lines. Follow generally along grass farm tracks to top of hill.
Landmarks: Trig marker on right; also obvious paper road between two fence lines; Long barn on right (good for lunch stop); large wool shed on top of hill straight ahead (this is still on Hyslop’s property).
Straight on access is to Taioma Road but we don’t usually go that far!
Plenty of mushrooms in April – take a bag!
15 intrepid trampers parked under the Outram bridge. As we walked along the Taieri river wind in the willows gave us warning of a breath-taking day!
On the track above the Taieri River. Photo & caption Pam
Morning tea with the pretty yellow flowers. Photo & caption John
After ascending a narrow track through scrub we made our way along a ridge on Craig Nichol’s property. Any conversation was ‘gone with the wind’. To quote Evel Knievel “ I love the feeling of fresh air on my face and wind blowing through my hair” – certainly true today!
Those windblown skies were impressive. Photo & caption Marijke
We decided not to go to the trig – the howling wind spoke to us and we found our way down to a pocket of native bush. The relative calm here was a welcome respite from the punishing wind on the hill top.
Lovely view of Mosgiel’s iconic Saddle. Photo & caption MarijkeComing down off the windy hilltop to the sheltered gully. Photo & caption PamLunch spot. Photo Jill
Walking roughly parallel to SHW 87 we headed back towards Outram. Thank you farmer Neil for herding a mob of cattle out of our path.
Keeping our distance for the herd. Photo & caption Pam
Throwing caution to the wind we walked through a Douglas fir plantation, then a large stand of eucalyptus – fortunately there were few recently dropped branches! The only reportable incident was Diane being blown backwards whilst pivoting on a gate – luckily she was caught by the two behind her ( I rue a missed photo opportunity!)
Beautiful spring scenery with cattle sheltering in the trees (very wise). Photo & caption Marijke Lower Neil. Photo & caption Pam Happiness is tramping with friends. Photo & caption Pam
A nice hill climb took us to wide track Craig recently had dug out back down to the Taieri river, and we were at the cars by 3.00 pm.
A great day out and many thanks to Julie McKenzie and Pam Cox for your assistance.
Distance walked – 13.5 km
Jill Reid
17 hikers left the West Taieri Rugby Club on another lovely Outram day. Had an enjoyable walk through Eleanore’s Willowfield Village then headed through Outram and over the Outram bridge.
Outram Bridge. Photo and caption Helen.
We walked beside the river to the start of Craig’s property where we stopped for morning tea.
We walked up the farm track which was a reasonably steep climb…
Group gathering. Photo and caption Helen
…and along the tops through a couple of paddocks where we sat on rocks overlooking the Taieri picking out many of the landmarks.
Lunchtine photo. Photo and caption Margreet
View over to Saddle Hill. Photo and caption Margreet.
Lunch at the top. Photo and caption Helen.
86 years old and up the top of the hill which they had never done before. Photo and caption Helen.
Then back down the hill overlooking Outram township and onto the Wobbly Goat for refreshments before heading back to cars.
It was a good 12k walk and well done to everyone.
Kathryn.
13. 17 November 2021. Trampers. Nichols Farm. M-H. Leaders: Peter Gillespie & Arthur Heenan
With a medium to hard tramp with a windy day prescribed it didn’t sound inviting, WRONG on nearly all counts. It was a medium hard tramp 13.42km elevation 564m, actual tramping time 3hrs 47min, (4hrs 45 min time lapse).
Strava screenshot by Phil
The group of nine was led by Peter Gillespie and Arthur Heenan. With a wind on our backs we enjoyed tramping in nice sunshine on the north side of the Taieri river. We started on a climb, up to an electricity pylon, where morning tea was enjoyed looking out on the northern view upstream. Many removing layers due to the heat of the sun.
Morning tea (caption & photo Helen)
After the break we continued up a 7deg track sheltered from wind we came to a great view south of the rain on the Maungatuas.
Uphill through lush grass – Outram in the background (caption & photo Helen)
Onward, upward we continued toward the top where we came to a trig station, which Peter swore that the height was on, but no. There was some Maori “eh mutu tewanga” which we decided meant “564 metres high”.
Trig at the top (caption & photo Helen)
The view was sublime, of Saddle Hill, Mosgiel, lush farmlands, and hills of Flagstaff, Swampy, “magic”. We returned down the hill and found a track working through a forest and downhill…
Where’s the track Peter? (caption and photo Phil)
Beautiful forest (caption and photo Helen)
…then a gorse paddock where we found a nice sunny spot at the bottom, ideal for lunch.
Lunch (caption and photo Helen)
Jill required a ten minute kip, before we continued on through a 2nd forest track, past the lavender farm and some fertile farmland, before we hit the final hill. It was a decent climb, but the group got up it in good time.
Rain that didn’t get near us (caption and photo Helen)
We then returned, on a second track back down to river, watching for the odd sink holes. We had some windy spots, but the day was remembered for the views tramped, mostly in sun.
The group (caption & photo Helen)
A very enjoyable tramp, thanks leaders Peter & Arthur.
Then it was back to the Wooden Table for coffee & cake. Then it rained!
Cheers Phil Morris
12. 17/6/2020. Trampers. Nichols Farm. M. Leader: Gordon
From the carpark under the Outram Bridge 24 members started the walk beside the Taieri River in nice weather but with forecast for rain at 1.00pm. At the end of this track we turned off and headed up hill. Parts of this were quite steep but finally reached a nice flat spot for morning tea.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Still slogging up hill”.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Morning tea stop”Photo and Caption Gordon – “Hurrah finally levelling out.”
Heading uphill again after smoko we soon came out on to grass paddocks and continued on a gentle gradient to the cattle-yards at the top. from there walked a short distance before heading downhill on a steep ridge to the start of a small pine forest at the bottom, about ½ km from main road.
Photo and Caption Wendy – “Haven’t seen those people for a while!”
From there we walked a short distance before heading downhill on a steep ridge to the start of a small pine forest at the bottom, about ½ km from main road.
Photo and caption – “Wandering thru the trees”.
A pleasant walk through the trees to a farm track which we followed uphill to a stile where we crossed into Walmsley’s property. Followed cattle track down to gully then along foothills to lovely lunch spot with terrific views.
Photo and Caption John – “Comfortable lunch spot”.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “What a view”.
After lunch carried on along foothills before returning into forestry for assent to top after climbing through neighbours.
Photo and Caption John – “Panorama from the top”
Photo and Caption Helen – “Who’s watching who?”
After a “Pow Wow” at top, decision was made to head back on shorter route to cars which also allowed time for refreshments and catch up at Wobbly Goat. A good day to start off the tramping calendar after all the lock downs I really enjoyed it. Gordon.
11. 7/4/2019. Trampers. Nicols Farm. M. Leader: Gordon.
It was a cool start at the car park as we foregathered, but a typical beautiful autumnal day with lots of sunshine followed. Perfect for 15 Trampers to go and enjoy the outdoors.
Parking under the Outram Bridge wa a surprise for some, although a spot well known to our Outram members – from their younger days apparently.
Walking upstream beside the Taieri River through the willows we were welcomed by a great chorus of Bellbirds – wonderful. They were enjoying the day too.
It was an easy grade as we climbed various bulldozed tracks through the Manuka.
Long slog to top. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Morning tea was taken before we emerged onto a turnip paddock.
Still climbing gently on paddock and road we reached Trig I (360 metres). From this vantage point we had a superb view out over the Taieri Plain to enjoy.
Pointing out points of interest. (Gordon pic and caption.)
A short back track and then it was downhill on a farm road in the direction of S.H.87. Nearing the bottom we turned aside, and climbing a barbwire fence (the leader having thoughtfully fitted a pipe safety guard) …
The first fence obstacle. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Heading down into Walmsley’s farm gully. (Gordon pic and caption.)… found ourselves in a rough gorsey block.
Emerging once more onto open farmland it was time for a leisurely lunch in the sun, and still with a view to enjoy.
Afterwards we negotiated a paddock or two before entering an exotic forest to climb back up somewhat. In time we retained the turnip field to eventually finish the last leg back on our outward track.
Back to the cars at 2pm after walking over 13 km was good going.
To Outram where some visited the ice cream shop, others to the Hairy Goat – where all eventually congregated. And no one was in a hurry to go home. A day that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
This report comes to you on behalf of Gordon (leader). – Art.
4. 13/09/2023. Trampers. Pine Hill, Mt Cargill. Grade 3.5, $5, 20km, Leaders: John Gardiner, Dave Roberts
Having already somewhat created a “rod for my own back”, in starting the Wizard of Oz theme in my tramp preamble last week, after some prompting, I’ll try to intertwine the “Wizard” theme into this report. Inevitably particularly pertinent to trampers, some yellow brick road references.
Getting ready to leave the cars (Photo & Caption John)
On an overcast morning with a chilly wind, 21 trampers, who arrived in 6 cars, set out at 10.00am, on the start of our tramp in Cowan Road. Like Dorothy at the beginning of her yellow brick road journey, most trampers had no idea where they would venture during the day.
– One interpretation of the “Wizard Fable” is that on life’s journey, tenacity, and perseverance in striving for a goal is a core value.
Following Dorothy to see what lies ahead (Photo & Caption Pam)
Following the previously described, muddy, gorse lined portal to what lay beneath, morning tea was enjoyed at 10.40am on the lower, wider, gravel road, at a sheltered spot.
About to have morning tea (Photo & Caption John)
– Some believe the gold colour of the yellow brick road and the green “Emerald City” represent the currency arguments the US experienced in the 1900’s.
Soon we were on the track leading down through the forest, with a pine needle carpet underfoot, and after following a fence line, we were soon on the gravel road to Sullivans Dam, arriving at 11.20am.
Tramping through the pines (Photo & Caption Pam)
-During the making of the “Wizard” movie, the snow scene contained fake asbestos based snow that left many on set chronically ill!
Lunch in the sun (Photo & Caption John)
Lunch was enjoyed at the beautiful Sullivans Dam, beginning a little early, at 11.50am, in a sheltered spot. We had reached our destination.
The shaft of light from above made the trout rise to Graeme’s delight (Photo & Caption Phil)
-In the Wizard story the Emerald City is a place to which Dorothy, the tin man, the lion, and the scarecrow journey in order to achieve their various dreams.
By 12.15pm we were on our way again, walking around the side of Sullivans Dam to the start of the “Cloud Forests of the Leith” track. This track, with it’s many boardwalk sections and beautiful bush (even a ‘bush telegraph’ and Gnome Grotto) adding yet more variety to our tramp.
No, I’m not having problems with my internet banking (Photo & Caption Pam)Creatures of the forest (Photo & Caption Pam)
-In the Wizard story the yellow brick road was at times very rough. The scarecrow often stumbled over the yellow bricks, which were very uneven, sometimes even broken, or missing altogether, leaving holes that dog Toto (a West Highland Terrier) and Dorothy jumped across or walked around.
Board walking (Photo & Caption Pam)
Arriving at the top of the Cloud Forests track by 1.20pm, we regrouped with a magnificent view north to Blueskin Bay and beyond, before following the gravel road to the base of the “portal” gorse lined track.
Regrouping (Photo & Caption Pam)Panorama – Blueskin Bay in the distance (Photo & Caption John)
On this section a navigational error by your’s truly resulted in everyone walking a bit further than necessary to a dead end part of the road. The greatest consequence of this being my embarrassment!
Are you sure we are going the right way (Photo & Caption Pam)
– In the Wizard story, Dorothy follows the yellow brick road, intending to find the Wizard, who would bestow on her the knowledge to achieve her goal, only to find that she had the answer within her all along.
Heading up the gorse lined final section of our tramp took us back to the cars by 2.30pm, having covered approx 8 km. A Grade 3 tramp.
Happy trampers (Photo & Caption Pam)
-So where was the yellow brick road? Some believe it is a brick road in Peekshill, New York, where author L.Frank Baum attended Peekshill Military Academy. Others believe it was inspired by a road paved in yellow bricks near Holland, Michigan where Baum spent many summers.
Afternoon tea was enjoyed at the Crocodile Cafe, Dunedin Botanic Garden, on what had developed into a mild , sunny day. As a footnote – I did apply and receive a permit to walk on the City Forests section of this tramp, only to receive a later email, stating that it wasn’t necessary if we stayed on the Escarpment or 3 Peaks tracks.
Special thanks to Dave Roberts for acting as tail end Charlie and Graeme Souter for his help with the rece.
3. 14/09/2023. Kaitangata – Inch Clutha. Phil and Raewyn Keene as guests of the Trixie Trampers (Balclutha).
This trip was undertaken by the Trixie Trampers (Balclutha), with Phil and Raewyn Keene going along as invited guests. Anybody else from the TRTC was invited to go along. I (Phil) have recommended to the trip committees we do it in Autumn 2024 as a combined walk (Photos were supplied by Phil).
The Whitebait Trail
At the invitation of the Trixie Trampers, we travelled down and through Kaitangata and crossed the wonderful high bridge over the Matau branch onto Inch Clutha Island and around to the start point near the pumping station/bridge where whitebaiters and hut owners launch their boats.
We parked up and once organised crossed the style onto the well formed pathway atop the flood bank and began meandering and skirting the river taking in quite expansive views, as well as the eclectic huts, great Kiwiana!
The pathway has the river on one side and dairy farms the other. The local share milker was most informative on the technology being used, all emanating from the collars around the cows necks. The pathway leads to the beach, not before crossing a causeway where large pipes permit the tidal inflows and outflows to move under the causeway into a large backwater that stretches to the Koau branch, this area probably a natural river course before the development of the farms.
Once at the beach we turned left and headed to the North end where the Matau branch flows into the Pacific. A strong westerly wind made its presence felt and the mare’s tails on the surf were impressive. Also impressive was the large amount of drift wood and tree stumps, some large, that demonstrate the power of floods and tides in this area. Plenty of seats to sit and enjoy the views down to Kaka and Nugget points, whilst having morning tea and then lunch near the South end where the Koau branch enters the sea.
This river mouth seemed to be the most active for the whitebaiters with numerous quad bikes, nets, huts, caravans and campers and yes we spoke to a man who was counting out his catch! The westerly was right in our faces and white tops whipped up the estuary as well as taking away our breath as we walked out onto the road that would take us back to the cars. An alternative would be to take the top of the adjoining flood bank for a while before walking the road.
This walk is flat, a little undulating on the beach whilst the sand is gritty and a tad soft, an option would be to take the grassed top of the beach where old wire fence lines are also present. A circular walk of approx 9kms is possible or maybe return along the inland watercourse. An alternative also being to take a couple of cars to one end for drivers to return to their cars and assist walkers back to the initial start point.
This is a wonderful area reminiscent of the Wild West Coast, great views, invigorating in all weathers but with flexible options for a combined walk. Approx 70kms from Mosgiel to a start point.
Phil and Raewyn Keene
2. 4/9/1996. Kaitangata Combined walk. Leaders: Kai leaders.
We explored the coast and an obvious coal seam running out into the sea.
11. 6/09/2023. Combined. Akatore Forest – Narrowdale Rd. Grade 3, 41km, Leaders: Bruce Spittle, Alex Griffin, Sarah McCormack, Phil Morris.
On a goodly spring morning, we headed from Peter Johnstone Park with a good number of trampers and hikers. At Milburn we turned left into Narrowdale Road (of note turning right at same point was Lime works and Whale Fossil Lookout). With Wenita permit conditions, group was split with trampers lead by Phil M and Sarah tramping up old golf course road while hikers lead by Bruce and Alec tramped up Narrowdale Road.
Trampers setting off (photo and caption Jenni)
And the hikers also ready to go (photo and caption Jenni)
The trampers headed past 2 small farms up into pine trees which obscured views but with warm conditions. We continued the climb with a stop for morning tea.
Morning tea in the clearing (photo and caption Pam)
Then along Stoop Road onto Homestead Road. Track conditions were perfect and chatter was aplenty. Time to junction Narrowdale and Homestead was 1.20min, 270 elevation.
Hikers travelling along Narrowdale Road past some belted Galloway cattle then up to the Rifle Range to the left. It was a good spot for morning tea.
Looks like a class photo (photo and caption Jenni)
Llivestock are well trained down here (photo and caption Phil K.
Then on to junction listed above (Narrowdale and Homestead). Time 1 hr, 185 elevation.
Trampers and Hikers rendezvous (photo and caption Pam)
Rays of sun through the trees (photo and caption Helen)
The group continued left along Dale Road, down onto Siberia Road at the junction. We met at Lower Narrowdale Road where hikers and a few trampers travelled on a grassy track for 2km before they stopped for lunch at 12.45pm.
Down lower Narrowdale rd (Hikers – pre lunch)(photo and caption Phil K.)
Incy wincy spider on Bill’s arm (hikers lunch) (photo and caption Phil K.)
The trampers continued up Siberia Road…
Yes, it’s uphill, another layer off! (photo and caption Pam)
…with full elevation of 405m, where we turned left along newly-named Scooter Road, with a stop for lunch in the sun at 12.30pm.
Trampers lunch (photo and caption Helen)
After lunch we continued along Scooter Road in search of a view (but none could be found) of prison compounds, Calder Stewart Ltd or Milton township. A decision to return back to meet hikers was made. With the good track conditions, the birds in forest were unable to get a word in, for the continual chatter of the trampers about many scenarios.
A gathering to decide hard or easy back to cars (photo and caption Helen)
The trampers for the 2nd time were a few minutes late so most of the hikers took the Homestead track option, while the trampers headed down Narrowdale Road and back to cars by 15.05pm. The Hikers arrived back about 15.35-15.45. Pollen during the tramp could be seen blowing in the open, hence most had a lime greenish tinge on clothes, shoes. and on cars.
They just won’t go home (photo and caption Phil K.)
It was an interesting part of the Akatore Block, thanks Bruce S for sourcing.
Phil M.
Stats: Hikers 13.5km (phone) 16km (Garmin), elevation gain 324m, travel 4hrs, grade 3
Trampers 15.2km, elevation 405m actual travel 3hs 30min, grade 3.5
Partly because Leone wasn’t available as a leader (swapped with Sabina earlier), George had not done a recce. Although he had a different route in mind, Ian persuaded him to take the gate just down from the Golf Course corner and up the (very) steep track to eventually arrive at the trig.
Glenice and George climbing last stretch to trig.
Gorge Hill Trig.
As there was general feeling that we should return by the usual road route, we went on down through the forestry and farm to Wilkinson Road in the valley, being early enough to climb up it and lunch at the top.
View of forestry plantings taken from Wilkinson Road.
After lunch just below the crest to shelter from the cool wind, we emerged onto Windy Ridge and all its views.
Toko plain with Correction Facility centre right. Keith. What is he looking at?!
A couple more upward slopes across the ridge, and it was down, down and on on along Narrowdale Road and back to the cars safely home before the promised cold hailstone front due in from the south slammed in at afternoon tea time when we were refreshingly showered, sheltered, nourished and warm.
9. 12/7/2006. Trampers. Stewarts Forestry, Gorge Hill, Windy Ridge, Narrowdale Road. Leaders: Graham, Ian
8. 24/3/2004 Trampers. Gorge Hill. Medium. Leaders: Doug M, Bob H
6. 28/6/2000 Gorge Hill – Narrowdale Road. Leaders: Ian, Dot T
5. 21/4/1999. Gorge Hill – via Wilkinson Road. Leaders: Ria L, Joyce, Molly.
4. 10/6/1998. Gorge Hill via Wilkinson Road, round trip. Leaders: George, Hazel.
3. 15/10/1997. Gorge Hill round trip from Wilkinson Road. Leaders: Hugh, Jack M, Ivan.
2. 23/5/1990. Gorge Hill – round trip via Wilkinson Road. Great views of Lake Waihola and Milton. Average. One hill to start. Leaders: Peggy M, Nel v Elizabeth Peg C
(David Nicol was an early settler and dairy farmer. He reputedly bought land here in the hope that the railway line would be routed north through Leith Valley.)
27. 30/08/2023. Trampers. Pineapple Track-Nicols Creek Grade 3.5-4 Leaders: Sarah and John
An Interview with Pineapple Track/Nicols Creek Tramp Leader Sarah by Tail End Charlie, John
Hi Sarah. You were a late incumbent to the leadership of this tramp?
– Yes, Ross was originally down to lead it, but back problems meant he asked me to lead it instead. (Best wishes for a speedy recovery Ross.)
Did you do a recce the Saturday prior?
– That’s right, Craig went mountain biking, and I went exploring on foot, in the area, to finalize the tramp format.
Were the group lucky with the weather on the day?
-The weather was brilliant. Sunshine, little or no wind and temperatures towards the mid-teens. The tracks were reasonably dry.
And did we have a good attendance?
– There were 18 of us – arriving at Tanner Rd/Fulton Rd corner in 7 cars.
What was the tramp route?
-We started on the Pineapple Track, walking up to the Pump House for morning tea.
Getting ready for morning tea in the sun Caption and photo John
Then we carried on up the Pineapple Track, turning off at McGouns Track onto the Old Pineapple Track. This led us to the “new” Pineapple Track by Pineapple Point.
crossing Nicol’s stream Caption and photo Pam
From here we followed the lower track, traversing Nicols Creek before arriving at the Mountain Bike picnic table at 11.55am for lunch.
Lunch with a view worth taking in Caption and photo JohnPanorama – View from lunch spot. Caption and photo John
After lunch it was onto the upper track, traversing Nicols Creek.
somewhere in the bush! Caption and photo Pam
Then onto the “new” Pineapple Track, and back to the cars via McGouns Track.
Heading down the pineapple track Caption and photo Pam
Wahl!! I think you lost me somewhere there! Did the tramp take long Sarah?
– The recce only took me 3 hours. On the day the tramp took us much longer at 5 hours. Some technical terrain reduced the tramp down to a crawl pace in parts.
Did you manage to squeeze in coffee afterwards?
– Only just. We were back at the cars by 3.00pm, then headed straight to the Fire Station Cafe’ in Roslyn.
How would you describe the shape of the tramp?
– Roughly a double figure 8.
Sounds lucky, I think? Thanks for the interview, Sarah.
18. 14/2/2024. Trampers. Maungatua Option. Leaders Lyn Keene, Anne Ward and Di Bezett
Hikers: Leaders Heather and Val Cayford
11 trampers left PJ Park at 8.45 and meet up with 5 Dunedin trampers on Borlases’s Road, Port Chalmers. We continued onto Blueskin road in misty weather which got thicker as we drove up to park 1km north from Cedar Farm Forest carpark (CFF) A car was left at CFF carpark to ferry drivers back to their cars at the end of tramp. 
43. 06/12/2023. Trampers. North of Tomahawk. Grade 3. $7. 22km. Leaders: Esther Willis and Julie McKenzie
16. 06/12/2023. Hikers. Sutton Salt Lake – Glencreag Track. Grade 2.5. $16. 60km. Leaders: Wendy Langley/Katrina McKenzie
18. 22/11/2023.Hikers. Millennium Track from Henley Ferry Bridge. Grade 3. 27km. Leaders: Ady Whitson/Bruce Wright.
19. 15/11/2023. Hikers. Cleghorn Street to Signal Hill. Leaders Pam Clough and Jay Devlin
