Taieri Recreational Tramping Club

2. 12 April 2023 Trampers and Hikers 

Choices for Hikers:  Stay home and knit or brave the elements of mist and drizzle with potential rain but leave the Waihola Wanderings for another time.  11 chose to go for a local walk.

The course was plotted as we left the Peter Johnson carpark, going along the riverside, turning at the helicopter pad and wending our way over to Wingatui Rd and Gladstone Rd North.

It was decided to have morning tea under cover.  Wingatui Station (built in 1875) was a likely possibility.  However, the leader veered off track and we arrived at Neil’s model railway instead.

Morning tea in luxury at Morrisons. Caption and photo Helen

View from their house of fog Caption and photo Helen

This of course provided shelter as he coped with the unexpected invasion and happily displayed rail/train manoeuvres.

Neil Morrisons trains – amazing Caption and photos Helen

Dry and refreshed, we passed the evidence of autumn in the yellow, gold and red tree colours, and wended our way back to the carpark after a pleasant 10 kms of Mosgiel Meanderings.

Hikers passing by Caption and photo Carole

Eleanore and Carole

The Trampers choice

As a weather alert was given, safety required that we could not go to Rosella Ridge, so it was decided we would meet at Woodhaugh Gardens.  After discussion, we headed towards Bethunes Gully. The rain had eased so we walked beside the Leith with some nice street art on the walls of the Leith.

Street art surviving the students !. Caption and photo Pam

We continued past the gardens, into North East Valley, past Dunedin North Intermediate school, then Baldwin Street(no takers),  Dunedin Hospice and Ross Home.  We detoured into Chingford Park, a nice stone home, which catered for weddings.

Chingford Park- Discussing the weather!!! Caption and photo Pam

We stopped at Leith Harrier and Soccer grounds for morning tea.

Morning tea under shelter at Chingford Pavilion. Caption and photo Pam

Moving on we passed some garden plaques on a fence. Into Norwood Street we continued to Forrester Park (bmx bike park) then into Bethunes Gully.  The good 35 minutes of uphill, required some reduction of gear before an uphill climb.  On the way a large tree had fallen and was being removed. We passed a couple of waterfalls,5 bridges over Lyndsay Creek and got to the top at 12.05 – lunchtime.

Soggy sandwiches eaten on Bethunes track. Caption and photo Pam

The return to the bottom took 30 mins, past the Normanby Tavern (now closed), Ross Home, then via a track behind the Hospice, thanks John G.  We continued back onto the main road to NEV shops back to Woodhaugh and the cars. As some had cooled off due to drizzle, it was decided no coffees but a couple of pieces of chocolate fudge sufficed.

Distance 16.18km Elevation 445m actual tramping time 3hrs 6min.

Thanks Graeme S for being TEC. A fun day out.  Phil.

Feburary 2018

Thirteen turned out for coffee. (Judy pic and caption.)

February 2018

3 -10 March 2023. Bannockburn. Trampers and Hikers and Bikers. Leaders: Anne and Rod Ward.

The club planned a trip to Bannockburn for three days of tramping and three of bike rides. This all started on Friday 3rd of March with accommodation at the old Bannockburn school now run by the Otago Outdoor Education Trust. Accommodation was a mix of the old schoolhouse, an attached cottage and the barracks for boys and girls at the other end. Anne and Rod had a full programme of activities for the six days, including delegating the evening meals to teams for the first four nights, this included providing nibbles, main course, dessert, and home baking for supper.

Friday 3rd March – Day 0
Travelled to Bannockburn and settled into the camp. It was a beautiful hot afternoon/evening under the veranda soaking up the atmosphere. With rooms sorted some had a swim, others happy to watch. Team 1 prepared scrumptious ham, salads, etc as required for the duty team.

First night, settling in. Photo & caption John

Bannockburn Camp. Photo Helen

Saturday 4th March – Tramping
Link to Day 1 tramping report: Kanuka Track and Trail to Old Cromwell Town.

Sunday 5th March – Tramping
Link to Day 2 tramping report: Kawarau River Track.

Monday 6th March – Tramping
Link to Day 3 tramping report: Bannockburn sluicings, Stewart Town and Long Gully Loop Track.

Tuesday 7th March – Biking
Link to Day 4 biking report: Bannockburn Camp to Smiths Way and return.

Wednesday 8th March – Biking
Link to Day 5 biking report: Lake Dunstan Trail and Millennium Track to Alexandra.

Thursday 9th March – Biking
Link to Day 6 biking report: Gibston to Arrowtown and Back.

Friday 10th March
All that remained to do for those who stayed overnight was to pack up, tidy up, and head back home.

Thanks to all cooking groups for preparing and organizing meals, that were varied and enjoyable, great menus for the week.

Also to all the drivers for ferrying us to various start and pickup points, your service was invaluable and very much appreciated.

Overall our accommodation was well suited for our tramping group. Bannockburn Outdoor Trust was very obliging to our needs. I’m sure we’ll return for more adventures.

Thanks, Anne

Saturday 4th March – Tramping
Day 1 – Kanuka Track plus Trail to Old Cromwell Town.
Lunches made, the tramping group (20) travelled to the Bendigo DOC Historic Reserve to complete the Kanuka Loop Track – 14kms from the Cromwell bridge to the turnoff onto Bendigo Loop Road and onto Mines Road to the carpark. The day was overcast with periods of drizzle so required jackets off and on as needed.

They are on their way. Photo & caption Phil

Morning tea. Photo & caption John

Working out where Tarras Airport is? Photo & caption Phil

This track is 10.6km long, with elevation gain of 487vertical metres. It is a rugged trail with steep sections, but the elevation gains give you views from the Old Woman Range to the Saint Bathans. Underfoot it’s a variation of grass, tussock, rocky outcrops, with some good cover from the Kanuka and Manuka bush, Lunch was at the skyline ridge. Moving time for our tramp was just over 4 hours. Once back to the cars we drove up the hill to have a look at the relics of the old goldmining settlement of Welshtown, stone buildings and mineshafts from a bygone area. After much discussion we agreed the track rating would be 4.5.

The 3 hikers. Dave, Helen and Raewyn. Photo & caption Helen

The Hikers (3) enjoyed a walk on the track to Old Cromwell Town for coffee and return 5.2km each way.

Team Raewyn’s tea. Photo & caption Phil

Link to next day.

<<– Link to previous day

Sunday 5th March – Tramping:
Day 2 –Kawarau River Track.
Due to rain overnight and start of Sunday morning we changed our walk to River Walk from Bannockburn Bridge up Kawarau River track (combined walk). Some walked return and others were given a lift back to camp where we had lunch. (4.5km each way) Very interesting walk which one day will join up with the carpark at the Goldfields Mining Centre.

Beautiful views. Photo & caption Helen

The long and winding road. Photo & caption John

Morning mist lifts on another day. Photo & caption John

In the afternoon Ross took us to the Quartz Reef Point Track about 6kms up the lake from the Cromwell bridge for a brisk 30 min walk from the carpark to view the formation of diggings in the shape of leaves (herringbone tailings).

Hope this is worth it. Photo & caption John

No need to go to the gym back in the day. Photo & caption John

Some travelled back to Cromwell Pool for well-earned spa & swim while others visited Highland Park racetrack.

Boys and their toys. Photo & caption John

Photo Helen

This one took John’s fancy. Photo & caption Helen

Helen laying down the law to her ‘boys’. Photo & caption Phil

Link to next day –>>

<<– Link to previous day.

Monday 6th March – Tramping.
Day 3 – Bannockburn Sluicings, Stewart Town, Long Gully Loop Track

Beautiful weather for start of the day. Lunches made. We left cars at Bannockburn Camp just a short distance from School Camp and headed along Domain Road/Gibson Road to the start of sluicings and up to Stewart Town for morning tea with all of group.

High Tea under the trees at Stewart Town. Photo & caption Phil

Heather’s photographic skills to the fore. Photo & caption John

Lovely old house. Photo & caption Helen

Here hikers and trampers parted ways, the hikers walking around through sluicings to Felton Road and back to carpark via coffee stopover.

Hikers at lunch at the Black Rabbit cafe in Bannockburn. Photo & caption Helen

The trampers headed further afield to complete Long Gully Loop Track 7kms, a steady uphill climb, where we stopped for lunch at the top and admired magnificent views of Bannockburn, its wineries and further down to Cromwell and Lake Dunstan. We couldn’t have chosen a better day; the scenery was amazing. Lunch over and back down steep incline to complete Loop Track, a tired but very satisfied group on completion of track.

Boundary riders. Photo & caption Phil

We did it. Photo & caption Phil

A long way down. Photo & caption John

Views of the Felton road vineyard. Photo & caption Neil

Many sore and tired muscles took refuge in the pool back at camp.

Wyn savouring Keith’s cooking. Photo & caption Phil

Neil started the evening meal with his version of grace, very apt for our group. Our yummy meal was followed by Neil’s quick wit for ‘News of the Day’ very entertaining thanks Neil. Shona and Keith arrived just in time to assist with meal preparation.

Link to next day –>>

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.

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Keen to start the tramp (photo & caption John)

17 of us met up in Wakari Road at the carpark for the Redwoods bike tracks on a cloudy morning and headed off into the maze at 9.20am. It’s a lovely meander through the very tall trees. We emerged at the Booth Road end of the Pineapple track and took the track up to the water treatment plant.

Morning Tea at the pumping station (photo & caption John)

We had morning tea there a little after 10am on the uphill side before heading into the bush behind the plant. This was the entrance to the original Pineapple Track which was replaced by the current one in the late 1970s. Within a few minutes on a faint unmarked trail we crossed the McGouns Track  and kept on straight up. The track is reasonably obvious. It was a bit greasy in places but is a nice contrast with the new track.

Mind your step (photo & caption Phil)

We emerged into the open area beside the new Pineapple Track but didn’t head over to Pineapple Point viewpoint as we’d been enveloped in cloud by then.

Regroup in the bush (photo & caption John)

Instead we retreated a little way back down the way we’d come before heading south through the bush, contouring around to the middle part of the Davies Track. There’s a slight ground trail, and some markers, probably noting trapping lines. Plus lovely big Totara trees and impressive cabbage trees. Towards the Davies Track there are blue triangle markers for another trap line and this leads on to the Davies Track about halfway up. We had a look at the alligator swamp but they were all hiding.

Feels like the jungle in Borneo (photo & caption Phil)

The upper part of the track was fairly muddy and slippery. Eventually we emerged from the bush, just below the cloud. After the fire a few years ago, the flax and gorse and grass are growing back, and it was saturated. With nowhere dry to stop, we carried on up to the Flagstaff Walkway and then a few more minutes towards the top where we found a sheltered dry spot beside the track for lunch, at about 12.45pm.

Lunch on a handy bank (photo & caption John)

After lunch we zoomed across the summit, then down a little way towards the Bullring. You have to keep your eyes out for the Spiers Road track branching off to the left, over the ridge and then plunging down towards Halfway Bush.

Within sight of civilization (photo & caption John)

After the light rain of the night before the track needing a bit of care.

Ross explains the site of the original road out of Dunedin (photo & caption John)

This was the route of the Snowy Mountain Road, the first overland route out of the new Dunedin to the north, over Flagstaff, over Swampy, over Hightop, and on north to Johnny Jones’ Cherry Farm at Waikouaiti via what is now the Mountain Road forestry road.

Ben Rudd’s stonewal (photo & caption Phil)

Further down we passed Ben Rudd’s stone wall, and then the site of a plane crash in 1943 which everyone survived, including the plane! From the bottom of Spiers Road it was a 30-minute street walk back to the cars, checking out the houses and gardens along the way. Most repaired to Coffee Culture in the olde Roslyn fire station for the de-brief.

Thanks Gwenda for helping out, and to everyone for sharing in another happy adventure.

Ross

Tramp details: Distance – 13 kms; height gain – 730 m; moving time – 3.75-4 hrs; elapsed time – 6.25 hrs.
Discussion afterwards agreed 4 or 4.5 for grade and I’m comfortable with 4.5 because of the extra height gain and the proportion of rough track involved.

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Thanks again to 15-year managers Chris and Lucy Thomson for allowing us on their farm, split by the stream with an altitude of 180 to 700m above sea level.  These 4550 hectares of steep exposed hill country run, alongside 10,880 ewes, 750 mixed aged Angus cows, including 200 yearlings in-calf heifers, recently scanning 97% in calf. The yearling girls well and truly pay their way going to the bull at 350-390kg LW an impressive feat given Lambhill’s challenging climate. (all other history can be looked up on the internet.)

We had 11 hardy trampers battle into a cold NE wind. We worked up from the airstrip a km before heading through the first gate and then headed NW into good terrain of green paddocks. We worked over to what was a tree line now removed, heading off more west beside the Angus cows and calves and then numerous paddocks of sheep with a lot of twin lambs.

Heads down into a cold southerly wind Caption and photo Pam

Lynn did her job of herding a lamb back to her mum. After an hour and a half we arrived at the top of the hill looking down on Fiddlers Hut and 3 O’clock Stream.

Descending to Fiddlers Hut across the stream. Caption and photo Ross

We found a crossing that wasn’t too deep and crossed the stream ready for lunch at hut by 12.44 pm.

 

“Walking on water”- 3 O’Clock Stream Caption and photo Pam

 

Lunching at Fiddlers Hut. Caption and photo Ross

Inside Fiddlers Hut Caption and photo Pam

After lunch, we decided to return around the ridge to the east, 10 minutes in we thought we could hear the squeal of a falcon or its chicks, so we moved as quickly as possible not to disturb.

We could hear the Falcon’s calling in this gully. Caption and photo Pam

We then needed to head to the top of the ridge so we could work out how to return the way we had arrived. It was hard work and the wind was unforgiving.

Uphill With a Tail Wind – Phil to the fore Caption and photo Ross

So with a few rest stops’ we headed back to the cars. I must admit we were not quite as chirpy as the case on the way down. It was an impressive property but only the hardy would survive the wind. Back to the car, we munched on some chocolate goodies to revive energy.

Hindon must be a lonely spot in winter, but the land has magic not seen that often.

Thanks to tail-end Charlie Gwenda.  Phil

Dist 16.51km  elevation 628m time 4hrs actual walking (ala strava)

16km to Fiddlers Hut Screenshot and caption Sarah

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Distance from car-park: 24 Km.

MacTaggart St track closed for lambing September and October.

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 Phil

Standing alongside James Macandrew’s grave and memorial Caption and photo Phil

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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

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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)

10.  23/11/2022. Trampers. Three Peaks, Escarpment, Cloud Forest Loop. Grade 3.5. 26km. Leaders: Clare Noakes, Jill Reid.

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 »

Tramp area map

Suggest leave Mosgiel 8.30am to get to ‘Little Peak about 1km above ‘Walrus rock’.

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

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9/11/2022. Trampers. Sawyers Bay Mt Cutten. Leaders Lyn and Diane

18 Trampers met at Reservoir Road after experiencing civil works and road closures.The weather was favourable with the promise of great views from the Mt Cutten summit. Mt Cutten was named after William Cutten who was an early settler, involved in the establishment of the Otago Daily Times. Cutten built a house located in Sunshine, Dunedin called Belmont which later became known as La Scala restaurant owned by the Massetti Family in 1955.

Morning tea at the first reservoir. Photo & caption Marijke

We had morning tea at the Sawyers Bay Reservoir then made our way up the track through native bush and pine trees to reach the road which headed up the hill to Cedar Creek Reservoir which was constructed in the 1950s as a backup water supply for Port Chalmers. It is no longer used, and the pipeline is now connected to the DCC supply.

Crawling from the dark into the lightness. Photo & caption Marijke

Striding it out through the pines. Photo & caption Pam

Photo Lyn

It was a steady climb to top of Mt Cutten where we had lunch enjoying the spectacular 360-degree views some of which included Port Chalmers, the Peninsula, The Spit at Aramoana and the harbour entrance at Taiaroa Heads.

Stunning views towards the harbour entrance. Photo & caption Marijke

We walked along a massive cliff on the harbour side to view a stainless-steel sculpture of a entangled telegraph pole which was created by Andrew Drummond a New Zealand Sculptor and Painter who paid tribute to Len Lye. (Len Lye 1901-1980 was born in Christchurch, Len was internationally recognised as one of the 20th century most original artists, Pioneer Film Maker, Poet, Writer and Painter.)

Sculpture tribute to Len Lye, NZ Sculptor 1901-1980, south of the summit. Photo & caption Pam

I can see you Phil! Photo & caption John

After lots of photo opportunities and a slight change in the weather we headed back down the track to cedar creek reservoir to walk the track around the water edge making sure we had a team photo on the bridge.

Timer photo (I’m taller than I thought). The full group. Photo & caption John

Unfortunately, we were either too late or too early for the Rhododendrons in flower. We will have to put Mt Cutten on the trip programme for 2023.

Mirror reflection on upper Cedar Creek reservoir. Photo & caption John

Some of the vehicles headed over North Road to avoid road works and to have a coffee and ice cream at Black Road Grocer. A great day with amazing views and excellent company.
Trip distance 10.3 ks elevation Mt Cutten 539 metres.

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

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

Autumn weather as we circumnavigate the lower reservoir Caption and photo Ross

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

Cedar Dam Caption and photo Phil

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

Photo Lyn

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

Soggy sandwiches for lunch Caption and photo Phil

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

Next time Caption and photo Phil

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

Descending towards the cars Caption and photo Ross

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

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

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

Lyn Keene

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

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

About 18 hikers parked cars in Station Rd, Sawyers Bay, on a pleasant morning and set off for an area most of us hadn’t been to before. From the cars we headed up Station Rd, turning right into Stevenson Avenue and then left into Reservoir Road. Had our morning tea sitting by the side of the road admiring the view across the harbour to Larnach Castle. Then it was on past the Golf club to the end of Reservoir Road. Back down a short distance and then we turned in to a track that lead us to the reservoir which was in such a lovely setting in the bush with a variety of trees, including deciduous, which added to the colours.There was a track right round and we walked round this, enjoying birds and bush.

Reservoir above Sawyers Bay (Bill pic)

Fore…. (Bill pic and caption)

… and aft. (Elaine pic. Bill caption)

The Crocodile (Bill pic and caption)

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

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1. 29/06/2022. Invermay/Silverstream (combined trampers and hikers). Leaders Grant and Barbara

We saw our names listed on the upcoming trips beside the Invermay walkway.  As we both had spent most of our working careers at Invermay (80+ years between us), we used some institutional knowledge to make our plans.

Our recce for this adventure was based on a presumed 15 (or maybe 20 if we’re lucky) hikers and we made our plans accordingly.  The Invermay campus café was particularly happy to oblige as he had a busy week of catering events, and this number would be a walk in the park; so to speak.

After we had posted our ‘preview’ things changed and interest mushroomed.  Over the week preceding the hike, numbers had risen to 53 for lunch, dipped for some late Covid catchers, and risen again with some late notifications (or those whose attendance had escaped me!).

Wednesday 29 June 2022, dawned overcast, with an ominous red glow (well it was ominous if you were a hike leader).   A pre-meet check of the previously placed blocks across the Silverstream, under the rail bridge, and a whip around to our old stamping ground to check on the room set up, confirmed we were as organised as it was possible to be when one party had been awake since 4am contemplating what could go wrong (or whether the distance was manageable … for him).

With both tramper and hiker emergency bags available to us, there were extra fluoro jackets available which was a bonus.  After a brief meet & greet, we left the rugby club – almost on time.  One leader attempted to pass on (her) anxiety about timeframes, as lunch was being provided for 12-sharp.  A hiking visitor offered to don a fluoro jacket and was asked to keep count of hikers, a role he performed admirably considering the number of folk joining us enroute – including some who joined us on the banks of the Silverstream as we were virtually passing their back door.  A brief morning tea stop was allowed at the Taieri Airport, where it was thought helicopter activity would keep any aviation enthusiasts happy; albeit briefly.

Morning tea at Heli Otago (photo & caption John)

At this time, a new member phoned a leader to ask where the group was (note to friends of new members / Committee – remember to emphasise the variation in summer & winter start times to newbies).  He’d thought the start time was 10am.  A quick trip was made from the rugby club carpark around to the airport, where he left his vehicle, and our numbers rose further. On his arrival, we departed single-file-ish along Stedman Road behind the airport buildings with a vehicle in front flashing hazard lights warning oncoming traffic of our impending approach!

Crossing the road, we dropped down to the Silverstream, managing the gate obstacle in whatever fashion best suited each individual, and under the rail bridge.  Those who had feared getting their feet wet making the crossing, were audibly relieved to find vibrapac blocks strategically placed and the majority managed to cross without their fears being realised.  Those with poles managed much easier – and thanks to all those who shared their poles with comrades.

Silverstream crossing under the rail bridge (photo & caption Barbara)

We continued the length of the track north of the railway line towards the Puddle Alley Picnic area.

Regrouping stop with the roosters (photo & caption John)

Leader #2 was there before us and had alerted the tree surgeons who were working on the eucalypts right beside the track that a large party was heading their way.  They kindly turned off their gear as we came in sight up the rise, letting us safely past.  As we dropped down the short steep little track leading to the picnic area proper (which was slippery with overnight damp) we were met by more members.  Without really pausing, we continued across the picnic spot to rejoin the track heading under the bridge at Puddle Alley, continuing on the next extension of the track.  The track had been temporarily closed up until a week before we were due to use it (which had caused us some mild ‘panic’).  As it is now reopened, we’ve included a photo of the new signage so that members who weren’t with us have a heads up of the “rules”.

User beware (photo & caption Barbara)

The track meandered beside the Silverstream for a kilometer or two until we reached the gate indicating the end of public access.

Last leg of the accessible Invermay track (photo & caption Barbara)

Having previously received permission from AgResearch the group continued up through the former dump site.  Beehives were visible but didn’t interfere with progress.  Navigating the hill up to the forestry we had been asked to avoid the last 700m of the Invermay walking track which remains incomplete, and instead we continued on the right-hand side up the farm track to a lookout point over the Taieri Plain.

A reminisce or two from Grant (photo & caption Barbara)

Grant gave the group a brief explanation of the science that had occurred on the farm visible to us from this point, including the development of the exotic sheep quarantine farm with its double fencing, all completed in double quick time and the introduction of the East Friesian sheep semen through AI into the locally bred Coopworth ewes.  On completion of this exercise, part of the original quarantine area was redeveloped to allow possums (in particular their reproduction) to be studied (with a view to limiting it!).  Unfortunately, time did not permit a visit to the residual feed intake building where frequency and duration of eating bouts as well as amount consumed are recorded for individual animals (maybe another time!) so we proceeded down the farm road past the building now housing K9MD and VetEquine.

New building where the K9MD dogs are trained (photo & caption Pam)

We stopped again at the shearing shed where Grant pointed out the Portable Accumulation Chambers for measuring methane emissions from individual animals and further on, the CT Scanner building.

Grant explaining his sheep methane testing device (photo & caption John)

Road to Invermay with Mosgiel in the background (photo & caption Pam)

By now we were really conscious of the time, and headed for the Cullen Conference Centre which had been booked for our increased numbers, passing the oak tree planted in memory of Crop & Food staff who had perished in a plane crash in Christchurch in 2003.

Even more members met us for the lunch part of the day.  The room was warm, the food appetising, the tea & coffee welcome; and stripped of footwear, backpacks and jackets, we selected our eats, took a seat and partook of conversation.

Lunch and talk (photo & caption Helen)

Following lunch, we were joined by Pauline Blomfield of K9 Medical Detection (K9MD) Trust, who gave a fascinating talk on her work training and using dogs to detect prostate and bowel cancers, with a view to also detecting breast cancer.  There is no public funding available for this work and as a result a large part of her time is directed towards worrying where the $500K that is required annually to simply keep the doors open is coming from.

Introduction to K9MD with Pauline Blomfield (photo & caption Barbara)

The success rates Pauline provided on the correct detection results for the dogs was inspirational, and in proposing a vote of thanks we were proud to present her with over $300 collected from TRTC members during lunch.  Thanks heaps, all of you!  For anyone else who would like to know more, visit https://www.k9md.org.nz/ and if you’d like to contribute visit here  https://www.k9md.org.nz/help-us/donate.

View in Invermay (photo & caption Helen)

On re-booting ourselves, some folk left us at this point and the remainder headed back towards the farmyard and the stock route underpass to avoid having to cross Puddle Alley.  Traversing an underbridge was something new for a few members.  Up the little rise, through the gate, and we found ourselves back in the vicinity of the tree-fellers.  The return along the track to the river crossing seemed to take no time, and again no members were lost in the crossing.

Exiting Invermay’s underpass at Puddle Alley (photo & caption Barbara)

By now, the front “runners” could smell home and headed off for the rugby grounds car park.  The driver and the car left at the airport were reunited and they headed home to Dunedin.   There was a brief stop for some stone fence lessons and those who had joined us enroute now peeled off.

Having briefly enquired about a coffee stop before we left, and there being no obvious demand, the remainder of us said our goodbyes at the car park and headed to our respective homes.

On behalf of the Leaders, and all those wearing fluoro, thanks for your good-humoured company.

Barbara and Grant

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