Category: Trampers

No. 70 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Orokonui. Big Tree. January – Late April”.
Distance from PJP 36km.

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5. 19/07/2023. Trampers. Orokonui Circuit. Grade 3. Leaders: Karen McInnes, Esther Willis.

Mosgiel trampers met the town trampers at Waitati then travelled to the Doctors Point car park.

25 trampers began the trek along the beach in mild weather looking toward the horizon with calm sea and a very photogenic sky.

We walked through the rock arches …

… and carried on to the headland, which was the site of the Mapoutahi Pa, for our morning tea in warming temperatures.

We then headed through the trees on a 4wd track skirting the puddles as we went. We walked the road around the Purakaunui Inlet …

… then turned off at the Purakaunui Station road to cross the rail tracks and begin the McKessar track. The beginning of the track was a bit muddy and slippery but improved as we ascended through the bush.

There was a lot of debris littering the track from the strong winds we had about four weeks ago.

We stopped at the ruins of original McKessar stone cottage and as the area had been cleared and logged, we were able to investigate the remains of the stone outbuildings.

Lunch was enjoyed at this spot as it was sunny and the clearance afforded a sea view. The next part of the track feels steeper with a full tummy but it’s not long until it meets with the Mopanui Ridgeline track by the Orokonui Ecosantuary.

We regrouped at the top and took in the amazing vistas looking towards the coast, the hills and down to the beautiful Blueskin Bay. We made our way down the track having to skirt a couple of large fallen pine trees, over the crumbling rock wall and onto David’s track. This is a lovey track through the bush before coming out at the top of Whites Road. We then walked back along the road to the carpark. Refreshments were enjoyed at Blueskin Bay Nursery.
Length of tramp is approximately 14km, elevation gain of 472m.
Karen McInnes

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Ten of us left car park and travelled in two cars up to the Orokonui Ecosanctury We were walking round the outside of the fence. Walking  up to the first corner we had our morning tea.

Then a clamber up the 468 meters to the trig at the top of Mopanui.

Worth the climb up as the views were some of the best we had seen anywhere.

Continuing around the fence line to the start of some steep downhill we stopped for our lunch.
Starting on the steep hill we renamed Tumble Hill. Judy lost it on the rolling gravel crashing into Eleanor who crashed and rolled getting a hole in her precious 1980s shorts. No major damage. Then Jay slipped on the gravel as well. The rest of us hugged the fence to keep upright.
We all got right round and had our welcome coffee after out interesting and hardish  almost 10km tramp. – Helen.

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3. 11/2/2004. Trampers. Orokonui, Mopanui. Medium. Leaders: Doug J, Ian, Irene

2. 2/4/2003. All. Orokonui, Blueskin Road, Mopanui. Medium. Leaders: shirley McN, Joyce, Eleanor.

1. 16/3/1994 Orokonui, Blueskin Road, Mopanui. Medium or Medium+. Shirley, Ted, Rob C, Sabina

32 km from carpark.

No. 22 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Government Track Waipori Rd. Year Round.”

Link:  DCC: Mountain biking on Government Track
Link: DCC: Government Track map.

[DCC brochure extract: Government Track. 4 hr 30 min, 17 km (return).
The track entrance is Government Track / Kowhai Spur 5 km down Waipori Falls Rd on the right; parking is 100 m further on the left. Traversing the slopes of the beech-and mānuka-forested Waipori Valley south of Dunedin, the Government Track was built in the 1860s to provide access to the central goldfields. For mountain bikers there is an option of riding up and returning the same way. Alternatively, once at the top follow the pylon track left and steeply down into Waipori township, then follow the road back to the start.]

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34. 3 May 2023. Combined Government Track Grade 3 Hikers Grade 4 Trampers Leaders: Jay, Kay, Sarah and Pam

Trampers: After a winter start time meet n greet, 10 cars converged on the Waipori Gorge starting point for our combined hikers’ and trampers’ foray up the Government Track. For the trampers the route was to take us further up the hill than the hikers, doing a kind of loop at the top of the hill, then descending back to the Government Track for the homeward leg. Originally Phil and Helen Morris were to be leader and tail end charlie, but Phil catching Covid put paid to plan A. Our initial replacement leader also suffered some health gremlins, so Sarah, rather had things sprung on her the night before, but agreed to lead.

Fourteen trampers started out ahead of the hikers (at 10.am), up a surprisingly damp and cool lower section of the track (mild 23-degree temperatures forecast for the day). As we climbed away from the shaded valley floor, and chilling Waipori River, we warmed up quickly.  Accompanying the hikers behind us was a lost, and bewildered looking pig hunting dog (wearing a GPS dog tracking collar), who had been resting under his owner’s ute when we arrived at the car park. Morning tea was enjoyed at 10.30am, not quite at the clearing where it was planned, but on a small bank beside the track. By sheer chance, we soon discovered that the hikers had later stopped around the corner just below us!  That pig dog was still with them but did apparently head back down the hill soon afterwards.

Soon on our way again, by 11.40am we had reached the clearing originally planned for our morning tea stop. An enjoyable wander up the track, admiring the array of toadstools and fungi along the way followed.

Purple toadstools were spotted, and a great variety of toadstools sprouted from rotting logs and tree stumps. It soon dawned on us however, that our slow ramble, could make for a very long day, and late finish. Averaging only 2.5kph for 2 hours meant we were well behind schedule. Why so slow?

Creek crossings, recently fallen trees and large branches, and some technical bits slowed our progress, so we started to speed up on the smoother sections.

Being an old horse and dray track, much of the tramp was on lovely dry, smooth surfaces with a gentle uphill gradient. Sarah, ever vigilant, referring to her topo map, subsequently had us stop for lunch later than originally planned at 1.25pm, where we dined and rested in a section of beech forest, having covered 9.74km at this stage.

By 1.50pm lunchtime was over, and we were on our way at a better clip, reaching the usual tramp lunch stop spot (a clearing by power lines) at 2.00pm. Five minutes later we were at the road, turning right, then soon after turning right again into Dunstan Road.

Our speed along this lightly gravelled road increased substantially, which had us arrive at the “White Doc. Gate” at 2.35pm.

Following the road down from here we arrived at the at the “old hut” at 3.19pm.

Leaving here Sarah’s topo map suggested we cross a large open field curving around the hillside diagonally, Phil’s instructions more conservatively showed a fence-line following along the top then down. Although perhaps with a little initial trepidation, our faith in Sarah’s topo map was vindicated, leading us straight to the power-line clearing strip, in the lower bush, and the stile onto the Government Track, (Never doubted you, Sarah!) at 3.40pm. By 4.25pm we were back at the cars, having covered 18.8km with 4.5 hours moving time (average speed 4.18kph).  A special shout out and thank you to original leader Phil Morris, who despite having Covid, greatly assisted with a set of instructions and map of the tramp Thanks to Sarah as leader and Pam as tail end charlie. A long day, but one with many fond memories.  John

Hikers:  18 keen hikers left PJ Park at 9.30am and travelled down to Berwick where we turned right into Waipori Falls Road and travelled along until we reached the carpark on the left. We took off on our walk accompanied by a dog wearing a GPS collar. Thoughts were that it may have been a pig hunting dog. The walk was a gentle climb through the bush on a reasonably dry track apart from the usual muddy parts which never seem to dry out.

Still the dog followed. About halfway up 2 hikers returned to the carpark followed by the dog.

We carried on up through the bush until we reached open farmland where a bit further on we stopped for lunch overlooking native bushland and forestry.

After lunch we returned the same way back to the cars having walked 7kms.

Coffee was at Wobbly Goat. We all hoped the dog was found by its owner. Today’s leaders were Jay and new member Kay as tail end Charlotte.

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33. 16 November 2022. Hikers Government Track  Grade 3.5 Leaders: Neil and Margreet

The day dawned partly overcast and warm with half-hearted rain showers. 20 eager hikers made their way to the Government Track car park on Waipori Falls Road. After negotiating the muddy beginning, the track soon became dry and pleasant underfoot as we settled in to the gentle 260 metre climb to the bush line.

‘Smoko’ was taken bang on time on the side of the track. Occasional mud patches and washouts were skilfully negotiated until we reached open paddocks with scenic views up the Waipori Gorge.

In order to get a better view, some keen punters climbed to the top of the hill to enjoy their early lunch.

After lunch it was a case of reversing the morning’s effort by trekking back down the beautiful bush clad track to our cars.

But then we were told of a special treat! The hikers were all invited back to Eleanor Ryan’s picturesque Outram home for coffee/tea and home baked cakes! With her lovely garden and trimmed lawns, not to mention her delicious baking; it was an awesome highlight to our day on the Government Track. On behalf of us all Eleanor, thank you for your generous gesture.

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32. 29 September 2021. Trampers. Government Track / Kowhai Spur. M. Leaders Phil and Helen

We set off from Peter Johnstone Park at 9am on a nice mild Mosgiel day heading toward Waipori Falls Road to a parking spot just past start of the bottom of Government Track. This was a track built in 1860 to provide access to the goldfields. Over 20 men were employed to form this publicly funded work. It provided a cheaper alternative to bring horse supplies from Dunedin which previously had been carted from Lawrence.
A good number of 17 trampers headed up the track, muddy at start but soon became well cleared with a gradual 7deg incline most of the way, apart from small creeks that were hard to pass due to slippery and wet rocks.

We continued up the track for an hour and a quarter before young Eleanore hinted that a cuppa would be good, so within 10 mins we found a nice clearing and the call was made, morning cuppa was consumed. At that time two young ladies one from Salt restaurant in St Clair and the other a midwife caught up with our group and we conversed with them as to how far to the top and introduced each other. They were very nice and by lunchtime approx. 8.75km up the track they had stopped for lunch, we had caught up so we joined forces at the clearing and decisions on which way we would tramp from there. So I walked on some approx 50 yards and found the gravel road that I was looking for on map, then returned to the group.

We finished lunch then headed to gravel road, headed right, continuing up until we found an intersection with Styx Road on sign. Did we continue straight ahead or did we go right? After a wee bit of discussion we went straight ahead thinking we were on Styx Road we continued for a km and a half, “wrong”!! An about turn, back to intersection amidst a laugh or two. We should have turned right at the intersection, although I was not a 100% confident, Gwenda and Eleanore, were though. The young lady from Salt had also scooted up 800 yards and returned saying there didn’t appear to be a turnoff. But a decision to continue was made, John also very confident decision was correct. After about 2km in the distance we saw a Dept of Conservation truck so we thought right these fellas would know, so we got closer and a second truck had arrived. Asking them if we were on track for Kowhai Spur Road, they replied YES, phew!!

Go to white iron gate 300 yards ahead and turn right, hill is pretty steep but when you get to hut go in there and over ridge and head down to fence line. They were right and Teresa hinted, when we got there, if you follow tyre marks down the ridge, we should get back to the fence stile. By that stage the ladies we had met said we were on track, Mr Google says so.

A small sun shower went through just after we left the hut, but with much glee we got down to the fence line, and although tired it was great to be out and about, 21.3 km later and 4.45pm we removed the boots and put our tired backsides down on the car seats, job done, good company, and off home, no time for coffee!!
Directions simple – up Government track, lunch at clearing 50 yards from gravel road, turn right to Styx intersection, turn right, 3 km along gravel road to white conservation iron gate, turn right, down hill to hut, over ridge go right, following tyre tracks downhill, to electric fence go left through gate, continue down 40 metres or so then when you feel you should go right go left then straight down to a clearing where the fence line takes you to the stile which is the Government track taking you back to start 18.3 kms.
Cheers for a cool longer but casual day,
Helen and Phil.

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31. 9 June 2021. Hikers. Government Track. E.  Leaders Sue & Kathryn

9 hikers travelled to Berwick on a cold (-1 deg.) but pleasant morning. We proceeded up the track which is a gradual incline on a reasonably dry track. We stopped for morning tea part way up.

Then carried on crossing the stile into paddocks.

After walking a short distance, it became very wet and boggy where cattle had been walking through, so we detoured up the hill and onto a slightly overgrown track in parts. We came into sunshine and a nice area for lunch.

After lunch we walked downhill to the stile and back down the track to the carpark. We all headed to the Wobbly Goat for coffee.

Kathryn Fagg

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30. 28/10/2020. Hikers. Leaders Clive Crossman and Alex Griffen

A Bright sunny morning saw 14 hikers gather on Waipori Road at the entrance to Government track.   Even with the weather being dry parts of the track were muddy and slippery.   After climbing the initial incline the walk levelled out to a pleasant hike under the beech trees and native bush.

Numerous song birds accompanied us on our way.   After an hour we stopped for morning tea with the sun breaking through in patches giving what more romantic writers would describe as ‘dappled shade’.

As we climbed higher we looked down through the forest and became aware how precipitous the track is in places, the steep drop off camouflaged by the dense bush.

The height gave us some spectacular views across the valley with the road snaking away hundreds of feet below us. Eventually we broke through the muddiest part of the track into open paddocks.   The sun had raised the temperature into the mid teens so it was decided the open paddock would be a good place for lunch, however it was a bit early, so we continued for about another kilometre into the bush.

There we saw some corrugated iron that some speculate is the remains of the hut used by the original track makers..

After lunch we returned the way we had come.   With the track being so muddy and slippery in places it is surprising that only one hiker took a ‘dive’.   The degree of difficulty = 0, artistic merit = 0, comment from hiker =  Oh Oh, and laughter.

We made it back to the cars in good time and gathered at the ‘Woobly Goat’ in Outram for afternoon tea where the consensus was that it was a good days hike.

Alex and Clive

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29. 17/10/2019. Trampers. Government Tramp. Leaders: Gordon and Sue.

18 eager trampers (twice as many females today) headed out to Waipori on a mild morning, parked at the Government track carpark and headed off into the hills.  The gradient on the track is enjoyable, gradually climbing to the top.  It was pleasing to see how dry the track was, considering recent rain.  This was obvious with the amount flowing down the Waipori river.

We crossed the stile into a grassy patch and walked for a while before stopping for smoko at 10:30am.

Onwards through mature Silver Beach, Kanuka and Manuka.

Also, the odd creek crossing and windfall trees, one you climb under, the rest you climb over!  One spot has about a 100 metre scramble to get through.

After hiking just on 8.5 kms we reached Shaw Road at 1:45pm and enjoyed the sit down in sunshine for lunch and a chat.

We proceeded along the road for 2km’s  before reaching the pole track, which has a very steep descent, however, the views over the Taieri plains, the Taieri river, the Sinclair wetlands and the Lakes are well worth stopping to admire.  (In July 2018 we had light covering of snow and a slippery trip down)

At the top of the Kowhai Spur we headed right through the gate into farmland, passing a Musterers hut, then a herd of healthy Hereford cows with happy calves at foot.

Sidling around and down paddocks we arrived back to the stile, and once again—-looking like a very long caterpillar, enjoyed the hike through the bush to the cars.

Deciding not to stop at Wobbly Goat for coffee because it was near closing time.

The Government track was built in the 1860’s to provide access to the Goldfields.  Over 20 men were employed to form this publicly funded work.  Was never much more than a bridle track and unsuitable for wheeled traffic.  When completed it provided a cheaper alternative route to bring in horse drawn supplies from Dunedin, which previously had to be carted via Lawrence.

We hiked a good 18km’s, arriving back to carpark at 4pm.

 

Good company and good weather == another great day out.

Gordon and Sue

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28. 12/9/2018. Hikers. Government Track. Leaders: Clive and Lester.

25 Hiker set out from beside the Waipori River.

At first the track was slippery and boggy. Then as we got up into the bush a walk up a steady incline was enjoyed by all.

Until….  we hit the next patch of boggy ground and we had to negotiate more slippery track, made a bit worse by the cattle that had churned up the path. The weather was kind and we made it to the 5km mark before deciding that was far enough and returned to the open paddock for lunch.

We then made our way back the way we had come trying to find the less slippery and boggy part of the path. The views from up the top were great.

We all made it safely to the cars and then onto Topiary for afternoon tea.  – Clive & Lester

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27. 25/7/2018. Trampers. Government Track. Leader: Sue.

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26. 30/8/2017. Trampers. Government Track. M. Leader: Dave.

14 keen  trampers met at the carpark near the start of the Government track on Waipori Road.  We soon started on the track noting the 4 twisted manuka trunks at the side of the track.  The track has a gentle grade and is 8.5km long.

The reason for the gentle grade and generous width of this track lies in its origin as the original “road” from Berwick through to the Waipori gold fields. Over 20 men were employed during the 1860’s to form this publicly-funded work, which was never much more than a bridle track unsuitable for wheeled traffic. When completed, it provided a cheaper alternative route to bring in supplies (horse drawn) from Dunedin, which previously had to be carted round via Lawrence.

Morning tea was had over the style, up the ridge, in the sun and on time at 10am!

We continued up the track which is through native bush, mainly manuka, kanuka and silver beech

. There were occasional views out to the Waipori valley and surrounding hills. A number of big tree trunks lying over the track were either scrambled under or over. There was plenty of talking and hilarity on this trip which was great!

Lunch break was at the top of the track, again in the sun.

We then continued along the forestry road and stopped at the highest point (580 metres) where there were great views all around,

particularly Maungatuas, Lammerlaws and Rock and Pillar range.  Moving on to the top of the kowhai spur we stopped to get panoramic views of the Taieri plain, very clear because of the fine day. The kowhai spur is aptly named as it is steep and feet can move to the front of your boots! The next break was at a farmer’s workers hut

before heading down the ridge, through some bush and back on to the bottom of the Government track.  A number of birds were heard and sighted including kereru (wood pigeon) and bellbirds. On getting back to the cars we found we had covered 18.5km. A fair walk!

It was then off to the wobbly goat (with some wobbly legs) in Outram for a well, deserved coffee and more chit chat.

A great group to be with – Dave M.

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25. 23/11/2016. Hikers. Government Track. E. Leaders: Jim and Betty.

The party consisted of 23 people.

The weather’s appearance was indifferent.  But the Government track up the Waipori Gorge afforded good shelter in the bush.  The condition of the track was excellent [thanks to track-clearing by the leaders on their recce, especially on the zig-zag beginning – ed.] and this track has a very moderate consistent gradient.  The return was a slight downhill grade & a total of approximately 9.5 kms was covered. Lunch stop …

… was brief as there was drizzle approaching.   On the return to the car park some hikers took an old short cut which gave them a minute advantage.

Hot drinks were enjoyed at the Wobbly Goat in Outram, …

… before returning to Mosgiel. – Betty and Jim.

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24. 17/2/2016. Trampers. Government Track. Leader: Various.

At the car park, Bush Road, we looked towards the silver peaks. It was raining. We were told the wind was 50k plus, so we changed our mind and decided on the Government Track.

Arrived at the lower Waipori car park. In front of us was bright blackberries. To the left a tree full of apples, and a deafening sound of crickets.

Five of us set off up Government Track. Morning tea at the grass clearing. No wind, little sun.

At the top of the Government Track, we had lunch in the sun.

After lunch, walked along …

… and down the pole line to the hut.

Turned right, found a tape marker which led us over and down to the style on the track just below where we had morning tea. Carried on down the track to the car park.
Heard lots of wood pigeons and bellbirds. A great day’s tramp. About 17k, and quite warm temperatures. – Heb.

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23. 21/10/2015 Hikers. Government Track. Leaders: Betty and Jim.

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22. 27/5/2015. Trampers. Government Track, return part Kowhai Spur.

The day looked suspect, with some light drizzle, but the turn out at the carpark was very good, & we had 6 members on our adventure for the day. We motored out to the carpark at the Government Track where it was cold & still drizzling, so it was on with the rain jackets before we set off. Once into the bush, the rain became a non issue, but everybody kept their jackets on to combat the cold.
We had a short stop for morning tea,

then pushed on towards the very muddy part of the track, just before the open grassed area, where we hoped that our planned route would bring us back to on the return journey. The track was in excellent condition, as it had just been cleared, apart from some large trees down across the upper part, which we had to crawl under.We stopped just short of the top for lunch, as there was a cool wind blowing, & the bush gave us shelter. Then it was onto the Poleline track…

…which had some snow remnants lying on it.

We estimated the distance to the top of Kowhai Spur to be about 1Km, but were surprised to find it was actually over 2kms, but when we got to the top & looked down on the amazing views of the Taieri & surrounds,

it was worth the trudge through the snow. We made our way down the steep track till we came to the hut on the true right of the spur,

where we left the spur, & went down through a very steep paddock heading back to the Government Track. This part of the trip was quite hard, due to the steepness, & the muddy tracks formed by cattle movement. However, we were soon within sight of the Government Track, & didn’t even have to climb a fence to get back onto it. We came out at the first fence with a stile over it, [the boundary of the privately owned land] on the uphill side of the grassed area. Then it was a brisk walk back to the cars, & the trip home, punctuated with a stop at Outram…

…for the “Trampers Coffee Club”. – Ken.

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17. 9/9/2009 Government Track, return Kowhai Spur. Leaders: Ian, Sabina.

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14. 29/11/2006. Hikers. Government Track. Medium. Leaders: Arthur and Barbara.

13. 5/7/2006. Both. Government Track. Leaders: (Easy+): Doug M, Bob H; (Easy):  Arthur & Barbara

12. 21/9/2005 Arthur & Barbara, Bill H, Lance & Lois

11. 22/9/2004. Hikers. Government Track, return. Easy. Leaders: Jack and Rosemary, Frank and Lesley.

10. 26/5/2004 Lesley S, Irene, Les W, Mary M, Ray

9. 22/10/2003. Both. Government Track. Medium. Leaders: Trampers: Helen S, Kerri; Hikers: Mary M, Barbara L.

8. 13/2/2002. Combined. Government Track. Leaders:

7. 6/12/2000. Government Track. Leaders: Jack and Rosemary, Mary Y.

13/9/2000 Bill H, Bill & Pat

6. 7/7/1999. Government Track. Leaders: Les W, Mary M, Ray.

5. 7/10/1998. Government Track. Leaders: Lance and Lois.

4. 16/7/1997. Government Track. Leaders: Hugh, Bill H, Lesley S

3. 23/10/1996. Hikers. Government Track, Waipori. Leaders: Jack and Rosemary, Ted.

2. 14/12/1994. Government Track. Easy. This is a morning walk only, and as it is our last official tramp for the year, please bring some finger food to share for lunch, to be eater at the picnic ground. Leaders: Denise, Mary Y, Les and Mavis.

1. 13/3/1991 Government Track, Waipori Gorge, return Kowhai Spur. Nice bush and tussock walk. Average+. Leaders: Denise, Hugh and Judith, Ria de J

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4. 26/4/2023 Mt Watkin. Trampers. Grade 4.5. Leaders Graeme Thurlow and Phil Keene.

On a cool day 7 trampers came and we headed straight up Mt Watkin first.

With wind in exposed places especially at the top we all enjoyed a rest and a sit down for a well-earned morning tea. Great views of the snow on the Rocky Pillars but slightly misty in the distance.

Descending all agreed it was a grade 5.

A welcome rest was needed amidst the rocks before continuing to the boundary fence with Smith’s farm. Graham T’s jovial comments “We haven’t got far to go’ received responses like “Yeah, right??”

After the descent to Smiths boundary when we looked at distance and time, we were shocked at how little distance we had gone for the time it took.

Now easy going to the rewards of the blackberries near the boundary and onto lunch at the DCC hut which was wired and set up for entertainment with LED lights!

Further on down the western track we exited into long grass circled by forest and then entering the forest we bush bashed.

Zig zagging and encountering vines we continued down until finally reaching the creek for our climb up and out finally to a track out through a gate into Noone’s property.

A longish walk back to the car and comments were ‘It’s good we knocked the b…. (Mt Watkin) at the start of the day’ and not had to tackle it at the end of the day.

Good comradeship, jovial comments and laughter eased the challenges of the day.

Thanks to David Smith and Zac Noone for giving permission to tramp on their property.

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Distance from car-park: 17 km.

Hope Hill, Wallace’s Farm – Information and Trips Library

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14. 25/1/2023. Trampers. Hope Hill. Grade 4 Leaders: Diane and Marijke

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

More downhill 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.

Thank you also to Lyn for coming with us on the recce and helping us on the day.

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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

which was pretty steep at times, arriving at the top for Smoko amongst some tussocks sheltering  us from a coolish breeze.

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.

It was easy going for a start but got quite steep on the last half,

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.

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

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.

A great tramp, great workout, great views, great company. Distance 14kms. – Gordon.

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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,

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

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,

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.

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.

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11. 20/4/2016. Hikers. Hope Hill from McLaren Gully Road. M. Leaders: Lester and George.

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10. 16/2/2011. Hikers. Hope Hill from McLaren Road. Moderate. Leaders: Peter and Wendy.

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9. 21/1/2009 Trampers. Wallaces’ Farm on Hope Hill and Forest tracks. Medium. Leaders: Keith, Glenice, George

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).

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8. 28/5/2008. Trampers. Hope Hill from McLaren Road. Easy+. Wallaces’ Farm on Hope Hill Leaders: Ian, Pat

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

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

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7. 14/6/2006. Trampers. Hope Hill. Easy+. Leaders: George, Bruce.

6. 17/11/2004. Both. Hope Hill from McLaren Road. Leaders: Hazel, George, Lesley G, Lesley S.

5. 10/4/2002. Hope Hill. Medium. Leaders: George, Ria L, Elaine.

4. 13/6/2001. Hope Hill. Medium. Leaders: Myrie and Doug, Audrey K

3. 11/4/2001. Hope Hill. Leaders: Les and Margaret, Bev H.

2. 27/3/1996. Hope Hill. Medium. Leaders: Margaret and Les, Bill H, Lesley S.

1. 7/7/1993. Hope Hill. Easy+. Leaders: Les and Margaret, Ivan and Bev.