After a few concerns about the weather earlier in the week we were greeted with a cracker of a day. The Dunedin crew met at Woodhaugh Gardens as usual with our team leader deciding she simply must put on a pair of leggings to protect her legs whislt she “crushed” the overgrown grass that greeted us on our recce the previous week.
6. 21/02/2024. Tramp. Blackrock. Leaders: Jill and Neil
13 trampers had a “Rock Day” beginning with rock music at Peter Johnson Park where athletic sports were about to start.
We tramped the reverse route from last time after parking in Ash Beattie’s yard. The day was sunny, became warmer as time went on and the expected wind proved to not be a problem. Morning Tea was enjoyed at the Black Rock.
This page of club tramps and hikes on the Otago Peninsula groups together trips to Boulder Beach from Macandrew Bay (Greenacres St), Braidwood Road. These trips will often include the Paradise, Highcliff Tracks.
Background Information:
(1) From Macandrew Bay proceed up Greenacres St / Track which exits onto Highcliff Road. Turn right onto Highcliff Road and proceed to the start of Paradise Track. This track will take you to Boulder Beach.
(2) Proceed along Highcliff Road and turn left (past Pukehiki) onto Seal Point Road. Follow this road and turn right onto Braidwood Road. At the end of this road is Highcliff Track. Follow this track through the dunes to the junction with Paradise Track then right to Boulder Beach.
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
Boulder Beach (2024 – 1991) 18 trips – 6 with reports and photos, 2 with photos only, 11 with no reports or photos.
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.
17. 13/03/2024. Trampers. Carey’s Creek, Rongomai, Honeycomb Tracks. Grade 3.5. $11. 39km. Leaders: Pam Cocks, Graeme Souter.
15. 06/03/2024. Combined. Waikouaiti
13 trampers had a “Rock Day” beginning with rock music at Peter Johnson Park where athletic sports were about to start.
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
