Taieri Recreational Tramping Club

Boulder Beach closed December – January during yellow eyed penguin nesting and moulting.

Distances from car-park: Top of Buskin Track 24 km, Glenfalloch 24 km, Macandrew Bay 25 km.

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25/05/2022.  Trampers.  Greenacres, Buskin, Paradise Tracks. M. Leaders: Anne and Rod Ward

It started as a cold blustery day when we departed from Mosgiel, proceeding down the bay with white caps plentiful on the harbour. 14 hardy souls started the Greenacres Track at 0940.

Conditions were better than expected once we started our journey up Greenacres Track and turned right to walk along Highcliff Road to the start of the Buskin Track.

We stopped for a cuppa at the start of the Buskin Track then proceeded down the track to the junction of Paradise Track. Buskin Track was surprisingly sheltered from the cold southerly wind.

After a side walk to Boulder Beach which was spectacular with crashing waves, foam whipping up the beach and blustery cold wind we returned to a sheltered spot at the start of the Paradise Track for lunch.

Ascending up Paradise Track without stopping and a cold southerly on our backs we again joined Highcliff Road then back down Greenacres Track to our vehicles.

Everyone enjoyed the walk and as tramp leader I must congratulate everyone for being so well prepared for the extreme conditions that never eventuated.

Finished our walk at 1440 and headed to “The Duck” at Macandrew Bay for a well-deserved coffee.

Anne & Rod Ward

(Elapsed time 4h 45m)

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13/04/2022 Trampers. Glenfalloch and Beyond. M Leaders: Pam and Helen

Glenfalloch’s name is Gaelic and means “Hidden Valley”.  Glenfalloch was established in 1871 by George Russell. It covers 12 hectares (30 acres). In 1917 Philip Barling purchased Glenfalloch and it was opened to the public by his son in 1956. It was brought by the Mills family in 1960 and in the late 1960’s the Otago Peninsula Trust purchased the property.  We can be very grateful to have this asset to enjoy every season of the year.

9.40am saw Phil and his harem of nine set off through the woodland gardens of Glenfalloch following a path which took us to the Bridal Lawn, over the Russell stream bridge to admire the ferns and woodland foliage before climbing up many steps to a four-wheel drive track and the start of our first big ascent.

As we steadily climbed, this track petered out into a single overgrown track which took us to the boundary line.

Here we pushed our way through low Manuka branches to the fence where packs and poles were thrown over before we squeezed through the wires.

Then it was a steady zigzag climb up Claremont Farm to just below Highcliff Rd where we stopped for morning tea while enjoying the great vista’s back over the city, the sparkling water of the harbour and to Port Chalmers and beyond. Jill D’s birthday treat of easter eggs got us going again walking up Highcliff Road for 15mins to Penzance Kennels and the start of Buskin track.

This track weaved its way down the side of the hill, again with spectacular views now of the Pacific Ocean and rolling farmland out to Sandfly Bay. This single file track was mostly grass with the odd churned up muddy patches trampled by cattle, but some boards had been placed in situ. We eventually came to a junction with Braidwood track to Boulder Beach and Highcliff Track to the right. We continued on the Highcliff track through clumps of macrocarpa trees until we came out in the open again.

The track weaved its way towards the sea and then suddenly it was a steep grunt up to the top to the White Rocks (lichen covered) for lunch.

Again, enjoying spectacular views over Boulder Beach, towards Sandfly Bay and Mt Charles, Phil handed around chocolate treats from Betty and Jim (thank you soo much).

With the sugar rush we were off again and, as we walked around a corner, the views changed again to Tomahawk, St Clair Beach and Black head. When Highcliff Track finished, we continued on Karetai Rd to where it meets Highcliff Rd.  A 20-minute walk down Highcliff Rd brought us to the unmarked District Track.

Once Phil cleared the grass around the stile, we scrambled down through long grass following the fence line for 20 mins to another stile and from there continued through trees towards Portobello Road.

A very steep final descent brought us onto Portobello Road.

We had a 20 minute walk on the shared pathway to Glenfalloch where we were joined by Raewyn, Claire and Jan for coffee, cake and ice cream on the deck in the last rays of sunshine.

Thank you Helen for filling in at the last minute as Tail End Charlie and to Jason allowing us access through Claremont Farm.  Pam Cocks

 

25 km from car park.

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4. 20/04/2022. Hikers. Kuri Bush, Taieri Mouth. Jim and Betty Finnie.

Conditions were perfect for the 16 hikers as we commenced the hike at 9:40 from a layby south of Kuri Bush.

It was less than a half hour before the morning tea stop was at a prominent firm sand terrace. The tide afforded us a generous beach area for a leisurely meander that quickly changed after the Taieri River Bridge came into view.

It was a little exciting when a rogue seal lunged out of the water and took exception to hikers walking on his beach which required a hiker to take evasive action. I think the seal’s name may have been Vladimir.

The Taieri River Bridge had a very accommodating walk way that took us to our early lunch stop at the boat trailer park on the south side of the bridge.

Retracing our way back to the cars was an uneventful stroll that made a total distance of approximately 10 km. All 16 hikers participated in the after hike stop off at the Brighton Beach Cafe. Service at the Cafe was good as we were the only clients they had while we were there.

In the numerous times that we have done this beach walk it is the first time for us to have crossed this bridge.

Leaders were Jim and Betty Finnie.

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6. 09/02/2022. Trampers.  Purakanui Leaders: Chris Wither and Jill Davie

With low cloud obscuring the hilltops, sixteen trampers headed to the beautiful Purakanui Inlet and parked at the Mopanui Road picnic ground.  The intention had been to climb to the top of Mopanui to enjoy the wonderful views there, but the weather meant a change of plan was required.

After a 2km hike around the edge of the inlet the group stopped for morning tea.

We then headed up steep Purakanui Station Road to Osborne Station.  From there, thanks to Peter remembering that mates from some decades ago used to hike from Osborne to the station to catch the train to school, the group discovered a great 1km long track below the railway line that led through the bush to the Osborne township.

From there we made our way through the pines and over the dunes to Mapoutahi for lunch.

This was followed by the short climb to the centre of the peninsula where there were great views to be had.

We retraced our steps around the Purakanui Inlet to the cars to complete the 14.3km long tramp. Chris

5. 17 November 2021. Hikers. McIntosh Bush. E-M. Leaders: Jan Yardley & Pam Clough

A good number of hikers and trampers (23 in total) travelled up to McIntosh Bush, formerly owned by Marjorie Orr and Colin MackIntosh, now owned by Marjorie’s niece, Hilary Lennox. I was unaware that it was previously owned by Eleanor and Murray Watt. Eleanor was a member of the tramping club for a number of years. Marjorie and Colin still live on the property which consists of 100 acres of native bush and mixed exotics, and a QEII-covenanted bush area.

We were guided by Marjorie, and started off down a road then up the hill past the horse paddocks. Two horses met up with us but didn’t hang around long.

We carried on down through various stands of exotic timber trees which included eucalyptus, macrocarpa, Tasmanian blackwood to a picnic area at the bottom of the gully for morning tea.

We then proceeded through native bush where the rare peripatus worms live and looked at a stream oozing “brown coal” seepage.

Climbed up through an area of pinus radiata to the top edge of the property where we had an excellent view overlooking the Ocean View area.

Walked back down to the picnic area for lunch…

…then headed back to the cars up a very picturesque ferny bush track. Quite a narrow track with lots of wooden steps and tree roots etc. to negotiate. On the way up were numerous tree plantings named after various people associated with the property.

On arriving back at the cars Marjorie offered us a tour of her garden, accompanied by her two dogs – an unexpected extra bonus.

We finished up a successful day with coffee at the Wooden Table in Mosgiel, and we very much appreciated the opportunity to enjoy this special property.

Jan and Pam

Click Silver Peaks Forest for background information on the area.

At 860 metre above sea level the trig station gave stunning views out to Karitani ,Blue Skin Bay, Mt Cargill and Swampy, as we topped the first ridge we could see through Silverpeaks, Hindon, right through to the Wind Turbines above Lake Mahingarangi,  a spectacular piece of country.

The 14.5 km walk was hard due to the elevation, with some steep climbs and some gorse to wade through and the final climb back to the cars  certainly gave us all a good workout.

Peter

3. 31/3/2021. Trampers. Maungatua Traverse. Leaders Eleanore Ryan, Heather Kirk and Arthur Heenan

One of our best tramps ever!!

26 of us were met by Richard from Good Tour Bus Company leaving at 8:25am and driving an hour up to the Woolshed road, past the sheep yards for 3kms (saved an uphill walk) on Horsehoof Station.

The weather was calm, with low cloud and fog in places.  We set off up the access road for about 6kms to the summit at 895 metres.

Smoko was at 10:15am at the aerials, beside the boundary of the D.O.C. Reserve.

The fence into the Reserve was crossed and soon after a little detour to the rock outcrop was had to enable some to test their rock-climbing ability.

We continued upwards following a faint track along the fence line, through scrub, dominated by dracophyllum.  The summit in the rolling tops can now be hard to find as the trig has gone and only the base and a pole remain.  This high point for us was reached at 11:30am.  From here the views were truly spectacular.

This was the end of the days climbing, soon to be followed by about another 9kms down.  We crossed the fence again and stopped for lunch at 12:15pm, amongst colourful, interesting plant varieties.

It was a great walk out in the afternoon, still enjoying beaut views, particularly the intricate set of channels, swamps, and lakes between Waipori and Lake Waihola, and, the Taieri river at the start of the gorge.  Dunedin Airport was small in comparison to the vast Taieri plain.

Continuing downhill we passed the lone rock outcrop before passing by The Three Kings rocks outcrop (which are much more of a landmark when viewed from the flood free highway).   Finally, we came through a patch of native bush, including some great specimens of Beech trees.  Then, rounding a bend we saw our bus was parked up waiting.  We arrived to it at just after 3pm.

We covered about 16kms over 6 hours.

This MAUNGATUA Traverse was a first for all of us, apart from President Arthur. Our thanks to you Arthur for leading us today.  Also, thanks to Heather for leading, along with Horsehoof Station Owners, the van Turnhouts at 3 Kings end and bus driver Richard Trainer.

I hope you all enjoyed this tramp as much as I did.  We are so lucky to have strong bodies and good health to enjoy tramping in the hills we love.

19 km to Kempshall Rd.

2. 5/2/2003. All. Maungatua Traverse. Moderate. Bus. Leaders: Bob H, Ian, Lex.

1. 8/3/1995. Maungatua Traverse. Long Day. Bus at each end. Fare to be notified later. Leaders: Rob Q, George, Eric, Les W

No. 20 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Powder Ridge – Long Ridge. J Roy. Year Round.”
No. 45 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Chalkies Return Long Ridge D Jenkins Year Round”

Location: 7.5 km.

Click Silver Peaks Forest for background information on the nearby area.

DCC land.

Powder Ridge Maintained by Green Hut Track Group.

13. 24/2/2021. Trampers. Powder Ridge. Leaders Jill Reid and Karen McGinnes.

10 trampers set out from Whare Flat to walk up and along Powder Ridge on a fabulous Dunedin  day. We enjoyed birdsong along the Silver Stream and made three creek crossings before  heading up the Powder Ridge track.

The track was in a great condition, and although very steep  in sections, steps cut into the hill make the climb less difficult.

The vegetation changed from  mostly Kanuka and ferns to more alpine plants, then tussock as we neared the 586 m high point.  

Unfortunately wilding Douglas fir trees are becoming established in the tussock. After lunch enjoying the expansive views we began our return trip. A knotted rope on the first  steep section aided us going down ( and up!) 

Neil and Carol had decided about two thirds of the way was enough for them today, and turned  back……sensibly leaving 3 branch arrows along the track to ensure us they were safe & well! 

With temperatures reaching into the high 20’s some of us were very happy to cool our feet on the  creek crossings on the return trip. 

A most enjoyable tramp of about 15 km. 

Jill & Karen

 

12. 19/10/2016. Trampers. Powder Ridge. H. Leader: Arthur.

Eight Trampers made an early start from Mosgiel to conquer Powder Ridge.

The day began sunny and pleasant, but late showers were a possibility.

Parking at the Silverstream Pump-House, we had two river crossings to get onto the Powder Ridge Track. The water was deeper at the weir, giving some wet feet. Being well prepared, they changed into dry socks for the main tramp.

After crossing Powder Creek, we soon found the bottom of the Powder Ridge Track. It was 9.25 a.m. as we started uphill. About thirty minutes of stiff climbing got us up onto the ridge itself. The gradient eases off from here on.

Now seemed like a good time to stop for morning tea and a rest combined.

The track was in good order, for what it is, but that lower part is just about ready for some track clearing – quite a lot of fern fronds overhanging it.

This is a bush track which follows the top of the ridge, ascending mostly, but with the occasional level stretch, or even descending briefly. We kept going, …

… and were finally onto the tussock, and reached the top of the track at noon plus five. We were on top of hill 586 metres. (See the map on page 8.03 in Antony Hamel’s book.), and we could see in all directions: – Saddle Hill and Mosgiel, Maungatua, the Lammermoors away in the distance, Mt Allan, Mt John, Lamb Hill, Pulpit Rock (the pulpit stood out clearly). Round further, – was that Mopanui away over there? – Swampy, and Flagstaff closer by.

It was the best spot in the world to sit down in the tussock and have our lunch. The sun shone down brilliantly, and no wind to contend with.

While others rested and recuperated, …

… the leader did a short recce of the route down to the Long Ridge Track which was visible just below.

At 1.00 p.m. the return journey began, back the way we had gone up. After a while the clouds began to assemble above and later still a light wind appeared.

We kept moving, mostly going down now, but with a stop now and then …

… to rest and regroup. Care was taken going down the steep portion at the bottom, and all were safely back to the Powder Creek junction by 3.20 p.m. where we had a snack/refreshment stop.

No sunshine left now, and a distant peal of thunder had been heard, we headed for the cars. Crossing the Silverstream, wet feet were ignored. Five minutes away from the cars, there was a mighty clap of thunder very close indeed.

But we beat the rain! Very large rain drops began falling as we drove out of the car park. Two km down the road, the rain pelted down, but had stopped by the time we were back to Mosgiel.

Our day’s tramp had covered 14.45 km (thanks, Margreet); the altitude gain must have been close to 500 metres.

The leader would be the first to admit that it had been rather a tough day for him, after the recent battle with the dreaded lurge, and was very pleased to return to the cars. The rest were just as pleased too, and can be very proud of themselves in achieving the day’s objective.

The leader was very gratified to hear that the whole group had thought that it had been a very good tramp, and had been enjoyed too.

Thanks to all. – Arthur.

This Tramp took us through some magnificent scenery, starting by the Taieri and looking across at some of the Taieri Gorge railway on the opposite bank and you have to marvel at the workmanship of those early settlers who constructed the railway in such challenging conditions taking 11 years to get to Hinden , due to the difficult terrain and the recession in the 1880s cutting the work force from 700 to 30 for a period of time, but they persevered.

Morning tea was at 3 OClock Creek by the bridge.

The recent flooding was evident here with debris 3- 4 metres above the bridge. As we headed up the track

we got to see great views of the rocky outcrop formations,

and the creek below showed how powerful the flow of flood water had scoured all the rocks clean in the valley below.

As we tramped higher we passed a shady face with all the tussocks in full flower. The countryside is responding to the rain. As we opened out onto the table top of pasture the farmland was quite stunning, to be so green at such an altitude.

The wind was getting up as we reached our lunch stop high on a rocky outcrop

looking down on the Taieri Railway

with views from two spots of two of the rail bridges and rock formations behind us sculpted by wind, water and time.

As we headed down we were soon out of the wind and overall it was very pleasant, and not too hot. The tracks have some steeper ups and downs with the recent rains making the schist base loose in places coming down hill.

A medium tramp with stunning scenery.

We called at the Hindon Railway station on the way out for a group photo at the stone statue

of a sheep dog erected in recognition of the contribution of working dogs who made farming the land possible.

– Peter Horrell

1. 20/3/1996 Hindon railway – left side Lamb Hill Station Leaders: Doug & Myrie, Mary Y, Denise

Silver Peaks Station. Distance from carpark: 43 km.

A large group left carpark at 8:30 am to drive an hour up George King Memorial Drive, onto Hindon Road—-drove through early fog, and down past Ardachy (where we were spotted half a dozen peacocks), over the Taieri river rail/road bridge, then up past Lamb Hill on Silverpeak road to end of road at Silverpeak Station.  Mike and Ginny Cowie own the large 2,500 hectare Station, home to 7,000 stock units (sheep and Beef cattle).
23 eager trampers(including Gordon’s daughter) headed off on a very calm, sunny morning at 9:30am

and stopped for smoko at 10:10am.

We followed the rough vehicle track up the left fork of Christmas creek continuing up the north side of the Valley.

This is steep tussock country which has been oversown and grazed to create productive pasture.  Mount John hut(an unused Musters hut owned by Silverpeak station) sits on the right hand side of the track).
The undulating walk continued until 11:50am to the junction of Cave creek, at this point the majority walked on another ten minutes to have a look at  Homestead (or Christmas creek hut), also owned by Silverpeak station.

Meanwhile, the smaller group headed off towards the 1.5km walk up along Cave creek to Jubilee hut, waiting half way to regroup.  Arthur had carried Loppers expecting to have to use them, however, Green Hut volunteers had the track clear.  The original Jubilee hut was opened in 1951 on the left hand side of the creek, it was built in a cold spot. Signpost indicating Jubilee hut 100 metres on——that person had a long stride—— a very long 100 metres!
We had  to cross Cave creek a couple of times—cooling on the feet.

We arrived at Jubilee hut at 12:50pm.  This 10 bed hut was built in 2007, some 300 meters up in a sunny spot with great views,

at about 600 metres.  Staff and materials were flown in by helicopter (over 30 trips).  Cost $70,000+.  It is well used and just recently a booking system has been introduced.
All enjoyed a leisurely lunch in the sun and hut

before heading back along the undulating track,

having rest/water stops along the way.  The A team arrived back at 3:35pm, followed by B team at 4:00pm.  Followed by an hour’s drive home.
This tramp was a new one for 18 members (1 driver wondered where he was going to end up).  It was 2015 when 7 from the club were last there.  So——-the 2 Leaders made mental note to self———Been there—Done that!!
Was a great way to spend the day In those very vast  hills of Silverpeak Station, good company, good weather—-good life. – Eleanore and Arthur.

After a doubtful start to the day with quite heavy rain during the night, [I was worried about high creek levels] 7 hardy trampers turned up for the trip to Jubilee Hut via Silverpeaks Station. We arrived there just before morning tea time so set off along the track to find a spot to stop for morning tea. Then it was on to visit Orange Hut [Homestead Hut, Christmas Creek Hut, whatever you want to call it] having missed the turn off to go down to Cave creek, which has lost it’s large white plastic container that acted as a marker for the start of the track. We then backtracked a bit to the track leading down to Cave Creek valley, & made our way over a few more creek crossings & up to Jubilee Hut for lunch.
Two of the party had their lunch on the track about 10 mins from the hut, & one of them decided to walk back out again on their own, thinking we would catch up with them later. After lunch, we went down to the creek from the hut, & Ian [being the fittest] was voted by me, to go & photograph the sign at the old Jubilee Hut site,…

…so we would know what it said. Then it was back along the track retracing our morning steps. When we got to the top track again, I decided that I needed to attend to a sore patch developing on my left foot, so Ian & I stopped while I attended to that. Just as I was finishing, we heard somebody calling out from nearby, & the next thing the person who had set off on their own appeared looking rather worried [lost !!] they had not noticed the sharp LH turn onto the track leading back to Silverpeaks Station homestead, & had instead gone straight ahead along the track towards Orange Hut. We pointed them in the correct direction, & they set off  with what I would imagine was some relief. Shortly after this we all met up again into one group, & set off to our next adventure !
One party member while crossing the Christmas Creek where it doubles back on itself, slipped on a rock, & very slowly, & not so gracefully, first put a hand down to steady themselves, but that didn’t work, so they ended up sitting in the creek. [Oh I wish I had my camera handy !!]  So this guaranteed a wet walk back to the cars for this person, but they did dry out rather quickly I think.
The rest of the walk out was very uneventful, compared to earlier happenings, & we all arrived back at the cars safe & well. We arrived back at Mosgiel about 5pm from memory.
Something we learnt today was :
1: We MUST stay together better as a group, or one day somebody will get properly lost.
2: Walking poles are handy for crossing creeks, even if you don’t think you need them!!

We walked 16km
3.8km/hr ave.
Climbed 876mtrs.
Max elev. 426mtrs.

– Ken.

Distance to Jubilee Hut without going to Christmas Creek Hut =15.75km
Add on another 1 1/2 – 2 km for the extra distance to Christmas Creek Hut.
Walking time = 4hrs 25min; Moving Ave = 3.6km/hr; Total ascent = 919 mtrs.

7 hardy souls turned up at 8:30 on a wet misty day at the Mosgiel car-park to go to Silverpeaks Station for our tramp to Mt. John Hut/Christmas Creek Hut/Jubilee Hut.
It was good to see that the ones going on the Motatapu trip were carrying their large tramping packs filled with a bit more weight than they would normally carry.
It took an hour to drive to the starting point, & as it was not looking brilliant weather wise, we decided against going up to Mt. John Hut, & proceeded along the track a bit further for morning tea break. The double crossing of Christmas creek was done without mishap, & we continued on to the turn-off to Cave creek valley.

Most of us dropped our packs here & carried on to Christmas Creek Hut, [which is also know as Homestead Hut, & Orange Hut.] …

… before returning & heading down to Cave Creek & the walk up the valley to Jubilee Hut.

The track above the boundary gate is getting badly overgrown with bracken fern, but it is still relatively easy going, but we got rather wet from the knees down as the scrub was holding water from the rain showers.
Up to this point we had only worn our rain jackets for a short time, during a light shower, but as we approached Jubilee Hut the rain drops started appearing again, so we managed to get to the hut before the weather let loose with a heavy shower which continued right through our lunch break, & beyond.

After finishing lunch, we were all sitting around wondering how much longer the heavy rain was going to last, when it started to ease, & the visibility improved enough so we could look back down valley & see Christmas Creek Hut, so we decided to put on wet weather gear again, & start heading back to the cars.
By the time we got to the end of the Cave Creek valley, the rain had ceased, so it was off with the wet weather gear again. The only problems with the Cave Creek crossings  were some wet feet, & Ken landing on his butt after stepping on a slippery rock. Just as well he had on his waterproof leggings, or he would’ve got a wet butt, as well as one boot full of water.
We made it back to the cars before the approaching rain, which we had seen coming some time before, & had a wet ride all the way back home.
There were some very tired trampers at the end of the day, they were not used to carrying the bigger packs with more weight in them, however, it was a good opportunity to ‘shake-down’ the equipment. – Ken

15/5/2013. Trampers. Mount John Hut and Beyond.

The day started at 8:30 from Mosgiel carpark, with a very misty/foggy outlook on the Taieri, but we were hopeful that it would be clearer inland. When we were about 3/4 of the way to Hindon, the fog/mist just disappeared, & we were looking at quite a nice day.

We arrived at Silverpeaks station at 9:30. & set off towards Mt. John Hut where we had morning tea, & examined the log entries carved into the woodwork of the hut. [There is no log book in the hut.]

After leaving the hut we made our way up the track towards the top of Mt. John, but we took a wrong turn, which led us off to the NE side of Mt. John. However as it was already 12:30 when we reached the top, we decided to have lunch in the sun, & admire the views in all directions.

We then retraced our steps back to the car, & arrived back in Mosgiel at 4:00pm.

Climbing Mt. John was a bit of a grunt at times, & only suitable for the fitter members. If we had gone to our original destination of Popular Hut, that would’ve been another 3hrs or more walking. [Estimate], & it’s a long climb back up again!!! – Ken