Taieri Recreational Tramping Club
Mid-week recreational and social walking group based in Mosgiel NZ
Predominantly walking over farm land / paddocks
09/04/2025 Old Country Track, Waikouaiti Grade 2 Hikers or Combined. Leaders: Jan Butcher, Shirley and Noel McRandle.
The animal encounter! The day started off from PJP in perfect hiking temperature with a purrfect farewell during briefing by a little grey cat. Continue reading “Old County Track, Waikouaiti”
19/03/2025. Post Office Creek via Reid Farm. Grade 3.5. Hikers. Leaders: Bruce Spittle and Dave Roberts.
After leaving Peter Johnston Park at 0900, seven cars regrouped and collected more passengers at Traquair Junction before 30 hardy outdoor enthusiasts proceeded in convey about 11 km down Mahinerangi Road to park near the woolshed about 500 m past the entrance to Verterburn Station at Rapid Number 1013. Continue reading “Post Office Creek via Reid Farm”
19/02/2025. Hereweka Road / Portobello . Grade 3.5. Trampers. Leaders: Di Bezett, Lyn Keene.
Twenty three of us set off in lovely sunshine. We had to stop on Hereaweka road for rain jackets but it wasn’t cold, although it was very muggy. Continue reading “Hereweka Road / Portobello”
29/01/2025. Hope Hill. Grade 4. Trampers. Leaders: John Gardiner and Martin Hickley.
The last club tramp here was almost exactly two years ago and Diane and Marijke’s description is quite excellent, so I’ll not repeat that. Undertaken in ever warming conditions and rising afternoon winds, over exposed farmland, twelve trampers were very glad to get down to the cars some five hours after leaving.
22/01/2025. Mt Royal/Bobby’s Head (Tavora Reserve). Grade 3.5. Trampers. Leaders: Graham Thurlow, Graeme Souter.
Parking at Tavora Reserve in the long grass on a warm summer’s day with a slight breeze we, 15 trampers, made our way up the gravel on Bobby’s Head Rd turning left onto the Goodwood Rd passing a familiar sign, “Adam Sutherland Road”. Continue reading “Mt Royal/Bobby’s Head (Tavora Reserve)”
04/12/2024. Cleghorn Street to Signal Hill Monument . Grade 3. Hikers. Leaders: Maria McNee and Peter Dodds.
Only 3 cars left from Peter Johnston car park on what was promising to be a sweltering day.
27/11/2024. Around Harbour Cone. Grade 3. Hikers (and Trampers). Leaders: Jenny Flack and Rhonda Wilson.
Listening to the heavy rain coming down on Tuesday night I don’t think too many of us thought we would be out hiking the next day. Continue reading “Around Harbour Cone”
I’ve always regarded myself as, and indeed endeavoured to be, an optimist. But on Tuesday night, I had serious doubts that Wednesday’s tramp would proceed. That night seemed to leave little room for optimism. A Wednesday morning early dog walk gave a glimmer of hope, that the weather, although unpredictable, might be improving. Seventeen ‘optimistic’ trampers took part on the Split Rock tramp.
13 trampers had a “Rock Day” beginning with rock music at Peter Johnson Park where athletic sports were about to start.No. 86 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Heyward Point – Melville’s Farm Farm”. 40 km from car park.
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”
No. 76 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Coutts Gully Return Sawmill Rd Farm”. Livingstonia Park distance from car-park: 32 km.
After welcoming a new hiker, Peter Dodds, twenty-four hikers left Livingstonia Park, about 9.30 am, heading to the left (east) to the sand dune track that led out to the road by the bridge and then headed up Sawmill Road to have morning tea beside the implement shed on Alan Gorton’s farm.
Distance from PJP car park 48km.
Middlemarch Area – Information and Trips Library
3. 25/10/2023. Trampers. Cairn Valley/Shannon, Grade 3, 48km. Leaders: Heather Kirk, Diane Paterson.
Lovely sunshine greeted 30 keen trampers for a good day’s walk on Cairnvalley Farm Shannon. Strath Taieri offers something different in scenery with tussock hills, huge rock formations and at this time of the year fresh green vistas of paddocks and Continue reading “Shannons Farm Walk”
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!)
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
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.
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) …
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.
Waihola Area – Information and Trips Library Post
2. 2 August 2023. Combined. Waihola Hill and Lawlor Farm M Leaders: Anne, Lynne, Jenni and Barbara
The weather didn’t look too bad at seven in the morning so the decision was made for the tramp to go ahead. Some of the Hikers and Trampers at Peter Johnson Park decided to give the tramp a swerve and go swimming at Te Puna instead of going out in the winter elements.
Sixteen very brave Hikers and Trampers arrived at Baker Road, Waihola to walk around Brendan Lawlor’s property. Brendan has developed a 28 section subdivision after he purchased the farm in 2005. Most of the sections apart from two now have been built on. Brendan has made a track around the lake for people to enjoy the views and birdlife.
After we arrived the weather was changing for the worse, so we decided to head to the implement shed to have morning tea.
Once there was a break in the weather we reluctantly left the shelter and headed up the hill to walk the track. We all had our wet weather gear on and at times hard to tell who was actually walking beside you. Walking around the lake was so different from the last time. When we had a blue sky day and the lake was like a millpond.
There has been a huge planting project around the front of the lake with lots of native trees and grasses all with protective covers to deter rabbits pigs and possums.
The track in some places was very slippery and muddy due to pig rooting and also a very wet July/August.
We saw moments of blue sky but down to the south the sky was black and at times we had strong winds and driving rain.
Halfway around the circuit we all gathered together and took shelter in the farm building then made a dash for the vehicles. A decision was made to have our lunch at the Baker Road farm buildings then head home with no walk on the new Clutha Gold Trail or a coffee at the Black Swan café
Distance 6.48km
1. 2 March 2022. Combined. Waihola Hill and Lawlor Farm. M Leaders: Jill Reid, Chris Wither Jenni & Bruce Wright
A fine morning saw 43 hikers and trampers make their way to the Lawlor property behind Lake Waihola. After regrouping at Waihola, and about 33km from the Mosgiel carpark, we turned right into Lake Road, left into Young Road, right into Berwick Road and right into Baker Road to park at the cattle yards there.
Brendan Lawlor welcomed everyone and described the mechanics of developing the 28-section subdivision since they purchased the farm in 2005. There is also an 1880s restored cottage on the farm.
Trampers and hikers set off together about 9:45 and made their way up the road and across a paddock to join a track, mown by Brendan, on the lake side of the fence in front of the subdivision. There was little wind and the lake views were gorgeous.
About 10:30 we stopped for morning tea together along the track.
25 trampers headed away first. A comment was made that the trampers left the morning tea stop true to form. “They were off like a bride’s nightie”.
Both groups, at their different speeds, enjoyed views towards the wetlands before turning inland to make their way through the farm and back along the road past the old cottage and new homes to the cars.
18 hikers enjoyed their lunch by a barn on the way and arrived back at the cars about 2:00 having covered around 8km.
The trampers enjoyed their lunch by the cars before making their way up Waihola Hill at 1:00. Their route first took them up a gully [opposite the Waihola Wildlife Management Reserve sign] near the start of Baker Road. They were then able to follow a 4WD track that wound around the hill.
When the trig on top of Waihola Hill came into sight the group turned uphill to appreciate the 360-degree views from there.
Then it was back to continue following the 4WD track to water tanks and back down the hill to return to the cars by 2:30.
The Trampers covered about 13km.
Thank you for the many great photos that were submitted to go with this report.
Chris
The previous night had been a cold, stormy one, and the cold South Westerly wind, certainly made it’s presence felt as we walked further along Steep Hill Road, through a farm gate, and along the fence line parallel to the road, until coming to the next downhill fence, which we followed until turning left at the gate, bottom of the paddock.
This creek has an intriguing little story (tall tale or true?) as to how it got it’s popular nickname, which I explained soon after the crossing. It seems Mary was a gold miner’s wife who regularly bathed in the creek.
After this bit of local cultural enlightenment, we seemed to do more uphill than downhill, until
Theresa stopped us for morning tea in a sheltered spot, out of the wind, amongst the tussocks, at 10.50am. By 11.05am we were on our way again, following the farm track, and admiring views of the valley below; farmland with native plantings in the gullies, and farm tacks, mostly following fence lines, seemingly going in all directions, zig-zagging around the property. At 12.30pm we stopped for lunch at the same spot Theresa, Sarah, Phil and I stopped on our Recce. Here sheltered from the wind, most found a ‘comfortable perch’ on rocks, logs, or the bank. to enjoy lunch.
A visit by the farmer, with his beautiful Huntaway perched on the back of his quad-bike followed, just before we started off again at 1.00pm.
I then led the second part of the tramp, back to the cars. Shortly afterwards the forecast wind change took place. The South Westerly wind, changing around to a “Nor Wester.” Just as cold, just as strong, and just as much in our faces! Some respite was found in the sheltered areas of the track as it wound it’s way around hillsides, up and down gullies, and ridges. By 1.45pm we were back at the cars after negotiating the cattle yards. (Thick squelchy mud!)
Afternoon coffee was enjoyed at Blueskin Nursery Cafe’.
In all we had covered 8.56km, altitude 240metres, a Grade 3 Tramp.
Thank-yous are due to :-
Farmer Willie Lawson, for so generously allowing us access to enjoy his property
Theresa White, for keeping me on my toes, and acting as Leader and Tail End Charlie.
Phil Keene and Sarah McCormack for help with our Recce.
Neil Simpson who has lead the tramp before, and was a mine of information on my initial contact with him.
John Gardiner.
A blustery but warm Nor ‘westerly wind and a threatening sky greeted 32 (or was it 33?!) enthusiastic trampers at the gates of “Moana” farm at the top of the Kilmog. Owned by the Lawson family, Moana is a hilly and picturesque holding, bisected by the meandering Waikouaiti river. We certainly owe a great deal of thanks to generations of the Lawsons who kindly allow us to wander around their property (after requesting permission of course).
Taking a westerly route we descended rapidly to Mary’s creek, then round the corner to the site of ancient gold workings.
From here it was a steady climb with a few minor descents to our lunch spot nestled in a tussocky knoll with views of Karitane, Waikouaiti and Maori Peak.
It was great to see Neil and Carole out with us again.
Leisurely lunch over, the group reassembled (tail end Charlie was heard to describe it as like trying to herd fish!!) and trudged the 20 mins back to the vehicles. Not a long tramp by any means (about 9km) but fairly described as nuggety don’t you think?
Post tramp we enjoyed having coffee at Blue Skin Nursery. The staff did a great job taking orders for our large group and we enjoyed sitting outside amongst the plants.
All in all a really enjoyable day out and we look forward to starting the new programme in 2021.
Neil and Margreet Simpson
16. 10/4/2019. Trampers. Lawsons Farm. Leaders: Margreet and Neil
Despite a forecast for heavy rain at lunchtime, a large contingent of 17 trampers set out on our hike on Lawson’s Farm in balmy and ideal conditions.
We left the Mosgiel carpark at 0900 and reached the main gate of the farm at around 45 mins later. After a morning tea break on a grassy knoll;…
…we descended rapidly on a farm track to Mary’s Creek which burbles through an area of native bush.
On the descent we passed the only other trekkers we encountered – 5 horses and 3 foals!
On the valley floor we meandered round past ancient gold workings and the remains of a stone dwelling. Then it was a series of stiff climbs and descents on reasonably good footing up to a ridge not far from the woolshed.
Suddenly a stiff sou’wester wind set in, pregnant with rain, and the temperature dropped markedly.
On a sheltered hillside we ate our lunch.
Incredibly, the conversation revolved around the merits of courtship in an HQ Holden with column change and bench seat; compared to a Morris Mini with bucket seats and ‘four on the floor’! I kid you not!
After lunch we decided to shorten the tramp and were back at our cars by 1300. Total distance was 8 km but everyone really enjoyed the hike and found it challenging enough.
Coffee and ‘blankets’ was at Blue Skin Nursery where we met up with the hikers returning from their beach walk at Warrington. – Neil and Margreet
15. 16/8/2017. Trampers. Lawsons Farm. M. Leaders: Neil and Margreet.
Nine trampers set out from the car park at 0900 on a stunningly clear but frosty morning. After an uneventful 45 minute drive we parked inside the main gate of Lawson’s Farm. Patiently, but DOGmatically the two male trampers ‘herded’ up the 7 lady trampers and set them going in the right direction …
…. Southwest down Steep Hill Road before entering a paddock with a sun-drenched knoll where we paused for morning tea.
Lo and behold two latecomers (Bruce & Bob) arrived to counter the gender imbalance. Arthur was heard to quietly breathe a sigh of relief!
We were doing a different walk today to avoid all the river crossings. It was however still very muddy underfoot. We soon descended to cross Mary’s Creek. Mary, apparently, lived with a small cadre of gold miners and used to sneak up into this bush-clad tributary to take a bath away from prying eyes. None of our ladies were keen for a dip today!
Further on we passed sluicings and building remnants from the gold mining days and then it was a stiff climb up from this, the South branch of the Waikouaiti River.
We sidled around the undulating terrain and found a lunch spot …
… which had beautiful views over the hills and tussocks and Mount Watkin to the North; through Matanaka and Maori Point to the East.
After lunch we soon ‘topped out’ to find stunning views of the coast and untroubled sea …
… as we descended …
… a long, ever steepening ridge. At the bottom we crossed a noisy creek and began an energy-sapping climb up the opposite ridge back to the cars. It was a bit like the reverse of the Grand Olde Duke of York; who marched his men to the top of the hill and marched them down again! Pointless really!
So; after a wonderful tramp on an exquisite day, it was a weary 11 who gratefully repaired to the café at Blue Skin Nursery for coffees and tea.
Total distance was around 13.5 km. and it was about 4 hours hiking time. – Neil and Margreet.
14. 8/6/2016. Trampers. Lawsons Farm. Upstream. M. Leader: Arthur.
Onto the 4WD track through the tussock we travelled
– down briefly, then up briefly, and then down, down, down – until we finally came to the south branch of the Waikouaiti River.
Eventually the track let us to a ford over the river. The safest route was to cross at the ford also, so it was into the water which was a little cold.
More river crossings followed in the subsequent mile or so. After the sixth and final one, we stopped at a nice sunny spot to partake of our lunch. Mr Lawson tells me that gold mining had been carried out back in the 1870s or 1880s at our lunch spot. The tell-tale earthworks being very noticeable. The time was 12.20 p.m.
After lunch, continuing on the 4WD track, we were soon in the shade of a narrow valley, almost a gorge. Uphill from now on, but the grade was steady and not unpleasant. The air was very cold in here,
and it was a great relief to find the sunshine again.
Before reaching the Steep Hill Road, we turned off to walk up an open bare paddock. At the gate we made the acquaintance of two quiet and friendly horses.
13. 13/4/2016. Trampers. Lawsons Farm. Downstream. Leader: –
We had 11 trampers out today, including a new member to our group, a really good number.
We parked up just inside the gate of Lawsons Farm, & proceeded to walk down past the farm house, where we were met by Jim & Willie Lawson. We had a very nice chat with them before setting off towards our morning tea spot out of the strong breeze that was blowing.
Then it was down to the river, where we turned right [downstream] & walked along the valley, where we had to negotiate the bluff that requires care getting down. Having safely got past this obstacle, we carried on to the “Lodge” where we had a leisurely lunch stop,
while some members who had not been there before examined the interior of the “Lodge” & the old vehicle chassis residing in the grass, still with chains on the tyres.
Then it was back the way we had come, until the slope we had to climb was upon us. All made it up here without to much drama, & we had a regroup at the fence corner, before making our way up to the ridge track, which leads back to the farm yard.
After arriving at the cars, it was decided that the ‘coffee club’ tradition would be continued with a stop at the Blueskin cafe., where we all enjoyed a chat over our favourite cuppa.
There were some appreciative comments made about the tramp, so a good day out for all.
Walked 12.5km
4km/hr
climbed 540mtrs. – Ken.
12. 19/11/2014 Trampers. Lawsons Farm. Upstream.
We could make this walk even longer, by walking along the valley further & coming up the gully alongside Mountain Rd. Might try this next time. – Ken.
11. 5/6/2013. Trampers. Lawsons Farm.
The comment was made that it had to be the most comfortable lunch stop we had ever had. However, all good things must end, …
… so we decided to pack up & move on, as the sky was looking a little dark from where we were. However, once on the tops again, we could see that it had been unnecessary to hurry, as the weather looked much better from up there. An unhurried walk back to the cars finished off the day nicely, arriving back at the farm around 2:00pm for the drive home.
10. 27/4/2011. Trampers. Lawsons Farm. Figure of Eight.
9. 18/8/2010. Trampers. Lawsons Farm. Clockwise via Waikouaiti River. Returned west ridge instead of Old Coach Road. Medium. Leaders: George, Hazel, Ria.
8. 10/6/2009. Trampers. Lawsons Farm. Modified clockwise walk from homestead along ridge. (Figure of eight intended originally.) Medium. Leader: George.
7. 24/1/2007 Trampers. Lawsons Farm. From Homestead. Downstream Waikouaiti River South Branch, Lodge, Paper Road, return Farm. Leader: Ian.
6. 22/2/2006. Trampers. Lawsons Farm. Leaders: Arthur H, George, Dorothy S
5. 13/4/2005 Lawsons Farm, Waikouaiti River South Branch, Lodge. Paper Road return. Leader: Ian
4. 3/12/2003. Trampers. Lawsons Farm, Waikouaiti River South Branch, Lodge Old Coach Road return Leaders: George, Dot B, Hazel
3. 24/10/2001 Steep Hill Road, Waikouaiti River. Medium. Leaders: George, Ria L, Barbara McC