Taioma, Parera, Viaduct

Taioma, Mt Allan – Information and Trips Library

No. 96 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Parera Taioma Transrail & Wenita Year Round”. 10km from PJP. Wenita permit. Require 6 weeks notice, but less from us. Taieri Gorge Railway. Phone 477 4449 for details.


Trampers Thumb Res

18. 29 November 2023. Trampers. Mullocky Stream, Mt Allan   Grade 3.5 Leaders: Sylvie/ Lyn/ Lynley

25 lovely persons followed Sylvie up the Mt Allan Road parking near Mullocky stream. Continue reading “Taioma, Parera, Viaduct”

Taieri Ferry and Finlayson Roads, Bells Farm, Kennedys, Millenium.

“Legends of the Lower Taieri” includes a section about John Bull if you persist in reading down far enough.

Millenium Track from Taieri Ferry Rd, Finlayson Rd, Galloway Rd, Bells Farm, Kennedys Farm, Wenita (Morrisons Block) – Information and Trips Library


Img 8059 Res 10018. 22/11/2023.Hikers. Millennium Track from Henley Ferry Bridge. Grade 3. 27km. Leaders: Ady Whitson/Bruce Wright.

We had a great day on the track. Weather was great with 20 Hikers enjoying the day. We parked about 2/3 the way down the road from the stile. Continue reading “Taieri Ferry and Finlayson Roads, Bells Farm, Kennedys, Millenium.”

Signal Hill Tramps

Distance Chingford from carpark: 20 km.
Follow Old Main North Road to Cleghorn Street which has the best view of the harbour. Walkway sign.
Walk starts starts at the gate on right, up McGregors Hill. Beyond stile Pine plantation on 3rd stile at summit.
Gravel road 10 minutes to end. Locked gate. Last stile. Signal Hill road.

15 Nov Signal Hill Harbour View With Hikers. Square Small Janette19. 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”

Mount Hyde Station

No. 5 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Mt Hyde to Taieri River. Aqueduct. D Moir. Farm. Lambing.”
Location: 23.5 km. Lambing September-November.

Dsc07061 Square 100x10016. 8/11/2023. Trampers. Mt Hyde. Grade 3.5. $7. 24km. Leaders: Anne Ward, Di Bezett, Lyn Keene
We started our tramp with an enthusiastic group of 23.

Continue reading “Mount Hyde Station”

St Clair Beach Walks

17. 11/10/2023. Hikers. St Clair, St Kilda, Ocean Grove. Grade 2, $5, 17km, Leaders: Bruce Spittle/Alex Griffin
IMG20231011111808 RES100x100Nineteen hikers left Marlow Park in sunny conditions at about 0930 after singing happy birthday to Liz Griffin and walked over the Kettle Park Sports field and up a track to the Barnes Lookout.

Continue reading “St Clair Beach Walks”

Chrystalls Beach, Toko Mouth

No. 47 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Toko Beach. M Young”; also No. 65 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Chrystalls Beach Farm”. Location: 59 km from the car park. Best in Summer. The stock winter over.
Directions: On SH1, before Milton, at Helensbrook intersection, left onto Forsyth Road, right onto Back Road, left onto Glenledi Road.

Chrystalls Beach, Toko Mouth, Cooks Head – Information and Trips Library


22. 11/10/2023. Trampers. Crystalls Beach. Grade 2.5, $15, 59km, Leaders: Dave Roberts, Jill Reid
IMG_7384 100x100A fine overcast morning greeted us at Peter Johnstone Park with 19 trampers in 5 cars beginning our tramp at 10am. Continue reading “Chrystalls Beach, Toko Mouth”

Deep Creek Weir from Old Dunstan Road past Rocklands

No. 2 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Deep Stream [Stream crossed out and replaced by Creek] (Rocklands). R Lippers. Cattle.”
No. 56 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Deep Creek from Old Dunstan Road. (Rocklands. Year Round”
Est, 50 km from car park.

19. Welsh’s Road, Old Farm, Deep Stream Weir. Grade 3 Leaders: Lyn and Di

13 of us set off for the Pipeline, which is just off the old Dunstan trail on Rocklands Station.

We had morning tea under the pine trees where we parked the vehicles. It was a tad cold but we soon warmed up with the walk over the farmland to the pipeline.

Up and up over farmland. Caption and photo Pam
Up and up over farmland. Caption and photo Pam
The countryside is getting more rugged Caption and photo Marjke
The countryside is getting more rugged Caption and photo Marijke
Tramping nirvana, easy level dry track, marvelous views Caption and photo John
Tramping nirvana, easy level dry track, marvellous views Caption and photo John

It was stunning scenery walking to the Weir and back.

Happy Trampers. Caption and photo John
Happy Trampers. Caption and photo John
Pump house and Weir. Caption and photo Pam
Pump house and Weir. Caption and photo Pam
Exploring the engineering feat, the Deep Stream Weir. Caption and photo John
Exploring the engineering feat, the Deep Stream Weir. Caption and photo John
Can you spot the hut Caption and photo Marijke
Can you spot the hut? Caption and photo Marijke

We had lunch in the sun out of the gorge with more room to spread out.

Refuelling. (Pipeline track to the weir in the background). Caption and photo Pam
Refuelling. (Pipeline track to the weir in the background). Caption and photo Pam

Then took the road back to the cars. It was 8.84ks according to my phone.

Some finished the day with a cuppa at the Wobbly Goat. Another great day out.


18. 17/08/2022 Trampers. Deep Creek Pipeline. 3.5 $10. Barbara Shackell & Judy Dennison

On a foggy old Wednesday morning, with the leader’s phone app threatening rain, 26 trampers met at the rugby grounds, sorted themselves into what appropriate vehicles were available and headed off at 9.30am sharp. A rearrangement of seating occurred when a couple of vehicles joined us at Outram, then again at Clark’s Junction with the addition of Heather’s vehicle, waiting for us at the turn off to Old Dunstan Road (ODR). We regrouped at Rocklands Station gateway, at which point the ODR was locked, and travelled in convoy through the farmyard, between buildings, up the hill and back onto ODR. Some 5km further along, two cars were left at the gateway to the Te Papanui Conservation Park, passengers rearranged again, with a couple of them heading off on foot to our final parking destination two kms further on. Morning tea was had in the shelter of a line of pines (although there was nothing to shelter from!) while a vehicle returned to collect the two pedestrians.

About to leave the cars John
About to leave the cars (photo & caption John)

After morning tea the group set off for a couple of km on a comfortable uphill farm road, without stringing out too much at all. Good work Judy (tail-end Charlie!).

Nearly at the top Phil
Nearly at the top (photo & caption Phil)

Entering the gate to the paddock containing the Deep Creek Gorge we followed a 4WD track to arrive at the pump station a little before noon. From there we picked up the pipeline track and followed it a few hundred metres around to a sunny spot which us allowed a view down into the gorge for a leisurely lunch.

Lunch in the sun John
Lunch in the sun (photo & caption John)

After lunch we crossed the first of a handful of boggy patches and continued along the pipeline track to the weir.

Overhanging walkway section John
Overhanging walkway section (photo & caption John)

What a difference a week makes – the recce had us walking along snow covered tracks, observing animal tracks in the pristine snow, dodging icicles clinging to overhanging rock, frozen bogs, while the club tramp had virtually no snow visible, the bogs were boggy, but plants – some showing colour – were visible through the rocky cracks and crevices. The weir had a considerably greater flow of water than earlier in the week, presumably from the snow melt.

Pump house and weir Pam
Pump house and weir (photo & caption Pam)

Some took advantage of the ladders to gain an elevated view of the weir.

Looking down from the top Weir platform John
Looking down from the top Weir platform (photo & caption John)

From that vantage point the pipe lineman’s hut was also visible and some members on the return walk, climbed up for a looksee at a very dilapidated “shelter”. While the hut is invisible from the track, its position is fortuitously marked by a final telegraph pole.

Spot the Hidden hut from the pump house Marijke
Spot the Hidden Lineman’s Hut from the Weir (photo & caption Marijke)

The return along the pipeline track provided a different perspective of the gorge and it didn’t take long to reach the place we’d had lunch and rather than follow the track the last couple of hundred metres around to the pump house, we took a shortcut, heading uphill, following no track, just the knowledge that we would reach the 4WD track over the brow, where we paused briefly.

Deep Creek View Helen
Deep Creek View (photo & caption Helen)

A show of hands as we rested indicated that exactly half our number had never been into the gorge previously.
The farm road downhill to the vehicles was covered quickly. We agreed to meet at the Wobbly Goat for coffee, but in the event it was closing as we arrived, and we continued onto Wal’s.

Coffee at Wal's Barbara
Coffee at Wal’s (photo & caption Barbara)

My fears regarding the weather we would strike were unwarranted. Through the fog we were teased with a brief sighting of blue sky nearing Outram in the morning, but then re-entered the ground fog as we climbed up SH87. This cleared completely before Lee Stream and we had perfect weather for the rest of the day – intermittent sun, no wind or rain! A quick read of previous reports on this particular track leads the writer to believe we might have been lucky not to have suffered a debilitatingly cold wind!

How it was on the Recce Barbara
How it was on the Recce (photo & caption Barbara)

Thanks to Rocklands station for permissions; to the drivers of vehicles able to manage the farm tracks, to those who met us away from the Rugby carpark for their punctuality, and everyone for the positive feedback on the day. I think it may be repeated!
Barbara


17. 18/03/2020 Hikers. Deep Creek Pipeline. M. Bob Mitchell and Mike Webb

28 Hikers set off in 8 cars from the car park in Mosgiel to rendezvous at the Clarks Junction pub before driving to the start of the walk. More than a few of the ladies eyes lit up when Bob announced that we would be having refreshments at the pub at the conclusion of the hike. It was good to see that it is not only us blokes that take drinking seriously.
After meeting in the pub car park we proceeded in convoy up the Old Dunstan Rd and found a suitable spot to park the cars away from any cattle that wanted to use them as back scratchers.
Te papanuiressss
Photo and Caption Clive – “Te Papanui”
We started the walk at about 1000 and had morning smoko at the one of the gates/cattle stops.
Morning teares
Photo and Caption Clive – “Morning tea.”
Pump house at Deek Creek
Photo and Caption Clive – “Pump house at Deep Creek.”
From there it was a steady climb to some maintenance huts at the top of the gorge. The distance from the cars to the huts was 3km
DSC03970res
Photo and Caption John – “Vast open country.”

.The weather was fine with great visibility and from the huts we could see the pipeline snaking its way around the gorge.

Into the gorgeres
Photo and Caption Clive – “Into the gorge”
Deep Stream a long way down (1)
Photo and Caption Clive – “Deep Stream a long way down”

From the huts it was a steady climb down to find the track that leads to the pipeline. The track is approximately 2kms in length, and quite narrow in some places with railed walkways over some of the more challenging parts of the track. The views were quite spectacular and we were soon strung out in single file looking like porters on the Ho Chi Minh trail. Frequent photo stops were the order of the day.

We could hear a bit of bird song and one falcon and one hawk were observed flapping/souring overhead during the walk. One point of interest was on old hut set in the bush about 10m above and to the side of the pipeline not far from the tracks end. Probably accommodation for the guys laying the pipeline all those years ago.
20200318_114608
Photo and Caption Clive – “Walking to dam along the river.”
After a brief halt and photo stop at the dam/weir at the end of the track we did an about turn, retraced our steps and eventually stopped for lunch in a nice sunny spot overlooking the gorge.
Pump house and damres
Photo and Caption Clive – “Pump house and dam”
back down the gorge (1)res
Photo and Caption Clive _ “Back down the gorge.”
DSC03972res
Photo and Caption John – “Lunchtime always with a view.”

From there it was a short walk up to the huts and back down to the cars.

Back at the carsres
Photo and Caption Clive – “Back at the cars.”
We walked a total of 10km.
Bob had organised the publican at the Clarks Junction pub to lay on coffee, cakes and scones and also to open the bar early for those that wanted to support Speights. Glad to report that at least two unnamed ladies were seen with pints in their hands. Legends!
The rest obviously enjoyed the coffee and food as the shark like feeding frenzy at the counter was a sight to behold.
A good day was had by all and I can vouch that the Speights was up to its usual standard.
Mike

16. 9/1/2019. Deep Creek Gorge Pipeline. Leaders: Theresa and Clive.

Route map, Deep Creek railed walkway and weir, courtesy Ian.

31 Trampers, Hikers and Ramblers set out across the tussock of Te Papanui Conservation Park. It was an ideal day for a walk on the tops as there was high cloud keeping what can be a scorching sun off our backs. The 16 degree temperature was just right to get things started after the Christmas/New Year break. 13 of the participants had not been on the walk before and were looking forward to the gorge.
Morning tea

(Clive pic.)

found us being observed by a large herd of cows who seemed very interested in what we were all doing there.
After a twenty minute break we headed on up hill

(Clive pic.)

to the hut at the mouth of the gorge. Having made sure everyone was accounted for it was across the 40 ? or 41 ? bridges and board walks to the weir at the top of Deep Creek.

(Kevin pic.)
(Clive pic.)
(Kevin pic.)

This gorge is a feature that makes this walk so interesting. As an aside, the DoC blurb advises that there are over 500 species of native insects; plus a wide variety of plants and animals (including pigs and red deer), in the Te Papanui park.
Lunch was taken back at the mouth of the gorge, sheltering from the cool breeze that had sprung up. After lunch the Trampers headed off in a more Easterly directing to add a bit more distance to the completed walk. The hikers and ramblers headed back the way we had come in the morning. The hikers covered about 9.5 kms by the end of the day and were happy to sit down for afternoon tea at the Wobbly Goat about half an hour ahead of the more exercised Trampers group. The consensus was a ‘gorge’-ous days outing! – Clive


15. 26/4/2017. Deep Creek Gorge Pipeline . Leaders: Theresa and Arthur.

Nike app route map, courtesy Ian.

Leave the car park and go up SHWY 87 until Clarks Junction. Turn left onto Rocklands Road. Travel on excellent tar seal until you pass the Rocklands Station complex. Now you will be on gravel and at the beginning of the Old Dunstan Trail. Turn left off the Old Dunstan Trail and proceed on farm track for 2 kms. Park cars at the trees. Cross over farm land for a period of time — only down and up one gully,

Morning tea in gully, sheltered from a breeze. (Clive pic.)

going in a west / north direction towards the gorge. A gate in the middle of a paddock with a faint track going in the right direction. Two  small newish huts with a solar powered panel on roof mark the beginning of the Gorge  track. This is part of the Te Papanui Reserve. Traverse  pipe line for approx 1/12- 2 kms.

New section at start,  replacing broken single wooden planking. (Keith pic.)

The pipe line is suspended  off the cliff high above the Gorge .The track is narrow  on the pipe line …

(Clive pic.)

… but is easy and in the main flat. There are many foot bridges to cross. (An in-house challenge to count the number, caused differing results/) One  dedicated tramper even ticked them off on a piece of paper .WHO  are we to disagree!! A small dam was at the head of a very picturesque Deep Creek Gorge.

(Keith pic.)
(Keith pic.)

Repeat the trip back to the road just beyond the huts. From then it is an easy road tramp back to the cars. 12 very happy trampers enjoyed a WOW 😳 kind of a day out. Approx 10 kms  in length. Debrief and coffee at Outram. -Theresa.


14. 9/4/2014. Trampers. Deep Creek. (A replacekment for ‘The Gap’, programmed for the day, which would have turned out extremely muddle.)

 The first thing we struck was hundreds of sheep by the trees where the cars normally park.
so we parked just before that spot and skirted the trees on the other side so as not to disturb the sheep.  We left morning tea till we got to the old hut …
Morning tea in the sun (Heb pic and caption)
Morning tea in the sun (Heb pic and caption)
… sitting on some concrete pipes there. From there we followed the track taking us onto the pipeline …
Looking upstream toward the weir (Heb pic and caption)
Looking upstream toward the weir (Heb pic and caption)
… right up to the weir.
Ria and Eric at the Deep Stream Weir (Heb pic and caption)
Ria and Eric at the Deep Stream Weir (Heb pic and caption)
About halfway back we enjoyed lunch in the sun sheltered in a gully with no wind. It was great. From the hut on the way out, we followed  white pegs indicating the pipeline which helped us avoid getting our feet wet in a muddy creek. Then it was back to the cars. A great day for tramping. – Heb.

13. 31/8/2011. Trampers. Deep Creek.

GPS
Five of us battled a strong wind on the tops, really icy and straight from the antarctic, to a late cuppa at the cave part way up the road from where we park the car. However the cave faced straight into the wind so we nestled behind it in the shelter of its lee.
The cave, with light chinks in the ‘bricked up’ rear.
Wrapped up in wind-breakers, gloves and woollen hats we struggled onward and upward to at last the crest of the slope and escape down into the shelter of Deep Creek’s gully and onto the walkway.
Looking downstream at start. (Ken pic and caption)
Ian, Linzi, Ria and Doug at start of creek track. (Ken pic and caption)
There was quite a lot of water in the creek. (Ken pic and caption)
Part of the track. (Ken pic and caption)
Doug, Ria, Linzi and Ian at the weir. (Ken pic and caption)
A large flow of water over the weir. (Ken in the background disappearing up the ladder.)
Creek above the weir. (Ken pic and caption)
Looking down on the weir from the control hut. (Ken pic and caption)
Looking back along the track from the control hut. (Ken pic and caption)
View of further downstream from the control hut. (Ken pic and caption)
On the way back out, we remained to lunch in the shelter of the gully before getting back out to expose ourselves to the wind again. We examined the old hut, little changed from last time, before making the return back to the car, this time thankfully with the wind behind us. – Ian.

12. 10/11/2010. Hikers. Deep Creek. Medium. Leaders: Evelyn C, Graham.


11. 12/3/2008 Hikers. Deep Creek. Medium. Leaders: Joyce S, Lesley G

The adventure for the 14 Hikers this week was a drive via Rocklands Station and the Dunstan Old Road, turning off to the Te Papanui Reserve. There was a cold S.W. wind that kept us in woolly hats for the day, even although we had sunshine as well. A walk up the hillside to a cave amongst the rocks was earmarked for coffee by Joyce S, our leader.
Then on to the gorge of Deep Creek, a tributary of Deep Stream, and the path following the pipe line to the weir.
A Deep Creek Gorge
Gorge in Deep Creek. Looking upstream at beginning of walkway.

Bob H told us about the water race used in the gold mining days and the pipeline to supplement the Dunedin City’s water supply, built in the 1930s. The farmland had been former tussock country but the gorge was not modified and still supported many alpine plants, including gentians in flower. We had several sightings of NZ Falcons, which are now considered to be diminishing in numbers. It was an exciting area to be hiking in,

as the river was a long way below us and the sides of the gorge very steep. Ian F was making mental notes for the retrieval of anyone who miscalculated their step, but fortunately the plan wasn’t needed. We were back at the cars by 2pm and home to Mosgiel 3pm. An exhilarating day. – Lesley G


10. 13/6/2007 Leaders: George, Abe

Snow at top
Snow at top
Lwr Crk
Deep Creek in lower reaches.
Grp
On pipeline. George, Leonie, Tash, Ria, Pat, Ian, Glenice, Arthur.
UprXCrk
Upper Deep Creek showing railed walkways.

9. 23/8/2006. Hikers. Deep Creek, Old Dunstan Road. Medium. Leaders: Val, Arthur & Barbara


8. 24/11/2004. Both. Deep Creek, Lammermoors. Leaders: Evelyn C, Ian, Peter and Wendy

Deep Creek Pipeline Track
Deep Creek Pipeline Track. Evelyn, Wendy, Peter.
Deep Creek Weir
Deep Creek Weir. Evelyn, Wendy, Peter

7. 17/4/2002. Alt. Rockland and Deep Creek. Medium. Leaders: Bob H, Bev H, Bev McI.

6. 21/10/1998. Deep Creek from Old Dunstan Trail. Leaders: George, Les S.

5. 24/3/1998. Deep Creek, Rocklands. Leaders: Shirley McN, Ria L, Bev H.

4. 15/10/1997.

3. 8/2/1995. Deep Creek from Old Dunstan Road. Easy. Leaders: Jack R, Bob H, Ted, Dot T.

2. 20/3/1991. Deep Creek Dam and Pipeline. Great viewing and interesting country. Easy+. Leaders: Dave and Jean, Margaret D, Janice.

1. 1/2/89. Deep Creek.

1/2/1989. “Pumping Station.” Deep Creek. (Ian pic, scanned from Peg Chisholm photo collection.)
Background.
The Deep Creek Water Scheme was built during the depression of the 30s.
The Pipeline is 58 years old and 64 km long.
The intake is 675m above sea level.
The catchment is 5420 hectares; mainly tussock with some grassland.
The steel pipeline, lined with bitumen, was in a bad state of repair by the 80s and the leaks were constantly plugged with tapered wooden plugs until it resembled a porcupine.
The authorities were eventually persuaded to renew the worst section, this being done with the aid of a helicopter in 1992. It is a useful supplement to Dunedin’s water supply.
The Pipeline is made of bitumen-lined steel excepting the first 1.4 km which was replaced in 1992 with concrete pipes.
Water quality is variable and often discoloured.
Over the 58 years the yield has dropped from 11,000 cubic metres to 6,800 cubic metres a day.
The water goes to Booth Road Treatment Station and Sullivans Dam.
Replacing the rest of the pipeline is estimated at $20,000,000 and would increase the flow to 17,000 cubic metres a day.
– From a hand-written record in the President’s file and supplemented with other data.

Caversham – Street Walk.

14 kms PJP to cnr South Rd and Eastbourne St.


5. 27/09/2023 Hikers. Grade 2 Leaders: Jan and Jan

20 hikers set off from the old Carisbrook Hotel through the very run-down Caversham shopping area.  We had a couple of stops to look at a bit of the history of the area.  There were other points of interest, but with so much chatter going on, decided to give it a miss! We headed up South Road for a morning tea stop at a house belonging to Jan Y’s brother.  It is a large property extending right down to just above the main trunk railway line.  He has a stall at the Farmers Market every Saturday and has grown and propagated an extensive number of plants.  Also has numerous tunnel houses, a couple of fruiting tamarillo trees and an avocado tree.  He is a rockhound and there was a very large collection of rocks, crystals etc. on display.

Rocks and propagating Caption and photo Helen
Rocks and propagating Caption and photo Helen
Photo Helen
Photo Helen
Photo Helen 1
Photo Helen

Because there was so much to look at, the morning tea break was a bit longer than normal.  We carried on up South Road to the Carlton Hill area, then cut across a couple of streets and back down to Sidey Street where you got a good view of Corstorphine House.  From there we headed up a track which took us into the Kew area, with great views of Dunedin.

Top of steps gathering up Caption and photo Helen
Top of steps gathering up Caption and photo Helen

Down through a steep set of steps (Killikrankie Pass – a cool name) and we ended up in a park at Forbury Corner for lunch.

Lunch. We were all scattered. Caption and photo Helen
Lunch. We were all scattered. Caption and photo Helen

Returned to the cars by crossing over the motorway on an overhead bridge, then walked down a path on the north side back to the cars.

On the overbridge Caption and photo Helen
On the overbridge Caption and photo Helen

It was a pleasant day with no wind, and we covered approx 8 kms, at quite a leisurely pace.  Several members of the group had lived in the vicinity of area covered so it was a bit of a trip down memory lane for them.  Thanks to Jan and Pam who did a very enjoyable recce with me.  The Two Jans.


4. 15/11/2015. Hikers. Leaders’ Choice. Lance and Joshiah. Street Walk: Mornington.

GPS of route. (Forgot to switch on until abt 1km after start from Unity Park. start.)
GPS of route. (Forgot to switch on until abt 1 km after start from Unity Park.)

Seventeen of us met at Unity Park, wondering where Lance was going to lead us this time. He took us down High St just a little, across to the Old High St School property, then up through a corner of Mornington Park to the Mornington township. Back down the hill a little, Macnee St took us off into a suburb of Mornington few of us had seen before. Glenpark Avenue took us a long way steeply down and up, surprising us on the way with a bit of handsome Street Art – in the middle of suburbia. We eventually reached the Forfar St corner and down that a bit we stopped off under the shade of a tree in a recreation area for a morning tea break.

Shade on a hot day. (John pic)
Shade on a hot day. (John pic)

Forfar Street led us round to what this reporter reckons has to be the best city view in town.

Best view in town. John pic)
Best view in town. John pic)

There were views stretching out on our left to the head of the harbour and on the centre and right displaying St Kilda and South Dunedin beautifully stretched out. We stopped and drank in the scene. Some got into chatting with an unusually large well-dressed group of Jehovah’s Witnesses we passed on the street.
We followed Forfar Street winding on down and down and eventually entered a delightful rough track through an unnamed bush area near the bottom that led us through to the end of Barnes Drive. Now we were into the paths alongside the State Highway before having to confront a long climb up to the Lookout Point bridge at the top.

Close-up of bridge design. (John pic)
Close-up of bridge facing. (John pic)
Bridge stone work and netting (John pic)
Close-up of bridge stone work and netting (John pic)

(Lance had earlier found out that this was to be the morning of the actual bridge opening.) Bad/good? timing saw us arrive just at the point where the official ceremony had concluded.

We just missed the ceremony
We had just missed the ceremony (John pic)

All the corporate suits and general onlooking public were still there enjoying the “seeing and being seen” of the occasion.

All over.
Seen and being seen.
The first vehicle across the bridge
The first vehicle to cross the bridge.

We wandered about for quite a while before one or two of us (was Fred the first?) found we humble tramping riff-raff were welcome to join the large crowd in a marquee for nibbles (nibbbles? – sandwiches and savouries galore) and drinks, and passed  on the word. Yum. Eventually regrouped, Lance led us back down the way we had come up to stop off at the bottom in a grassy sloping section of Sidey Park for lunch.

Lunch (John pic)
Lunch on Sidey Park (John pic)

The day had been hot. We were glad of the break. We were nearing the end of the outing, but not of any struggle. We exited further along by South Road and climbed the Caversham Rise to the foot of Eglington Road. Why did they put Unity Park at its top? It was a long weary climb for the end of a day, but all made it to finish off a day with a difference, capped, of course, by the Lookout Point Bridge opening. Thanks, Lance – and Josiah, for yet another creative Dunedin walk, opening up byways of interest we would never have otherwise known had existed. A hot day. Some steep struggles on hard pavements at times. A rewarding day. Well done. Finished off  with a goodly social crowd at The Topiary Cafe. We DID miss you, Elaine! – Ian.


3. 9/9/2015 Street Walks: Caversham. Leaders: Elaine, Bev.
Route in km
Route map in km
Route without km
Route map un-cluttered with km indicators.

On the 9th Sept 24+ Hikers had a enjoyable day around Caversham.
We met at the corner of South Road and Eastbourne Street, walking down south road north to get on to Bridge Street and strolled along a path that was beside the motorway  north-going traffic.
Morning tea was at the Barnes Drive traffic lights on a sloping bank and steps.

Morning Tea on convenient set of steps. (John pic)
Morning Tea on convenient set of steps. (John pic)

We walked up the back of the Caversham Valley Road to Aberfeldy Street, where a small car track went up to Baxter House…

Baxter House. (John pic)
Baxter House. (John pic)

…built in 1895 for  a David Baxter whose daughter married T K S Sidey, the Mayor of Dunedin.
We also went to Rockyside Road where in 1855 Mr John Thomson the Surveyor for Dunedin built his house. Most of the hikers were unaware about the Baxter House still being there.
We travelled down lots of different streets in ‘Cavy’ and lunch was at the Kew Reserve.

Lunch at Kew Reserve. (John pic)
Lunch at Kew Reserve. (John pic)

After lunch, we passed the old Wax Match Factory and up to look at a very well done art work on a two-story building.

Street Art work. (John pic)
Street Art work on wall of former hotel. (John pic)

Then it was back down South Road and along to our cars. Those who wanted a coffee chat stopped off at Flax Cafe first. – Elaine.


2. 9/6/2000. Hikers.  Caversham: street walk. Leaders: Bev H, Peggy M, Peter R.
1. 9/6/1999. Hikers. A wee slice of Caversham. Leaders: Bev H, Peggy M, Shirley R.

Akatore Forest: Narrowdale Rd, Gorge Hill, Stewarts Farm

PJP to Cnr Narrowdale and Golf Links Rd 41 km.
Golf Course Corner, Gorge Hill, Wilkinson Rd, Windy Ridge, Narrowdale Rd: Round walk. Tedious Narrowdale road walk-out.

11. 6/09/2023. Combined. Akatore Forest – Narrowdale Rd.
Grade 3, 41km, Leaders: Bruce Spittle, Alex Griffin, Sarah McCormack, Phil Morris.
On a goodly spring morning, we headed from Peter Johnstone Park with a good number of trampers and hikers. At Milburn we turned left into Narrowdale Road (of note turning right at same point was Lime works and Whale Fossil Lookout). With Wenita permit conditions, group was split with trampers lead by Phil M and Sarah tramping up old golf course road while hikers lead by Bruce and Alec tramped up Narrowdale Road.
20230906_1017 Jenni IMG_7650 Res 1400
Trampers setting off (photo and caption Jenni)
20230906_1017 Jenni IMG_7651 Res 1600
And the hikers also ready to go (photo and caption Jenni)
The trampers headed past 2 small farms up into pine trees which obscured views but with warm conditions. We continued the climb with a stop for morning tea.
20230906_1044 Pam IMG_6905 Res 1300
Morning tea in the clearing (photo and caption Pam)
Then along Stoop Road onto Homestead Road. Track conditions were perfect and chatter was aplenty. Time to junction Narrowdale and Homestead was 1.20min, 270 elevation.
Hikers travelling along Narrowdale Road past some belted Galloway cattle then up to the Rifle Range to the left. It was a good spot for morning tea.
20230906_1045 Jenni IMG_7652 Res 1600
Looks like a class photo (photo and caption Jenni)
20230906_1057 47 Phil K Res 800
Llivestock are well trained down here (photo and caption Phil K.
Then on to junction listed above (Narrowdale and Homestead). Time 1 hr, 185 elevation.
20230906_1143 Pam IMG_6909 Res 1200
Trampers and Hikers rendezvous (photo and caption Pam)
20230906_1143 55 Helen Res 1200
Rays of sun through the trees (photo and caption Helen)
The group continued left along Dale Road, down onto Siberia Road at the junction. We met at Lower Narrowdale Road where hikers and a few trampers travelled on a grassy track for 2km before they stopped for lunch at 12.45pm.
20230906_1218 26 Phil K Res 1000
Down lower Narrowdale rd (Hikers – pre lunch)(photo and caption Phil K.)
20230906_1258 29 Phil K Res 800
Incy wincy spider on Bill’s arm (hikers lunch) (photo and caption Phil K.)

The trampers continued up Siberia Road…

20230906_1221 Pam IMG_6910 Res 1000
Yes, it’s uphill, another layer off! (photo and caption Pam)
…with full elevation of 405m, where we turned left along newly-named Scooter Road, with a stop for lunch in the sun at 12.30pm.
20230906_1302 28 Helen Res 1000
Trampers lunch (photo and caption Helen)
After lunch we continued along Scooter Road in search of a view (but none could be found) of prison compounds, Calder Stewart Ltd or Milton township. A decision to return back to meet hikers was made. With the good track conditions, the birds in forest were unable to get a word in, for the continual chatter of the trampers about many scenarios.
20230906_1418 46 Helen Res 1400
A gathering to decide hard or easy back to cars (photo and caption Helen)
The trampers for the 2nd time were a few minutes late so most of the hikers took the Homestead track option, while the trampers headed down Narrowdale Road and back to cars by 15.05pm. The Hikers arrived back about 15.35-15.45. Pollen during the tramp could be seen blowing in the open, hence most had a lime greenish tinge on clothes, shoes. and on cars.
20230906_1532 42 Phil K Res 1200
They just won’t go home (photo and caption Phil K.)

It was an interesting part of the Akatore Block, thanks Bruce S for sourcing.

Phil M.
Stats: Hikers 13.5km (phone) 16km (Garmin), elevation gain 324m, travel 4hrs, grade 3
Trampers 15.2km, elevation 405m actual travel 3hs 30min, grade 3.5

10. 8/10/2009. Trampers. Golf Course Corner, Gorge Hill, Wilkinson Rd, Windy Ridge, Narrowdale Rd. Medium. Leader: George.
Partly because Leone wasn’t available as a leader (swapped with Sabina earlier), George had not done a recce. Although he had a different route in mind, Ian persuaded him to take the gate just down from the Golf Course corner and up the (very) steep track to eventually arrive at the trig.
Glenice and George climbing last stretch to trig.
Glenice and George climbing last stretch to trig.
Gorge Hill Trig.
Gorge Hill Trig.
As there was general feeling that we should return by the usual road route, we went on down through the forestry and farm to Wilkinson Road in the valley, being early enough to climb up it and lunch at the top.
View of forestry plantings taken from Wilkinson Road.
View of forestry plantings taken from Wilkinson Road.
After lunch just below the crest to shelter from the cool wind, we emerged onto Windy Ridge and all its views.
Toko plain with Correction Facility centre right.
Toko plain with Correction Facility centre right. Keith. What is he looking at?!
A couple more upward slopes across the ridge, and it was down, down and on on along Narrowdale Road and back to the cars safely home before the promised cold hailstone front due in from the south slammed in at afternoon tea time when we were refreshingly showered, sheltered, nourished and warm.

9. 12/7/2006. Trampers. Stewarts Forestry, Gorge Hill, Windy Ridge, Narrowdale Road. Leaders: Graham, Ian


8. 24/3/2004 Trampers. Gorge Hill. Medium. Leaders: Doug M, Bob H

D
Dorothy S, Ria?

7. 25/7/2001. Gorge Hill – Narrowdale Road. Medium. Leaders: Donny, Graham, Irene

6. 28/6/2000 Gorge Hill – Narrowdale Road. Leaders: Ian, Dot T
5. 21/4/1999. Gorge Hill – via Wilkinson Road. Leaders: Ria L, Joyce, Molly.
4. 10/6/1998. Gorge Hill via Wilkinson Road, round trip. Leaders: George, Hazel.
3. 15/10/1997. Gorge Hill round trip from Wilkinson Road. Leaders: Hugh, Jack M, Ivan.
2. 23/5/1990. Gorge Hill – round trip via Wilkinson Road. Great views of Lake Waihola and Milton. Average. One hill to start. Leaders: Peggy M, Nel v Elizabeth Peg C
1. 21/4/1989 Leaders: Ria L, Joyce S, Molly

Nicols Creek, Swampy, Pineapple Track, Moon Track, Booth Road

(David Nicol was an early settler and dairy farmer. He reputedly bought land here in the hope that the railway line would be routed north through Leith Valley.)

Click here for Antony Hamel’s YouTube video showing his exploration of the 5 falls of Nicols Creek.

Neighbours at War Click here for background and photos to the Finnerty Family and their house site on the Moon Track by Nicols Creek.
Click Swampy ridge track for background information.
Click Pineapple Track for background information.
Click Pineapple and Flagstaff walk for background information.
No. 17 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Nicols Creek. D McCabe. Year Round”
Nicols Creek circuit Maintained by Green Hut Track Group.
DCC land.

Booth Road 16.1 km from car park.
Nicols Creek – Information and Trips Library


27. 30/08/2023. Trampers. Pineapple Track-Nicols Creek Grade 3.5-4 Leaders: Sarah and John
An Interview with Pineapple Track/Nicols Creek Tramp Leader Sarah by Tail End Charlie, John

Hi Sarah. You were a late incumbent to the leadership of this tramp?

– Yes, Ross was originally down to lead it, but back problems meant he asked me to lead it instead. (Best wishes for a speedy recovery Ross.)

Did you do a recce the Saturday prior?

– That’s right, Craig went mountain biking, and I went exploring on foot, in the area, to finalize the tramp format.

Were the group lucky with the weather on the day?

-The weather was brilliant. Sunshine, little or no wind and temperatures towards the mid-teens. The tracks were reasonably dry.

And did we have a good attendance?

– There were 18 of us – arriving at Tanner Rd/Fulton Rd corner in 7 cars.

What was the tramp route?

-We started on the Pineapple Track, walking up to the Pump House for morning tea.

Getting ready for morning tea in the sun Caption and photo John
Getting ready for morning tea in the sun Caption and photo John

Then we carried on up the Pineapple Track, turning off at McGouns Track onto the Old Pineapple Track. This led us to the “new” Pineapple Track by Pineapple Point.

crossing Nicol’s stream Caption and photo Pam
crossing Nicol’s stream Caption and photo Pam

From here we followed the lower track, traversing Nicols Creek before arriving at the Mountain Bike picnic table at 11.55am for lunch.

Lunch with a view worth taking in Caption and photo John
Lunch with a view worth taking in Caption and photo John
Panorama - View from lunch spot. Caption and photo John
Panorama – View from lunch spot. Caption and photo John

After lunch it was onto the upper track, traversing Nicols Creek.

somewhere in the bush! Caption and photo Pam
somewhere in the bush! Caption and photo Pam

Then onto the “new” Pineapple Track, and back to the cars via McGouns Track.

Heading down the pineapple track Caption and photo Pam
Heading down the pineapple track Caption and photo Pam

Wahl!! I think you lost me somewhere there! Did the tramp take long Sarah?

– The recce only took me 3 hours. On the day the tramp took us much longer at 5 hours. Some technical terrain reduced the tramp down to a crawl pace in parts.

Did you manage to squeeze in coffee afterwards?

–        Only just. We were back at the cars by 3.00pm, then headed straight to the Fire Station Cafe’ in Roslyn.

How would you describe the shape of the tramp?

– Roughly a double figure 8.

Sounds lucky, I think? Thanks for the interview, Sarah.

Screenshot Sarah
Screenshot Sarah

Continue reading “Nicols Creek, Swampy, Pineapple Track, Moon Track, Booth Road”

Bethunes Gully, Mt Cargill, Buttars Peak, Organ Pipes, Old Main North Road, Brown House Corner, Norwood Street, Bethunes Gully.

23 km from carpark. Cars meet at Bethunes Gully.
Click Mount Cargill history for background information. No. 11 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Bethunes Gully to T.V. Mast Organ Pipes. Wiggins. Year Round.” No. 100 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Bethunes Gully – Brown House – Signal Hill – Chingford Park Year Round”.  A broad gravelled track from picnic ground. NB. Opposite Brown House corner is an RSA Memorial to First World War servicemen and the old Junction School.

27. 30/08/2023. Hikers. Bethunes Gully to Mt Cargill. Grade 2  Leaders: Bill and Bruce

32 hikers assembled at Bethunes Gully carpark on a beautiful if slightly brisk morning. We set off just after 10.00am and after negotiating our way over and around a fallen Pine tree stopped in a semi-sunny glade for morning tea amongst the Pines – these trees must be amongst some of the tallest and straightest in the country.
The track was in pretty good order for winter – minimal mud but slippery rocks and bridges further up the track required extra care – apart from a couple of minor slips we managed to complete the day intact.

Photo Alex
Photo Alex

Not long after morning tree it was decided to split into two groups with Jill Dodd volunteering to lead the second pack – there was still only a 10 minute gap between arrival times at the top of the mountain.

A little look at the top Caption and photo Helen
A little look at the top Caption and photo Helen
Bethunes Gully Caption Ady
Bethunes Gully Caption Ady

The birdlife along the way was in great voice and Katrina even identified a Kingfisher welcoming us onto the track. The native bush section of the walk is quite beautiful complete with an abundance of ferns, some majestic old Rimus, clear streams and even the odd waterfall.

Almost there Caption and photo Helen
Almost there Caption and photo Helen

The steps at the top of the walk are real thigh killers and we were all very relieved to finally arrive at the summit and a well-earned lunch. The 360-degree panorama of Dunedin, the peninsula and surrounding districts is stunning and well worth the effort! The temperature was up around 15 degrees and led to many layers of clothing getting tucked away into packs.

Photo Barbara
Photo Barbara
Photo Barbara 1
Photo Barbara

There was a discussion during lunch re the grading of the walk and while officially it is a 2 the majority agreed that it was more like a 3 – Ady told me during coffee that it felt more like a 6!

Group trip heading down. Caption and photo Jenni
Group trip heading down. Caption and photo Jenni

After a fairly uneventful trip back down we adjourned to the Blacks Road Grocery cafe – this slightly quirky cafe was a lovely place to conclude a very enjoyable day – coffee and treats well deserved!

Blacks Road Cafe - very cool afternoon tea venue Caption and photo Jenni
Blacks Road Cafe – very cool afternoon tea venue Caption and photo Jenni

There was a lot of learning in my first hike as the group leader, particularly around identifying the appropriate pace to set and the timing of breaks. I couldn’t have asked for better support from the more experienced members of the group as I negotiated my way through the various stages and protocols on the day. Special thanks to Bruce, Jill and Jenni but many others chipped in to keep me on the straight and narrow.
All in all a lovely day and living proof that age is no barrier to serious physical achievement.
Cheers Bill


26. 16/08/2023. Trampers. Forrester Park and environs. Grade 3, $6, 23km, Leaders: John Gardiner, Dave Roberts

After the cancellation of the previous two week’s tramps due to the weather, 27 eager trampers were “chaffing at the bit” when they arrived at Forrester Park.

Getting ready to leave the cars - John
Getting ready to leave the cars (Photo & Caption John)

Weather conditions weren’t quite ideal, but were pretty good, for a chance to finally get out and enjoy each other’s company, and get some exercise.

Not a bad line up - Phil
Not a bad line up (Photo & Caption Phil)

The Forrester Park area was known to most, but some weren’t very familiar with it, or hadn’t been there for some time. With some new members and regular hikers, we initially did a circuit around the perimeter of the park, on cycle trails. For Alex Griffin , it must have been satisfying to experience these trails again, having supervised their construction by Task Force Green members, many years earlier.

The pristine boots of hikers Bill and Alex - John
The pristine boots of hikers Bill and Alex (Photo & Caption John)

We stopped at the public toilets at about 10.50am, and again for a regroup at the park’s “Gate to Nowhere.” A novelty, the gate sits at right angles to the end of an existing fence, left presumably after an earlier fence was removed. The gate is, of course, padlocked shut! Anyway this initial stroll gave everyone a chance to see the park’s amenities; the football fields, dog-park, Dog Club building, and BMX Track.

Starting off passing the Forrester Park Dog Exercise Area - Pam
Starting off passing the Forrester Park Dog Exercise Area )Photo & Caption Pam)
Morning tea in the sun - John
Morning tea in the sun (Photo & Caption John)

Morning Tea was enjoyed in the sun, overlooking the, “Events Car park”, with it’s established and recently developed native plantings, complete with two resident Pukeko.

Resting up••• - Pam
Kereru resting up••• (Photo & Caption Pam)

From here we walked across the road to Bethunes Gully, arriving at a cycle trail above the vehicle entrance at 11.45am. A myriad of cycle trails lie on this side of the forested hill, north of the main vehicle driveway. Having explored some of these, including some “make shift” accommodation found in the forest, we descended to the main gully track, went up the hill a little, then off to our left onto a cycle trail.

Plenty of matchsticks to build survival cover - Phil
Plenty of matchsticks to build survival cover (Photo & Caption Phil)
••• and over bridges - Pam
••• and over bridges (Photo & Caption Pam)

This trail, complete with boardwalks, took us uphill through forest and bush areas, before we again came out onto the main track. A steeper uphill climb saw us rewarded when we arrived at the waterfalls, before we back tracked to a suitable bank to sit on and have lunch.

Don't go chasing waterfalls. On the Bethunes Gully Track - John
Don’t go chasing waterfalls. On the Bethunes Gully Track (Photo & Caption John)
Alex Griffin
Lunch spot (Photo Alex)

This 30 minute break ended at 1.00pm, when we were on our way downhill again. Those who thought their efforts for the day were winding down had one last surprise in store! By 1.15pm we were back into the bush again, climbing to the highest point of the cycle trails, we had initially explored upon entering Bethunes gully. An advanced cycle trail, complete with jumps, then one with the endearing name of “Dead Cow Gully” taking us back to the Bethunes Gully entrance. The twists and turns of these mountain bike trails provide an adrenalin rush, a physical and mental challenge, to master on a bike. When walking these twists and turns, they provide a less frenetic, but almost as emersive experience.

Beautiful straight trunks of the “ Red Woods” - Pam
Beautiful straight trunks of the “ Red Woods” (Photo & Caption Pam)

By 2.05pm we were back at the cars, with four cellphones giving four different figures regarding how far we’d walked. Somewhere between 7.84 and 10km was the range, with two phones reading just on 9km, so we’ll go with 9km! Afternoon tea was enjoyed at Blacks Road Grocer, which we filled to capacity.

Enjoying the quirky Cafe at Black's Road - Chris
Enjoying the quirky Cafe at Black’s Road (Photo & Caption Chris)
Very yummy - Phil
Very yummy (Photo & Caption Phil)

A thank-you to Christopher and his staff, for his hospitality, and speedy delivery of hot drinks to our band of 27. In summary, an enjoyable day. The Forrester Park and Bethunes Gully area is a versatile one for tramping or hiking, providing lots of options, it lends itself to a future combined Wednesday outing. Thanks to Dave Roberts for accompanying me on the main rece and acting as tail end charlie on the day.
Regards,
John


25. 15/7/2020. Hikers. Bethunes Gully, Mount Cargill. Leaders : Mike and Jim 

With scenes reminiscent of recent National Party musical chairs, the leadership of the outing changed a few times prior to the hike due to unforeseen circumstances. A cabinet meeting in the Bethune’s Gully car park settled on the hike being led by Mike Webb with Jim Finnie acting as Tail End Charlie.
It was a mild drizzly day when nine of us headed out of the car park to start walking the track up to Mt Cargill. We soon found a large tree to shelter under while we had morning tea. This was after passing Andy Cunningham and his famous dog Meg coming towards us. Many will remember Meg as the dog who was missing in the bush near Purakaunui for weeks last year. She still has health problems from her ordeal but has a loving owner to help her along.
20200715_102213res
Photo and Caption Adi – “Morning tea stop, 5 minutes from the carpark, protected from the light drizzle.”
After a short break we started the long slow steady climb with a few stops along the way to catch our breaths and regroup. The views from the lookout points on the track were not as scenic as usual due to the low cloud and drizzle.
20200715_110048res
Photo and Caption Adi – “A pause giving a photo opportunity.”
20200715_110227res
Photo and Caption Mike – “Happy Hikers.”
After a couple of kilometres on the track three members of the team decided to call it a day and head back. That left six of us to carry on for a bit longer before a decision was made for the hike to be cut short and for us to return to the car park.
Even though we didn’t make it to the top, it was a pleasant outing with good conversation. The main group hiked a distance of 6kms.
Mike
It was a cool day, which was fortunate given the up-hill nature of this track. A small number turned back after 1.5 hours, and the remaining intrepid folk turned back about 1.5 km from the top. All met up at the Gardens cafe for an enjoyable coffee (actually  it was better than enjoyable, it was down right delicious), the early birds having eaten their lunch before arriving at the cafe, and the later folk waited until they got home. Thanks to the planners and those who finally lead the party.
Adi

24. 25/9/2019. Trampers. Bethunes Gully, Mount Cargill. Jill D.

With a very threatening weather forecast 16 intrepid trampers parked at Bethunes Gully ,before traversing the track towards the television tower at the summit of Mt Cargill 600 meters above .We were greeted with birdsong along the way .The vegetation changed as we followed the track through pine plantation then opening to more scrubby vegetation but it did provide shelter from a southerly wind.

G.3rd -- A welcome morn. Teac
A welcome morn. Tea. (Gordon pic and caption.)

Along the way we had views over to the peninsula and harbour areas and also to the famous Brown House location -this providing some interesting reflections of party times of our younger days !!
There were clear views of the summit ,tower and nearby Buttars Peak .We knew we were getting closer to the top with the noise of the wind whistling through the tower .

G.7th -- The cell Towerc
The cell Tower. (Gordon pic and caption.)

The views from the top were amazing almost 360 degrees north up the coast east and west and to the south over Dunedin however we didn’t stay long up there.

G.8th -- Heading downc
Heading down. (Gordon pic and caption.)

Lunch was at the the junction to the Organ Pipes and Buttars Peak

G.9th -- Lunch at intersection of Buttars Peak @ Organ Pipesc
Lunch at intersection of Buttars Peak @ Organ Pipes. (Gordon pic and caption.)

where a smaller group checked the peak  out

G.11th --Checking the photosc
Checking the photos. (Gordon pic and caption.)
D.Caught!! Gordon putting his camera away!c
Caught!! Gordon putting his camera away!. (Dave M. pic and caption.)
G.10th -- View of Dunedin from Buttars Peakc
View of Dunedin from Buttars Peak. (Gordon pic and caption.)

before rejoining the rest of the group on the descent.
This was a shorter walk over a well formed gravel track even the steps on the final ascent to the top appear to be newer and easier to negotiate

G.5th -- Some of the steps to the summitc
Some of the steps to the summit. (Gordon pic and caption.)

– all in all 10.4 kms and clean boots !
The coffee stop was at the Crocodile cafe at the Gardens ,where we rearranged the seating and general chit chat creating a relaxed end to the day .We were very lucky the weather held out till back in Mosgiel. – Jill D.


23. 28/8/2019. Hikers. Bethunes Gully. M. Leaders: Jay and Jan B.

On Wednesday 28th August 2019 24 Hikers/Ramblers met at Bethunes Gully to walk up to Mt Cargill.   The day was suitably warm and made for pleasant walking conditions.

C.1) muster of hikers and ramblers at Bethune's gullyc
Muster of hikers and ramblers at Bethune’s gully. (Clive pic and caption.)

7 Ramblers organised themselves to walk up as far as they wanted and they were joined by another member who decided to go back  with the Ramblers  and the remaining 17 took off at a steady pace up the gradual climb to near the top where there were 127 steep steps to negotiate to bring us to the communications tower at the top of Mt Cargill.

C.2) a view of the topc
A view of the top. (Clive pic and caption.)

There we sat in the sunshine having lunch and admiring the 360 degree view of Dunedin and up the coastline to Karitane.  After a good rest we started our downward hike.

C.3) on the way downc
On the way down. (Clive pic and caption.)

We all took our time getting down the steps as most people find going down is harder than going up.  On the way back one of our long standing members [It was our 90-year-old Doug! – Ed.] was having trouble with his legs as they had lost strength and were feeling jellylike. But hardy fellows in the group stood on each side of him and helped him back to the carpark.  Well done men!!
Clive and Lindsay took  him to A & E where he spent the night. All was well.

Coffee was at the Gardens Crocodile Cafe. Leaders for the day were Jan and Jay.

Ramblers: Out talking and watching the birds on the Bethunes Gully track.

IMG_3696c
Route map, courtesy Ian. We went “about as fur as they (we) can (could or wanted to) go.” (From everything’s up to date in Kansas City).

A record crowd of 8 of us climbed the track out of the Gully as far as we felt like it. Lunched at an early 11.30 a.m. beside the track, and sauntered back down to enjoy a leisurely sit in the sun back in the domain, to wait out the delayed return of the Hikers.

Ramblers enjoying the sunc
Ramblers enjoying the sun. (Raewyn pic and caption.)
Ramblers - kids at heartc
Ramblers – kids at heart. (Raewyn pic and caption.)

Birds, their song and tiny fresh spring fuchsia leaves containing bellbird-nectar-sipped  flowers where highlights.

P.S. Doug at home the next afternoon, was ruefully nursing his shattered pride, as he came to terms with what had happened the day before. – Ian.


22. 13/9/2017. Trampers. Bethunes Gully. M. Leader: Eleanore.

A record number (9 female and 8 male) trampers drove to car park at Bethunes Gully and started the steady climb up, up and up some more on a well maintained track.

Firstly, alongside Lindsay Creek.  The track climbs steadily up the flank of Mt. Cargill, first through pine forest and then regenerating native forest.  We found a cosy spot and enjoyed a smoko break.  Once again we climbed steadily to the top of the ridge between Mt. Cargill and Buttars  Peak.  The intersection to the Organ Pipes Track was reached, by now we knew the mast was getting closer.  Only to find we had to climb steps to reach the top!

(Margreet pic and caption.)

The weather was calm and the views fantastic.

On top of Mt Cargill looking towards Taiaroa Heads. (Phil pic and caption.)

For quite a few members it was a first time visit to this track.  Also, the company of the intrepid adventurer Judy Knox was enjoyed.  We continued onto the A.H. Reed track where lunch was had.

Lunch view. (Helen pic and caption.)

The beauty of this track is the downhill—all the way to the car park!
We chose the little coffee shop near Baldwin Street for coffee, cake and a chat.

Coffee. (Helen pic and caption.)

We travelled 10.9km and climbed 676 metres to the mast on top of Mt. Cargill
Another great outing had by all. – Eleanore Ryan.


21. 28/9/2016. Hikers. Bethunes Gully. H. Leaders: Adrienne and Judy K.

Route map
Route map of trek only to the top. (Sorry, jammed up the app.)

21 hikers with an age range of 12 to 89 (is that a record?) gathered at the car park at the start of the Bethunes Gully track. It was fine (well, not raining anyway) when we left Mosgiel, and dry at the start of the track, but a nasty creepy little drizzle hung round us the higher we went. Loud bird calls accompanied us for the steady climb up the gully on a well-formed track, slightly muddy in places, across several bridges where the creeks were running a bit higher than usual, to a welcome morning tea break on the side of the track.

Morning Tea. (Adrienne pic.)
Morning Tea stop. (Adrienne pic and caption.)

Slow and steady was the order of the day, with plenty of stops to get breath back. Up – and up – and up. Several fell by the wayside – first two, then two more. When at last the junction for the Organ Pipes and the Mt Cargill summit was reached, 10 more subsided and declared “Lunch!”
An intrepid 7 continued another half hour to the summit (a first for some), up the steps in annoying drizzle. No views available from the top.

Cloud Mountain. (Adrienne pic.)
The misty summit. (Adrienne pic and caption.)

so it was down to the junction again for lunch.

Lunch in cloud. Where had the others gone? (Ian pic and caption.)
Lunch in the cloud, back down from the summit and at the junction. Where had the others gone? (Ian pic and caption.)

By which time the other 10 had departed, it being a bit cold and damp to hang around.
Down – and down – and down – collecting strays as we went. Fred wasn’t present but his chocolates were, and much appreciated, thanks Fred. It was warm and sunny back …

Our welcoming crowd at the end. (Adrienne pic and caption.)
Our welcoming crowd at the end. (Adrienne pic and caption.)

… at the cars so parkas were discarded for the ride to the Botanic gardens and a well-earned (we think) coffee stop.  – Adrienne and Judy K.


20. 30/9/2015 Trampers. Bethunes Gully, Mt Cargill, Organ Pipes return.

Bethunes Gully track was the destination for the day, & 9 keen trampers arrived at the car park in Bethunes Gully, ready to tackle the continuous climb up to the transmitter mast at Mt. Cargill.
We arrived at the picnic spot about 3/4 of an hour up the track, but the leaders misread the sign, & decided that it wasn’t the correct place, but they were called back, & we all had a relaxing morning tea break in the sun. Then it was up the track some more, with a few rest breaks till we reached the junction with the Organ Pipes track, where we had another short break before heading off up the terrible track with the very large steps to arrive at the transmitter mast on top. This section is getting worse as time goes on, or is it just the mind thinking that way ??
After a good look around…
Top photo One (Ken pic)
Top photo One (Ken pic)
Top photo Two (Ken pic)
Top photo Two (Ken pic)

… & a chat with a guy from the university language department who had a group of very well dressed [all in black suits] Chinese visitors to the city, we made our way back to the Organ Pipes track. After a regroup here, we walked down to the Organ Pipes …

Eric (Ken pic)
Eric (Ken pic)
 … where I could see how my handiwork on the boardwalks was standing up from nearly 20 years beforehand. We had lunch at the Organ Pipes, then retraced our steps back down to the cars at Bethunes Gully. It was a very nice day for a tramp, with only the slightest breeze at the top, & some weak sunshine all day. I think everybody enjoyed the day, despite the grumbles about the steep climb, & those terrible steps !! We stopped off at the new cafe in the shop at the bottom of Baldwin Street for a coffee, just to keep up the tradition of the Trampers Coffee Club. This cafe is owned by the former owner of the ‘Flax’ cafe in Caversham.
Walked 10.9km
2h 53m moving
3.7km/h
climbed 679m
max height 672m – Ken.

19. 21/9/2011. Bethunes Gully, Mt Cargill, Buttars Peak, Organ Pipes, Old Main North Road, Brown House corner, Norwood Street, Bethunes Gully.

GPS of tramp, clockwise, courtesy, Ken
Nine of us did this tramp, the most we have had out for a while, and one that the club had not done since 2006!
We were surprised with the new (?) bike barriers, although we still met a biker further on up the track.
Cycle barrier
Doug (nice knees?) and this reporter (the eldest two in the group) elected to remain at the track junction, letting the others (one or two who had never done it before) go on up to the top.
Relaxing in sheltered comfort
Their only reward was to reach the summit. Mt Cargill was entirely cloud-capped. Too bad! Doug and I rested in complete shelter from the cold Norwester. Even down where we were, we could see the mist still briskly blowing across the saddle below us. See Moving Mist
It was a surprise later on, on the former main road and nearing the old Brown House site to see the lovely-but-misleading external sight of the cloud cover we had bracingly experienced from the inside.
Cloud over Mt Cargill. Mast just peeking above cloud, barely discernible to the left of the cloud’s apex..
Another good tramp. Bethunes Gully track is still no less steep at the beginning before easing off further up. – Ian

18. 27/10/2010. Hikers. Bethunes Gully, track junction with summit/Organ Pipes. Medium. Leaders: Lesley G, Joyce.


17. 5/5/2010. Both. Bethunes Gully, Bike Tracks. M-. Leaders: Bob and Evelyn.

We parked cars at by the toilets at the end of Cluny Street (that’s  what the Map said. Didn’t know that before.) in Bethunes Gully. Bob and Evelyn were  to turn on a delightful surprise for us all. They led us back down the road to the gate to discover for us on the left a bike track leading up through the trees. We admired the loving attention lavished on the system of tracks by bike devotees as we climbed up through the un-pruned Oregon plantation. After a morning tea stop we ascended yet further to reach the plantation’s NE corner. Then it was down to our left back into the gully.

Looking up at the tops
The tops of the tall Oregons.
Looking up at the tops.
Looking up at the tall Oregons. Wendy, Sabina, Peter, George, Lex, Ken.

We emerged at the head of the grassed part of the gully at the bridge across the Lindsay Stream.

Sturdy bridge
From here it was up the Mount Cargill walking track, stopping for frequent rests, one of which was by a small track on our left promising to lead eventually to Campbells Road in Pine Hill. (Bob and Evelyn had recced it, but it ends in dense gorse.) Eventually we reached the Lookout down on the right of the track where we stopped for an early lunch.
Bush view from the lookout.
Bush view from the lookout.

After the leaders had ascertained all seventeen of us were back up onto the walkway from the Lookout, (with Ken obtaining dispensation to carry on on his own to Mount Cargill, as he had come in his own car), they took us part way back down the walkway before striking off on the right up a rutted vehicle track through the bush,

Rock on rock
How did they lift the smaller on top of the larger? Leader Bob strikes a pose on the vehicle track

… from which eventually a track led off to the left and down to parallel the walkway back down the bridge and then it was just a short walk to the cars.

Thanks to Evelyn and Bob for finding us a new set of tracks in a Bethunes Gully we had thought we knew all about already. – Ian

16. 24/5/2006 Bethunes Gully, Mt Cargill, Buttars Peak, Organ Pipes,Old Main North Road, Brown House corner, Norwood Street, Bethunes Gully. Leaders: Judy, Tash
15. 15/6/2005. Trampers. Bethunes Gully, Mount Cargill. Leaders: Hazel, Ria.
14. 23/5/2007. Hikers. Bethunes Gully, Mount Cargill. Medium. Leaders: Betty, Dot T.
13. 5/11/2003. Trampers. Bethunes Gully, Buttars Peak, round trip. Medium. Leaders: D Jenkins, B McCabe
11. 28/8/2002 Bethunes Gully to Mount Cargill, Organ Pipes return. Leaders: Ray & Diana, Val
10. 16/5/2001. Bethunes Gully. Leaders: Nancy, Dot and Nelson.
9. 19/4/2000. Bethunes Gully, Mount Cargill. Leaders: Judy C, Mary M, Bev McI.
8. 27/5/1998. Bethunes Gully, Organ Pipes, North Road. Leaders: Hugh and Judith.
7. 25/3/1998. Bethunes Gully, Organ Pipes return. Leaders: Betty, Denise.
6. 25/3/1998 Bethunes Gully to Mount Cargill, Organ Pipes return. Leaders: B Bryce, D Pearce
5. 30/7/1997. Bethunes Gully, Mount Cargill. Leaders: Diana and Ray, Catherine.
4. 9/7/1997. Norwood Street, Bethunes Gully, Opoho. Leaders: Shirley McN, Pat, Wendy.
3. 27/9/1995. Pine Hill, Mount Cargill Track, Waitati Road, Bethunes Gully, North East Valley. Medium+. Leaders: Ria L, Catherine, Ria H, Shirley R
2. 12/5/1993 Pine Hill Road, Cowans Road, Mt Cargill, Old Mt Cargill Main North Road, Return Bethunes Gully, North East Valley.  Back to Pine Hill Road. Leaders: Ria L, Catherine T, Penny & Peter
1. 11/4/1990 Bethunes Gully, Mt Cargill, Buttars Peak, Organ Pipes,Old Main North Road, Brown House corner, Norwood Street, Bethunes Gully. Leaders: Margaret S, Hartmann, Bev H, Peter R

 
 
 

Glenfalloch to Edgar Centre or reverse

1. 24 May 2023. Bayfield carpark to Glenfalloch. Grade 1. Hikers. Leaders: Linda Partridge and Helen Ingram.

A convoy of cars from Mosgiel parked in the Bayfield carpark at 9.45 joining Brighton and Dunedin people. Twenty-five hikers in total readied themselves for a walk along the cycle track along Portobello Road to Glenfalloch. It was a still bright morning, the harbour sparkling in the sunlight. We walked along the side of the inlet and stopped at Vauxhall Yacht Club for morning tea.

Hikers 24 May Glenfalloch Morning tea stop Ady
Morning tea stop. Photo & caption Ady

Then on to Glenfalloch which we reached just before noon.

Hiker 24 May An amazing lunch spot, thanks to Glenfalloch for allowing us to use their steps. Marijke
An amazing lunch spot, thanks to Glenfalloch for allowing us to use their steps. Caption & photo Marijke
Hikers 24 May Glenfalloch Enjoying the last of the stunning autumn colours on this beautiful sunny day Marijke
Enjoying the last of the stunning autumn colours on this beautiful sunny day. Caption & photo Marijke

The gardens look beautiful every season, and that day in autumn the maples were flaming red, and a long bank of fuchsias in purple and shocking pink terraced one of the hillsides. We had a leisurely lunch and Linda had prepared a questionnaire for us to take round the gardens to help us explore the grounds.

Hikers 24 May Glenfalloch Some googling (cheating) required to get the right answer. Linda
Some googling (cheating) required to get the right answer. Photo Linda
Hikers 24 May Glenfalloch Time for some chat before we hear the results of the survey Linda
Time for some chat before we hear the results of the survey. Photo Linda
Hikers 24 May Glenfalloch Helen announced the outcome of our "Treasure Hunt". We saw things that we never noticed before, and we got a chocolate prize! Thanks to Linda and Helen, it was a lot of fun. Marijke
Helen announced the outcome of our “Treasure Hunt”. We saw things that we never noticed before, and we all got a chocolate prize! Thanks to Linda and Helen, it was a lot of fun. Caption & photo Marijke

How many spoons in the sculpture near the restaurant? Where will you find the sundial? It really brought out the competitive nature in us! But everyone’s a winner, and a bag of Cadbury Favourites was handed round.

The Portobello bus was due at 2.15pm, and most of the hikers decided to walk on to Macandrew Bay to catch the bus there.

Hikers 24 May Glenfalloch Walking along the path marijke
The keen ones continue onto Macandrew Bay. Caption & photo Marijke

Brandishing BeeLine Cards we filled the bus and were dropped off close to the cars.

Hikers 24 May Glenfalloch Getting our Bee cards out to get on the bus back to the 'Start'. For many a new experience! Marijke
Getting our Bee cards out to get on the bus back to the ‘Start’. For many a new experience! Caption & photo Marijke

We finished the day with a hot drink at Nicols Garden Centre. Thanks to Linda and Helen for a very enjoyable day.


 

Outram Glen Track to Lee Stream

No. 89 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Outram Glen – Lee Stream Year Round”

Outram, Allanton, Floodbanks, Lee Stream, Traquair, Whare Creek – Information and Trips Library


15. 25/01/23 Hikers Outram Glen to Confluence. Grade 2 Leaders: Eleanore and Judy

On a clear still day at 9:15am, 23 of us met at the start of track carpark ready to hike the river track to the meeting of the waters where Lee Stream flows into the Taieri.
For some this was a new hike and a revisit for others.

We live in an amazing part of the country Caption and photo Mike
We live in an amazing part of the country Caption and photo Mike

After a pleasant half hour walk we arrived at the river beach for smoko, knowing we had a solid climb up through the well placed rock steps for quarter of an hour.

Some flat Caption and photo Helen
Some flat Caption and photo Helen

Some parts of track were damaged a few years ago by washout flood damage therefore, maintained as a route standard only with care required.  After we climbed the well-placed rock/wood steps, it was then a long traverse above the Taieri River for just over an hour and a half—often stopping for a breather. It was good to see the unusual crop of potatoes amongst the grass knowing we had arrived at the Confluence.

At the confluence Caption and photo Helen
At the confluence Caption and photo Helen
Lunch on the Lee Stream Caption and photo Mike
Lunch at the Lee Stream Caption and photo Mike
Lunch in the long grass for some Caption and photo Chris
Lunch in the long grass for some Caption and photo Chris

After a leisurely 40-minute lunch and toilet stop, we returned down the track, also stopping often to walk as a group.  Trip back was 15 minutes quicker than trip up. We walked 9km altogether.

On the way down Caption and photo Helen
On the way down Caption and photo Helen

Coffee and cake were shared at Topiary (Wal’s) Cafe by most of us, Trampers arriving back to join in after their Hope Hill outing.

Outram Glen is a great bush walk, close to home.  Care needed after rain.  Today track very dry with blue sky and about 23 degrees.  Thanks to Judy D. for her caring role as my Tail Ender.  Hopefully, you all enjoyed the day as much as I did.
Eleanore


14. 01/12/21 Trampers. Outram Glen to Lee Stream. Leaders: Sarah McCormack and Pam Cocks

After a change of tramp due to drizzly conditions forecast for the day at Swampy, 8 trampers set out from Outram Glen Scenic Reserve following the Taieri River to the Lee Stream convergence.

Pam Arthur line
Arthur keeping the girls in line Photo and caption Pam

We stopped for morning tea beside the river just before the climb up the hill.

Marjke morning tea
Morning tea time along the Taieri River Photo and caption Marijke

The day was starting to warm up a bit with a few of us over dressed as we were expecting it to be cold. Barbara showed off her stone skipping skills that she learnt at a young age and obviously still practices to maintain a high skill level  The track was dry and would have been slippery if there had been any rain.

Pm rocky crossing
Rocky crossing Photo and caption Pam

We made good time after morning tea and arrived at the Lee Stream convergence by 11:15 so a bit early for lunch.

Marjke confluence
End point of the walk at the confluence of the Taieri River and Lee Stream Photo and caption Marijke

While checking out the scenery and having a natter the wind decided it was going to come up. The wind was coming straight out of the Lee Stream valley and had a definite chill to it, so we decided to make our way back and find a lunch spot along the way.

Lunch spot was found with convenient stone seats and some also had tables. After a leisurely lunch we meandered back to the cars stopping to check out the plentiful fantails and another show of stone skipping.

Marjke Barbara
Playtime before going home. Barbara was the absolute star at throwing skipping stones Photo and caption Marijke
Marjke fantails
Spotting lots of fantails in the trees Photo and caption Marijke

We finished the day with coffee at the Wobbly Goat after covering just under 10km.


13. 15/7/2020. Trampers. Outram Glen. Leaders : Joy and Kathryn

 18 keen trampers arrived fully kitted out for an easy but in some places slippery tramp up to the Lee Stream.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Off we go.”

This is a favourite hike with the odd little challenge of fallen trees or wash outs adding some variety.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Negotiating the washout”

After several days of damp weather the river was running higher than normal and the rapids could be heard above the chatter of the group.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Smoko break.”
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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Tackling the steps.”

 

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Photo and Caption John – “Which way?”
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Photo and Caption John – “Lunch”
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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Ready to head home.”

Gordon challenged us all to count the number of drainage pipes on the return trip. Seven, I believe was the winning number.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Final Obstacle.”

Another perfect Wednesday outing with a great group of people finished perfectly with a cuppa at the Wobbly Goat.


12. 29/1/2020. Hikers. Outram Glen M. Leaders Kathryn and Nikki

16 hikers and 5 Ramblers met at Outram Glen with the ramblers going off on their own walk.

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Photo and Caption Clive -“As the sign says trail not maintained so hard going in places”

Hikers had an enjoyable walk around the track stopping for morning tea down at the river before climbing the stairs to take u5s to the Lee.

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Photo and Caption Clive – “Under the trees the going was cooler.”
We were thankful of the overhead cover as it was another hot day.
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Photo and Caption Clive – “The sun shining on the righteous.”
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Photo and Caption Clive – “Great spot for morning tea
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Photo and Caption Nikki – “Morning stop at the river.””
The track was challenging in parts for some. Everyone handled it considering overnight rain had made some of the rocks quite slippery and with heavy rain last year washing out a piece of the track and branch of a tree over another part.
We all were ready to stop for our lunch at the Lee which was lovely, before making our way back down to the Glen.
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Photo and Caption Nikki – “Lunch at the mouth of the Lee”
We walked 10k and I think everyone was ready for a drink at the Wobbly Goat.

Kathryn and Nikki.


11. 18/4/2018. Hikers. Outram Glen to Lee Stream. H. Leaders: Clive and Jim.

Route map, courtesy Ian. Remembered to switch app on only at morning tea stop, so total distance more like 9 km.

26 Hikers and Ramblers set out from Outram Glen scenic reserve alongside the Taieri River to Lee Stream.   This was our first visit since the storm last year caused a lot of damage to the track and trail.   Repairs are on going, apparent from the pile of gravel on the track and washouts still to be repaired on the trail.   Several trees still block the trail.

We arrived at the end of the track about 10.15am and had morning tea on the rock strewn beach beside the river.

Morning tea at the end of the track. (Clive pic and caption.)

Several ramblers and a couple of the hikers then turned back to the start.   An intrepid 19 hikers continued over the trail, followed by fantails and tom tits to Lee Stream.   There seemed to be more hills to climb and they seemed steeper.   Maybe that’s an age thing!

Arriving at Lee Stream around lunch time we picked spots out of the wind to have lunch.

Lunch at Lee Stream – not quite there. (Clive pic and caption.)

It was pointed out by a senior hiker that we hadn’t actually reached Lee Stream and should continue to the stream.   Walking a further 100 meters got us there. (see photo)

Lee Stream. (Clive pic and caption.
Lunch of others at Lee Stream. (Ian panorama pic and caption.)

The return journey took longer than normal and unfortunately one member suffered a wound to her calf muscle on a broken bush stump whilst trying to cross a washout.

A tired crew arrived back at the carpark after 3.30pm.   It was intended to visit a local coffee shop, but when we got there it was closing,.so 2 cups of coffee next time!  Happy Tramping.  – Clive


10. 9/11/2006. Hikers. Outram Glen to Lee Stream. Leaders: Jennifer and Dorothy S.

Route map, courtesy Ian.
Route map, courtesy Ian. Total elevation of 433m the product of  ALL the UPS on the track, – the by-product of all the downs!
Morning tea by the Taieri. (Ian pic and caption.)
Morning tea by the Taieri. Threatening rain cautioned some to don parkas but there were hot sunny periods in the day as well.  (Ian pic and caption.)
Lunch at Lee Stream. (Ian pic and caption.)
Lunch at Lee Stream “beach” at the confluence of the stream with the Taieri River. (Ian pic and caption.)

9. 10/8/2016. Hikers. Outram, Historical Park and Museum, Outram Glen. E. Leaders: Alex and Liz.

Nike GPS Route Map
Nike GPS Route Map

A good frost today but lovely and sunny for our hike around Outram

Morning tea at storage sheds at Balmoral.
Morning tea at storage sheds at Balmoral.

which was varied with a visit to the Museum,

Museum
Waiting in the sun outside the Museum to regroup.

Vintage Park and then onto the Glen track.

Wheelbarrow
Standing aside to allow a motorised tracked wheelbarrow returning empty from delivering gravel to resurface the track. A sunny spot. (Liz pic.)
Frost (Liz pic.)
And a shaded spot. Frost. (Liz pic.)
Lunch in the sun beside the river by the track/route boundary point.
Lunch in the sun beside the river by the track/route boundary point of the Outram Glen – Lee Stream Track.

We numbered 25 and finished off with the Local Coffee Shop.
It was a wee bit different owing to the unknown conditions from the nasty weather three days earlier but as usual the company was good and we achieved our goals thanks to everybody. – Liz and Alex.


8. 26/3/2014. Hikers. Taieri Musem, Outram Glen Track to Lee Stream. Leaders: Jim and Betty.
GPS of track to Lee Stream
GPS of track to Lee Stream

We were met with a surprise variation to simply walking the Outram Glen track. The leaders took us first up to the Taieri Historical Museum via an interesting side track shortly up the George King Memorial Drive by the bridge over Traquair/Whare Creek. We were seduced by the machinery museum building at the top of the property with its wonderful variety of early Taieri farming implements. They found it hard to drag us away.
We made our way down the driveway this time, and past a surprising number of cars to the track beginning. Time had passed so the leaders made our cuppa stop at the crest of the track’s large rise just past the entrance and in a nice sunny spot.
Then on we went till we reached the great set of steps that took us up from the river side to the high undulating bush track, or more officially, ‘route’. From the top of the steps on to the end of the route was a long series of regrouping pauses, where the more able waited for the less able to catch up. But get to the end we did.
A note to the side: On our way to the start of the track, we noticed Bob’s ute had joined our parked cars while we were up at the Museum. Some knew that he did have a prior commitment and must have presumed he would have caught up with us somewhere on the track but knew nothing of the leaders’ plan to visit the museum first. Eventually we did meet him, towards the end of the track, returning. It was all just too sad a misunderstanding.
We discovered the reason for the group of cars at the start when we reached the end. By the Lee Stream mouth was a large group of young St Mary’s School pupils being instructed on safety measures pertaining to launching inflatable rafts drawn up nearby.

Launching
Launching the rafts
There were eight rafts in all, four setting out at a time to practise the art of paddling in the stiller waters upstream before heading off down over the first set of rapids below.
Afloat
The paddling rehearsal before negotiating the first rapids
By this time we had finished our lunch and just prior to entering the bush track again, were surprised again to see the rafts anchored against a cliff on the opposite side of the river, and each pupil being required to leap off a ledge in the cliff into the water, resurface, and to drift with their life jackets down to and be helped back into their rafts immediately downstream. They did this wonderfully, some choosing a yet higher ledge to leap from. Bravo.
We seemed to make much faster return time down the track than when earlier coming up, and were regaled from time to time by excited shouts and screams below us as the rafters made their way downriver.
As we neared the end, it was just a case of now of negotiating the rise at whose summit we had earlier in the day had our cuppa, (it’s steeper and more laborious on the up-track side of the rise and this reporter, at the tired end of the tramp, hates it) and we were back at the cars and en route to home.
Thanks to Betty and Jim for their imaginative planning of the day and careful looking after us. – Ian.

7. 5/10/2011. Both. Outram Glen, Lee Stream. Leader: George.
Lambing got in the way of the programmed Lee Stream ramble. The Outram Glen walk was a most successful replacement. 20 of us went. The first bit’s nice and flat in general. We stopped early for morning tea by the river. A cold wind drove us back up to shelter in the approach track.
Down-track view.
Up-track view.
Beyond the sign indicating the more difficult part of the track was the (never less) challenging (never-ending as well) set of steps. They are now well-worn but still very serviceable. We all made the ascent at our individual rates of speed. Beyond that, the various ups and downs are still well serviced by the sets of stone steps. They have stood the test of time and are firmly embedded. Well made. We all made our way to the Lee Stream confluence with the Taieri, some arriving earlier, others later. Again an early lunch enjoyed with the warmth of sun and calm, and cooler bits of  breeze. But still comfortable enough.
Some of us at lunch.
The confluence of the two streams at lunchtime.

Again, we wandered back each at our own pace. A pleasant day, sheltered by bush from the coolish wind. – Ian.


6. 3/9/2008. Both. Outram Glen, Lee Stream. Easy. Leaders: Evelyn and Bob.

Nineteen of us walked the riverwalk from Outram Glen to Lee Stream. The weather was threatening but we had just a little rain, and with no wind and a mild temperature it was an enjoyable 12 kilometre expedition. Many of us had not seen the Taieri River so brown and surging for a long time.
The track in the upper reaches was quite slippery so we needed to watch our feet. Some birdsong from bellbird and fantail was appreciated as was the presence of wood pigeons. We had lunch at Lee Stream where a number could remember past picnics beneath willow trees.
Congratulations to Evelyn and Bob for leading the group. Evelyn did a stalwart job in trying to keep the group together, trying to both race ahead to hold back the fast movers and take care to see the rear guard were still with us. She even managed to end up with one more tramper at the finish than she had at the start. Well done Evelyn!
Bob provided us with some drama by taking a tumble. However he bounced back and even did it again to keep the medics on their toes. He finished the tramp in fine fettle and good humour, leading the bulk of the group on the homeward stretch. We hope the scratches and bruises do not cause too much discomfort.
George celebrated his 80th birthday and first great grandchild by handing out beautiful chocolates to all.
Altogether it was a satisfying day with a return to home base before the southerly caught up with us. – Marjorie.


5. 6/6/2007 Ian, Doug M, Eleanor B, Joyce S

4. 3/5/2006. Both. Outram Glen. Leaders: Ian, Doug, Les & Margaret S, Bev H
3. 9/2/2005. Both. Outram Glen. Leader: Nancy
2. 19/8/1998. Outram Bridge, Taieri Gorge. Leaders: Nelson and Dot.
1. 25/3/1992. Outram Bridge – Taieri Gorge. Average. Leaders: Ria L, Catherine, Doreen, Molly

Silverstream Water-Race, Racemans, Top Weir

No. 40 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Silverstream Weir. Racemans. Winefields. Year Round”
No. 107 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Whare Flat – Silverstream Weir Year Round “

20. 11/01/2023. Racemans Circuit, Trampers. Grade 4 (regraded 3 – see below). Leaders: Neil Hodgkin, Julie MacKenzie.

Trampers: 10 women, 4 men
Weather: Low cloud, drizzly, calm, 16 degrees
Track: 14 kms, 3.5 hours walking and 170 m height gain.
A good, mainly flat walking surface, the odd muddy patch, and sometimes short, sharp, steep, descents/ascents in and out of side creeks.

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Striding out at the start of Raceman’s (photo and caption Pam)

Several crossings of the Silverstream and even though the flow was low, care was needed and poles were helpful with slippery and unstable rocks.
As a first up tramp for 2023 it was great and a very suitable tramp for the weather conditions. In the bush there was no precipitation and no wind. We had the usual stop for smoke-o …

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Morning tea at the junction with Tunnels track (photo and caption Pam)
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Abandoned water pipe on track (photo and caption Pam)
IMG_20230111_111601362~2 Ross Res 800
Strange objects in several places along the track. Much speculation about what they are/were. No conclusions. Any ideas? Feel free to use the Comments section at the bottom of the page. (photo and caption Ross)

…and got to the weir about midday…

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Silverstream top weir (photo and caption Ross)

…but decided to move on down the track for lunch where it was less noisy.

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Lunch taken between intermittent light drizzle (photo and caption Pam)

On our return I as leader came face to face with six barking and not so friendly dogs who were eventually followed by a female runner who didn’t seem to worry. She said that the dogs were barking because we had sticks, but I didn’t believe her. What goes up must come down so we were expecting their return and when we heard them approaching we all stood off the track, sticks by our sides and gave them a TRTC guard of honour!

Grading: The grade of this tramp is solely dependent on the flow and depth of the Silverstream. The way it was on Wednesday, I’d put it at 2.5 – 3, but with more water it would certainly be a 3 -3.5 I think.

Neil.
Continue reading “Silverstream Water-Race, Racemans, Top Weir”

Post Office Creek, Reid’s Station

 No. 27 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Mahinerangi – Post Office Creek. J Shaw. Year round.”
Impassable gorse-infestation beyond old Waipori School building (aft 2008).
33 km from car park.

18. 30/11/2022. Trampers. Post Office Creek track from the Waipori Village side. Grade 3. $14. 60km. Leaders: Barbara and Leah.

Despite ominous weather predictions for several days prior to the 30th, and heavy rain early that morning, the visual was more promising.Three vehicles and 14 trampers left the Peter Johnstone carpark heading towards Berwick and up the Waipori Falls Road, through the Village and continuing towards Lawrence. The big, locked orange gate, although on a side road, can’t be missed! Through the locked gate, past the new picnic area, following the road below the Mahinerangi Dam to cross the bridge and climb up into the Wenita section of Dunstan Road. The potholes aren’t for the fainthearted.
About to leave the cars - John
About to leave the cars (photo & caption John)

The walking track is off Patearoa Road which itself is off Moonlight Road and we parked at the junction of the two. The permit was left visible through the windscreen.

Excited to be ready to go - John
Excited to be ready to go (photo & caption John)

A quick morning tea, and the party set off on the 1km down-hill (remember what goes down at the beginning of the day must go up at the end!!) to the rustic signpost indicating Post Office Creek track. There was a brief delay while one driver (nameless) went back and spent a frenetic 5 minutes searching for car keys in order to lock the vehicle. Having found the keys in the backpack, they were left on the ground while the pack was rezipped. The person (also nameless) who had ferreted them away while the rezipping was underway should be afraid; very afraid! A brief detour a few minutes down the track proper took us to the now dilapidated fishing huts.

Fishermen’s Hut hidden in the trees above lake Mahinerangi - Pam
Fishermen’s Hut hidden in the trees above lake Mahinerangi (photo & caption Pam)
“Watch your head John” as the track winds under the overhanging rock - Pam
“Watch your head John” as the track winds under the overhanging rock (photo & caption Pam)

A scramble back up the track and we were crossing the first of the creeks and negotiating the rock bivvy.

PO Creek rock bivvy2 - Barbara
Post Office Creek rock bivvy (photo & caption Barbara)

The entire track follows the contour of the slope with very little up or down. Many of the guts had bridges in varying degrees of disrepair but which, it’s understood, are likely to be removed entirely in the near future, after the maintenance work in the forestry has been completed. The tracks will be realigned to navigate the guts minus bridges.

One at a time crossing the old wooden bridge - Pam
One at a time crossing the old wooden bridge (photo & caption Pam)

Pigs had been digging up the track which left it nice and soft underfoot and there were a few fallen branches we cleared as we went.

escaped from the forest (Jenni)
Escaped from the forest (photo & caption Jenni)

We left the canopy cover of the trees as we neared the re-sited Waipori School buildings where we sat and had our lunch. Half the group elected to follow Jill to the actual Post Office Creek while the remainder sat and chatted, walked down to the lake edge and poked around the buildings.
Disappointingly there was no fishing or poetry recitation.

Lunch beside the relocated school house once used by musterers - Pam
Lunch beside the relocated school house once used by musterers (photo & caption Pam)
Our industrious leader with historical info - Jenni
Our industrious leader with historical info (photo & caption Jenni)

On the return of the wanderers, we set out again, retracing our steps, looking out for litter to take back to our vehicles. The last uphill kilometer was unwelcome but all 14 made it. A change of footwear, a little shenanigans with someone’s pack and sticks, and we headed back to the locked gate, this time heading to the right, over the Lake Mahinerangi causeway, through the fishing village and back to the Middlemarch Road at Lee Stream, enjoying a commentary from Jill who, for several decades, had farmed the property on both sides of the road.

End of track at Post Office Creek - Pam
End of track at Post Office Creek (photo & caption Pam)

One carload stopped for an icecream at Outram ($2 for 2 scoops being excellent value!), but weren’t joined by the other two, who must have thought 4.30pm too late for such extravagance!

An enjoyable day on an easy track which could well be considered for a combined day.
It would be possible to leave a 4WD vehicle at the bottom of the hill, at the signpost for the track, as we did on the recce, shortening the distance by 2 km.

Barbara


17. 2/6/2021. Combined trampers and hikers. Leader: Jill

A combined group of 42 people met at Andrew Reid’s hay barn on Mahinerangi Road and soon set off down the steep hill past the cattle yards. It was nice to have several visitors out today, as the weather gods were truly kind, and the ground underfoot was firm.

Down the hill Clive
Down the hill Photo: Clive

We all enjoyed walking through the rolling country and down to Lake Mahinerangi, initially opposite the old Waipori school building.

Post Office creek Pam
Opposite Old Waipori School Photo: Pam

The lake was very low but still picturesque. We followed a gold miners water race to a now empty dam. One can only marvel at how adaptable and hardy those early gold miners were to seek their fortunes in this remote area!

Water race Pam
Following the gold miners’ water race Photo: Pam

The trampers then went up through the farm, intending to walk several kilometres more than the hikers, but I am not sure there was much between us in the end!

On top of the world John
On top of the world
Caption and Photo: John

 

Another Steep Pinch John
Another steep pinch Caption and photo: John

Trampers had lunch beside a tree lane with good expansive views and the Mahinerangi wind turbines were turning in the distance.

Trampers lunch John
Trampers lunch break Caption and photo: John

Back down to the farm lane that we followed to THAT hill and our cars.

Distance covered was about 12.5 km.  Jill

Strave Colleen
Screenshot: Colleen

After parting ways with trampers 14 hikers led by Chrissy (thank goodness) climbed up a fairly steep hill where we had a short lunch with the promise of another break at the top of the next paddock! Well, we somehow went through a wrong gate so instead of doing a loop we did a loop and a half to get back on track. We were all in good spirits until we saw the road we had to go back up to get to the cars.

Road back to cars Clive
Hikers view of the track back to the cars Photo: Clive

But it was onwards and upwards at our own paces and, getting overtaken by the trampers, we made it back. This was a hard walk for us, but our senior members were so impressive. Well done team. PS. we never did get that promised break?

All up it was a solid 12 kilometres. Thanks Chrissy. Jenny & Jan Y.


16. 15/8/2018. Trampers. Verterburn Station. Leader: Jill.

11 trampers enjoyed a beautiful day on Andrew Reid’s property.  We parked at the woolshed and headed downhill before walking along a water race created by gold miners, to a now empty dam.

10409112nd—Quick stop morning tea. (Gordon pic and caption.)
On old water race above Post Office Creek. (Phil pic and caption.)

We marvelled at how this race had been dug into the hillsides – and can barely imagine the living conditions of the early miners, one must certainly hope their toiling brought rewards!!  There were a few fences to climb

Another Bloody fence. (Gordon pic and caption.)

but we were rewarded with nice views over Post Office Creek and then Lake Mahinerangi.

Surveying the Post Office Creek arm of Lake Mahinerangi. (Phil pic and caption.)

We then walked away from the lake, across a dam, and through paddocks up to the farm boundary with DCC forestry.  Lunch was eaten in the shelter of the trees.

A very welcome lunch break. (Gordon pic and caption.)

Then a few more ups and downs but we basically walked through the paddocks beside Mahinerangi Road back  to our cars.
A most enjoyable day.

Distance walked 15.5 km. – Jill.


15. 17/1/2018. Trampers. Post Office Creek. Leader: Jill.

Route map, courtesy Keith.
13 trampers met at Reid’s woolshed on Mahinerangi Road.  We walked down the hill to Post Office creek, and had morning tea at the “camp” before taking the track through gold mine sluicings to the top end of Lake Mahinerangi – a very low lake today!  After viewing the old Waipori school (which had been moved to this site to use as a musterer’s hut before Waipori village was drowned) …
School inspection. The “old” Waipori School moved to Post Office Creek before the raising  of Mahinerangi. (Phil pic and caption.)

… we backtracked about 1 km and shortly after went up a very steep stock lane …

Onwards and upwards to the trig. (Phil pic and caption.)

… and lunched by the trig there, enjoying expansive views of the area.

Trig A4GT -618 m altitude. (Phil pic and caption.)

We continued up the farm track towards the back of the Maungatuas – the intention had been to look over to Waihola, but it was decided that was a bit far on this occasion!  It was an easy return down hill to the bridge over Post Office creek – and to our cars.

 

Jill proudly displaying the new charging station for e bike travellers. (Phil pic and caption.)

An 18.5 km tramp enjoyed by all. – Jill.


14. 7/5/2014. Both. Reid homestead, Verter Burn to Post Office Creek and old school buildings. Leaders: Ken and Peter.

GPS
iPhone GPS distance: 12.1 km. Garmin stats: We walked 12.9km; Moving ave 4.3km/hr; Moving time 2h 58mins; Climbed 342mtrs; Max elevation 572mtrs. Allow a further km or two for the pedometer distance recorders, and then pick the figure that suits you!

21 of us parked in the Reid’s homestead backyard and made our way through one or two fences down to a bridge over the Verter Burn (near ‘1’ on the map) for morning tea.

Morning tea at Verter Burn crossing. (Heb pic, Ken caption)
Morning tea at Verter Burn crossing. (Heb pic, Ken caption)

We followed a road on the stream’s true left, which begs the question as to where originated the pond with its beautiful reflection on our left. (About ‘2’ on map.)

Reflection
Reflection

Between 3 and 4 on the map, is where we approached the Verter Burn ford, into which we were to plunge later, but at this stage we swung off to our left to make our way through early gold-sluiced cliffs (8/4 on map) to finally cross the Post Office Creek and arrive at (5) the former Waipori School building (as reported to the writer) of the one-time but now submerged Waipori Township.

Waipori Township
The Township of Waipori. The valley is now flooded and the town site is inundated. Photograph taken in 1890 by Charles Kerr.

We climbed the steep hill alongside the Post Office Creek’s true left to skirt on our right a forestry of densely branched trees  (larches? [and unpruned!] with a scattering of eucalypt among them) for a lunch where the forestry road levelled out at the top (6).

Then it was back down to the school building and out to the aforementioned ford, which this time we crossed with variously successful attempts in keeping feet dry, (but mostly wet).

Beyond that, was the further challenge of the BIG CLIMB, of un-fond older members’ memory. A taranaki gate at its top was new to us, but Neil successfully unscrambled its complexity. Three more paddocks and gates took us out to the Mahinerangi Road ( 11) and along it to the homestead (12.1) again.

At Outram, the majority of the (now well-established) coffee club socialised at the Wobbly Goat, …

Apres-tramp coffee at Outram
Apres-tramp coffee at Outram

although some betook themselves to the No 8 w Herbs cafe across the road. And that’s it. – Ian.


13. 28/11/2007. Trampers. Post Office Creek, fishermen huts return. Skyline track was closed on the day. Working on roads, trees. Easy. Leaders: Bill & Pat.

The day was fine and not too hot for
13 of us to tramp the Lake Mahinerangi water-race track to the fishermen huts. We had morning tea at the Post Office Creek Old School.
Tea Break
Tea Break. Hazel, Wendy, Doug, George, Ken, Shirley, Pat, Joyce, Arthur L
Immediately beyond that, the leaders had found for us the clearest approach to the larch forest that borders the lake, the tussock and bog being now badly infested with gorse. A leisurely lunch in the sun at the fishing huts and the return back. The Verter Burn barring the way in and out, as always, inspired a variety of creative crossing techniques, from direct plunging through the water boots and all, to bare feet, to plastic bags over boots and even to gumboots carried in.
Crossing
Crossing techniques. Abe (bare feet), Peter, Pat (getting plastic bags), Doug (bags), Barbara and Wendy (boots on rocks), Arthur (gumboots)

The long hill climb back out of the Verter Burn gets no easier with age, but all agreed it was another good day out. – Ian

Back at cars. Pat, Barbara, Abe, Peter, Ken, Wendy
Back at cars. Pat, Barbara, Abe, Peter, Ken, Wendy

12. 8/11/2006. Trampers. Post Office Creek. Medium. Leaders: Ian, Doug M


11. 18/5/2005. Both. Post Office Creek. Leaders: Doug J, Bill M, Joyce S, Lesley G


10. 29/10/2003 Forestry roads return. Leaders:

Hut
Crib by the ford. Bob Peter Arthur Barbara Who? Molly
Crss
Crossing Verter Burn. Peter Who? Molly
gate
The gate beyond Verter Burn.
School. Arthur H Bob Peter Arthur L
School. Arthur H Bob Peter Arthur L
Art
Lunch stop. Arthur & Barbara on a tea break on forestry road back out.

9. 25/4/2002 Leaders: Joyce S Shirley, Wendy B

8. 30/1/2002. Post Office Creek. Medium. Leaders: Joyce, Bob H, Donny.
7. 25/4/2001. Post Office Creek. Leaders: Joyce, Shirley McN, Wendy.
6. 5/4/2000. Post Office Creek. Leaders: Joyce, Bill McL, Nancy.
5. 26/5/1999. Post Office Creek. Leaders: Joyce, Nancy, Patricia.
4. 26/8/1998. Post Office Creek. Leaders: Joyce, Pat.
3. 4/2/1998. Post Office Creek to Huts and return from Robert Reids. Leaders: Denise, Ria L, Nel K.
2. 30/4/1997. Post Office Breek (sic) to huts round trip. (Robert Reids). Leaders: Eric and Dot, Joan H.
1. 8/4/1992. Post Office Creek – off Mahinerangi Road. Average. Leaders: Hartmann, Ted, Barbara M, Mary M