Taieri Recreational Tramping Club

Distance from car-park: 17 km.

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

‘Hope Hill’ is a working farm located just south of Allanton. The owners over the years have given the TRTC permission to undertake tramps through their unique property. We parked in a paddock off the State Highway. The morning was clear and warm and 16 trampers were keen to get underway. Ahead of us was a winding farm track up to the top of the hill.  With a few stops along the way to appreciate the views of the Taieri Plain we reached our morning tea stop in around 45 minutes.

After morning tea we continued on the farm track for a bit more time and then we turned left and walked on grassy pasture toward the sea.

The interesting eastern view was unfolding for us and when we made our way up to a trig station we could see it all – Saddle Hill, Blackhead, Taieri Mouth, peninsulas beyond and forestry to the south.

After leaving the trig station we continued walking through the picturesque landscape with the ocean in the background. However, we had to leave this gentle part of the farm and tackle a steep downhill track that eventually led us to a large flat paddock. We followed sheep tracks through the paddock and eventually got to McLaren Gully Road. We turned right and had about 1.5kms to walk on the narrow, dusty gravel road. The road is used extensively by logging trucks. We were thankful that Lyn (one of our trampers) had contacted the haulage company and explained we would be on the road about midday, and they alerted their drivers to take extra care. We managed the road walk without incident. After passing wooded areas and an interesting old house the Hope Hill paddocks came back into view. We turned off the road and into the paddock at the earliest opportunity.

This side of the farm was drier and hotter and so it got a bit tougher for us. Our view now was the Taieri Plan, Dunedin Airport and surrounds.

Our aim was to reach the two prominent cell phone towers near the top of a ridge and have our lunch. However, there was a steep climb for us to reach the towers so needless to say we enjoyed our lunch break when it came.

After lunch we continued climbing but on a gentler slope and then traversed several paddocks back to the farm track we had come up in the morning. We descended the farm track back to our cars.

More downhill Caption and photo Neil

We walked around 14 kilometres and were all pleased to finish around 2.30pm as the day was getting hot and windy.

Thank you to Neil for all his work with helping us through fences and opening and closing gates.

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

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19. 5 October 2022. Combined. Green Island/Abbottsford and surrounds. Grade 3-3.5. $5. Leaders: Phil & Colleen, Raewyn & Jenny F.

With weather forecasts of snow and strong winds fresh in their minds, 24 hardy walkers gathered at the Village Green, some hoping no doubt as we walked passed the cafe that we were going for an early fix.

But to no avail as we immediately had to climb Thomson Street, short and not too sharp for our first huff n puff for the day. Immediately there were good views of the south end of Green Island, Estuary and Saddle Hill. On the far side, the ridge outline of Green Island Bush Rd, and the farm we did our recce through,(would the weather let the trampers make it that far?)

Gardens in the area were festooned with blossom and bright ground cover and we all admired the Abbotsford home for wayward boys, it looked pretty good to the writer.

Walking through the new subdivisions, (once the playground of post war GI and Abbotsford lads), everything seemed much grander than back in the day. The natural storm-water basin was a delight with native plantings, and the entrance to the subway under the railway was a feature, painted by pupils of the school. A suggestion was made that some may want to take a little more time to walk Abbots Hill Rd while others stayed in the school playground for morning tea.

Mmm the majority headed off in the first group! Many thanks to Jenni and Bruce for the ‘sweets’ and congrats again for the milestone anniversary and birthday.

Following morning tea the groups reunited to reach the top of Abbots Hill, and descend down the land that was the top of the now (in)famous Abbotsford slip in August 1979.

With the agreement of the lifestyle owners we were able to eliminate many of the fences encountered on the recce, and take in the views. Having stayed together to the upper rugby grounds of Miller Park, the two groups split with the trampers heading down, through the tunnel under the motorway and up the other side of GI to the GI Bush Rd, whilst the hikers would move south up Neill St and down into the town via the motorway overhead footbridge for lunch. For the trampers more information on the slip was shared in the area of what was the lounge of the writers house, built by his parents in 1942.

Following lunch on the reserve ‘in town’ and with advancing stormy clouds the Hikers decided to head to the Village Green, along the way finding shelter from the storm under the motorway overhead bridge.

At the same time the Trampers ascended Church Hill Rd and took some very deep breaths near the top as the winds and hail hit; thankfully we saw out the worst of it and carried on to GI Bush Rd where apart from one more brief flurry requiring shelter behind the Hawthorn Hedges,

and passing the memorial to the site of the first GI school in 1853, we were rewarded with literally some breathtaking views of the Maungatua, the Saddle and the ocean, including Green Island and Blackhead, the latter more like a battleship viewed side on.

Our kindly farmer had undertaken some inventive gate fixing to make the entry onto the farm much easier than on the recce, and we were able to enjoy plenty of views as we ambled and shambled down through the farm, the lambs gambolling in the breeze…..(with apologies to Wordsworth). We lunched on a sunny bank near the farm buildings, before heading to the Village Green ‘through town’.

This was a rewarding day and of course all cobwebs were well and truly blown away. For the trampers a solid Grade 3, just on 12km and 350 altitude gain, while the Hikers were Grade 2 and 8km. Well done everyone and special thanks to the landowners involved for allowing access to build a great round trip.

Phil for Raewyn, Jenny F and Colleen

No. 62 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Tunnel Beach. Farm”

Tunnel Beach.

See 1983 for an account of its opening.

Tramping Track managed by DOC. Tunnel Beach Road accessed from Blackhead Road.

Plenty of parking at end of Tunnel Beach Road. Distance from carpark:

Concord Tavern park for longer walk. Distance from carpark: 10 km.

22/06/2022. Hikers. Tunnel Beach/St Clair. M. Leaders: Kathryn and Sue

We all met on a very cold frosty morning at Peter Johnstone Carpark. We then gathered outside St Clair Golf Club where twenty hikers walked along Hillhead Road then onto Blackhead Road in brilliant sunshine.

We stopped outside the Cemetery for morning tea then onto Tunnel Beach.

For those that hadn’t been there before it was a real eye opener and enjoyed by all.

We had our lunch in sunshine with great views.

We then climbed back up and Ady did comment on the number of stairs she had to climb to get there.

We proceeded back to the cars and went to The Village Green for coffee and a lovely finish to the day. Sue Nichol / Kathryn Fagg

No. 18 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps.”Ocean View – Saddle Hill. D Bennett. Farm. Lambing.”

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7. 08/06/2022. Hikers. Ocean View. Leaders Alex and Bruce.

Sixteen hikers assembled in the Brighton Bowling Club rooms and exited following Alex to the right passing the $50,000 new retaining walls, crossing the Brighton-Taieri Mouth road, and proceeding to the playground at the domain for morning tea.

We then crossed the domain, without disturbing any persons who were preferring to live in cars, and descended the steps to the Brighton Beach. The depth of the Otokaia stream was about 2 cm and we all successfully negotiated it without any drownings. We ascended the steps behind the Brighton Surf Club rooms, followed the footpath to the Braids Hill car park and then proceeded north along the beach until about 11.30 am when we reversed direction.

After a brief stop at the freedom camping site, where new posts and chains have been installed to more clearly delineate the freedom camping area, we proceeded along the track through the dunes until turning up a path to the right by some macrocarpa trees passing through Bruce’s property at 727 Brighton Road where Alex spoke of his experience with Black Boy Peach growing.

 

We continued south on the footpath and turned up Creamery Road, where we arrived at 11.57 and listened to Warren Harris tell us something of the history of the area and had an opportunity to view his museum with its extensive collection of various historical items including toys, tobacco tins and tools.

After accepting Warren’s kind invitation to have lunch on his property we thanked him and walked via Creamery Road, and John St through a grassy area on the left and down some steps through bush to Brighton Road. We crossed the road and turned left at the clothing collection container and followed the path to the beach, and then along the river and through the sandhills to the Braids Hill car park and along the footpath to the Otakaio Creek bridge.

Several photos were taken of a white heron/Kotuku looking for food in the creek. It has been a resident of Brighton and Ocean View for some weeks. Some Royal Spoonbills were also seen near the bridge.

We then subdivided into a group that went directly to the Brighton Café while the others came after driving their cars from the Brighton Bowling Club.

The weather was cool and cloudy but the rain held off. Adi measured the distance on her cell phone at 9.43 km. Alex and Bruce were thanked for being the leaders.

Bruce Spittle

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25 km from car park.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leaders were Jim and Betty Finnie.

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09/03/2022.  Trampers.  Trotters Gorge.  Leaders: Arthur and Pam

The skies were overcast when leaving Mosgiel at 8.45am but once over the Northern motorway it became brighter and remained like that for the rest of the day.
We met the city trampers at the Waitati store and 5 cars with16 trampers were on their way to Trotters Gorge picking up a hitch hiker ( Heather) at Palmerston before continuing on SH1 past Shag Point with spectacular vistas of Katiki beach. At Hillgrove we turned left into Horse Range Road, arriving at Trotters Gorge Scenic Reserve 10:15.
Day packs on, poles, gloves at the ready we started off by walking through the first of six stream crossings – no stepping stones here, so straight through. The small stones were quite slippery under foot.

The wide formed track, which was muddy in parts, wove its way through native bush of kanuka, ribbonwood, wineberry and kowhai.
The birds were very vocal around this area- great to hear.
1km on we arrived at the University owned hut for morning tea on the veranda while John, ( a big kid at heart) enjoyed the rope swing.

10:55, leaving the hut and the Trotters Creek area we were straight onto the un-maintained single track into the Trotters Gorge area.
The landscape changed dramatically to sheer rock bluffs which looked like limestone but are greywacke breccia conglomerate formed about 80 million years ago.

Here we saw the NZ Falcon (Karearea) flying high above the cliff and could hear the nestling’s whining sounds.

Continuing on through the eucalyptus trees we noticed the distinctive smell of its leaves- a camphoraceous smell, slightly medicinal.
Further on along the flats the track became quite swampy and after crossing a small stream we started our climb up hill.
With gloves on and walking poles ready, we made our way up the track through the overgrown gorse to arrive at the top (11:50) for lunch.
From here we could see over to Moeraki and the sea but the Pine Forests obscured better views.

After lunch we headed back down the same track with ever changing views and were fortunate to get another glimpse of the falcons.

Back at the reserve we embarked on the 700m walk to the Cave.

This maintained track follows a tributary of the Trotters Creek through beautiful native broadleaf forest.
On the track we came across a very large NZ Silver fern and as we approached the Cave we were greeted by a Black Fantail (Piwakawaka).

The caves had been sculptured by the river many years ago.

Returning the same way back to the cars it was on to Palmerston -continuing on the Horse Range Road, passing through forestry and then rolling farm land to the “Coffee cup” cafe .
Here we enjoyed great coffee, cake and ice cream in the cafe court yard.
Another great day with the TRTC. Pam

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walked back down to the picnic area for lunch…

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

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

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

Jan and Pam

25.  29 September 2021. Hikers. Otago Museum and the Fashion FWD Exhibition and a Springtime Walk. M. $5.00. Leaders: Jenny Finnerty, Noi McCunn

On Wednesday 19 hikers set off on a walk, starting at Botanical Gardens and walking to the Museum park for morning tea.

We then went to have a wander around the Fashion Gallery Trail in the Museum after which we walked through the varsity to the St David Street zig zag.

Things had changed since I was a kid because Arana Hall had expanded and so now there is a locked gate at the top but lucky for us a lady swiped us in and swiped us out on the other side. Had a bit of tiki tour through studentville to Dundas Street but took a wrong track but ended up at the Cemetery.

Alex took us to the gravesite of the 1st white baby born in Dunedin.

Had lunch at the Rhododendron Del and after looking around we all met up at the Croque-O-Dile for coffee.

Another walk done and dusted thanks hikers.

P.S. Was good to see our Brighton chums and others from town. Jenny and Noi.

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Biking and walking in my neighbourhood Photos and captions Pam Cocks 

   

Hi Team, Photos from Friends Hill Road on Sunday Photos and message Shona 

Wenita permit.

No. 75 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Kathleen Rd – Big Stone Return Forestry Farm”

Distance from car park: 21 km.

19. 12/5/2021 Kuri Bush. Leaders Liz and Alex

Meeting at a suitable parking spot on the Taieri Mouth road at the start of Mount Allan forestry hike 12 brave members set off for a pleasant walk in bright sunshine. As Pine trees had been removed it gave a different feeling from our previous hikes. Great views and an understanding of how rough the hills really are for planting. First stop after a good climb was morning tea break.

Everybody relaxed. Onward up and down until we reached Big Stone Road .

 

Lunch time.

Down the road until we met the next track and into the forest again. From here it is mostly down hill with more great views until we arrive back at car park.

Coffee at Brighton Beach  shop with relaxed chatter including meeting Dot and Chris who had just completed there own walk. 12 kilometers in total .New member was welcomed and had a good day. Good company and enjoyable.

Liz and Alex.

 

41. 14/10/2020. Trampers. Leaders: Jill Dodd and Peter Gillespie

This is a little hidden treasure. A QE11 Covenent area on the east side of Saddle Hill. There is 20 hectares of regenerating native coastal forest Totara, Rimu, Kahikatea, Miro, Matau and Kanuka.

It is an iron ore residue from the now disused coal mines that are on the hillside .
A real surprise for us all was when Colin dug into an old rotten log where he finally found a Peripatus a living ancient velvet worm like creature. These worms have been around for 500 million years and found throughout NZ.

The walk concluded by reading a poem, dedicated to the greatness of trees, and looking at the 30year old kauri tree.

40. 16/3/2019. Hikers. Saddle Hill. Leaders: Bob and Jenny.

More panoramic views were taken in before we went down the hill,out of the cool breeze, and had a leisurely lunch looking out over the Taieri. We then wandered down the hill and out onto Saddlehill Road and back to the cars. Coffee was at the Village Green. Thanks Bob. – Jenny.

39. 19/9/2018. Trampers. Saddle Hill circuit. Leader: Eleanor.

On a very warm spring morning 14 trampers set off from Quarry road and walked up Coal Stage and Saddle Hill roads then down McMaster road.  Enjoying a great display of Kowhai in full bloom, also a mix of blossom and animals along the way.  One member recalls riding horses as a girl on a property we passed.

We enjoyed smoko break overlooking the ocean.  At this point with the sun shining brightly upon us, we decided to do an add on.

Turning onto Old Brighton road we headed to Fairfield, then crossed over to Flower street walked up the couple of hills crossing a stile into the water tank paddock.  Once again (on both sides of the rather steep stile) with more great views, lunch and chatting was enjoyed.

We then walked along Chain Hill road and back down Quarry road to our cars.

Blend was the chosen coffee shop, we enjoyed catching up with 2 members unable to tramp on the day.
We reckon we walked 15 km, give or take a little.
Great to be back out with such an enthusiastic group of friends.
– Cheers Eleanore

(12/2/2017.)

19 km from car park.

No. 78 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Knarston Park Sth Coast (Ask Jean Young) Farm”

Akatore Farm permission required. (Ask Bob.)

Distance Livingstonia Park from car park: 31.5 km.

Distance Akatore Farm from carpark: 48 km

13. 15/3/2017. Hikers. Akatore Farm, Stream and Beach. H. Leaders: Bob and Lesley.

Bob lead 24 Hikers down the road to the bridge over the Akatore River,where we sat in the sun for morning tea.

The tide was low enabling us to walk along the estuary,to the coast.This included a few moments of rock hugging,with many helping hands to get around a bluff.

A few people declined and returned to the road,to be picked up by Braden,Bob son,on his farm “mule”and some rejoined the group.

It was a clear,sunny day,with little wind and the journey along farm tracks,above the rocks,was good hiking.We lunched and explored at a private beach, …

… then climbed the hill back to the cars,completing about 9km.

It was a different route on a favourite area,enjoyed by all, with coffee at Wals. – Lesley.

12. 5/10/2016. Trampers. Akatore Farm and Beach. E. Leader: Arthur H.

The windscreen wipers worked away as the bus took us for our tramps, the Hikers being dropped off first to walk the Millennium Track from the Henley end.

The Trampers were taken to Taieri Mouth, and then down the Akatore Road to the Taieri Beach Road, where we dismounted.

It was right on 10 o’clock, so morning tea was attended to as the first priority. A convenient ledge sheltered us from the cool breeze and light rain.

We walked down a long paddock to reach the sea. The paddock being recently cultivated was quite sticky from the rain. Our boots grew in size somewhat.

It was quite a relief to reach a lovely sandy beach, with the tide well out.

Quite a lot of bird life was evident – lots of seagulls of course, oyster-catchers, pied stilts, a pair of terns overhead, and paradise ducks out in the paddock.

After inspecting an interesting cave, we had to climb up to the paddocks for a little. Descending again, we had a nice grassy strip of grass to follow, above the rocks.

We came to the Akatore Creek mouth at 12 noon. It was almost low tide, and with a considerable flow of water exiting the creek.

Lunch was partaken of in the shelter of a steep bank, with some lovely yellow flowers about The breeze was quite light, but cool.

The next leg of our journey wass uphill through the farm paddocks. A large mob of very friendly dairy heifers followed us along the fenceline as far as they could.

At the top of the hill we devoured a little to the left to get a good view looking down onto the Akatore estuary and environs.

Out onto the road, we followed it for two kilometres to arrive back at our starting point at 1.35 p.m.

A little early for the bus, we walked the road to Taieri Mouth. Downhill was easy. A very friendly pet lamb wanted to join our group after escaping from his paddock. But we had to be firm! Near the Taieri Beach School is an animal park (closed) where we glimpsed various species, including alpacas, geese, deer and ostriches(?).

We kept walking along the road, not so enjoyable but many interesting houses and backyards could be viewed in Taieri Mouth. Eventually we came in sight of the bridge over the Taieri River and the bus parked at the southern end of it.

The Trampers came to the bus at 2.45, soon after the Hikers had finished. There had been seven in our group today, our distance travelled: 14.5 km maybe(?) (using a small-scale road map to estimate from) – please come back soon, Margreet!

The bus delivered us all back to Mosgiel, after which may invaded “Wals”, creating mayhem with the tables, but it was a good finish to the day. – Arthur.

11. 23/9/2015. Hikers. Akatore Farm and Beach. E. Leaders: Bob and Leslie.

Twenty-nine of us parked at the farm’s stock yards and walked back north along the road to enter a neighbouring property, go through past the homestead, out into paddocks and down to the coast for morning tea.

A rocky knoll tempted two or three of us to climb it and view the surroundings from there.

We climbed back out, this time heading south parallel to the coastline through paddocks, some grassed and one being freshly being turned over with a large six-furrow plough. We walked for a while down along beach and rocks …

… before being obliged by the high tide to return up the the paddocks. Eventually we reached the Akatore mouth. And what a sight. What had formerly been a gentle rock-hugging stream was now a wide mouth of breaking surf from the near side right across to the farther one.

No beach, or none at this tide level. Bob led us along the outside of a fence upstream just a little to descend a steep back to a new beach where once the stream had flowed. He had provided us with a huge hawser rope tied to the fence and lengthened at its end with a strapping belt stretching right down to the new beach.

With its aid, we all made our way safely down the cliff-face, …

… each doing so in our own fashion.

We lunched there, finding seating on lumpy dry marram grass, on the new beach of sand that must have been metres deep. What a powerful transformation the high seas had made of the old mouth we had become accustomed to.

After lunch, Bob led us up the true left edge of the stream along an edge made very narrow with an ebbing tide that still had a long way to retreat. At the first point there was no option but to make one’s way around rock still surrounded by shallow water. Never mind. The rest of the way was dry, if pebbled with rocks larger and smaller in places, sandy in others. We made our way then up to the bridge where Bob introduced us to that steep road climb that takes one right up from sea level to the top where the road first turns down. It made for a good workout, giving hikers with their varying energy levels the chance to brave the climb at their own pace. However, beside the rope provision back at the lunch stop, behold there had also been Bob’s ute sitting down at the bridge for any who didn’t relish the prospect of the climb. But bravo, no one took it. And Bob was noble enough to leave it standing there, true to his leadership role, and climb with the rest, with the intention of  walking back down later to retrieve it. Noble? Would might even say silly not to enjoy ride back up in triumphant style. Painful certainly, this reporter imagines. It’s a long hill climb to the top. Good on yer, Bob.

(It was too bad the ‘Nike + Running’ app fell over in a big way and has had to be re-down-loaded, – so no GPS record this time). This was a most interesting tramp, a replacement for the original one that had to be abandoned due to lambing. We all enjoyed the experience of a route the club had not done before, now made possible by the mighty changes the ocean had wrought on the Akatore’s mouth, and exploited by Bob. So thank you Bob (and sister Leslie!) for the planning and the advance provision of rope and ute. Great leadership! – Ian.

10. 26/11/2014. Hikers. Akatore Farm and Beach. E. Leaders: Leslie and Bev.

 

26/6/2013. Trampers. Livingstonia Park to Akatore. Beach Walk.

On a day that could’ve turned to rain, [according to the forecast] 8 trampers turned up for the walk from Taieri Mouth to Akatore. This is a challenging walk over the beach rocky outcrops, with some easier sandy sections for good measure. In some places it is safer to take to the farm paddocks to bypass some deep splits in the rocks. We had morning tea at the carpark before leaving, as it was already 10am, then headed off down the beach. We reached the river mouth at about 12:30, & went in search of a sheltered spot to have lunch, as a bit of a wind had come up, making it a little unpleasant.

We then retraced our steps, with two of the group deciding that the farm paddocks offered a better route back again. The rest of us did some beach, & some farm walk back to the cars, which took a bit longer than the outward trip due to tiredness creeping in. We arrived back at the carpark at about 4pm. (13.9km, 3hrs 44min, moving ave 3.7km/h.) – Ken

9. 8/2/2012. Hikers. Akatore farm walk. Akatore Rd about 5 kms from Taieri Mouth. Leaders: Bev, Chris.

<Video of kelp in swell firmly anchored on the rock.>

7. 15/4/2009 Trampers. Taieri Mouth Livingstonia Park to Akatore. Beach walk. Leader: Ria.

12 of us made the trip. A bit of a struggle for one or two but we all got there. Here George poses as an Indian shaman(?) in front of a cave.

There were places where we had to clamber up to the paddocks before descending to the rocks again.

This was a very narrow squeeze.

The trip was well-timed, with low tide after 1.00 p.m. so there was room for plenty of rock work clambering …

and beach sand. This is where we stopped for a pleasant cuppa.

Five lunched down at the Akatore mouth, the rest content to dine in the paddock above.

The five “down at the mouth” are just visible from the paddock.

Here is just one of the ponds as we made our return, this time largely over paddocks.

Careful rock clambering challenged some, and for others the distance was a bit of a stretch. But it was another successful day with the weather remaining kind. – Ian

6. 6/2/2008 Taieri Mouth Livingstonia Park to Akatore Beach walk. Trampers. Leaders: Ria, Hazel.

Tramp Report for Wednesday February 6th 2008

A beautiful day greeted 16 trampers as we met at Livingstonia Park for the start of our walk from Taieri Beach to Akatore. Our leaders were Ria Lippers and Hazel Leslie who had done 2 recces to make sure they had it all under control as it was the first time the Taieri tramping club had done this walk.

It turned out to be quite an adventure as we scrambled up and down rocks between the lovely bays that stretched all the way along this stunning Otago coastline. The tide was at a tantalising level as the more adventurous felt it was possible to get round, while our leaders took the more secure upper route along the cliff top. It was great to have the choice. We had lunch where the Akatore River reaches the sea, an enchanting spot with crystal clear water and white sand. George had a paddle in the water and we all relaxed in the sun. The tide was coming in, so most of the way back was along the top grassy pathway, but we did manage to go along some of the wider beach areas. As we descended the rope walkway back down to Taieri Beach we were so surprised to see so many people sunbathing and swimming, all taking advantage of the amazing Waitangi Day weather. Carol and I couldn’t resist a quick paddle before returning to the cars where everyone was waiting for us !! – Tash

Beautiful day for a beach walk when 12 hikers parked their cars at Knarston Park. The tide was out so we were able to walk south along the beach for quite some way before having to go up a rope walk to the grass area above beach to get past an outcrop of rocks. Then back down onto beach and time to sit and relax with our morning tea. Such a lovely day and so clear, the views were great and sea bird life interesting. On down the beach until we came to another outcrop on rocks that for us, was impassable and we couldn’t find a place suitable for us to climb up to top. So we decided that although it was a bit early we would have our lunch and sit a bit longer than usual, just soaking up the scenery and views. Watched the tide gradually coming higher up a little inlet, examined some interesting seaweed and heard about some of the bird life from our expert, Lesley G. 12 happy hikers wandered back to cars along the beach mostly and all agreed we’d had a very relaxed and pleasant day.- Bev.

10. 10/1/2018 Hikers. Taieri River view lookout. E. Leaders: Doug and Ian.

Twenty-one Hikers turned out for the first tramp of the new year, parking the cars at the lay-by on Taioma Road beside the entrance  to the Taieri View Road. This tramp was to differ markedly from the last one we had done back in 1915.

First, a couple of the private forests along the forest road on the left had been ‘harvested’, as they say, the first one now replaced with paddocks.

Second, the former FWD track was now a road, much more heavily metalled and heavily dented by the double wheels of forest trucks carrying heavy loads.

And third, road’s end was now in the middle of the branch-and-trunk-strewn cleared second forestry. No longer a gentle grass-covered FWD track ending in a rough honeysuckle and gorse encroached track. A shock. A big shock.

Yes, the shocking new way of getting to the lookout was to have to pick our way through a debris of tangled branches down along a left-leaning bench-sort-of-slope that was marginalised by a messed-up fence line on  the right and a steep fall-off on the left.

The goal ahead of us was to be a line of small Manuka and gorse bush, a middle part of it dead. Just where the dead changed on its right to the dark green, the leaders knew to be the sturdy post at the end of a fence, alongside which was the track down through to the lookout. This they had found only after well over half an hour’s reconnoitring the previous week.

Seventeen of us reached the lookout unscathed by the sharp-ended broken branches we had to negotiate, with four electing, a short distance in, to prudently head back and wait for us near the safety of the road.

At the lookout, despite some reluctance to leave the wonder of the view,

but it being still only eleven o’clock, we eventually turned back to retackle the cleared (??) forestry slope.

This time, with leadership guidance no longer needed to find a way, a wonderful variety of routes back up to the road were found.

Back right up near road’s entrance, we stopped for lunch under power lines with the cleared area affording us a pleasant view.

Along the short distance of Taieri View Road, and out onto Taioma Road, and leaving our parked cars on our left, we headed down the road to a gate onto Salisbury property. We headed down through a couple of paddocks,

the route getting steadily steeper until its very steepest part got us down to the relief of the flat. Many elderly knees didn’t enjoy that last part one bit.

A nice flat lane led us to the wonderful restored stone cottage where we stopped to again admire the beautiful work done to it both inside …

… and out.

Then out to Wairongoa Road where two shuttle cars  ferried drivers back to their cars in the lay-by to allow everyone to return home, some by a coffee break en route.

The day was cloudy and not too hot. Just right.

The normal route would have both started and ended on Wairongoa Road, the tramp beginning with the steep climb through Salisbury paddocks to Taioma Road, morning tea half way up, and lunch at the lookout. All agreed however that through a car shuttle saving the Salisbury paddocks for just a return downhill journey and for a shorter first tramp of the year was the way to do it. – Doug and Ian.

9. 26/7/2017. Trampers.  Showgrounds, Taioma Rd, Taieri flood views. Leader: Eleanore.

Walked all but 17km and averaged 4.8km an hour.
We drove and parked at the Showgrounds.  Ten of us were eager to get out for a walk without rain.  We headed up Taioma road and had smoko at the bottom of the hill.  Then a steady uphill climb took us to the Taieri View sign, a few stops along the way were had to look at the flooding of the lower Taieri (which occurred after heavy rain on Friday and Saturday). Also, picking out landmarks and where some of us live on the Taieri.

We turned left at the Taieri View sign, then veered left again onto a Forestry road that took us to where trees had recently been milled. Looking across farmland, down to the Taieri river, cleared forest and 4 goats grazing in the distance we enjoyed the vista while eating lunch.

After lunch we walked back to the junction and decided to carry  on down the road that we veered off, where we were looking further down the Taieri towards Henley at the floods.

Once we headed for home, it was down hill all the way to the cars.  We parked  back at the car park and strolled round to Blackstone where we enjoyed coffee and cake.
The weather was calm and mild, which made our outing most enjoyable. – Eleanore.

8. 2015 Aug 26. Hikers. North Taieri Church, Salisbury and Taieri Lookout. Leaders: Pam, Dawn.

Where to start with all the happenings in this report? Well, first, when the cars arrived at North Taieri Church some of the Brighton people failed to turn up. It transpired, as was later report, their car load turned back to just walk around Mosgiel on seeing the “Road Closed” Taioma Road notice. Twenty of us set of along and up…

…the Salisbury farm paddocks to emerge onto Taioma Road just above the zig-zag and stop for morning tea on the road edge,

nicely sheltered from the cold southerly.

Incident two. After we had trudged up the road to the Taieri View side road, we looked back to see a small group stopped back down the road. The leaders went back down to find that Peter B. was experiencing one of his very occasional breathless spells (his last one, this report recalls, was on Traquair, but that time he recovered to continue afresh again.) Cell phone arrangements were made for a one of the leaders’ spouse to drive up and take Wendy and Peter back down. This was satisfactorily achieved.

Incident three. John had driven up to meet us at the side road turn-off. But under the unwise earlier advice of this reporter, had parked just beyond the turn-off at the edge of a logginh-truck lay-by  area, but had been reprehended by a logging driver for possibly impeding their movements, so got his car neatly parked in the side road.

Incident four. Keith espied a cast sheep in the paddock over the road. Mastered the barbwire fence and righted the sheep which staggered, trotted, ran off. Bravo.

On up the road, into the forestry road

and down,

steadily down

to the river look-out rock. The bold (reckless?) stepped out onto the large rock to admire the view, the timid (prudent?) stopped well back from the intimidating drop.

Lunch,

snugly tucked in among grass and gorse against the wind. The leaders shortened the lunch-stop for fear of approaching rain but it failed to eventuate. In fact, sunshine and the climb back out proved a even a bit over-warming.

Incident five. Back at Taioma Road, Mollie and George graciously accepted the invitation of a ride back in John’s car.

Incident six.. Trudging back down the Salisbury paddocks, someone remarked that Dot (of the returning car, alas) had intended sharing her big-birthday chocs with us. Sigh.

Next a stop at Mr McElwee’s beautifully restored cottage, an eye-opener for some of our newer members. Then out to the cars where we were found a cheerful Peter waiting to greet us, none the worse for his setback earlier. Relief all round! Then off to Topiary for some for their accustomed coffee fix.

A great day out, with Salisbury’s steep paddocks testing breathing on the way up and knees on the way down. A day full of interesting incidents. A tramp very well led by Pam and Dawn. A good day. – Ian.

7. 2013 Apr 3. Both. North Taieri Church, Salisbury and Taieri Lookout. Leaders: Fred, Ian.

 We started out from beside the North Taieri Church, numbering 20. We admired some black sheep along the way. Mollie pointed out that the hill ahead was Vaughan Hill, once owned by her late husband’s parents. We admired the restored stone cottage, of course. Mr McElwee had determined on everything being authentic to its old age, including …… donated from the Vaughan farm. We then set about climbing the hill ahead, this time via  a gentler track (only slightly) from around its back. At a water trough, well up the hill, we stopped for morning tea and to admire the view, and to increase our number by Lex arriving down from his car parked in Taioma Road. Light rain came on, and so did our parkas. By the time we arrived at the “No Exit” entrance to Taieri View Road we found our numbers had dropped to sixteen, five opting to seek car and home rather than carry on in the rain. On taking the forestry road turn-off, some found water off the wet grass soon got into  wet boots making for a gentle sloshing sound as they moved. But we carried on to successfully reach the Taieri River lookout, and return up that steep part o the track at its end to lunch under the shelter?? of some forestry pines. It was at this point that we had reached the dispiriting point for many. We found we had only  exchanged the fine rain outside for large forestry drops that soon soaked any part of us that was not already wet. And here any respect for the leadership vanished. It wasn’t too long before the leaders discovered numbers had now dropped to four, the rest having returned up the track to shorten what had turned into a miserable experience as quickly as possible. The leaders caught up briefly at Taioma Road, only to see the majority head off down to make a road-walk, regardless of traffic,  back to the cars. This left the leaders now with a group of only six, who returned back down through the Salisbury farm the way we had ascended, for a grand meet-up with those under their care back at the cars. So all’s well that ends well, perhaps. – Ian.

Relying on Ria’s memory to guide us, 7 of us did the more extensive Salisbury walk,
which took us climbing, climbing to join the Taioma road at the very top.

Then we had to make our way back around Taioma road to get back down to Taieri View Road. We tried to avoid the road, busy with fast, heavy rumbling logging trucks, but paddocks proved eventually too boggy.

Shortly into Taieri View Road, we stopped for a late lunch. At this point George didn’t want to go any further, so he and his car-load took the short way back to his car. The remaining trampers made their way on down the forestry track turn-off from Taieri View Road to the Lookout. The track was much more overgrown and forestry-shaded than when the writer remembered it. However this gave us good shelter from the blustery cold wind that made itself felt when we emerged out onto the Lookout.

 

We were lucky with the weather, which held off till we reached the car. A good tramp for a cold-weather day. The tramp also had a sentimental side, as it was the last day Linzi was to be with us, before departing back home to Cornwall three days later, after tramping with us for a whole year. Farewell, Linzi. – Ian.

5. 2009 Apr 8. Hikers. Taieri View, Mount Allan Road. Medium. Leaders: Chris, Dot B.

Location: 31.8 km.

Click Taieri River Geology for background information.

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17. 5/10/2016. Hikers. Millennium-John Bull; Taieri Ferry to Taieri Mouth. Bus at both ends. M. Leaders: Bob and Doug.

Millennium Track – combined trip Wednesday 5th October 2016-10-05

A dampish morning did not deter 40 intrepid club members who boarded the bus at the Bush Rd car park promptly at 9am.  Packs were stowed in the luggage compartment and our driver Richard transported the happy crew out to Highway 1 and along to Henley and the start of the track – well, almost the start.  24 hikers disembarked in persistent light rain and trudged along the road for 45 minutes to a morning tea stop on the veranda of the white house just over the style, at the true beginning of the track.

The remaining 16 bods (and  the bus) departed for Taieri Mouth.

 

The upward plod soon began and we were glad it wasn’t too hot.  The light rain continued but there was no wind and it was pleasant for tramping.  It was lovely in the bush with plenty of bird song and glimpses of the river below as we climbed.

A couple of solid hours saw us at the junction down to John Bull Creek, where it was unanimously decided not to descend, but to press on to the top for lunch.  Which we did, collapsing gratefully for welcome food and drink.  The rain had stopped and a pleasant break was had, with chocs to celebrate Alec’s recent birthday.

Then down, and down, with a few inadvertent sit-downs, and the loss of a couple of impatient members who tried to take the direct route….it was quite slippery.  No harm done, and we were soon back by the river for the last plod out to the road.  The bus parked by the bridge was a welcome sight.

Nine cheerful souls on the bus had had a pleasant few hours meandering round Taieri Mouth and catching up on gossip, and there was no sign of the hardy seven trampers.

Thanks to hiking leaders Bob and Doug and tramping leader Arthur.  It was a great day out, well-supported and enjoyed by all, and rounded off with a riotous session for coffee for 23 at Topiary.  – Judy.

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16. 13/7/2016. Trampers. Millennium and John Bull from Henley. M. Leader:  Arthur.

Two cars transported 9 trampers to begin the day’s adventure. The mild temperature was welcome, the sky overcast with northerly breezes.

We left the car-park at 10.00 a.m. and waked for about 10 minutes, to have morning tea at the picnic spot on the riverbank.

Continuing on it was up and down, as the track flows, and then up to the high up seat where we stopped for a little while. This spot overlooks the river to advantage

and also views away to the north too.

For example, Mount Cargill stood out in all its glory, with its mast on top.

The track was now downhill, the trampers intelligently noting that it would be the opposite on the returning journey. We came to a small wind-blown tree across the track, but Neil M. wrestled mightily with it and it was a problem no more.

An hour after leaving the high up seat we reached the track’s end. We were invited to have our lunch outside at Jay’s nearby house (she didn’t have the key with her), which we found a most pleasant and suitable place. – Thanks, Jay.

A half-hour’s lunch and rest stop, and the party was on the track again. Grim determination was noted now, and with little talking, a fast pace was set, and we were back at the high up seat in an hour uphill – the same time as it had taken going down.

It had just come on to rain, so a brief regroup was taken under the trees, coats on, etc. The view being ignored now, downhill, and we were back at John Bull gully – just as the rain stopped and the sun came out.

Up the zigzag, and along, and down, etc., saw us back a the car park at 3.35 p.m.

The DoC sign at the car park stated that it was 9.3 km to Taieri Mouth but Margreet’s electronic gizmo said that we had done 16.2 kms.

Whatever distance we walked, we can say very definitely that “we went there and back”. A satisfying day’s tramp.

Blustery wind and rain welcomed us back to Mosgiel. No time for coffee today! – Arthur (substitute leader for Helen – off sick.)

The day was a bit cold and windy with some promised rain. A vote taken at the Taieri River mouth bridge was two to one (the writer was the ‘one’) with two abstentions to do the more sheltered John Bull Gully track instead of the scheduled Akatore beach walk. Aerobically it was certainly more beneficial with its plentiful provision of ups and downs. Continuing on to the Millennium Track to Wardells Cottage as well provided us with an all-up 18 km work-out which we all enjoyed. There was some spring grass overgrowth in places and the odd fallen tree. Some scrub cutting had been started There was some school group or other on inflatables out on the Taieri.

12. 15/4/2009 Hikers. John Bull Track. Leaders: Lesley S, Bill H, Fred.

11. 16/5/2007. Hikers. John Bull from  Taieri Mouth. Medium. Leaders: Dot B, Lesley G.

10. 15/10/2003. Medium. John Bull Gully from Taieri Mouth. Medium. Leaders: Jack and Rosemary.

9. 5/9/2001. Combined. John Bull Track. Leaders: Frank and Lesley, Pam.

8. 1/11/2000. John Bull Track. Leaders: Doug M, Hazel, Jean.

7. 16/6/1999. John Bull Track. Leaders: Lance and Lois, Judy C.

6. 18/11/1998. John Bull Track to river. Leaders: Dot B, Doug and Ngaire.

5. 8/7/1998. John Bull Gully and return. Leaders: Bev H, Bev McI.

4. 4/6/1997. John Bully Gully. Leaders: Joyce, Nancy, Eleanor.

3. 14/2/1996. John Bull Gully. Leaders: Dot and Eric.

2. 6/4/1994. John Bull Track, then over paddock to Waihola Road, back on John Bull Track. Medium. Les S, Bill H, Doug and Ngaire