Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.
Ocean Grove, also known as Tomahawk, is a suburb in the southeast of the city of Dunedin. … The suburb was known as Tomahawk until the 1930s, the name not being a reference to the weapon, but rather possibly an anglicised form of the Māori words tomo haka, meaning “dance by a gravesite”.
This page of club tramps and hikes on the Otago Peninsula groups together trips incorporating Macandrew Bay, Company Bay, Camp Road, Greenacres St, McTaggart St, and Pukehiki. (map)
Background Information:
Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.
MacTaggart St track closed for lambing September and October.
This page of club tramps and hikes to the Leith Valley area and groups together trips to Nicols Creek (map) incorporating the Pineapple Track, Nicols Falls, Moon Track and other tracks on Swampy.
This grouping of Club tramps and hikes covers trips involving the Big Easy to Signal Hill Memorial, Ravensbourne, Opoho (incorporating Willowbank), the Northern Cemetery. (map)
This page of club tramps and hikes in the Fairfield, Green Island and Mosgiel surrounds area and groups together trips incorporating Tunnel Beach. (map)
Background Information:
Road distances from Mosgiel carpark.
Tramping Track managed by DOC. Tunnel Beach Road accessed from Blackhead Road. Plenty of parking at end of Tunnel Beach Road. Concord Tavern park for longer walk.
This page groups together the midwinter dinners / lunches hosted by the club. These events are often preceded by a walk and as such are included in the reports / photos relating to the walk that is submitted for publication.
This page covers the Club tramps and hikes in the area South Coast and groups together trips to the Millennium Track located on Lower Taieri River commencing at Taieri Mouth. (map)
This page of club tramps and hikes in the Whare Flat area groups together trips within the Silverstream catchment and includes Racemans, Steve Aimes and Coal Creek tracks. (map)
9. 7/12/2022. Trampers Lamb Hill, Fiddlers Hut, 3 O’clock Stream. Grade 4.5 Leaders: Phil and Gwenda
Thanks again to 15-year managers Chris and Lucy Thomson for allowing us on their farm, split by the stream with an altitude of 180 to 700m above sea level. These 4550 hectares of steep exposed hill country run, alongside 10,880 ewes, 750 mixed aged Angus cows, including 200 yearlings in-calf heifers, recently scanning 97% in calf. The yearling girls well and truly pay their way going to the bull at 350-390kg LW an impressive feat given Lambhill’s challenging climate. (all other history can be looked up on the internet.)
We had 11 hardy trampers battle into a cold NE wind. We worked up from the airstrip a km before heading through the first gate and then headed NW into good terrain of green paddocks. We worked over to what was a tree line now removed, heading off more west beside the Angus cows and calves and then numerous paddocks of sheep with a lot of twin lambs.
Heads down into a cold southerly wind Caption and photo Pam
Lynn did her job of herding a lamb back to her mum. After an hour and a half we arrived at the top of the hill looking down on Fiddlers Hut and 3 O’clock Stream.
Descending to Fiddlers Hut across the stream. Caption and photo Ross
We found a crossing that wasn’t too deep and crossed the stream ready for lunch at hut by 12.44 pm.
“Walking on water”- 3 O’Clock Stream Caption and photo Pam
Lunching at Fiddlers Hut. Caption and photo RossInside Fiddlers Hut Caption and photo Pam
After lunch, we decided to return around the ridge to the east, 10 minutes in we thought we could hear the squeal of a falcon or its chicks, so we moved as quickly as possible not to disturb.
We could hear the Falcon’s calling in this gully. Caption and photo Pam
We then needed to head to the top of the ridge so we could work out how to return the way we had arrived. It was hard work and the wind was unforgiving.
Uphill With a Tail Wind – Phil to the fore Caption and photo Ross
So with a few rest stops’ we headed back to the cars. I must admit we were not quite as chirpy as the case on the way down. It was an impressive property but only the hardy would survive the wind. Back to the car, we munched on some chocolate goodies to revive energy.
Hindon must be a lonely spot in winter, but the land has magic not seen that often.
Thanks to tail-end Charlie Gwenda. Phil
Dist 16.51km elevation 628m time 4hrs actual walking (ala strava)
5. 7/12/2022. Hikers. Macandrew Bay. Grade 2 Leaders: Jill D. and Linda
Twenty eager hikers departed Macandrew Bay car park on a cool grey morning. We walked along the harbourside walkway as far as McTaggart Street where we stopped at the Company Bay reserve for morning tea. Unfortunately, the native plant nursery was closed for the day so we were unable to do the planned visit. However, Jill was able to provide us with some information on the work that was carried out there to provide native plants for planting out on the peninsula.
Jill giving a speech at morning tea. Caption and photo Helen
Onwards and upwards we made our way up the road and on to the track, climbing over some stiles, walking across farmland and up the hill towards Camp Rd.
How many stiles? Caption and photo Phil
We stopped several times to catch our breath and to admire the wonderful views of the peninsula. After the steady climb we reached our lunch stop on Camp Rd near Larnach Castle.
We did as the farmer instructed. Left the sheep to close the gate. Caption and photo Mike
We then continued our walk along to Pukehiki where we visited the lovely little community church, with its loo with a view!
Pukehiki Church is the background for our group photo. Caption and photo Helen
From here we walked along Highcliff Rd to Greenacres track and proceeded downhill to Macandrew Bay.
Screenshot Margreet
Some opted for an ice cream while others enjoyed refreshments at the Duck Cafe, while taking in the view of the lovely Macandrew Bay Beach on a nearly sunny afternoon. Jill and Linda
Phil at Jamestown in the Hollyford, in 2003, telling the grandiose stories of James Macandrew Caption and photo PhilStanding alongside James Macandrew’s grave and memorial Caption and photo Phil
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 (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 (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 (photo & caption 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.
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 (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 (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 (photo & caption Pam)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 (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 Photo: Clive
We all enjoyed walking through the rolling country and down to Lake Mahinerangi, initially opposite the old Waipori school building.
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!
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 Caption and Photo: 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 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
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.
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.
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.
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)
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
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.
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
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. 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 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
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:
Crib by the ford. Bob Peter Arthur Barbara Who? Molly
Crossing Verter Burn. Peter Who? Molly
The gate beyond Verter Burn.
School. Arthur H Bob Peter Arthur L
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
4. 30/11/2022. Hikers. Highcliff Track/Buskin Track/Highcliff Road/Karetai Road. Grade 3. $7. Leaders: Max and Mike W.
Sign on Highcliff Road (Photo & Caption Mike)
M & M aka Max and Mike demonstrated their commitment to the TRTC by agreeing to lead a hike instead of sitting in front of a TV watching England thrash their Welsh cousins in the FIFA World Cup. I am not sure that this commitment was fully appreciated as shortly after the commencement of the hike there were mutterings of “when are these Poms stopping for morning tea?”
Morning tea looking over Boulder Beach (Photo & Caption Helen)
Ten hardy souls ignored the dodgy weather forecast and set off for a hike that took us around a boulder strewn hill with great views down to Boulder Beach and Sandfly Bay before descending down a zig zag poled track to join up with the Buskin Track.
Lookout over Boulder Beach (Photo & Caption Margreet)
The steep descent was made without incident although some knees were creaking a bit by the time we had got to the bottom of the hill.
Gymnast of the day award was given to Jim Finnie. At the start of the Buskin Jim demonstrated his prowess by performing an impressive backward somersault with a half pike and a reverse tuck. The landing left a bit to be desired and stopped him getting a perfect 10.
Special mention also to Jay who re-arranged some of Max’s clothing after she spotted that he had his hi vis vest on upside down and back to front.
An early lunch was taken at 1130 in a sheltered part of the Buskin Track from where we could see the views of the coast disappearing in the mist and drizzle.
Eleanore Margreet and Betty on the seat with a view (Photo & Caption Helen)
The Buskin Track does not appear to be used much as the grass was quite long in places with a few areas of thistle and nettles to be aware of.
Bushkin Track (Photo & Caption Mike)
It was also a wee bit muddy and slippery towards the top where a few planks of wood had been laid.
The group of 9 plus the photographer at our high point (Photo & Caption Helen)
Once at the top of the Buskin, it was a short walk along a private road to Highcliff Road and Karetai Road back to the cars.
The weather was not as bad as forecast. It was overcast with a few drizzle patches and one short bit of “wet rain”. Poms know the meaning of this.
Ponchos the order of the day (Photo & Caption Margreet)
Debrief at the cars agreed that grade 3 was about right and that there would not be a coffee meeting on the way home.
As usual, great company and interesting conversation made this an enjoyable hike.
Mike
We parked in the Tomahawk Lagoon carpark, & walked up the track to the Soldiers Monument,
Dunedin from soldiers monument. (Ken pic and caption)
stopping in the gorse for morning tea break,
Morning tea stop on track above Tomahawk inlet. (Ken pic and caption)
then a long road walk to get to Buskin track.
Buskin track. (Ken pic and caption)
Great views from this track down to the coast
Boulder Beach from top of Buskin track. (Ken pic and caption)
& along to Sandfly Bay, & Sandymount. Stopped for lunch at the junction of the Boulder Beach Track, & the Karatai Rd. track,
Lunch stop at junction of track to Boulder Beach, & Karatai Rd. (Ken pic and caption)
then it was a steep climb up to Karatai Rd. where we turned left, & walked down to Smaills Beach, then back to the cars. About 15.6km on a very nice day, most enjoyable. – Ken
2. 16/7/2008 Buskin Track, Boulder Beach, Highcliff Track, Paradise Road. Leaders: Bruce & Marjorie
Cliff View
Seven trampers met beside the Penzance Kennels on Highcliff and, undaunted by the thick fog that covered the whole of the Peninsula and beyond, set off on what proved to be an interesting walk.
We walked down the Buskin track until it intersected with the Highcliff track. A little way along the Highcliff track we found a very sheltered spot amidst some old macracarpas for a morning tea break, being very careful not to make contact with the prolific growth of ongaonga bushes. Refreshed, we began the very steep haul up to the top of the cliff and a clearing in the fog enabled us to wonder at the white lichen covered rocks, sheer cliffs and steep drops.
View of Boulder Beach
Hardy trampers
Boulder beach, aptly named, stretched far below us, white waves curling in a placid sea. We were unable to see the vista of coastline – that will have to keep till another day. Retracing our steps down the steep and at times slippery gradient we stopped for lunch at the same place where we had morning tea. After lunch we made a detour to the end of Boulder Beach where we were lucky to find one yellow eyed penguin standing sentinel on the rocky shore. We then laboured up Paradise Road and returned to the cars. Although unable to enjoy the views for most of the walk, Bruce made up for this by pointing out to us sites and remains of the old homesteads, stone fences and old fence posts. Even more interesting were the accounts he read to us of what life was like for the early farming families from a book by Hardwick Knight. Thank you Bruce for sharing this with us, enabling us to have a very enjoyable tramp on a grey day. – Marjorie
1. 13/4/1994 Tomahawk Lagoon, Smaills Beach, Karetai Road, Buskin Road, Soldiers Track and return. Medium. Leaders: Ria H, Jean A, June G, Betty H
Map: Sullivans Dam, Cloud Forest, Telegraph (Old Bridal) track to Pigeon Flat, Escarpment Track, Cowan Rd, Short Cut to Fox Rd, down to Sullivans Dam – drawn 2002. (Click to enlarge)
Sunshine start at Sullivans Dam (photo and caption Pam)
15 trampers set out around the lovely track around Sullivan’s Dam but we soon had to turn right up the hill that stated ‘for experienced trampers only’!
One of many old signs on our route (photo and caption John)
This track is an overgrown mostly-boardwalk that goes up and up through a patch of majestic Rimu, Totara and Miro to the Pylon Road. On the way we passed a bush telephone and a fairy grotto!
Boardwalks (photo and caption Pam)Telephone box, just in case you need it (photo and caption Marijke)
Morning tea was had under the pylons watching 2 helicopters below us loading up to do some spraying.
Morning Tea in a clearing (photo and caption John)
After refueling we set off on the escarpment track, firstly through gorse then mud, fallen trees and a rock climb up to the magnificent view from Pigeon Rock.
Some misjudged their footing! (photo and caption Pam)
Just when we thought the worst was over we came upon 2 huge pine trees crossing the track. However everyone made it safely over, then it was a short scramble up Pigeon Hill to lunch.
Lunch time hilarity over Neil’s boiled egg (photo and caption John)View from Pigeon Hill – I just love those big skies! (photo and caption Marijke)
The challenge after lunch was to follow the blue ribbons to Mt Cargill, this proved little trouble thanks to some tall scouts who could spot them among the growing pines.
Down hill from here (Cowan Road) (photo and caption Pam)
Once out on the road with the sky growing darker it was a fast trip down the 3 Peaks track back to the cars where the heavens opened! Good timing team! This is a lovely, varied track with lots to keep you interested. All seemed to enjoy it even the harder parts. Thanks for a great day out – Clare. Continue reading “Sullivans Dam, Cloud Forests, Escarpment, Cowan round trip”
