Tuesday 7th March – Biking Day 4 – Bike to Bannockburn Camp to Smiths Way and return.
This was the start of the biking days so some of the trampers headed home after breakfast. After swapping poles for bikes our (15 bikers) first ride was from Bannockburn camp to Old Cromwell, Pisa Moorings and up to Smiths Way a round trip of about 52kms, on the return we stopped at the coffee shop for mostly our own homemade lunch; jolly decent of them to allow this for just a few cups of coffee. This was a 3-hour trip so we were home early.
Tour de Dunstan starters. Photo & caption PhilCrossing Bannockburn Bridge. Photo & caption PhilBilly plays chicken. Photo & caption PhilLunch at Pisa Moorings. Photo & caption HelenThe census stumps the brains trust. Photo & caption Phil
Wednesday 8th – Biking Day 5: Biking Lake Dunstan Trail and Millennium Track to Alexandra.
Getting a bit more adventurous, so this was a big day for some. The logistics keep our coordinator on the ball with lots of options offered and only one trailer to pick up bikes.
Starting at Alexandra. Photo & caption Phil
Some headed off from the camp to the Lake Dunstan Trail and others did the same but went down another 12kms on the Millennium track to Alexandra. Others started at the other end and came back, and a few did only the Millennium track. Everyone met at the Clyde Rowing club for lunch. It was perfect weather.
Sculpture on the trail. Photo & caption PhilThe Bannockburn starters arrive; the following numbers to weigh in are… Photo & caption PhilLunch at the rowing club. Photo & caption Helen
Thursday 9th – Biking
Day 6: Biking from Gibston to Arrowtown and Back.
Final day, so we loaded the trailer and two cars with 12 bikes and headed to Gibbston Tavern, from there we rode to Arrowtown on the Gibbston River Wine Trail and Arrow River Bridge Trail, via the bungee jump bridge: 22km each way.
Well spotted Phil, congratulations. Photo & caption (other) PhilCrossing the rubicon? Photo & caption Phil
Lunch at Arrowtown was pretty much a pie for everyone with a coffee or tea to wash it down, the riders returned to the Gibbston Tavern for a cool drink and pizza mid-afternoon, tea that night was light with all the leftovers from the week.
What a pie, definitely not a Jimmy’s. Photo & caption Phil Friends in the paddock and Dave. Photo & caption HelenPizza and cool beverage. Photo & caption HelenA well earned pizza and ginger (alcoholic) beer at the Tavern. Photo & caption Phil
7. 8/8/2023. Combined. Scorgie’s Farm. Combined. Grade 2.5 (based on hikers valley walk). Leaders: Jill Reid (Trampers), Jan Yardley (Hikers).
Hikers
There were 22 Hikers and trampers on this tramp as a large contingent were at Bannockburn on camp.
Morning tea break (photo and caption Jan)
The group stayed together until morning tea, when those wanting to go up into the hills went off with Jill Reid.
The remaining 11 hikers carried on up the valley, firstly on a stony Traquair Road until we came to Scorgies Farm.
Bridge at entrance to Scorgies Farm (photo and caption Jan)Mosgiel Motor Cycle Club caravan – trampers heading up hill in background. (photo and caption Jan)
This was more of a farm track and much easier underfoot. It was a perfect tramping day, warm and calm and there was no mud (unlike the previous couple of times it has been done). We didn’t quite make the big shed as it had turned quite hot by lunchtime and the co-opted leader spotted a shady roadside spot and elected to lunch there.
Shady lunch stop (photo and caption Jan)
We could see the shed not too far away, so figured that was close enough. Had a chat with the farm manager as we started off back down the valley.
Almost got to big shed – in distance. (photo and caption Jan)
Returned to the cars by the same route, very hot by then, and no shade so it was a relief to get to the end.
Cold drinks at the Wobbly Goat completed the day.
Jan Y.
Trampers.
The combined group of hikers & trampers parked by Lee Stream on Mahinerangi Road and all walked along the valley, initially on Traquair.
Combined morning tea under Big Blue Skies. (photo and caption Pam)
After morning tea 13 trampers headed “to the hills”, enjoying the huge vistas on Michael Scorgie’s Lee Flat property.
Gentle flowing “Lee Stream”. (photo and caption Pam)The long winding road ahead. (photo and caption Pam)
After a steep descent we crossed the Lee Creek – thank you Graham Thurlow for showing us how to correctly place feet and poles – very important if there is a large water flow!
Graeme giving instructions on river crossing. (photo and caption Pam)– and put into practice. (photo and caption Pam)
We lunched by the Allendale homestead then crossed over Mahinerangi Road and looped through more of the Traquair property – lovely seeing the cattle grazing these hills.
Theresa having a well earned rest. Perfect seat. (photo and caption Jenni)
A very enjoyable 15.5 km walk. Many thanks for your assistance Graham.
Jill R.
6. 7/8/2019. Both. Scorgies Farm. Leaders: Jan Y, Peter D, Jill R.
Hikers – Scorgies Farm
After morning tea with the trampers, a group of 21 hikers carried on down the valley and on to Scorgies Farm.The first part over the farm land was a bit wet, but Ok to walk on. However, as we progressed further on the farm track, the muddy spots became more and more frequent.My contact had told me ‘the track was a bit muddy, but just skirt around these areas’.That was the understatement of the year – there was no bypassing the mud and we had to wade through which was heavy going. Got as far as a pile of baleage, and decided to call a halt. Probably only a km or so short of the big shed, which was our preferred spot for lunch, but mud was getting progressively worse.Some of the group lunched amongst the baleage, and the rest of the group headed up the hill a little to find a sheltered spot in the lee of the hill.Met up again and returned the same way (same mud!!) back to the cars. It was certainly a pleasure to get back on to the Traquair land (which constitutes the first few ks of this tramp) and onto their well maintained gravel road.One bonus – no one slipped over on the mud.Jan and Peter.
Trampers – Scorgies Farm.
Trampers’ route map. Courtesy Phil K.
After a combined group morning tea by Lee Stream, …
A great spot for morn. Smoko. (Gordon pic and caption.)
… 21 trampers headed for the hills!
Trampers break off from Hikers.Pretty steep. (Gordon pic and caption.)
We climbed up a face between magnificent rocks,
Hello Hikers down there. (Phil K. pic and caption.)Looking down Lee Stream. (Helen pic and caption.)
walked over rolling hills bearing pockets of snow,
Hardy TRAMPERS in the snow today. (Margreet pic and caption.)
then, taking a more circuitous route than planned,
Down & up. (Gordon pic and caption.)
reached the normally small tributary of Lee Stream at the bottom of Roundhill.
Bit deeper,swifter and slippery than looks. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Today it was much higher than expected due to snow melt over the last couple of days. We decided it would be unsafe to walk through the creek – just too much water swiftly flowing over the slippery rocks!!!! Instead we enjoyed our lunch on rocky outcrops, looking across to the Allandale homestead surrounds,
Lunch in the rocks with leader Jill mapping out a change of direction.. (Helen pic and caption.)
then returned to the Lee Stream Track by a different route.
On the way back to the cars. (Helen pic and caption.)
Distance walked : 16 km. – Jill.
5. 25/6/2014 Hikers. Lee Stream Ramble, Scorgies Farm. Easy. Leaders: Arthur and Barbara.
GPS of route. We walked 12.66 km. Walking time 2.56 hrs; Fastest 4.6 km/hr; Slowest 3.95 km/hr.
I now title this tramp Lee Stream Road Ramble. The route is an actual road at each end, connecting Mahinerangi and Black Rock Roads, joined by a paper road in the middle, having reverted to a barely discernible track across paddocks marked only by occasion ditch crossings, with one actual bridge over a more sizeable Lee Stream tributary.
26 Hikers parked outside the Mahinerangi end of the road, to be surprised by this notice on the gate.
The mind boggles. (John pic)
At this stage of course, the road was well paved.
Start (John pic)
With a winter 9.30 a.m. start and quite a bit of a drive up SH87, the leaders stopped us early for morning tea on the following slope.
An iPhone Panorama attempt of the tea break, not a patch on John’s much better pixelated lunch one. Apologies to the ones I caught bending over.
Paddocks were still saturated from frosts and rain. Today was astonishingly warm with a drying wind, but not enough to even begin to dry the ground out. Ditch crossings, although well gravelled (under the mud, if you could find it), were atrociously, extraordinarily, slipperarily muddy. Not everyone got through without a fall.
Mud, glorious mud. Here you can see only the beginning. Down at the ditch crossing, it was hard to get through without a fall. There were several of this ditches to negotiate. Paddocks were sodden. (John pic)
Here is the bridge separating Traquair from Scorgies’ Stations.
The Bridge (John pic. Hey! Well done, John.)
We trudged on, and on. A kilometre or two short of the end, about half a dozen of us had had enough and made their lunch stop there, leaving the rest of us to go on to the big implement shed. Its contents were well splattered with bird droppings, but each of us managed to find a seat acceptable to them.
Lunch panorama (John pic. A much better panorama.)
Retracing our route we found to be just as muddy, we several of us knowing we had done one of the longer tramps that the Hikers attempt. It was a good day out. While the rest of the country seems to have suffered heavy downpours, we benefited from the warmth of the storm’s margin. Thanks to Arthur and Barbara for thoughtful careful leadership. – Ian
3. 7/5/2008 Both. Lee Stream Ramble, Scorgies Farm. Easy. Leaders: George, Doug M
Permission.
Great farmland trip. Turn down 1st Mahinerangi Rd. Cross Lee Stream and park car park up other side. RH. Thru gate. Meander along well formed road on true right of stream. Lunch at Hay barn en route. Return same way.
The threatened rain did not spill, the intimated sun did not shine, the breezes didn’t waft, but twenty four trepid trampers (hardly ‘intrepid’ on this straightforward walk ) turned out to enjoy
the calm reaches of Lee Streem (sic: an in-joke for the “boys and their toys” fellows ), and the pleasant pastures, and beautiful big barn of Scorgie’s Farm. Well, not quite straightforward, as, after arranging ourselves on tiers of a rocky outcrop for morning tea (see photo), and crossing a decrepit bridge which leader George kept promising us would collapse just for us, there suddenly appeared, blocking our way, a vast vale of choumollier and turnips. A pincer movement was deployed and we eventually fought our way to the battle front again.
An early morning tea is rightly followed by an early lunch, and what better restaurant seats than the dry hay bales, pallets and timbers and butcher’s chopping block of the large, open barn where the smell of hay was incense to the nostrils of country wanderers.
Mushrooms were unfortunately not on the menu though Doug had picked enough for a good tasting.
Our return was by the same route, except that we skirted the western front of the turnip ground this time.
The various pedometers all seemed to tell us that we had traversed circa 15kms of this fertile and well-kept farm, (without seeing a single human movement), and several remarks were heard to the effect that if the speaker were to want to buy a farm, this would be the one. The only sad note to the day was at the carpark meeting point where we observed a minute silence for the passing of Mary Maxwell earlier in the week. – Bob
2. 5/3/2008. Both. Lee Stream Valley and Scorgies Farm. Easy. Leaders: Bob H, Molly.
1. 2/8/2006 Both. Lee Stream ramble, Scorgies Farm. Easy. Leaders: Bob & Evelyn, Lesley G, Eleanor W
Great farmland trip. Turn down 1st Mahinerangi Rd. Cross Lee Stream and park car park up other side. RH. Thru gate. Meander along well formed road on true right of stream. Lunch at Hay barn en route. Return same way.
14. 15/02/2023. Trampers. Silverstream (Raceman’s – Little Coal Creek – Steve Amies- Raceman’s Loop). Grade 4. $5 Leader: Phil Keene
The residue of Cyclone Gabbie hovering off the coast and threatening some rain seemed to have an effect on today’s turnout – only one car, one car, headed for the hills, but it’s hard to hold back quality! So we were parked up at the Powder Ridge car-park and on the track by 9.20am and shambled off up the road and we crossed the surging Silverstream with trepidation a couple of times, before hitting our straps on Racemans.
The famous 5 minus 1 cross the surging Silverstream (photo & caption Phil)
Birdsong was prevalent, nearly drowning out the chat, with the whoosh of a pigeon or two over the stream. As on the day of the recce we were overtaken by a surging team of 5 collies out for their daily run with their Goddess mistress fast coming up behind.
Enjoying a cuppa on Racemans Track (photo & caption Pam)
We morning tea’d after 45 minutes, looking out through a clearing across the valley, why is it ‘the other side’ always seems so more interesting. 1.5 hours from the car-park we took a deep breath to prepare for the ascent up Little Coal Creek and off up up and up we went.
A steady climb up Little Coal Creek (photo & caption Pam)
It was nice to have some of natures hand holds as we pulled ourselves up, being dry, very dry underfoot, just like walking on powdered cement.The going was slow though, to such an extent that these modern devices that people wear were sending out warnings that they were not recording any movement! Are you alright?
That was a good joke Phil (photo & caption Pam)
After 50 minutes of huffing and puffing I’ll blow your house down, I swear I could have, we were at the junction of Little Coal and North Coal Creek tracks.
This way ladies (photo & caption Pam)
From here the climb was more steady, drifting into plateaus, before the next bit of up. Time was taken to enjoy the views out through the bush to Pulpit Rock and Raingauge Spur plus poke our noses out over the rock ledges.
Enjoying the views to Pulpit Rock and Raingauge Spur from Little Coal Creek (photo & caption Pam)
Towards Pulpit Rock (photo & caption Phil)
3 hours from the car park we stopped at the Steve Amies/ Little Coal Creek junction and decided to have lunch here, with both sun and shade to help dry out the perspiration. Bees were prevalent and seemed to take a liking to the creams on our skins, some coming back for more, but no harm was done.
Lunch at the junction (photo & caption Pam)
At 12.45pm we were up and off down what was a lovely Steve Amies track and the gradient was such that there was more time to take in the impressive Kanuka trees, some as big as the mature Pinus Radiata that have also made their home here. As to be expected, the track had to get steep again, and care was required as we ‘dropped’ back down onto Racemans, to be followed by a 40 minute stroll back to the car- park arriving back 5 hours and not a minute more from when we left.
the famous 5 minus 1 ‘dropping’ down to Racemans off Steve Amies Track (photo & caption Phil)
Altitude gained was 509m and a little over 11kms completed. Grade 4 seemed about right. Consensus was a great day out and just 10minutes from home.
Phil K
13. 18/11/2020. Trampers. Racemans, North and Little Coal Creeks, Steve Amies. Leaders: Ross and Wyn Davies. M.
18 trampers set out from the car park just off the Whare Flat Road, towards the pumphouse at 9.25am. It was a nice morning. We arrived at the Tunnels Track junction after half an hour; time for morning tea.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Morning tea.”
Photo and Caption John – View from morning tea spot.”We made steady progress up the Racemans Track and reached the North Coal Creek junction and hour and a quarter later. After a brief pause for some energy food, we headed up the North Coal Creek Track. The track – such as it is – was in good condition. It is an unrelenting climb and we had a few stops to regroup on the way up.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Climbing rock wall on North Coal creek track.”
We reached the junction with the Little Coal Creek Track after about an hour. We carried on up the Little Coal Creek Track for another 15 minutes to a lunch spot with a view to the north.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Lunch.”
Photo and Caption John – “View over the cliff edge at lunch stop.”
We had a good panorama of Powder Ridge and Long Ridge, Mt Allan behind, Pulpit Rock and Green Hill in the centre of the Silver Peaks.
The weather started to look more threatening after lunch, as we continued up the Little Coal Creek Track for another 20 minutes to the junction with the Steve Amies Track.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Happy campers at Steve Amies junction.”
By this stage there were a few showers; enough to make the track down the Steve Amies Track increasingly slippery. Everyone took the descent carefully and we made it safely without any proper falls. It took us about an hour and three quarters all the way down to Racemans Track, by which time the rain was getting more frequent.
Getting progressively wetter we retraced our steps along Racemans Track and back to the car park in about 40 minutes, arriving back at 3:50pm. Distance was variously measured at more than 15 kms, with an average of about 15.5 kms. It was a relatively longer day in terms of distance, time walking and ups and down, which everyone coped with OK. Some decided home was the best direction but 8 of us diverted to Blend Café for hot drinks and varying amounts of food.
“quoin” definition: 1. An exterior angle of a wall or other piece of masonry.
2. Any of the stones used in forming such an angle, often being of large size and dressed or arranged so as to form a decorative contrast with the adjoining walls. Seek permissions. 03 –
Coast and farm walk. Bull Creek nature walk to waterfall (tiny!) recommended.
16. 1/2/2023. Quoin Point to Bull Creek. Combined. Leaders Bruce, Alex, Helen and Phil.
Thirty-one keen walkers headed south and after regrouping at the turnoff to Quoin Point road parked in a paddock opposite the wool shed at the end of the road where lambs were being drafted.
Keen to get started. Photo & caption John
We followed the farm road leading down the hill towards Quoin Point and then turning right opening closing gates where appropriate before stopping after 15 minutes near an inlet with a choice of sun or shade. Shade was more popular.
Morning tea near Quoins Point. Photo & caption Phil
We continued across the paddocks and paused for a time near a caravan and new home above it on the hillside with natives planted in two paddocks while Bruce chatted to the land owner Peter O’Connor of Riversdale. Peter said he was happy for trampers to traverse his property and did not need to ask his permission in the future. The two paddocks are linked by a pipe gate and the best exit to the beach and Bull Creek was at the far corner nearest the sea of the second paddock. The path goes down the hill over some grey rocks and then along the coast to Bull Creek. He plans to mow a track across the lower part of his property in about two years to make access easier.
Neil on gate duty again. Photo & caption John
An example of the beautiful farm gullies, planted in natives. Photo & caption John
Local’s dog, keen to come with us. Photo & caption John
Going to visit the ‘house on the hill?’ Photo & caption Phil
Happy trampers. Photo & caption Pam
Around the corner to Bulls Creek. Photo & caption Pam
Watching over Bulls Creek. Photo & caption Pam
We had lunch on the North side of Bull Creek in case the rising tide cut us off. A seal was spotted in the water at Bull Creek and another mammal seen in the distance on the rocks on the way back. Clare’s family had built a dam across the creek so that the seaweed in the creek could be flushed out once the dam broke.
Time for lunch. Photo & caption John
Bulls Creek iconic tree and three T.R.T.C. icons. Photo & caption John
Clare kindly arranged for 3 of the party to travel back by car; a 25 minute journey going near Milton.
The weather remained fine. Distance 13.56 km, Climb 384 m. We started walking at about 10 am and were back to the cars at 3 pm. There were many views of the coastal rocks. Hay tedding was in progress on one paddock and for the others the hay had been cut and baled since the recce.
Very precise windrowing. Photo & caption Phil
Future walks on the property might be considered for mid-February or after when the sheep are likely to have been shorn, the lambs drafted and the hay cut which makes walking easier. Thanks to the co-leaders Alex Griffin, Helen Morris and Phil Morris for their valuable leadership. Also to Neil for his opening the gates, waiting for the last person to go through and then, remarkably, being in position to open the next gate. He was also better at spotting where the next gate in paddock was, possibly due to his eyes operating at a higher elevation. Thank you again Neil. Our thanks are also due the land owners Alan Shaw, Gwen Lane and Peter O’Connor for their kind permission to be on their properties and to Clare for her local knowledge of the area and assistance with offering transport back to the cars for three persons.
Because the Brighton Café closes at 4 pm the group was given the opportunity to make their own choice for coffee, such as at Waihola or Mosgiel, or an ice cream at Brighton.
Bruce Spittle
15. 6/11/2019. Quoin Point to Bull Creek.
RAMBLERS, HIKERS and TRAMPERS report.
On a calm morning 33 keen, happy members drove up Law road and along the coast through Akatore to Quoin Point road, driving a couple of kms down to the wool shed. At 10am 6 Ramblers headed off to enjoy their day, leaving 27 to hike to Bull Creek.
Photo and Caption Helen – “Up and down” Photo and Caption Gordon – “regroup”
We walked down through paddocks to the rocks where we had smoko.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Smoko among the rocks”
(In 2014 we tried to count the pod of seals both big and small), however, today we only spotted a couple along the way. As well as 4 leaders, we had markers still in place from the Tokomairiro High school trail bike fundraiser held a couple of weeks ago guiding us. The paddocks were dry and nice to walk on. With lots of gates to open/close, amazing coastal scenery, gullies with native bush, 3 old farm houses and a couple of creeks to cross. 2 hours of hiking then came to a standstill at the now fenced off access to Bull Creek. Even with 2 stiles to cross over, their was not a track to be found. We back-tracked a short distance and found our way down. 3 Members decided on a bit of bush bashing, 2 were through in no time———then through came Doug (our 90 year old) with a grin, having enjoyed his scramble!!
Photo and Caption Helen – “Doug taking the hard way down Photo and Caption Helen – “Bull Creek”
To save getting wet feet, a most enjoyable, sociable and scenic lunch was had by all on the rocks, before you cross the creek to the iconic kiwi cribs from 12:00 to 1:00.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Lunch at Bull Creek” Photo and Caption Gordon- “Couple of Kilometres left” Photo and Caption Gordon- “Heading to Cars”
Then it was time to head back the way we came, arriving to the cars at 3pm. 2 cars travelled down the Taieri Beach road through pine forest (a new road for some) while the others down the more scenic road to the Black Swan Waihola for Coffee.
As always another happy outing covering about 12 kms. I think it is really important having the combined monthly hike, walking, talking and catching up with our hikers and ramblers.
Photo and Caption – Gordon – “View”
BULL CREEK
Different theories on how Bull Creek got its name. From a fictional character called John Bull, to the Otago Witness’ report in 1904 of the story of a wild Bull meeting a grisly end in the area, with the bull’s head later being hung on the wall of “Bulls Cottage”
The 42 or so cribs are spread over about 4ha and have their own 35 year lease, set up some years ago with the then land owners.
Eleanore, Helen, Bob and Jannette
14. 4/4/2018. Both. Quoin Point to Bull Creek. M. Leaders: Ian, Arthur and Bob.
Hikers’ Route map, courtesy Ian.
The day was fine when twenty-seven of us started down from a busy shearing shed at the end of Quoin Point Road to morning-tea down by the Quoin Point rocks. Both we and a multitude of inquisitive young seals were amazed at the sight of each other.
Quoin Point at the sealions gathering. (Clive pic and caption.)Morning tea at Quoin Point.(Clive pic and caption.)
Ten trampers set off first, closely followed by eleven Hikers…
(Kevin pic.)
… leaving seven Ramblers behind to enjoy a more leisurely walk, which they took as far as the first house, returning along the beaches before having to regain the paddocks. They got back to the cars at 1.15 p.m.
For the others, the route varied between the flats of rocks and beach where practicable, and paddocks and gates where necessary. Towards lunch-time the query of “how much further” was beginning to be raised by some of the newer hikers. The hut-on-the-paddock’s site had complicated matters with new electric fencing forcing skirting around it before reaching the familiar route again. (We did better on the return trip.)
The trampers arrived at Bull Creek …
Bull Creek. (Clive pic and caption.)
.. in time to get round to including the picnic area and the Bull Creek Bush Walk.
Along the waterfall walk. Clive pic and caption.)Along the waterfall walk. (Clive pic and caption.)
The Hikers, with their much later arrival, (their walk enriched however with much mushroom-picking) had time only to get through their lunch
Brief lunch. (Kevin pic.)
before the low-tide’s turn prompted getting back across the creek.
On the return trip, our two groups were mixed and strung out as people moved off from Bull Creek in their own time. Admirably, Bob, our back marker, kept his disciplined place, to ensure we all got back in one piece.
This time, at the second stile, fortunately Arthur remembered to remain on the flat until we had got past below the little paddock hut before resuming the paddocks.
So we straggled back to the cars, strung out in various groups, some faster, others slower as the weariness of a 12 km tramp set in. Bob’s sterling work as back marker, at this point really paid off. Several paddocks short of our destination one of us found the going too much and needed rescuing. Gordon, a new member of the club who had accompanied Bob stayed back to keep watch, while Bob strode on to fetch his large four-wheel-drive ute back to the rescue.
So all’s well that ends well. with the day ending with a congenial “coffee” stop off at Brighton. – Ian.
13. 30/7/2014. Trampers. Quoin Point to Bull Creek.
A good group of eight set out from the farm road at Quoin Point to walk along to Bull Creek. there was a bit of a wind blowing which kept the temperature down, & it was VERY muddy going across the paddocks. We didn’t get onto the beach very much as the tide was quite high, even although on the tramp program it was stated to be low at 11:30 approx. [Yes, a 0.3 m low tide i.e. on the higher side – Ed]
It was surprising to see that the gates along the coastal paddocks had “Walking Access” signs attached to them, so good on the land owners for allowing this.
We had morning tea in the shelter of some rocks, & lunch at Bull Creek. Lunch was a reasonably hurried affair, as the sandflies were eating more than we were!!! The exit of Bull Creek onto the beach was probably passable, but we didn’t fancy getting wet feet so we stayed on the Nth. side.
After lunch, it was just a return walk mostly back along the paddocks to the cars. The wind had started to dry out the very muddy parts, so it was only just a little less muddy going back. But, unfortunatly, one member slipped over at one point, & has some dirty washing to attend to !! We walked 12.3km in approx 4hrs. – Ken.
12. 5/3/2014 Both. Quoin Point to Bull Creek. Leaders: Lex and Peter.
Failed to reach Bull Creek. Ed note.
11. 13/2/2013 Trampers. Quoin Point to Bull Creek. (9)
Nine of us enjoyed the tramp, three of us oldies, six newies, to show it off to. And they did appreciate it.
We saw lots of seals/sealions (?) on the way.
It was surprising to see such a high sandbar at Bull Creek.
A high extensive sandbar now. (Ian pic and caption.)Bull Creek water backed up by the sandbar. (Ian pic and caption.)
Although a souwester was very strong at times it was good tramping weather.
A feature of the tramp at its end was the discovery of a very flat battery in Ian F’s car, whose parking lights had been accidentally knocked on and left for 5 hours! With an AA call-out rescue, we got all got home by teatime. – Ian.
10. 2/6/2010. Both. Quoin Point to Bull Creek. Leaders: George and Dot.
It was a most unusual start. Various reports had it that after the recent rainy period the paddocks would be too wet or the coast road would have been damaged. As it turned out, not – in either case. The upshot was though, that one of the leaders led a number on a round trip road walk up the Scroggs Hill from Brighton. 12 went on to Quoin Point. Of the 12, only 4 went to Bull Creek.
It was a nice low tide, but the Bull Creek flood waters were too deep to comfortably cross.
Packing up after lunch. Ken, Doug.
The remainder stopped for lunch a few gullies back.
Bull Creek minus 30 mins. (Bill caption and pic) Lex and who?
The day was brilliant with little wind.
How did this get here? Noticed on the way back.
It was a good day out. All the more enjoyable for contrasting with the previous week’s extended rain. – Ian
9. 23/12/2009. Trampers. Ken and George. Quoin Point to Bull Creek.
A good walk on Wednesday, lots of rock hopping. It was a perfect day for it as well, with virtually no wind, and not too much sun either.
Returning from Bull Creek. George. (Ken pic)
8. 4/4/2007. All. Quoin Point to Bull Creek. Easy+. Leaders: George, Hazel, Eleanor B, Joyce S
7. 1/3/2006 All. Quoint Point, Bull Creek. Easy. Leaders: Dot B, Glenis, Frank & Lesley
‘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.
A steady climb to admire views over the Taieri Plains Caption and photo Pam
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.
Panorama- First glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. Caption and photo John
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.
Group photo using a timer Caption and photo John
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.
Panorama – Allanton to the right. Caption and photo John
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.
It’s all downhill from here. Caption and photo Neil
More downhill Caption and photo Neil
And we’re still going down 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.
Crossing fences has it’s challenges. Caption and photo John
Thank you also to Lyn for coming with us on the recce and helping us on the day.
13. 28/8/2019. Trampers. Hope Hill. M. Leader: Gordon.
The Hope Hill farm tramp started off at 9.50am, after parking cars in a paddock south of Allanton with 19 enthused trampers.
We followed a farm track straight up a ridge for nearly an hour
470. The farmer asks Are you fit and experienced trampers? (Phil K. pic and caption.)
which was pretty steep at times, arriving at the top for Smoko amongst some tussocks sheltering us from a coolish breeze.
Welcome morning tea stop at the top of Hope Hill. (Jenni pic and caption.)
The sun was shining brightly and some great views were had from the south end of the Taieri down to Mosgiel. We then set off toward the coast which provided views of Blackhead, Saddle Hill, & Scroggs Hill until we came to the ridge which would lead us down to McLaren Gully road.
Heading down to McLaren Gully road. (Gordon pic and caption.)
It was easy going for a start but got quite steep on the last half,
Pretty steep @ rocky in places. (Gordon pic and caption.)
but thankfully no twisted or broken ankles or knees were reported after reaching the flats at the bottom from where we carried on to the road. After walking on the road for a while we turned off to start heading back up toward the cell towers where a very welcome sunny spot was found for a much needed lunch break.
Perfect sunny lunch spot. (Gordon pic and caption.)
After lunch we started back up a gentle gradient track back to our morning smoko spot and down the track a bit further to where we turned off to go down a different ridge to the cars
478 Homeward Bound. (Phil K. pic and caption.)
so that we were walking on grass which most, felt easier on the feet than the gravel track.
We arrived about 2.30pm, then on to Wals for a great social hour.
Wals. (Helen pic and caption.)
A great tramp, great workout, great views, great company. Distance 14kms. – Gordon.
12. 18/1/2017. Hope Hill. M. Leader: Arthur.
Today our team was comprised of 7 regulars plus guest Kathleen from Canada and Dave coming across from the Hikers – 9 in all.
The tramp was on “Hope Hill” farm, just below Allanton and we parked in the paddock off State Highway 1. To begin, we had a 3/4 hour uphill walk on the farm road, and in doing so gained about 200 metres of altitude.
Morning tea was taken beside an old farm trailer,
Morning tea stop at top of hill. (Helen pic and caption.)
giving us a rest after the uphill bit. The weather was overcast, and just touching the top of Maungatua at the time. There were very good views from up on top.
Moving on, after paralleling the main road south for a short time, we changed direction towards the sea. We were able to view Scroggs Hill, Saddle Hill, Blackhead, and down to Taieri Mouth and beyond at times. The Peninsula was only vaguely visible in the misty conditions though.
Newly-weaned lambs were in the paddocks that we were walking through. Eventually we came to the boundary with the forestry, when the leader realised we had come too far. A little scouting found the top of the track we were to descend, requiring us to backtrack about 300 metres.
We followed a very steep track down through the bush, to emerge into a large paddock of ewes, who baa-ed a greeting to us, wondering where their lambs had got to.
Across the paddocks to McLaren Gully Road. A road walk for a while
Old farm house in the trees. (Helen pic and caption.)
before venturing back into the paddocks to climb up to our lunch spot in the shelter of a hut beside the 2 cell phone towers. It was a stiffish climb up to there,
Up the hill to lunch spot. (helen pic and caption.)
and lunch was eagerly anticipated. The breeze was cool and we sought the shelter. The weather was deteriorating now, the cloud lowering considerably. We were overlooking the airport, but the far side of the plain and far hills disappeared.
View from lunch stop. (Helen pic and caption.)
It seemed wise to make our lunch stop brief, but we had only started off again when fine drizzle arrived with the cool breeze we were facing into. We were still climbing for a while, but it was a gentle slope. Not too unpleasant.
Return to the cars was planned to take a different route, but we changed our minds due to the conditions, and descended the farm road that we had begun on – not so nice going down on it though.
It started to rain just as we got to the cars, so the timing was good. Keith’s distanceometer indicated that we had walked 14.2 km. A good tramp, giving us all a good workout on the hills – and it had been quite enjoyable, too.
Arriving back in Mosgiel, the cars detoured into “Wals” for a little while. – Art.
11. 20/4/2016. Hikers. Hope Hill from McLaren Gully Road. M. Leaders: Lester and George.
Logs being hauled down to be cut. (Jan B. pic)Log cutting & trucking on the spot. (Jan B. pic.)The steep pinch up to the masts. (Jan B. pic.)
Morning Tea view. (Liz pic and caption)Lunch view. (Liz pic and caption)Weed. (Liz pic and caption)
10. 16/2/2011. Hikers. Hope Hill from McLaren Road. Moderate. Leaders: Peter and Wendy.
9. 21/1/2009 Trampers. Wallaces’ Farm on Hope Hill and Forest tracks. Medium. Leaders: Keith, Glenice, George
Nine of us walked from foot of McLaren Gully Road through a paddock with a stand of larches, cut across the corner of a paddock newly laid down in grass but at present largely growing fat-hen, to climb a track up through scrub,
Track up through scrub. Glenice, Wendy
then manuka,
Emerging from manuka shortcut. Angela, Doug, Bob
then gorse
Gorse section of climb. Ian (Bob pic)
to arrive at the transmission mast by the macrocarpas, for morning tea. Here we enjoyed that panorama of the Taieri plain.
Panorama of Maungatua, Taieri Plain and airport. (Bob pic)
Along the farm ridge we inspected the historic site of the Harvard plane crash
Harvard crash site (Bob pic)
The wreckage of the Harvard of the No. 4 (Otago) Squadron Territorial Air Force which crashed on Hope Hill.
The Harvard crashed during a flight from Taieri on 16 Sep 1954. Both occupants of the plane, married airmen, were killed instantly when their night trainer hit the hill at an altitude of 2000ft. The men were Flying Officer Roanald Arthur Slade (30), of Dunedin, a territorial officer and Leading-aircraftman R. H Lester (30), a radio mechanic of the Taieri Air Force Station. The aircraft was one of three which left Taieri at 10.15 pm. on a training exercise. (ODT Sat 6 Sep 2009 “Within Living Memory” section).
and an antique trailer loaded with farm miscellanea.
Antique trailer. George, Doug
Further along Bob took advantage of an empty drinking trough to take a bath.
Bob bathing
and down a ridge to the right, stopping to photo Saddle Hill from the south
Panorama of Saddle Hill and Brighton coast (Bob pic)
into the forestry, with a surprisingly clear floor.
Down through open forestry. Keith, foreground.
Down, down, down, to cross a small stream then up, up up back out into the farm and further steeply up a ridge to a trig
Climb struggle over. (Bob pic)
and to complete a clockwise loop (has usually been down anticlockwise on previous occasions) and back along and down the way we came. A good day, little wind, cloud but still quite hot apart from a passing shower. – Ian.
8. 28/5/2008. Trampers. Hope Hill from McLaren Road. Easy+. Wallaces’ Farm on Hope Hill Leaders: Ian, Pat
Tea Break. Peter, Ken, George.
A chilly start in the carpark for a healthy turnout of hikers, trampers and walkers. We celebrated an 80th birthday for Anne Rose, who looked about 50, with several comments along the lines of “Hope I look like that when I’m 60 never mind 80″… A very good advert for the benefits of hiking!
We parked our cars on McLaren Gully Road and started the steep climb up Hope Hill, with someone saying no wonder it was called Hope Hill because you just hoped you would make it to the top. Morning tea was overlooking the Taieri Plains with the Taieri River and the airport down below and a panoramic vista in all directions. George gathered us together on one of the high points to tell us about a tragedy that happened here in the 1950s. A Harvard training aeroplane with 2 people on board crashed into the top of the hill, nose diving into the ground. It was found at the inquest that carbon monoxide had leaked into the plane from a pipe that ran through the cabin overcoming the pilots, probably before the plane crashed. Several people remembered the accident. We continued through Wallace’s farm, in places quite wet and muddy. At a trig we were able to see all along the coast as far as the peninsula, trying to name the headlands we could see. Then we wended our way down to a sheltered spot among some trees for lunch. We were a bit wary of the tall trees, as at a previous spot a large branch had crashed down making us all jump.
After lunch it was down, down, down a steep paddock and then a very steep track
Steep! Joyce, Lex, Ria, Tash, Peter, George, Evelyn?, Emma
Steep! Emma, Joyce, Hazel, George, Lex, Peter,
through bush until, along turnip paddocks and wet, wet, wet, we hit McLaren Gully Road again and made our way back down to the cars. Thank you to Pat and Ian for doing the recce on Saturday and Monday and making it a good circular walk. – Tash
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
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 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 HelenLunch at the Lee Stream Caption and photo MikeLunch 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Playtime before going home. Barbara was the absolute star at throwing skipping stones Photo and caption MarijkeSpotting 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.
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.
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.
Photo and Caption Gordon – “Smoko break.”Photo and Caption Gordon – “Tackling the steps.”
Photo and Caption John – “Which way?”Photo and Caption John – “Lunch”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.
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.
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.
Photo and Caption Clive – “Under the trees the going was cooler.”
We were thankful of the overhead cover as it was another hot day.
Photo and Caption Clive – “The sun shining on the righteous.”
Photo and Caption Clive – “Great spot for morning tea
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.
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. 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. 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 “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
A good frost today but lovely and sunny for our hike around Outram
Morning tea at storage sheds at Balmoral.
which was varied with a visit to the Museum,
Waiting in the sun outside the Museum to regroup.
Vintage Park and then onto the Glen track.
Standing aside to allow a motorised tracked wheelbarrow returning empty from delivering gravel to resurface the track. A sunny spot. (Liz pic.)And a shaded spot. Frost. (Liz pic.)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
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 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.
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.
4. Eastern Flagstaff. Trampers. Grade 4.5. $5. 15km. Leaders Ross Davies and Gwenda Farquharson
(Redwoods bike tracks – Old Pineapple Track – No track – Davies Track – Flagstaff Walkway – Spiers Road Track – street walk)
Keen to start the tramp (photo & caption John)
17 of us met up in Wakari Road at the carpark for the Redwoods bike tracks on a cloudy morning and headed off into the maze at 9.20am. It’s a lovely meander through the very tall trees. We emerged at the Booth Road end of the Pineapple track and took the track up to the water treatment plant.
Morning Tea at the pumping station (photo & caption John)
We had morning tea there a little after 10am on the uphill side before heading into the bush behind the plant. This was the entrance to the original Pineapple Track which was replaced by the current one in the late 1970s. Within a few minutes on a faint unmarked trail we crossed the McGouns Track and kept on straight up. The track is reasonably obvious. It was a bit greasy in places but is a nice contrast with the new track.
Mind your step (photo & caption Phil)
We emerged into the open area beside the new Pineapple Track but didn’t head over to Pineapple Point viewpoint as we’d been enveloped in cloud by then.
Regroup in the bush (photo & caption John)
Instead we retreated a little way back down the way we’d come before heading south through the bush, contouring around to the middle part of the Davies Track. There’s a slight ground trail, and some markers, probably noting trapping lines. Plus lovely big Totara trees and impressive cabbage trees. Towards the Davies Track there are blue triangle markers for another trap line and this leads on to the Davies Track about halfway up. We had a look at the alligator swamp but they were all hiding.
Feels like the jungle in Borneo (photo & caption Phil)
The upper part of the track was fairly muddy and slippery. Eventually we emerged from the bush, just below the cloud. After the fire a few years ago, the flax and gorse and grass are growing back, and it was saturated. With nowhere dry to stop, we carried on up to the Flagstaff Walkway and then a few more minutes towards the top where we found a sheltered dry spot beside the track for lunch, at about 12.45pm.
Lunch on a handy bank (photo & caption John)
After lunch we zoomed across the summit, then down a little way towards the Bullring. You have to keep your eyes out for the Spiers Road track branching off to the left, over the ridge and then plunging down towards Halfway Bush.
Within sight of civilization (photo & caption John)
After the light rain of the night before the track needing a bit of care.
Ross explains the site of the original road out of Dunedin (photo & caption John)
This was the route of the Snowy Mountain Road, the first overland route out of the new Dunedin to the north, over Flagstaff, over Swampy, over Hightop, and on north to Johnny Jones’ Cherry Farm at Waikouaiti via what is now the Mountain Road forestry road.
Ben Rudd’s stonewal (photo & caption Phil)
Further down we passed Ben Rudd’s stone wall, and then the site of a plane crash in 1943 which everyone survived, including the plane! From the bottom of Spiers Road it was a 30-minute street walk back to the cars, checking out the houses and gardens along the way. Most repaired to Coffee Culture in the olde Roslyn fire station for the de-brief.
Thanks Gwenda for helping out, and to everyone for sharing in another happy adventure.
Ross
Tramp details: Distance – 13 kms; height gain – 730 m; moving time – 3.75-4 hrs; elapsed time – 6.25 hrs.
Discussion afterwards agreed 4 or 4.5 for grade and I’m comfortable with 4.5 because of the extra height gain and the proportion of rough track involved.
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.
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 …
Morning tea at the junction with Tunnels track (photo and caption Pam)Abandoned water pipe on track (photo and caption Pam)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…
Silverstream top weir (photo and caption Ross)
…but decided to move on down the track for lunch where it was less noisy.
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.
The McNally Track was developed by the Milton Rotary in 1980 and is still maintained by them today. The track is clearly marked with marker poles and is suitable for a Combined trip.
How To Get There:
(1) Milton township turn left opposite Presbyterian Church, turn left at Ossian Street and follow on down Moore and Tokoiti Streets to Cemetery near which is the entrance to the McNally Walkway. Park cars by the side of the road.
(2) Turn left off SH1 at the kink in the road onto Springfield Road. Follow Springfield Road to the sawmill and turn right onto Cemetery Road. Turn right onto Cemetery Road and continue to the Cemetery which is the entrance to the McNally walkway
