TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of 4. This is indicative only, as trips can be allocated a higher or lesser grading depending on the route taken. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.
How To Get There:
From PJP take Factory Road to Dukes Road and turn left onto the Silverstream Valley Road. follow this road to the right turn onto Flagstaff-Whare Flat Road. Proceed past Rollinsons Road to the track which is located on the right at Sanitorium Road.
TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of about 3. This is indicative only, as trips can be allocated a higher or lesser grading depending on the route taken. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.
How To Get There:
(1) via Waitati – take the Northern Motorway to Waitati and turn right onto Harvey Street into the township. Drive through the township to Orokonui Road and continue to the sanctuary and carparks.
(2) via Port Chalmers – take SH88 to Port Chalmers and turn left onto Borlases Road just before entering Port Chalmers. Continue up this road and take a sharp left onto Blueskin Road which will take you to the sanctuary.
This page of club tramps and hikes covers trips on the North Coast north of Dunedin City, Waitati involving club trips to Moeraki township / boulders. (map)
TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of 2. This is indicative only, as trips can be allocated a higher or lesser grading depending on the route taken. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.
How To Get There:
Take SH1 North and look for the signpost indicating the Moeraki township (approx. 59 km from Dunedin) and turn right onto Hillgrove Moeraki Road. Follow the road over the railway line and the signs to Moeraki township for parking and toilets located on the reserve.
Moeraki. 2022 – 1989 (5 trips, 20 with reports and photos, 1 with photos only – 15/12/1997 TRTC 10th Anniversary Dinner, 2 with no reports or photos) End of Year: Moeraki Boulders. 1997 – 1989 (3 trips, no reports or photos) Camp: Moeraki Motor Camp. 1992 – 1989 (2 trips, no reports or photos)
This page of club tramps and hikes in the area South via SH1 and groups together trips to the area around Lake Waihola, including Waihola Hill and Lawlor Farm. (map)
Access Permissions are required for trips incorporating Lawlor Farm – refer guidelines
TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of about 3. This is indicative only, as trips can be allocated a higher or lesser grading depending on the route taken. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.
How To Get There:
Travel south on SH1 to Waihola township located about 5 minutes after the flood free section of the highway (past the bridge over the Waipori River). Turn right just past the tavern and proceed to the domain where there is ample parking and toilets. The boardwalk / cycleway track commences from the domain itself.
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
02/07/2025. Mid Winter Lunch at Waihola. Grade 2. Combined. Leaders: Noel McRandle, Dave Roberts, Gwenda Farqharson, Karon Reid. 04/12/2024. Waihola – new cycleway/walk. Grade 3. Trampers. Leaders: Heather Kirk and Jenny Wilton
TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of 4. This is indicative only, as trips can be allocated a higher or lesser grading depending on the route taken. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.
Access Permissions are required for trips to Deep Creek – refer guidelines
Follow State Highway 87 from Outram to the Clarks Junctions turn off. Turn left onto the Old Dunstan Road which will take you past Rocklands Station and continue to the gate of the Te Papanui Conservation Park (managed by DOC).
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
06/11/2024. Deep Creek Weir. Grade 3. Combined. Leaders: Barbara Shackell, Wendy Langley, Carolyn Pridham, Sue Johnstone.
5. 4/10/2023. Combined. Quarantine Island. Grade 2, Leaders: Ross and Wyn Davies, Maria MacNee, Jenny Finnerty.
Twenty-eight trampers and hikers enjoyed a great day out with calm and temperate weather, a little cloudy, not the blue skies and sun the forecast promised. Perfect weather though for the crossing to Quarantine Island. Our day had started with a little confusion regarding numbers and meeting places but we all managed to get ourselves to Back Beach carpark safely (Julie and Viv might tell a few tales about their driver though, lol).
We walked off for morning tea in Lady Thorn Dell…
Morning Tea at Lady Thorn Rhododendron Dell. (photo and caption John)
… where we enjoyed fabulous views of the busy Port Chalmers.
Panorama – Port Chalmers on a quiet day. (photo and caption John)
Great photos and history on display at the lookout platform. Little remains of the dry dock and ship building industry that once provided for a vibrant community in the 19th and 20th centuries.
From Lady Thorn Dell we enjoy a leisurely meander through the town cemetery which it has to be said seems to hold an unhealthy interest for those of us still in the land of the living? Indicative of the average age of our enclave perhaps…? Nonetheless, interesting history to be gleaned from those old stones and bones.
Touring the Port Chalmers Cemetery. (photo and caption John)Lovely view from Port Chalmers Cemetery (photo and caption Marijke)
Coming back down to the Port we get a stunning glimpse of Carey’s Bay…
First glimpse of Careys Bay. (photo and caption John)
… before heading back to the wharf and Boiler Point where Captain John welcomes us aboard the island ferry the “Vivienne J”. After John treats us to a grand jaunt around the harbour basin (greatly appreciated by all on board)…
Beautiful Deborah Bay (photo and caption Ady)“Touring” Carey’s Bay. (photo and caption John)
…we “set sail” for the island, not bad value at $20 return! One wag commented that “It was very nice of Bruce to organise a cruise for Jenny on her birthday….”
Birthday Girl and her “guests” arrive at Quarantine Island (photo and caption Marijke)
Arriving at the jetty on the island, the skeletons of the Waikana…
“Touring” Carey’s Bay. (photo and caption Pam)
… and the Oreti form a kind of decaying guard of honour as we head up to the Lodge for lunch.
Lunch (photo and caption Helen)
After lunch we explore the island starting with the restored Married Quarters building in which is housed a beautifully modelled miniature of the Waikana as she was when in service as a harbour ferry.
Harbour Ferry “Waikana” as she once was. (photo and caption John)
Regenerating native bush rang with the sound of native bird life as we enjoyed an easy 30-minute walk around the island.
The “Sail” Shaped Chapel. (photo and caption by Pam)Inside the Chapel. (photo and caption John)Just the same as it was during a previous visit when I did a quick sketch (photo and caption Marijke)This drawing was from the same viewpoint (drawing and caption Marijke)Remnants from the old Hospital (photo and caption Marijke)Panorama – Looking back to Goat Island and Port Chalmers. (photo and caption John)
Our walks included visiting the sad sight of the island’s cemetery where the remains of 72 immigrants lay, half of them children, in unmarked graves. The small mounds are especially evocative. A sobering reminder of the fate of many immigrants who survived the arduous journey from the other side of the world in search of a better future, only to perish of scarletina and other deadly diseases in quarantine before they even set foot on the mainland.
Waiting on the jetty. (photo and caption Pam)
Heading back across the harbour our day is nicely rounded off by afternoon tea at the Santosha Cafe in the Port.
Coffee (photo and caption Helen)
A wonderful day out enjoyed by all.
Maria
4. 12/2/2020. Quarantine Island. Leaders Janice and Peter
43 hikers and trampers parked at Back Beach, Port Chalmers and walked along the wharf
edge past the stacks of logs. No cruise ship in port this time. Headed up the hill to our
morning tea spot at the beautifully maintained Lady Thorn Dell.
Photo and Caption John – “Morning tea at Lady Thorn Dell”
The lookout gave us good views of the container wharf which was busy with a container ship in.
Photo and Caption Clive _ “Port Chalmers from above.”
Meandered along the road , through the cemetery, and down to the main Aramoana road.
Photo and Caption John – “Visiting the Cemetary.”
A small detour took us down to the new extended fishing wharf at Boiler Point.
Photo and Caption Clive – “New wharf boiler point”Photo and Caption Clive – “What to see in Port Chalmers”
Carried on to the main street of Port Chalmers and up the hill to the lookout and Ralph Houtere Sculpture Park.
Photo and Caption Clive – “Ralph Houtere sculptures.”
Back down a bush track to Back Beach. With half an hour to go before the boat was due to arrive
most of us lunched in the car park. Were entertained by a heap of shags and gulls feasting
on some small silver fish. By this time the weather had cleared from a slightly drizzly misty
start to a very pleasant sunny calm day. Perfect for a boat trip.
Photo and Caption John – “On our way.”
Another two hikers arrived, which brought our numbers up to 45. Because of the numbers, the boat did two trips to the island. We were met by a very enthusiastic knowledgeable volunteer who took us to the old married quarters and gave us a very detailed overview of the history of the island.
Photo and Caption Clive – “Renovation inside married quarters.”Photo and Caption John – “Time for a break.”
Photo and Caption Clive -“Quarantine Island chapel”The renovations to this building have now been completed. Following this the majority of the
group did the half hour walk round the point, through the old cemetery, returning to the
wharf to be transported back to the car park.
Photo and Caption John – “Harbour view”Photo and Caption John – “All aboard”
Refreshments (including a yummy Devonshire tea for some of us) were at the historic Careys Bay Hotel – a pleasant end to the day sitting in front of the hotel overlooking the boat harbour.
Photo and Caption Janice – “the Quarantine Island visitors.”
Jan and Peter
3. 18/3/2015. Quarantine/St Martin Island from Port Chalmers. Leaders: Jan and Peter.
The weather was atrocious. Twenty-four Hikers and Ramblers arrived at the Back Beach car park. The rain fell. The wind blew. Leaders had told us our ferry to the island wasn’t to leave till 12.30 p.m. The sensible ones of us I believe waited out the morning in the shelter of their vehicles. The sillier ones were immediately into Parkas and gloves. Storm gear.
And off we set. Back the way we had come. Past the never-ending stretch of stacked logs, past the cruise ship, through the main intersection, up and along the road behind the church, across the railway line and on to Lady Thorn Dell. Here we gathered in the most sheltered (??) spot for morning tea. Few sat and even fewer partook. It was wet and cold.
Cuppa
Then surprise, upon the scene came up the two Lions Club members we had met as we entered the Dell, engaged in tidying the place up in preparation of a forthcoming important visit. They welcomed us and told us everything we could wish to know about the Dell’s history, from early quarrying of the rock, which initially was a hill stretching out to the water’s edge and whose stone now graces many of Dunedin’s buildings, notably the Railway Station, on through its life as a rubbish dump and subsequent clearing, to enable the further rhododendron planting and the present day. Wonderful.
Whereas we had earlier briefly entertained the idea of taking hot coffee in the warm embrace of Careys Bay Hotel, more time had now elapsed, so it was back down to the town,…
Local graffiti. On a shed wall a little way down from the Dell.
…in search of coffee that was more local. But the town was asleep, despite the cruise ship’s presence. No tourists. No cafes.
So we wandered around a bit, eventually sloping off in twos and fours back to the cars. We lunched separately, some in cars, some in other shelter, some exploring, until ferry-time arrived. Jan collected our ten dollar notes for paying the fare, and we boarded.
The VIvienne I
A lovely boat. Powerful too. The channel was a bit rough but in the lee of the island, all was smooth. And the sun had appeared and the rain had gone. A brightening-up afternoon. Hurrah.
It was no trouble alighting at the new wharf. The new island warden filled us in on local history, a salient point being that the St Martins Island Group name had very recently given way to the Quarantine Island Group name. Two other groups were there on the day, one of them being a two-day Tokomairio School Group. Our stay was a two-hour one, set to return at 3.00 p.m.
Rammed earth floor. A feature of the Island’s Chapel.
The walk round the top of the island was only half an hour. Lovely bush. The wind was strong on the sou-west side, the one exposed towards Dunedin, but the bush part of the track provided good shelter.
Having walked the main track,…
Track leading to loop trackOn the loop track
…some wandered off towards the old graveyard and the Portobello end of the island.
The Cemetery
The few sheep on the island were sheltered under a small plantation of pines. A brick chimney was all that remained of the old hospital.
Back towards the main buildings, the married quarters, once two-storied but now just a large hall, had been straightened up from an earlier lean, looking good in its fresh coat of paint.
Restored outside of Married Quarters BuildingInside old Married Quarters Building
The ‘wanderers’ joined the others waiting in the sun till ferry-time arrived.
Waiting in sun for ferry’s arrival.
All went smoothly as we reboarded and ‘sailed’ (?) back to the car park. A significant point, picked up from the crew, was that among them was the boat’s present owner, and the new owner , the one of the Monarch. This boat had apparently had a capacity for 33 passengers.
All agreed it had been a good day, all round. A day with a difference. A day to re-establish connections between Ramblers and old and newer Hikers.
500g kidney or pinto beans 2 tsp salt 2 tsp chilli powder 2 tsp ground cumin 1 large onion
Cover the beans with water, bring to boil. Keep at boiling point for 10 mins. Remove from the heat and leave to stand for an hour. Then bring to boil again. Lower the heat, add salt, chilli powder, and cumin. Simmer for 2 hours or more, until tender. Add the diced onion after an hour of cooking. Leave the lid off the pot for the last 30 minutes or so to evaporate most of the liquid. Mash the beans with potato masher, or puree in a food processor. Spread out in a thin layer on 2 baking trays greased with oil (not butter). Place in the oven at lowest temp (about 65C) and use the handle of a wooden spoon to hold the oven door open a fraction to allow the air to circulate. Leave for 6 or more hours, until dried and brittle. Break up and store in plastic bags. To reconstitute on the tramp, add an equal volume of water and simmer. Chopped salami and/or grated cheese can be added. Serve with rice.
500g lean minced beef 2 med onions, diced 6 cloves of garlic, crushed Salt and pepper 365g tin of concentrated tomato paste 2 teasp dried oreganum 100g parmesan cheese
Fry the mince, onion and garlic without any oil for 5 minutes, or so, mashing the meat with a wooden spoon until it’s browned all over. Push the mixture to one side of the pan, spoon out all fat that has collected. (Any fat left will turn the mixture rancid, you will lose some meat juices doing this). Add salt and pepper, stir in tomato paste. Spread mixture out thinly on oiled baking tray (do not use butter). Place in the oven set at 65C, and use the handle of a wooden spoon to keep the oven door open a fraction. Leave for 6 hours or until it is dry and brittle but do not over dry as the tomato will become bitter. Break up the mixture. Add dried oreganum and store in a plastic bag. Grate the cheese and pack in a separate plastic bag. On tramp-bring 6 cups water to the boil, add 500g pasta (vermicelli is best). Boil for 3 minutes, then add dried mince mixture. Simmer then cover for 5 minutes. Serve with the cheese.
We have had a full on year, of major and minor events, contained within a varied trip programme which in turn has been affected by a few wet Wednesdays! The latter being most unusual but hopefully not setting a long term precedent; one benefit being to remind us that there is no substitute for wearing and carrying the right gear for the weather on the day.
Majors being a very enjoyable Xmas function at Taieri Mouth with standout entertainment, as well as discovering the efficient taxi service that exists down there….This was followed by a successful week at Bannockburn that comprised a varied walking programme, some walks being a first for many of us, as well as undertaking a Tour de Dunstan and environs on Les bicyclettes. . The travel agents we used
for this event were most efficient and we look forward to their offering planned for Kelvin Heights and the Queenstown area in the coming Autumn, but of course we do need to get through spring and summer first!
Our recent 35th birthday and mid winter celebrations were outstanding and subsequent discussions thought provoking. The photo show displaying a trip down memory lane is currently to hand and we are hopeful it can be made available shortly.
We have had a range of new walks and variations on previous walks and have tried to pick up on those not done for some time. The big turnout to support the Halo Project at Long Beach was wonderful and a more than useful adjunct to the flax clearing undertakings we do. As discussed with a range of folk we are assessing with the Green Hut Group how we can take a ‘working bee’ approach to the track clearing work and continue the club’s contribution to track maintenance on our side of Flagstaff/ Swampy. More on this shortly.
The Committee and sub committees/ web team continue to fine tune processes and communications such as the ability to print the trip programme from the website, as well as the ongoing reassessment of fuel costs The latter has been recently looked at again for when we do the summer trip programme. We have looked at why disclaimers of liability are not required as well as settled a process for walks to accommodate folk who may wish not to complete the full walk on the day.
Our membership has blossomed through the last few months and stands at 109, with some pending! Our life members are Bev Harvey, George Haggie, Margaret Smith and Molly Vaughan.
For your information the current office holders and Committee members offer themselves for re election and Graeme Souter has been nominated for the sole vacant standard position on the committee.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed in so many ways outlined above to make a successful year, supporting each other is a hallmark of the club.
This year will be the last for Jill Dodd on the committee as she has decided ‘to retire’. Jill has had a lengthy stint since 2015 as vice president/president/past president and of course acting president during Covid. In addition, Jill has initiated a range of trips, first aid training as well and events such as the recent Halo project contribution and more. We look forward to walking and talking with you Jill for many years to come!
Minutes of the 35th Annual General Meeting of Taieri Recreational Tramping Club held at the Taieri Presbyterian Church Hall, on Thursday 24 August 2023 at 1.30 p.m.
Present: Phil Keene (Chair), Anne Ward, Barbara Shackell, Betty Finnie, Bev Harvey, Bill Cubitt, Bruce Wright, Carole Morrison, Clive Crossman, Dave Roberts, Diane Paterson, Dorothy Bennett, Elaine Day, Eleanore Ryan, Gail Williams, Grant Shackell, Gwenda Farqharson, Heather Kirk, Helen Morris, Jan Butcher, Janette Abbott, Janice Yardley, Jay Devlin, Jenni Wright, Jill Dodd, Jim Finnie, John Gardiner, Judy Dennison, Karen McInnes, Lester Harvey, Margreet Simpson, Marijke Schofield, Neil Hodgkin, Neil Simpson, Pam Cocks, Phil Morris, Raewyn Keene, Ross Davies, Sarah McCormack, Shona Munro, Theresa White and Wyn Davies.
Apologies: Alex Griffin, Avis Williamson, Chris Wither, Dave Mellish, Di Bezett, Esther Willis, Graeme Souter, Heather Reid, Jenny Finnerty, Jenny Flack, Jill Reid, Kathryn Fagg, Katrina McKenzie, Lenore Armstrong, Liz Griffin, Lyn Keene, Neville Griffiths, Pam Clough, Peter Davie, Shona Carruthers, Wendy Begley and Yan Campbell.
Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the 34th AGM were taken as read, having previously been circulated. Moved Jan Butcher, seconded Margreet Simpson that they be confirmed as a true and accurate record. Carried.
Matters Arising
None.
Correspondence
None.
President’s Report
Phil presented his report for the year, and this is attached to these minutes. Attached.
Phil Keene moved that his report be adopted, seconded by Sarah McCormack. Carried.
Financial Report
The financial statement, previously circulated to members, was summarised by Jenni Wright.
Income for the year was $2,575.03, expenses $1,610.41, resulting in a surplus of $964.62. The current state of finances was $1,245.12 with $4.60 petty cash, totalling $1,249.72.
There was a timing issue in income and expenditure.
As at year end, we had not yet received the invoice from the Taieri Bowling Club for the catering for the 35th birthday celebratory lunch. Income for the 35th lunch is $885.00 which means that our surplus to 30 June 2023 in real terms is $79.62.
The Committee at its meeting on 27 June 2023, recommended that the annual subscription and joining fee remain at $10 each.
Jenni Wright moved the adoption of the Treasurer’s Report, seconded John Gardiner. Carried.
Appointment of Reviewer for the Forthcoming Year
Keith Mackenzie has agreed to be TRTC’s reviewer for the 2023-24 financial year. Jenni Wright moved that Keith Mackenzie be reappointed as reviewer, seconded Barbara Shackell. Carried.
Election of Officers
Position
Name
Moved
Seconded
President
Phil Keene
Jenni Wright
Jill Dodd
Vice President
John Gardiner
Helen Morris
Dave Roberts
Secretary/
Treasurer
Jenni Wright
Jay Devlin
Barbara Shackell
Existing Committee
Jay Devlin
Jan Butcher
Karen McInnes
Pam Cocks
John Gardiner
Theresa White
Sarah McCormack
Committee (New)
Graeme Souter
Neil Hodgkin
Heather Kirk
Communications
Ross Davies
Pam Cocks
Jill Dodd
The Committee as outlined above was appointed unanimously.
Jill Dodd has resigned from the Committee as Past President and her considerable service to the Club was acknowledged with a rousing applause.
Life Membership
The President outlined the approach taken by the Committee to confer life memberships on four members. The process outlined in the paragraph 4 (e) of the constitution was read and then citations and presentations were read and made for Betty and Jim Finnie, Lester Harvey and Neil Morrison.
General Business
Webteam: Ross Davies, in response to Phil Keene’s appreciation of the Webteam, thanked the willingness of Chris Wither, Diane Paterson and latterly Marijke Schofield to step up as necessary to cover for each other. This is a great resource for the Club and the efforts of the Webteam are very much appreciated by all members.
The meeting closed at 1.45 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Jonah Kitto-Verhoef, Halo Project.
Jonah as Operations Pest Manager provided an overview of the organisational structure that focuses on working with communities across four areas, predator free zones, forest habitat restoration, from source to sea and seabird habitat restoration. It soon was very clear that extensive skill sets and passion for the job was required. Jonah demonstrated the extensive concentration of trapping systems and methodologies with predator free zones surrounded by large buffer zones. Jonah demonstrated different trap types and when and how they are used to
the best outcomes; he acknowledged there is a ‘dark side’ to the work. Much of what Jonah demonstrated is on the Halo Project website https://www.haloproject.org.nz/predator-free and this includes resource info sheets for groups and individuals. Clive Crossman thanked Jonah for his talk and presented a donation from the club for the Halo Project’s work
Access Permissions maybe required as this trip (Heenan Road) ventures over a working farm – refer guidelines
Restrictions: lambing Sept-Nov
TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of 3. This is indicative only, as trips can be allocated a higher or lesser grading depending on the route taken. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.
How To Get There:
From Outram turn left onto Allanton Road then right onto Huntly Road – this runs into Maungatua Road. Proceed to McLaren Road on the right, this in turn runs into Heenan Road.
This page of club tramps and hikes in the Dunedin Central City area groups together trips Town Belt and includes Bellknowes, Bullock Track, Cosy Dell, Olveston, Robin Hood Park, Unity Park.
TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of about 2. This is indicative only, as trips can be allocated a higher or lesser grading depending on the route taken. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.
There is a heap of info on Google if any one wants to find out about the Town Belt Article, Olveston, and any of the grounds like Robin Hood. Also the Dunedin Amenities Soc. have a wonderful web page as well.
This page of club tramps and hikes in the Silver Peaks area groups together trips to Yellow Ridge (map) including Gap Ridge, The Gap, Yellow Hut and the South Branch of the Waikouati River
TRTC Grading Information – trips to Yellow Ridge, The Gap etc are generally given a TRTC grading of 5. This is indicative only, as depending on the route taken, allocation of gradings can differ from this. For more detailed analysis refer to Grading Information.
Silver Peaks Forest for background information on the area.
Accessed from Mountain Road from old forest HQ 6 hr ret, Route, DOC and private land.
How To Get There:
Proceed via the Northern motorway to Waitati and turn left onto Double Hill Road (just past the store on the left at the end of the motorway), which joins Steep Hill Road. Access to Yellow Ridge route is located off this road.
19. Welsh’s Road, Old Farm, Deep Stream Weir. Grade 3 Leaders: Lyn and Di
13 of us set off for the Pipeline, which is just off the old Dunstan trail on Rocklands Station.
We had morning tea under the pine trees where we parked the vehicles. It was a tad cold but we soon warmed up with the walk over the farmland to the pipeline.
Up and up over farmland. Caption and photo PamThe countryside is getting more rugged Caption and photo MarijkeTramping nirvana, easy level dry track, marvellous views Caption and photo John
It was stunning scenery walking to the Weir and back.
Happy Trampers. Caption and photo JohnPump house and Weir. Caption and photo PamExploring the engineering feat, the Deep Stream Weir. Caption and photo JohnCan you spot the hut? Caption and photo Marijke
We had lunch in the sun out of the gorge with more room to spread out.
Refuelling. (Pipeline track to the weir in the background). Caption and photo Pam
Then took the road back to the cars. It was 8.84ks according to my phone.
Some finished the day with a cuppa at the Wobbly Goat. Another great day out.
18. 17/08/2022 Trampers. Deep Creek Pipeline. 3.5 $10. Barbara Shackell & Judy Dennison
On a foggy old Wednesday morning, with the leader’s phone app threatening rain, 26 trampers met at the rugby grounds, sorted themselves into what appropriate vehicles were available and headed off at 9.30am sharp. A rearrangement of seating occurred when a couple of vehicles joined us at Outram, then again at Clark’s Junction with the addition of Heather’s vehicle, waiting for us at the turn off to Old Dunstan Road (ODR). We regrouped at Rocklands Station gateway, at which point the ODR was locked, and travelled in convoy through the farmyard, between buildings, up the hill and back onto ODR. Some 5km further along, two cars were left at the gateway to the Te Papanui Conservation Park, passengers rearranged again, with a couple of them heading off on foot to our final parking destination two kms further on. Morning tea was had in the shelter of a line of pines (although there was nothing to shelter from!) while a vehicle returned to collect the two pedestrians.
About to leave the cars (photo & caption John)
After morning tea the group set off for a couple of km on a comfortable uphill farm road, without stringing out too much at all. Good work Judy (tail-end Charlie!).
Nearly at the top (photo & caption Phil)
Entering the gate to the paddock containing the Deep Creek Gorge we followed a 4WD track to arrive at the pump station a little before noon. From there we picked up the pipeline track and followed it a few hundred metres around to a sunny spot which us allowed a view down into the gorge for a leisurely lunch.
Lunch in the sun (photo & caption John)
After lunch we crossed the first of a handful of boggy patches and continued along the pipeline track to the weir.
What a difference a week makes – the recce had us walking along snow covered tracks, observing animal tracks in the pristine snow, dodging icicles clinging to overhanging rock, frozen bogs, while the club tramp had virtually no snow visible, the bogs were boggy, but plants – some showing colour – were visible through the rocky cracks and crevices. The weir had a considerably greater flow of water than earlier in the week, presumably from the snow melt.
Pump house and weir (photo & caption Pam)
Some took advantage of the ladders to gain an elevated view of the weir.
Looking down from the top Weir platform (photo & caption John)
From that vantage point the pipe lineman’s hut was also visible and some members on the return walk, climbed up for a looksee at a very dilapidated “shelter”. While the hut is invisible from the track, its position is fortuitously marked by a final telegraph pole.
Spot the Hidden Lineman’s Hut from the Weir (photo & caption Marijke)
The return along the pipeline track provided a different perspective of the gorge and it didn’t take long to reach the place we’d had lunch and rather than follow the track the last couple of hundred metres around to the pump house, we took a shortcut, heading uphill, following no track, just the knowledge that we would reach the 4WD track over the brow, where we paused briefly.
Deep Creek View (photo & caption Helen)
A show of hands as we rested indicated that exactly half our number had never been into the gorge previously.
The farm road downhill to the vehicles was covered quickly. We agreed to meet at the Wobbly Goat for coffee, but in the event it was closing as we arrived, and we continued onto Wal’s.
Coffee at Wal’s (photo & caption Barbara)
My fears regarding the weather we would strike were unwarranted. Through the fog we were teased with a brief sighting of blue sky nearing Outram in the morning, but then re-entered the ground fog as we climbed up SH87. This cleared completely before Lee Stream and we had perfect weather for the rest of the day – intermittent sun, no wind or rain! A quick read of previous reports on this particular track leads the writer to believe we might have been lucky not to have suffered a debilitatingly cold wind!
How it was on the Recce (photo & caption Barbara)
Thanks to Rocklands station for permissions; to the drivers of vehicles able to manage the farm tracks, to those who met us away from the Rugby carpark for their punctuality, and everyone for the positive feedback on the day. I think it may be repeated!
Barbara
17. 18/03/2020 Hikers. Deep Creek Pipeline. M. Bob Mitchell and Mike Webb
28 Hikers set off in 8 cars from the car park in Mosgiel to rendezvous at the Clarks Junction pub before driving to the start of the walk. More than a few of the ladies eyes lit up when Bob announced that we would be having refreshments at the pub at the conclusion of the hike. It was good to see that it is not only us blokes that take drinking seriously.
After meeting in the pub car park we proceeded in convoy up the Old Dunstan Rd and found a suitable spot to park the cars away from any cattle that wanted to use them as back scratchers.
Photo and Caption Clive – “Te Papanui”
We started the walk at about 1000 and had morning smoko at the one of the gates/cattle stops.
Photo and Caption Clive – “Morning tea.”
Photo and Caption Clive – “Pump house at Deep Creek.”
From there it was a steady climb to some maintenance huts at the top of the gorge. The distance from the cars to the huts was 3km
Photo and Caption John – “Vast open country.”
.The weather was fine with great visibility and from the huts we could see the pipeline snaking its way around the gorge.
Photo and Caption Clive – “Into the gorge”
Photo and Caption Clive – “Deep Stream a long way down”
From the huts it was a steady climb down to find the track that leads to the pipeline. The track is approximately 2kms in length, and quite narrow in some places with railed walkways over some of the more challenging parts of the track. The views were quite spectacular and we were soon strung out in single file looking like porters on the Ho Chi Minh trail. Frequent photo stops were the order of the day.
We could hear a bit of bird song and one falcon and one hawk were observed flapping/souring overhead during the walk. One point of interest was on old hut set in the bush about 10m above and to the side of the pipeline not far from the tracks end. Probably accommodation for the guys laying the pipeline all those years ago.
Photo and Caption Clive – “Walking to dam along the river.”
After a brief halt and photo stop at the dam/weir at the end of the track we did an about turn, retraced our steps and eventually stopped for lunch in a nice sunny spot overlooking the gorge.
Photo and Caption Clive – “Pump house and dam”
Photo and Caption Clive _ “Back down the gorge.”Photo and Caption John – “Lunchtime always with a view.”
From there it was a short walk up to the huts and back down to the cars.
Photo and Caption Clive – “Back at the cars.”
We walked a total of 10km.
Bob had organised the publican at the Clarks Junction pub to lay on coffee, cakes and scones and also to open the bar early for those that wanted to support Speights. Glad to report that at least two unnamed ladies were seen with pints in their hands. Legends!
The rest obviously enjoyed the coffee and food as the shark like feeding frenzy at the counter was a sight to behold.
A good day was had by all and I can vouch that the Speights was up to its usual standard.
Mike
16. 9/1/2019. Deep Creek Gorge Pipeline. Leaders: Theresa and Clive.
Route map, Deep Creek railed walkway and weir, courtesy Ian.
31 Trampers, Hikers and Ramblers set out across the tussock of Te Papanui Conservation Park. It was an ideal day for a walk on the tops as there was high cloud keeping what can be a scorching sun off our backs. The 16 degree temperature was just right to get things started after the Christmas/New Year break. 13 of the participants had not been on the walk before and were looking forward to the gorge.
Morning tea
(Clive pic.)
found us being observed by a large herd of cows who seemed very interested in what we were all doing there.
After a twenty minute break we headed on up hill
(Clive pic.)
to the hut at the mouth of the gorge. Having made sure everyone was accounted for it was across the 40 ? or 41 ? bridges and board walks to the weir at the top of Deep Creek.
(Kevin pic.)(Clive pic.)(Kevin pic.)
This gorge is a feature that makes this walk so interesting. As an aside, the DoC blurb advises that there are over 500 species of native insects; plus a wide variety of plants and animals (including pigs and red deer), in the Te Papanui park.
Lunch was taken back at the mouth of the gorge, sheltering from the cool breeze that had sprung up. After lunch the Trampers headed off in a more Easterly directing to add a bit more distance to the completed walk. The hikers and ramblers headed back the way we had come in the morning. The hikers covered about 9.5 kms by the end of the day and were happy to sit down for afternoon tea at the Wobbly Goat about half an hour ahead of the more exercised Trampers group. The consensus was a ‘gorge’-ous days outing! – Clive
15. 26/4/2017. Deep Creek Gorge Pipeline . Leaders: Theresa and Arthur.
Nike app route map, courtesy Ian.
Leave the car park and go up SHWY 87 until Clarks Junction. Turn left onto Rocklands Road. Travel on excellent tar seal until you pass the Rocklands Station complex. Now you will be on gravel and at the beginning of the Old Dunstan Trail. Turn left off the Old Dunstan Trail and proceed on farm track for 2 kms. Park cars at the trees. Cross over farm land for a period of time — only down and up one gully,
Morning tea in gully, sheltered from a breeze. (Clive pic.)
going in a west / north direction towards the gorge. A gate in the middle of a paddock with a faint track going in the right direction. Two small newish huts with a solar powered panel on roof mark the beginning of the Gorge track. This is part of the Te Papanui Reserve. Traverse pipe line for approx 1/12- 2 kms.
New section at start, replacing broken single wooden planking. (Keith pic.)
The pipe line is suspended off the cliff high above the Gorge .The track is narrow on the pipe line …
(Clive pic.)
… but is easy and in the main flat. There are many foot bridges to cross. (An in-house challenge to count the number, caused differing results/) One dedicated tramper even ticked them off on a piece of paper .WHO are we to disagree!! A small dam was at the head of a very picturesque Deep Creek Gorge.
(Keith pic.)(Keith pic.)
Repeat the trip back to the road just beyond the huts. From then it is an easy road tramp back to the cars. 12 very happy trampers enjoyed a WOW 😳 kind of a day out. Approx 10 kms in length. Debrief and coffee at Outram. -Theresa.
14. 9/4/2014. Trampers. Deep Creek. (A replacekment for ‘The Gap’, programmed for the day, which would have turned out extremely muddle.)
The first thing we struck was hundreds of sheep by the trees where the cars normally park.
so we parked just before that spot and skirted the trees on the other side so as not to disturb the sheep. We left morning tea till we got to the old hut …
Morning tea in the sun (Heb pic and caption)
… sitting on some concrete pipes there. From there we followed the track taking us onto the pipeline …
Looking upstream toward the weir (Heb pic and caption)
… right up to the weir.
Ria and Eric at the Deep Stream Weir (Heb pic and caption)
About halfway back we enjoyed lunch in the sun sheltered in a gully with no wind. It was great. From the hut on the way out, we followed white pegs indicating the pipeline which helped us avoid getting our feet wet in a muddy creek. Then it was back to the cars. A great day for tramping. – Heb.
13. 31/8/2011. Trampers. Deep Creek.
GPS
Five of us battled a strong wind on the tops, really icy and straight from the antarctic, to a late cuppa at the cave part way up the road from where we park the car. However the cave faced straight into the wind so we nestled behind it in the shelter of its lee.
The cave, with light chinks in the ‘bricked up’ rear.
Wrapped up in wind-breakers, gloves and woollen hats we struggled onward and upward to at last the crest of the slope and escape down into the shelter of Deep Creek’s gully and onto the walkway.
Looking downstream at start. (Ken pic and caption)
Ian, Linzi, Ria and Doug at start of creek track. (Ken pic and caption)
There was quite a lot of water in the creek. (Ken pic and caption)
Part of the track. (Ken pic and caption)
Doug, Ria, Linzi and Ian at the weir. (Ken pic and caption)
A large flow of water over the weir. (Ken in the background disappearing up the ladder.)
Creek above the weir. (Ken pic and caption)
Looking down on the weir from the control hut. (Ken pic and caption)
Looking back along the track from the control hut. (Ken pic and caption)
View of further downstream from the control hut. (Ken pic and caption)
On the way back out, we remained to lunch in the shelter of the gully before getting back out to expose ourselves to the wind again. We examined the old hut, little changed from last time, before making the return back to the car, this time thankfully with the wind behind us. – Ian.
12. 10/11/2010. Hikers. Deep Creek. Medium. Leaders: Evelyn C, Graham.
11. 12/3/2008 Hikers. Deep Creek. Medium. Leaders: Joyce S, Lesley G
The adventure for the 14 Hikers this week was a drive via Rocklands Station and the Dunstan Old Road, turning off to the Te Papanui Reserve. There was a cold S.W. wind that kept us in woolly hats for the day, even although we had sunshine as well. A walk up the hillside to a cave amongst the rocks was earmarked for coffee by Joyce S, our leader.
Then on to the gorge of Deep Creek, a tributary of Deep Stream, and the path following the pipe line to the weir.
Gorge in Deep Creek. Looking upstream at beginning of walkway.
Bob H told us about the water race used in the gold mining days and the pipeline to supplement the Dunedin City’s water supply, built in the 1930s. The farmland had been former tussock country but the gorge was not modified and still supported many alpine plants, including gentians in flower. We had several sightings of NZ Falcons, which are now considered to be diminishing in numbers. It was an exciting area to be hiking in,
as the river was a long way below us and the sides of the gorge very steep. Ian F was making mental notes for the retrieval of anyone who miscalculated their step, but fortunately the plan wasn’t needed. We were back at the cars by 2pm and home to Mosgiel 3pm. An exhilarating day. – Lesley G
10. 13/6/2007 Leaders: George, Abe
Snow at topDeep Creek in lower reaches.On pipeline. George, Leonie, Tash, Ria, Pat, Ian, Glenice, Arthur.Upper Deep Creek showing railed walkways.
9. 23/8/2006. Hikers. Deep Creek, Old Dunstan Road. Medium. Leaders: Val, Arthur & Barbara
8. 24/11/2004. Both. Deep Creek, Lammermoors. Leaders: Evelyn C, Ian, Peter and Wendy
Deep Creek Pipeline Track. Evelyn, Wendy, Peter.
Deep Creek Weir. Evelyn, Wendy, Peter
7. 17/4/2002. Alt. Rockland and Deep Creek. Medium. Leaders: Bob H, Bev H, Bev McI.
6. 21/10/1998. Deep Creek from Old Dunstan Trail. Leaders: George, Les S.
5. 24/3/1998. Deep Creek, Rocklands. Leaders: Shirley McN, Ria L, Bev H.
4. 15/10/1997.
3. 8/2/1995. Deep Creek from Old Dunstan Road. Easy. Leaders: Jack R, Bob H, Ted, Dot T.
2. 20/3/1991. Deep Creek Dam and Pipeline. Great viewing and interesting country. Easy+. Leaders: Dave and Jean, Margaret D, Janice.
1. 1/2/89. Deep Creek.
1/2/1989. “Pumping Station.” Deep Creek. (Ian pic, scanned from Peg Chisholm photo collection.)
Background.
The Deep Creek Water Scheme was built during the depression of the 30s.
The Pipeline is 58 years old and 64 km long.
The intake is 675m above sea level.
The catchment is 5420 hectares; mainly tussock with some grassland.
The steel pipeline, lined with bitumen, was in a bad state of repair by the 80s and the leaks were constantly plugged with tapered wooden plugs until it resembled a porcupine.
The authorities were eventually persuaded to renew the worst section, this being done with the aid of a helicopter in 1992. It is a useful supplement to Dunedin’s water supply.
The Pipeline is made of bitumen-lined steel excepting the first 1.4 km which was replaced in 1992 with concrete pipes.
Water quality is variable and often discoloured.
Over the 58 years the yield has dropped from 11,000 cubic metres to 6,800 cubic metres a day.
The water goes to Booth Road Treatment Station and Sullivans Dam.
Replacing the rest of the pipeline is estimated at $20,000,000 and would increase the flow to 17,000 cubic metres a day.
– From a hand-written record in the President’s file and supplemented with other data.
5. 27/09/2023 Hikers. Grade 2 Leaders: Jan and Jan
20 hikers set off from the old Carisbrook Hotel through the very run-down Caversham shopping area. We had a couple of stops to look at a bit of the history of the area. There were other points of interest, but with so much chatter going on, decided to give it a miss! We headed up South Road for a morning tea stop at a house belonging to Jan Y’s brother. It is a large property extending right down to just above the main trunk railway line. He has a stall at the Farmers Market every Saturday and has grown and propagated an extensive number of plants. Also has numerous tunnel houses, a couple of fruiting tamarillo trees and an avocado tree. He is a rockhound and there was a very large collection of rocks, crystals etc. on display.
Rocks and propagating Caption and photo HelenPhoto HelenPhoto Helen
Because there was so much to look at, the morning tea break was a bit longer than normal. We carried on up South Road to the Carlton Hill area, then cut across a couple of streets and back down to Sidey Street where you got a good view of Corstorphine House. From there we headed up a track which took us into the Kew area, with great views of Dunedin.
Top of steps gathering up Caption and photo Helen
Down through a steep set of steps (Killikrankie Pass – a cool name) and we ended up in a park at Forbury Corner for lunch.
Lunch. We were all scattered. Caption and photo Helen
Returned to the cars by crossing over the motorway on an overhead bridge, then walked down a path on the north side back to the cars.
On the overbridge Caption and photo Helen
It was a pleasant day with no wind, and we covered approx 8 kms, at quite a leisurely pace. Several members of the group had lived in the vicinity of area covered so it was a bit of a trip down memory lane for them. Thanks to Jan and Pam who did a very enjoyable recce with me. The Two Jans.
4. 15/11/2015. Hikers. Leaders’ Choice. Lance and Joshiah. Street Walk: Mornington.
GPS of route. (Forgot to switch on until abt 1 km after start from Unity Park.)
Seventeen of us met at Unity Park, wondering where Lance was going to lead us this time. He took us down High St just a little, across to the Old High St School property, then up through a corner of Mornington Park to the Mornington township. Back down the hill a little, Macnee St took us off into a suburb of Mornington few of us had seen before. Glenpark Avenue took us a long way steeply down and up, surprising us on the way with a bit of handsome Street Art – in the middle of suburbia. We eventually reached the Forfar St corner and down that a bit we stopped off under the shade of a tree in a recreation area for a morning tea break.
Shade on a hot day. (John pic)
Forfar Street led us round to what this reporter reckons has to be the best city view in town.
Best view in town. John pic)
There were views stretching out on our left to the head of the harbour and on the centre and right displaying St Kilda and South Dunedin beautifully stretched out. We stopped and drank in the scene. Some got into chatting with an unusually large well-dressed group of Jehovah’s Witnesses we passed on the street.
We followed Forfar Street winding on down and down and eventually entered a delightful rough track through an unnamed bush area near the bottom that led us through to the end of Barnes Drive. Now we were into the paths alongside the State Highway before having to confront a long climb up to the Lookout Point bridge at the top.
Close-up of bridge facing. (John pic)Close-up of bridge stone work and netting (John pic)
(Lance had earlier found out that this was to be the morning of the actual bridge opening.) Bad/good? timing saw us arrive just at the point where the official ceremony had concluded.
We had just missed the ceremony (John pic)
All the corporate suits and general onlooking public were still there enjoying the “seeing and being seen” of the occasion.
Seen and being seen.The first vehicle to cross the bridge.
We wandered about for quite a while before one or two of us (was Fred the first?) found we humble tramping riff-raff were welcome to join the large crowd in a marquee for nibbles (nibbbles? – sandwiches and savouries galore) and drinks, and passed on the word. Yum. Eventually regrouped, Lance led us back down the way we had come up to stop off at the bottom in a grassy sloping section of Sidey Park for lunch.
Lunch on Sidey Park (John pic)
The day had been hot. We were glad of the break. We were nearing the end of the outing, but not of any struggle. We exited further along by South Road and climbed the Caversham Rise to the foot of Eglington Road. Why did they put Unity Park at its top? It was a long weary climb for the end of a day, but all made it to finish off a day with a difference, capped, of course, by the Lookout Point Bridge opening. Thanks, Lance – and Josiah, for yet another creative Dunedin walk, opening up byways of interest we would never have otherwise known had existed. A hot day. Some steep struggles on hard pavements at times. A rewarding day. Well done. Finished off with a goodly social crowd at The Topiary Cafe. We DID miss you, Elaine! – Ian.
3. 9/9/2015 Street Walks: Caversham. Leaders: Elaine, Bev.
Route map in kmRoute map un-cluttered with km indicators.
On the 9th Sept 24+ Hikers had a enjoyable day around Caversham.
We met at the corner of South Road and Eastbourne Street, walking down south road north to get on to Bridge Street and strolled along a path that was beside the motorway north-going traffic.
Morning tea was at the Barnes Drive traffic lights on a sloping bank and steps.
Morning Tea on convenient set of steps. (John pic)
We walked up the back of the Caversham Valley Road to Aberfeldy Street, where a small car track went up to Baxter House…
Baxter House. (John pic)
…built in 1895 for a David Baxter whose daughter married T K S Sidey, the Mayor of Dunedin.
We also went to Rockyside Road where in 1855 Mr John Thomson the Surveyor for Dunedin built his house. Most of the hikers were unaware about the Baxter House still being there.
We travelled down lots of different streets in ‘Cavy’ and lunch was at the Kew Reserve.
Lunch at Kew Reserve. (John pic)
After lunch, we passed the old Wax Match Factory and up to look at a very well done art work on a two-story building.
Street Art work on wall of former hotel. (John pic)
Then it was back down South Road and along to our cars. Those who wanted a coffee chat stopped off at Flax Cafe first. – Elaine.
2. 9/6/2000. Hikers. Caversham: street walk. Leaders: Bev H, Peggy M, Peter R.
1. 9/6/1999. Hikers. A wee slice of Caversham. Leaders: Bev H, Peggy M, Shirley R.
