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.
The Takitakitoa Wetlands is located about 40 minutes drive south of Dunedin and is at the end of Takitakitoa Road off Otokia-Kuri Bush Road. Take SH1 south and turn off at the Henley turn off just before the bridge that crosses the Taieri River. Turn right onto Otokia-Kuri Bush Road West which will intersect with Otakia-Kuri Bush Raod.
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
11/12/2024. Takitakitoa, Wetland, Waihola Hall. Grade 2. Combined hike and Christmas Lunch. Leaders: Jan Butcher, Wendy Langley, John Gardiner, Graeme Souter.
TRTC Grading Information – trips incorporating these tracks are generally given a TRTC grading of 5. 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.
Silver Peaks Forest for background information on the nearby area. DCC land.
Powder Ridge Maintained by Green Hut Track Group.
How To Get There:
Powder Ridge track runs between Racemans and Long Ridge Tracks. It is best accessed from Racemans Track approximately 30 -40 minutes from the Whare Flat carpark along the Silverstream Valley Road off Dukes Road North (just before Three Mile Hill)
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.
Links to tramps and hikes in this area:
09/09/2026. 3 Kings. Grade 3. Hikers. Leaders: Jan Palmer, Wendy Langley. 30/10/2024. 3 Kings from Heenan Road. Grade 3. Hikers. Leaders Dave Roberts Neville Griffiths.
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.