Taieri Recreational Tramping Club

15 km from car-park.

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10. 26 October 2022. Hikers. Brighton. Grade 1.5. Leaders: Liz Griffin & Faye Lamb

On a very pleasant and warm Brighton morning 22 hikers set off towards McIntosh Road led by Faye (with an E).

We visited Star Fish Gallery for morning tea and a friendly inspection of premises hosted by owner.

From here we headed back down the hill to explore different parts of Brighton and Ocean View led by Alex as Liz was off the scene with slight injury caused earlier in the week. With such a pleasant day it was good to enjoy sea views and other interesting sites before a stop for lunch at Ocean View.

Up the Bennett Road to inspect the Mosaic Wall …

… which leads us down the steep track back to Brighton and local Coffee shop for more relaxation and welcome visit by Bev Harvey and Dot Bennett.
Alex And Faye.

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10. 14/09/2022. Hikers. Street walks of Dunedin – from the Oval. Leaders Jenni and Bruce

Memorials, buildings and landmarks that we drive past regularly were revisited when 24 hikers ventured out on a clear but cold Wednesday. Wearing many layers of clothing, we set off from the Oval, which as one clever quiz team recalled, covers 22.9 acres.

Henry Ely Shacklock, Prince of Wales Hotel, Carnarvon Station, Bell Pepper Blues, the Empire Hotel – the home of the Dunedin Sound, all conjured up memories of time passed.

Further along Princes Street, we admired the beautiful refurbishment of Wains Hotel, now a 5 star boutique hotel and its across the road neighbour, Distinction Hotel, formerly the 1937 Chief Post Office. This building housed a huge number of public servants over the years.

Morning tea was taken in the sunshine on the Dunedin Cenotaph.

There was much to observe and discuss in the Exchange. The Cargill Monument, originally erected in the Octagon, but shifted to the Exchange in 1872. A mammoth effort, considering the detail.

It was interesting to visit Queen Elizabeth II’s, great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years and seven months. What an amazing length of service from our two stoic royals.

Rattray Street, today a crumbling collection of buildings, has huge memories for many of the team ….. Hong Kong Café, Sunset Strip, Dragon Café, Tai Ping Restaurant, the Rolling Stones party place, Calder Mackay and the Crown Hotel to name a few. Along Manse Street, up Stafford Street. Ross and Glendining Ltd, Kempthorne Prosser, Sew Hoys and the St Mathew’s Anglican Church. The architect for the church was William Mason, MP and Dunedin’s first mayor and yes related to Mason and Wales of today.

Next came the stories from the Rugby Hotel, topless waitresses (from one who knows) and the Bell tea building.

The Market Reserve was our next destination, and there’s miles of history around what was formerly a tidal inlet, the original shore of Otago Harbour. The Victorian style men’s toilets were discussed, ladies were no where to be found. The Crown Roller Mills building has now been beautifully restored and houses 12 luxury apartments and a restaurant.

We admired the house Johnny Jones lived in (39 Melville Street) which is still in great shape and then popped our heads into The Dunedin Club which was built for him. Royalty have stayed there. This is used today as a hub for business people, weddings, conferences etc. It also has eight luxurious suites for accommodation. As an aside did you know that Jones donated the land for the building of St Paul’s Church in the Octagon?

We zigzagged up the 98 steps (one of the quiz questions), to Maitland Street and some viewed the Bottled Sunshine sign for the Lanes lemonade factory. Some missed that! Carroll Street which was previously known as Walker Street, was the red-light district of Dunedin and associated crime. The top block of Carroll Street was known as the Devil’s half acre. The arrival of the Lebanese community helped improve the area, but the reputation was renowned. Now, we’re informed the red-light district is all around us, with online ordering and home deliveries!

The team made good progress up the steep Maitland Street and arrived at our lunch stop at Unity Park. The wind chill factor caused us to depart sooner than we would have liked. We were happy to know the Trampers had reached the top of Mt Cargill for their lunch stop but they couldn’t see us waving!

The only other site worth mentioning was from Walter Street and overlooking where Carisbrook once was and pondering what might be in store for the Forbury Trotting site.

Back through the Southern Cemetery, a rather sad place with many delipidated plots.

At the Oval, we popped into the Kensington for a short quiz on the day’s findings. One of the team’s names was “Time for Ovalteam” – clever! The team though who won the quiz was “Outram Plus 1” and received boxes of Smarties, which seemed appropriate. Drinks and homemade nibbles were enjoyed, service was a bit slow.

Walk was around 9 km.

We would like to thank everyone for their keen participation for an enjoyable day out.
Bruce and Jenni.

Note: Toilets on this walk are few and far between. If you want the Oval toilets open, you need to organise this with the DCC – www.dunedin.govt.nz/do-it-online/book/facility-bookings or phone 477 4000. The ones in the Exchange area where the ACC building is being erected, are no longer available.

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9. 16/02/2022. Hikers. Town Belt Circuit. M. Leaders Linda Partridge and Diane Paterson

Thirteen keen hikers met at Woodhaugh Gardens for morning tea before setting off on a circuit of the northern/central part of the town belt.

We began by taking the zigzag path and steps up from Duke Street. When we reached Queen and Warrender streets, after our first ascent, we viewed the university in the distance and saw up close where many of the students lived in their hillside flats. We met some students from Auckland moving into their new abode and friendly banter ensued between the students and the sprightly TRTC hikers. We also marvelled at the parking arrangements in these narrow steep streets.

We continued on to Cosy Dell and took time to view the tennis courts and the array of historic homes, many now flats that are located in a small area.

More steps (and groans) and we made our way along Park Street to Heriot Row, London Street and then around by Moana Pool to our lunch spot at Olveston.

Unfortunately we felt we were a little early for lunch so low and behold another set of steps were located and we climbed up to Wallace Street and then found a pleasant route back down to Olveston for a well-earned lunch.

After lunch and a brief look at the lovely Olveston gardens our route back took us along streets and tracks through the town belt until we regrouped at Stonelaw Terrace. Given we were making good time we did a detour down Cannington Road and Braeview Crescent before descending on the historic Bullock Track to our cars at Woodhaugh Gardens.

It was a great day with lots of interest including history, panoramic views, friendly students, the very special Green Belt and a few laughs along the way. The circuit we took was around 9kms.

Afternoon tea was enjoyed at the café in the Botanic Gardens.

Linda and Diane

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8. 11/9/2019. Hikers. Town Belt- walk, bus trip. Leaders: Pam and Jenny.

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At last some decent weather. No rain, just clear skies and a sunny day. It was really great to see everyone again after the seemingly long enforced break with 40 keen hikers/ trampers heading off to our outing at Aramoana.

After quickish morning tea and a catch up on birthday shouts at the carpark the group was herded off to the Domain for a comfort stop before the short walk along the track / boardwalk out onto the salt flats.

Following a quick count to ensure we hadn’t lost anyone we returned the way we came back to the carpark then onto Shelley Beach. This takes you to the harbour entrance with Taiaroa Heads opposite.

The tide was favourable, so we were able to clamber over some rocks at the end of the beach to round the spit past the old pilot wharf quietly eroding away.

We were greeted by a large bull sea lion resting in the shallows. He didn’t seem to be too concerned about us trudging past so after he posed for a few photos we left him to it and carried on back to the carpark. The plan was to head out to the end of the Mole for lunch however with the wind starting to get up a bit and time pressing on it was decided to give that a miss and instead we would have lunch. This turned out to be an inspired move as it meant we would make our deadline for afternoon tea later on. The cafe had expressly informed us they were closing on the dot at 3pm.

Following lunch John gave a small talk to the group on the workings of the locator beacons we carry on all tramps and hikes. I think this was very useful as it is important for everyone to be aware of what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency.

It was very tempting to push the button for a helicopter but as there were no takers for a ride, we headed off down Aramoana Beach.
Now everyone saw another sea lion on the beach making a nuisance of itself by chasing those who got a bit close. That is except for Jim.

It was an impressive turn of speed from Jim (he would not be out of place at the Comm. Games 50 metre dash) once the animal had him in his sight. After much hilarity and no injuries, we continued along the beach to the impressive rock formations then along a track in the sand dunes that took us back through the township to the cars.

Upon returning it was generally accepted we walked a total of 8 kms and it is most pleasing to report that even we lost no one returning with our full quota of 40. It was then off to Port Chalmers for a coffee / tea / beer at a great wee cafe called the Galley.
After the trials and tribulations of the last few weeks it was a great day out with lots of laughter and of course great companionship.
Graeme

6. 09/02/2022. Trampers.  Purakanui Leaders: Chris Wither and Jill Davie

With low cloud obscuring the hilltops, sixteen trampers headed to the beautiful Purakanui Inlet and parked at the Mopanui Road picnic ground.  The intention had been to climb to the top of Mopanui to enjoy the wonderful views there, but the weather meant a change of plan was required.

After a 2km hike around the edge of the inlet the group stopped for morning tea.

We then headed up steep Purakanui Station Road to Osborne Station.  From there, thanks to Peter remembering that mates from some decades ago used to hike from Osborne to the station to catch the train to school, the group discovered a great 1km long track below the railway line that led through the bush to the Osborne township.

From there we made our way through the pines and over the dunes to Mapoutahi for lunch.

This was followed by the short climb to the centre of the peninsula where there were great views to be had.

We retraced our steps around the Purakanui Inlet to the cars to complete the 14.3km long tramp. Chris

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another walk done and dusted thanks hikers.

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

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19 km from car park.

9. 18/3/2020 Trampers. Bendoran, Mt Misery, The Gap, ABC caves. Leaders – Arthur and Eleanore

On Wednesday 18 March, 4 trampers had wood, coal, gas and food packed into 2 cars ready to travel 60 km to Bendoran for 2 nights.  Along the way we met up with the other couple in their car.  We travelled up to the old Cherry Farm site, onto McGrath road—then a very dusty trip up the gravel road to Bendoran.   On arrival, we tidied the hut, lit the coal range and had lunch.

On a lovely sunny afternoon, with Arthur as our Leader, we walked up Mount Misery (714 metres) which was reasonably steep, however, we had great views of each every direction.

After coming down rather thick tussock, and heading back towards the hut, we then climbed up the fence line to Terry’s Knob (refer Hamels book section 7:13), then a downhill, uphill to get back home.

Once back, it was time to light the open fire and enjoy a tasty selection of nibbles and have a yarn.  Followed by dinner, consisting of a rather large stuffed chicken, new potatoes, carrots, broccoli and peas.  Then, as if we hadn’t had enough to eat, it was time for Hot Cross Buns with butter and Jam (some members hadn’t matched up jam with the buns) don’t quite know who is right!!
Next morning all were eager to get to the Gap.  Kevin(Barney) Black was Farm Manager and now leases the 5000 acre  Bendoran off David Malloch, arrived to meet us.  We started off at 8:40am, stopping to watch his clever dogs bring in a mob of ewes that were being trucked off.

The morning was very clear, warm and sunny.  While the happy group were following the track up and down, all of a sudden a Falcon was spotted sitting on a fence post. He wasn’t bothered by our presence allowing us to keep creeping up to take photo’s.  Soon, enough was enough, and he flew off.

A while later another was spotted in flight.
After a while and a steady climb to a hilltop, it was 10:15am and time for a 15 minute  smoko break, enjoying the  magnificent views as we talked.

By now the Gap was looking closer, however, one could also see a few more hills to climb before we made it .  Also lopers were taken along,  to cut back gorse in places which made the going a bit easier.  We got onto the ridge leading to that big missing chunk, finally arriving in it at 11:35am.  A steady three hour effort by all.

On the way up 3 of the group were keen to revisit/visit the A.B.C. Cave (refer Hamels book section 7:12).  We all went to the trig at the north end of the Gap admiring views and happy with ourselves to have made it there.
Soon after the 3 decided to delay lunch for a while and headed off to the Cave.  Leaving  3 of us to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the sun.  Meanwhile, guess who realised her phone was missing!!!  meaning a walk back to the trig by 2 to find it, while the other cut back more gorse.
We three then started the trip back.  Arthur had made a meeting point with the A.B.C. Group, so 2 of us headed off up another hill with Arthur and his Hi Vis top in view.  We waited till we spotted them heading into the rough gully——where they had spooked a ginger pig for Arthur to see.
Once again all headed towards home, meeting at a junction on the track.  The A.B.C. group were happy to have went the extra mile to visit the cave, enjoying reading entries in the visitors book.
We stopped on the same hilltop as the smoko break, to enjoy well deserved energy bars etc.

 

By now the hills were almost behind us and Bendoran trees in sight.  8 hours later at 4:30pm, 6 weary but happy trampers were  back home.
In no time, the water was hot and welcome showers had by all.  The open fire lit,   drinks and more tasty nibbles eaten.   Dinner tonight was a delicious (3 recipe) pasta/mince meal with a freshly made lettuce salad.  We must have been a bit weary because the Hot Cross Buns were forgotten!!

 

Lots of photo’s(Is mine better than yours?) were taken of the amazing cloud formations.  However, later on we paid the price,  battered—-huts shaking, doors being  blown open by gale force winds, which had us awake much earlier than we wanted.
Friday morning had us up and away quite smartly, this time the dust was being blown off us!!   Meeting up for coffee at Blueskin.
We all enjoyed great company, great scenery and great food on our trip into Bendoran huts—-a very special piece of Paradise.
Eleanore and Arthur

Tunnel and Racemans tracks 31/7/19

The threatening weather report did not deter 16 keen trampers’ from turning up ready for a walk. The trip to Mt Watkins was postponed because of some of the track’s lack of shelter to the elements. It was decided to walk the tunnel and raceman’s tracks because they are in the shelter of native bush.

We parked and left from the school house area on Whare flat road. The tracks were in very good condition but a bit wet and muddy in places.

It was pleasant walking along the track adjacent to the old water race. Morning tea was appropriately had along from one of the tunnels.

The Silverstream water race was built between  1877 and 1881 and consisted of nearly 30km of open races, sluices, tunnels and weirs. In 1920 a pump was installed. Later pipes were partially in stalled with little success. It was abandoned in the 1960s.

We continued on walking briskly to ensure that we all kept warm. The native bush with all its array of greens was a pleasant sight. Lunch was had just before a creek crossing that could have been more challenging to cross!

We headed back using a detour to avoid a loop on racemans. The bird song was pleasant on some parts of the tracks. The sun even briefly shone through the trees at times.

On reaching our cars, after a few creek crossings,

we had completed 15.8 km. A good walk with plenty of cool fresh air! The temperature was 5 degrees when we returned to Mosgiel.

It was a pleasure to share Helen’s birthday with coffee and cakes at Blend. – Dave

 As the destination for the designated tramp [Swampy via Morrisons & poleline track] was covered in wet cloud, we decided at the carpark to just walk the Tunnels/Racemans tracks instead. This turned out to be a good choice, as the weather was fine all day in the valley.
Of the eight trampers that came along, two had never been in this area before, so it was a good opportunity for them to see the work that was done on this impressive old water race.
We had morning tea at the top in the pines, & then walked along to almost the junction with Little Coal track, where we stopped for an early lunch.

As I was recovering from two weeks off with a very sore back, [damaged while gardening — be aware, it’s not good for your health !!] I decided that I was going to turn back here, so I informed the others of my intentions, & they all said they would be happy to go back with me. [7km at this point]. So we retraced our steps back to the cars at the old school house, clearing some storm damaged vegetation as we went along.

The track was in mostly dry condition with only the odd muddy patch to contend with, & the creek crossings were very shallow.
walked 14km
4.3km/h
3h 15mins moving.
climbed 147m. – Ken.

Walked 9.6km
3.9km/h
2 1/2hrs moving time
climbed 275m

6 hardy trampers turned up to do the walk into the Tunnels & Silverstream tracks, which was, due to the weather conditions, chosen as an alternative to the Leith Saddle tramp scheduled for today.
We parked by the school house, & made our way up to the start of the Tunnels Track, but on arriving at the creek crossing, we found it to be far too deep & swift to attempt a crossing without getting wet feet. So we made the decision to go in from the pump house at the Whare Flat car park. We drove back down the road & restarted the tramp along the fence beside the Silverstream, & up & over the short but quite steep climb, to the grass are at the upstream end of the swing bridge. We turned up the first track just past here, & made our way up onto the Tunnels Track, then back towards the school house, to the start where we couldn’t cross the stream earlier. Then we retraced our steps, & walked all the way along to the creek crossing just past the Racemans Hut that has the tree down across it. This is the creek crossing with the ropes on the other side to help with the climb up the bank. here the water was also too deep, & swift to attempt a crossing, so we had a look at the Tunnels weir, then walked back out, & down an unmarked track leading down to the picnic table on the grass area beside the Silverstream. We had lunch here, then walked back out to the cars.
Conditions in the bush were sheltered, not very wet under foot, & very few muddy patches, so everybody enjoyed the walk. – Ken

On a cool but what turned out to be a very nice winters day, 5 trampers took to the Tunnels /Racemans Tracks. However, we didn’t get very far before we struck the first of many snow damaged trees across the track. This made for very slow going, & we didn’t even manage to get to the favourite morning tea spot in the pines before it was time to stop for a cuppa.  We met up with some guys who were supposed to be track clearing, from the DCC, but from what we could see, they weren’t doing much good. There are some VERY LARGE trees down across the track, which require some careful negotiation to get past.

Also, looking very sad is the old Racemans shed.

It has a tree which has fallen right across the top of it, & the roof has completely gone.

We only got as far as the creek crossing with the rope on it, when we gave up the struggle, as the creek was choked with fallen trees, & we could hardly see the other side where you climb out of the creek with the help of the rope. We backtracked to an unmarked side track down to the Silverstream, where we found a picnic table to have lunch at.

It was then a short walk out to the pumphouse at Whare Flat, & then back up the road to the cars at the old School house. Distance 8.2km, ave 4km/hr. – Ken.

6. 14/11/2012. Hikers. Schoolhouse, Tunnels, McRaes Weir, Racemans, Pumphouse, return by road. Leaders: Fred, Elaine.

22 of us made a large group. Great. We had our morning cuppa at the top of the Tunnels track.

We made our way back on down to join with the McRaes Track and along to the weir. At this point, Dorothy, recovering from a hip injury wisely declined the steep rope-assisted climb up the further back of the stream and accompanied by three others, returned back the way we had come and down from there by a link track to meet us later at the Pumphouse.

The rest of us carried on around the McRaes track to lunch at the point where it links with the Racemans.

Down the Racemans and on to the swing bridge. Some elected to cross it and risk the depth of the water at the Pumphouse ford but most went by more hilly track along the Silverstream true left.

Up to that point, we were well led by Fred and Elaine, but from here on it was ‘Brown’s Cows’ back up the r0ad to the cars. We were all back home in time for afternoon tea.

Twenty-two. Whew! An impressive turn-out. – Ian.

Taieri Scenic reserve was unavailable, due to bulldozers working on a road. We chose a short Tunnels tramp instead, as heavy rain was forecast for the afternoon.

We continued on. At the short water-race pipe point, we dared some of the newer members to crouch their way through it. Amazingly, three took up the dare. Bravo. Then it was on past McRaes weir. The vertical climb out from the stream bed gets no easier for the writer, feeling his arthritic age.

Reaching the end of the McRaes side gully (to the Silverstream proper), we turned back down onto the first part of the Raceman’s track where it climbs up to reach the water-race. Had a look at the Pump-house’s intake weir. Climbed back up to the Raceman’s by the track near the swing-bridge, turning right at the top to climb back up the Tunnels’ hill.

Lunch was slightly early, as we remained conscious of the forecast rain. We felt its first drops as we finished lunch. We heard the patter of rain on the leaves above us as we made our way back down the hill. We emerged onto the road by the alternative exit and walked back up to the cars with only the lightest of rain sprinkling us. A nice dry morning out, on a nice dry track in nice bush. – Ian.

4. 28/9/2011. Hikers. Pumphouse, road, Schoolhouse, Tunnels, McRaes Weir, Racemans, Pumphouse . Leaders: Peter and Wendy.

3. 6/10/2010. Both. Schoolhouse, Tunnels, McRaes Weir, Racemans, Pumphouse, return road. Leaders: Ian, Ken.

The track had been beautifully cleared of trunks and debris brought down by a recent storm and we quietly ambled along the long stretch that eventually took us past the old Racemans Hut to the broken-down McRaes Weir. Across the stream we were confronted with a washed out vertical bank with only a knotted rope and some steep cut-out steps, but with the bottom one now missing. There ensued much pushing and pulling, and slipping and collapsing as we made our various ways up to the top of the bank.

Then it was plain sailing (apt metaphor?) again out of the large McRae’s gully till we reached the junction with the Racemans where we stopped for an early lunch.

From there we descended the Racemans to pass the old Silverstream weir and inspected the weir from which water is now piped to the pumphouse. We elected to return via the swing-bridge because there had been a tree-fall over the true-left track. Crossing the ford at the other end was not the happiest part of the walk for some. Then it was just 2 km back up the road to the cars parked at the old Schoolhouse. The day was perfectly calm with much of it sunny, if not hot. It had been a good day. – Ian

2. 7/11/2001. Combined. Tunnel – Racemans Tracks. Leaders: Bob H, Winifred, George.

1. 21/6/1989 Whare Flat Pottery. Pine walk. Peggy A, Helen W, Daphne

8. 24/7/2019. All. Doug’s 90th. Alan Scurrs, Riverside Road. Leader: Alan.

24 th July proved to be a special day.
The Weather frosty cold to start  ,then clear calm and pristine. An enthusiastic group of tramping club members 54 out walking in total.Some even cycled down from the Bush Road carpark to Alan and Kerry’s home. Here we were greeted by inquisitive Llamas.
We spread out through boggy farmlands with the bonus of country smells to accompany us on the way.

We followed some of the Taieri waterways onto the floodbanks which have over the years saved farmlands from being completely destroyed/submerged in floods. Alan had some photos of the extensiveness of the flooding over the years.

Morning tea was held beside the Mill stream pump house. The stream flows into the Taieri river. The river was full and very discoloured.

From here we split into smaller groups depending how far people wanted to walk back to the party house.
Overall walking distances ranged from the Ramblers’ ramble to the longest distance approx 10 kms and then a ride home for them.

Alan had vehicles placed along the way to get all home by about 1 pm to be together to share Doug’s 90th birthday lunch. A real party lunch shared by all including some of our members who like to be involved with activities but not always able to join us on some of our weekly outings.

Helen Morris spoke about Doug

– out most Wednesdays a very busy man with an immaculate house and garden, a perfect gentleman, and a great bagpiper and ball room dancer. Always wearing shorts!

A big Thankyou to Alan and Kerry hosts extraordinare for providing an idyllic location and perfect weather (hardly a breathe of wind ). We wish them well for their overseas trip next week and look forward to hearing of their experiences.
Jill on behalf of the club.

7. 22/10/2014. Hikers. Dukes Road, Stop Bank. E. Leaders: Peter, Lesley.

Twenty-five of us started along Riverside Rd from cars parked at the end of Dukes Rd. Turned left into School Rd. At about the 3.3km mark (a tiny swiggle on the map) Peter let us in through a combination-locked gate to the Dunedin Model Aero Club site and welcome bench seats …

… upon which to enjoy morning tea. One of us preferred …

… sitting on a table, rather fancying himself in his newly acquired piece of headgear.

As we were walking back out onto School Road, Leader Peter told us in interesting detail the history of the road, originally the Mosgiel-Outram railway route. The raised bridge over the Taieri River necessitated a fully-laden passenger train locomotive stopping and waiting for twenty minutes to get up  enough steam to get its load up and over. School Road was the most difficult part of the line to construct. Hector told us of the need of a foundation of flaxes to first undergird the permanent way over the Taieri swamp. At road’s end, we followed the old rail bed as it veered right and led us to the Taieri River flood bank, alongside an interesting flood gate structure, designed to release flood waters into the flood plain alongside when needed to alleviate flooding elsewhere.

Making our way alongside the river, we had to negotiate a tricky fence, armed with live electric (fortunately the stretchy kind) wires on either side. Eventually, we were able to carry on. Arriving near the river’s confluence with the Silverstream, we perched ourselves alongside  the latter …

 

… for a leisurely lunch. Fortunately the wind abated for the while we were there.

Up and along the Silverstream’s  true right floodbank, under the Riverside Road bridge and on to a heavy flood gates structure protecting a large drainage ditch at the lower corner of the McKay’s Triangle Wildlife Management Reserve from flooding back.

We walked along the ditch’s true left through luxuriant spring grass freshly tracked by some vehicle’s wheels, a boon denied the leaders who had to brave the  reserve completely lacking track indicators to keep them free of boggy underground. Along the way we passed by

a lake, adding to the scenic variety of the reserve. We persisted up along the aforesaid ditch, seeking yet another lake that unfortunately failed to materialize. So back down to enter in via a mai-mai to circumvent the beautiful Lake Kate, …

… unseeable  from the track. Thank you leaders, for finding the way into this hidden jewel for us.

We were then cleverly led by twisting track and footbridge out to the other major track, this one bordering yet another drainage ditch set at right angles to the other. This led us in straight alignment with Duke Road, virtually its paper road extension, back up to the cars again.

Thanks to Peter and Lesley for a carefully planned trip with the McKay’s Reserve as a surprising cherry at the end. – Ian.

 6. 4/8/2010. Both. Gladfield Road, School Road, Stop Bank, ret. E. Leaders: Bev, Ian.

We parked the cars at the end of Dukes Road and made our way along Gladfield road, stopping at School Road for morning tea. Down School Road and crossing Riverside Road onto the Outram railway embankment to the Taieri River. Turning left, we followed the river down stream, keeping on the flood bank much of the way.

Continuing along the stop bank and bypassing Lindsay Road, we crossed over a flood gate immediately adjacent to the confluence of the Taieri and Silverstream rivers.

It was time for lunch, so we went down to shelter, sit and eat around a pile of bulldozed willow logs by the confluence.

Then it was up first one side, then the other of the Silverstream till we reached Gladfield Road and its pedestrian swing-bridge.

Then it was just back along Gladfield Road to the cars, and home.
A good day, with both groups together and 23 setting out. – Ian

5. 15/7/2009 Dukes Road, stop bank, School Road. Leaders: Marjorie, Peter.

4. 11/6/2008 Taieri Ramble from Dukes Road. Leaders:

3. 11/6/2008. Hikers. Dukes Road, Stop Bank, School Road. Easy. Leaders: Bob H, Bev H.

Park end Dukes Rd. Straight ahead SE to McKays Triangle Wildlife Management Reserve. (Seek permission for this part, although paper road.)

1st Alt: Trampers. Carry on, cross Mosgiel/Outram Road, up hill, (seek permission for hill part) then left and down to Taieri upstream of bridge. Return down Taieri (Seek permissions, but probably not necessary) and back by reserve.

2. 4/7/2007. Both. Dukes Road, Stop Bank. easy. Leaders: George, Bob H, Les & Margaret, Bev H

6. 27/7/2005 Tunnel, McRaes Weir, Steve Amies, Trig Q, Picnic Area; Little Coal Creek, Racemans. Bob H, Les W, Mary M

5. 21/7/2004 Trampers. Lake Whare, Steve Amies, Trig Q. Medium. Leaders: Ian, Bob H

4. 9/7/2003. Trampers. Tunnels, McRaes, Steve Amies, North Coal Creek, Racemans.Medium. Leaders: Irene, Doug J.

No. 10 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Lamb Hill to 3 o’clock creek. Farm. Lambing.”

Farm walk. Lamb Hill Station, Hindon Road, Hindon. Seek permission. Check at house before you do any tramping.

Lamb Hill: 43 km from car-park.

Bendoran: 75 km from car-park.

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8. 29/11/2017. Trampers. Bendoran over-night, Orbells Cave. H. Leader: Art.

This tramp was a First Time for our club.

Two cars(six trampers) left Mosgiel at 8.00 a.m. rendezvousing at Cherry Farm before travelling together to reach the Bendoran Huts at 9.30. Morning tea was taken, and five eager trampers set out just after 10 am on the day’s adventure. One stayed in camp to heat water for showers later.

The day was sunny and warm enough. High cloud drifted across after an hour, but it remained hot. We stopped several times to take on water – and we were going downhill!

We descended down to Orbells Creek, and followed it for some distance, being on a grassy 4WD track all day. Tussocky hills surrounded us, with many interesting rocks, such beautiful country.

A mob of grand Hereford cows with calves (beef) moved in front of us for a time, before going up a side gully.

Eventually we came to the first ascent of the day, leaving Orbells Creek for a time, the 4WD track going up and over a saddle. At the top we had a short descent and then a climb up to a second saddle.

But from here it was downhill all the way to the cave. We met Barney, the Bendoran Farm Manager, out with his dogs shifting a mob of cows and calves – black with white faces this time (Angus Hereford Cross).

We came back to Orbells Creek by the cattleyards, crossed over, and in a few minutes were at Orbells Cave (with Orbells Garden flourishing in profusion in front (foxgloves). It had been hot work, but to our great relief found that it was very pleasantly cool in the cave. The time was 12.20 pm. We sat and rested for half an hour here, while eating our lunch.

 Fiddlers Hut was our next objective, about 2 km further on. Was we left, bird calls from high above the cave alerted us to the presence of a N.Z. falcon circling there. We saw it – or another one –  later in the day, too. Crossing 3 O’Clock Stream, we arrived at Fiddlers Hut at 1.3. We admired the stone walls, very neatly constructed, and with a vey sound modern corrugated iron roof.

But sadly the interior had been badly neglected, birds obviously had been the only tenants for some years past.

As we began the homeward journey, a light and very pleasantly cool north-east breeze arrived to provide some relief, especially helpful on the uphill bits. Five tiny little Paradise duckings were on the water when we crossed back over 3 O’Clock Stream. All water bottles were refilled.

The same route was followed going back as we had travelled out earlier. It was a long climb back up to the two saddles. At the top of the first one, 10 minutes was well spent in resting, while taking on water, eating fruit, etc.

In time we came back down to Orbells Creek, and walked, the kilometres behind us, with an occasional brief stop (water).

One long hill awaited us – the climb out from Orbells Creek. The hill seemed to go on forever, but by putting one foot in front of the other, we found the top. But our legs were mighty tired now, and there was only a few hundred metres left to go. And so we arrived back at the Bendoran Hilton …

… just before 5 p.m. A good list down and rest seemed to be the logical thing to do now, so that’s what we did!

All five had thoroughly enjoyed the day. An energetic tramp to equal any other that our club has done. VERY SATISFYING.

Total distance was 20 km. Orbells Cave was approx. 8 km from Bendoran, and Fiddlers Hut a further 2 km beyond. Bendoral Huts are at an altitude of 500 metres, Fiddlers Hut about 200 metres. – Art.

On completing the tramp we had a lovely muffin and cup of tea before showers and liquid refreshments. Fire lovingly looked after by camp mum Jennifer. Eleanor our great organiser had Also arrived by this time.

Tea was prepared consisting of silverside, stuffed chicken, new potatoes, carrots and two salads. Dessert: chocolate brownie berries and yogert. All had bought some part of it.

Jill Arthur Phil Wyn and Helen the walkers.

It helped revive us. – Helen

6. 19/1/2011. Trampers. Lamb Hill to three o’clock creek. Old Stone Hut. Orbells Cave. Medium+.

If you look closly at the small scale pic, you can see the shed at the Nth. end of the airstrip, right at the bottom of the pic where the track starts. As you can see from the spacing of the GPS squares, we were still driving for a while till the squares become very close together. this is where we started to walk from. You can also see the track going off to the left of the airstrip at it’s south end, going down to the ford where the track peters out, & then starts again on the other side. That is where the 2003 tramp went (see below).

The large scale pic shows the decent via the wrong ridge, we should’ve been one over to the right. Anyway, we ended up just a short distance from Orbells creek, so walked into that valley, & up to Orbells caves which is the track on the RH side of the pic.

We then retraced our steps back to Three O’clock Stream, and went downstream to a crossing, where Dermot and I went to the old hut to have lunch (which is the track on the left side of the stream in the GPS pic).

Then after walking across the river flats, we struggled up the very steep hills back to the cars.

The weather was fine, but VERY windy, and I nearly lost my footing a couple of times coming back up the steepest parts. BTW, the hut is not on Lambhill Station, it’s on the neighbours property.

Everybody did very well, including George, who didn’t go to the caves, along with Hazel. They just went over to the hut to have lunch there.

George got a dose of cramp on the way back up the hills, but managed to overcome it ok, and carry on. – Ken.

5. 21/5/2006 Lamb Hill to three o’clock creek. Old Stone Hut. Orbells Cave. Medium+.Leaders: George, Keith, Glenice, Hazel

4. 21/5/2003. Both. Lamb Hill to Three O.clock Creek. Medium. Leaders: Wendy B, Bob H, Nancy & Molly

3. 17/5/2000 Lamb Hill, Three O’Clock Creek. Leaders: Wendy, Colleen, George

2. 15/4/1998. 3 O’Clock Creek, Lamb Hill. Leaders: Nancy, Wendy B

1. 8/11/1989 Lamb Hill to Three O’Clock Creek and old stone hut. Harder grade. George, Mary M, Molly, Catherine

Location: 10 km.

Click Flagstaff Creek Walking Track for background information.

Park at Three Mile Hill lookout, or Bullring or Pottery, Whare Flat.
Permit from City Forest, Dunedin 455 5512.

GPS of route, courtesy Ken. Unaccountable lapse in record. Deduce omitted route yourself!

17. 28/4/2010. Hikers. Flagstaff Forest walk. Leaders: Bruce and Marjorie.

Thirteen hikers parked at the Taieri lookout and set off on the bush track opposite which was a very pleasant walk. Although it had rained, pine needles made a soft dry carpet. The variety of trees and bird calls, including rosellas, provided interest and we admired the tall straight trunks of the giant trees.
We had morning tea and lunch at the same spot by the Flagstaff stream but between we did a circular walk around forestry roads. These provided us with good walking underfoot and although it was quite a grind up Stuart Street we all managed it with ease by taking our time and stopping to admire the view of the Taieri Plains and Saddle Hill. After lunch we completed the bush walk back to the cars.
It was quite a short walk, although no-one took up the offer to go round again. Another time a further circle could be added on at the top of Stuart Street. The weather was ideal with not a breath of wind and mild temperatures. – Marjorie

16. 1/7/2009 Both Hikers and Trampers. Flagstaff Forest. South Rd, High St, Laings, High St, Stuart St, South Rd. Leaders: Neil, Ria

14. 20/9/2006. Hikers. Three Mile Hill area. Easy. Leaders: Jean, Anne R, Eleanor B.

12. 11/9/2002. Alt. Three Mile Hill. Leaders: Les W, Mary M, Peg C

11. 27/6/2001 Three Mile Hill. Leaders: Daphne, Eleanor, Mavis

10. 25/4/2001. Three Mile Hill. Leaders: Daphne, Peg C, Mary M.

9. 19/7/2000. D.C.C. Forestry Circuit. Leaders: Shirley R, Arthur and Barbara.

8. 18/8/1999. DCC Forestry Walk. 3 Mile Hill. Leaders: Margaret D, Winifred, Joan H.

7. 11/11/1998. DCC Forest – 3 Mile Hill. Leaders: Betty, Joan H, Winifred.

6. 28/5/1997. Flagstaff Forest Walk. Leaders: Peg A, Peg M, Margaret D

5. 22/1/1997. Flagstaff – Creek Forest. Leaders: Peggy M, Margaraet D, Peg A.

4. 26/6/1996. D.C.C. 3 Mile Hill Forestry Round Trip from Coburns. Medium. Shorter alternative in some areas. Leaders: J Roy, Ian, Catherine.

3. 30/3/1994. D.C.C. Forestry, Whare Flat, Look-out, Three Mile Hill Road. WET FEET! Medium. Leaders: Ria L, Wendy B, Evelyn M, Doreen

2. 9/12/1992 DCC Forest. Round trip. Cars meet Three Mile Hill Lookout. Average. Leaders: Marie F, Nel K, Doreen, Lesley S

1. 22/6/1988 Three Mill Hill from Taieri Lookout. Pleasant pine walks. Leaders:

17. 9/8/2017. Hikers. Millennium Track. Leaders: Bob and Lesley.

20 Hikers set out on this bush walk along the Taieri River. The usual wet portions were muddy following all the rain. There were a few small slips onto the track and a few bites out of the lower side, but all negotiable. The track was carpeted with leaves and twigs. Morning tea was at the usual spot down beside the river…

…and lunch at John Bull Gully.

This track with many silver ferns and birds is a favourite for many members. We ALL adjourned to The Black Swan for refreshments. – Lesley.

16. 29/7/2015. Hikers. Millennium Track. Leaders: Helen, Bev.

Our day started with some rain so we had morning tea early at house at start.

15. 5/10/2014. Both. Millennium Track. Leaders: Les and Margaret.

14. 24/7/2013. Hikers. Millennium Track. Leaders: Les and Margaret.

13. 15/6/2011. Hikers. Millennium Track. Leaders: George, Dorothy

12. 18/8/2010. Both. Millennium Track. Medium- Leader: Lesley St.

Four Trampers unable to do their tramp came with Hikers but walked further to the seat. – Ian

11. 9/9/2009 Hikers. Millennium Track. Medium-. Leaders: Evelyn, Graham

10. 21/1/2009. Hikers. Millennium Track.  Easy+. Hikers Leaders: Les, Margaret, Bev

9. 2/4/2008 Leaders: P McLean, L Gowans

Being the first tramp of the month, trampers and hikers combined to walk a good old standby, the Millennium Track down the Taieri River from the old Wardells house. It was a substitute for Berwick Forest which is presently difficult to gain access to. Although only 16 turned out, with many trampers noticeably absent, it was still a good day out, starting cold but improving. In spite of being a frequently used tramp, it’s a lovely piece of bush to take your time in and enjoy and the bird life is a joy to hear. A feature of the walk for the trampers was that 11 walked on beyond John Bull Gully to sample the recently broadened track as far as the seat at the high point of the track. The gradient had been realigned with all steps eliminated, sometimes however making for steep slopes. With the pine plantation gone, we were surprised to see that bullibulli

has largely colonised the area. A delightful surprise on the return walk was a juvenile harrier hawk (?)

perched on a broken trunk which quite calmly allowed us to photo it. The 5 of us who chose to go just to the picnic spot by the river really had a very happy time, taking in the scenery, having our lunch and walking back to cars in a leisurely way. – Bev and Ian