Twenty three hikers took welcomed refuge at the Blue Skin Cafe from the forecast down pour that struck our party a short distance from the cars. The hike was commenced in pleasant hiking conditions on the board walk to the west of Orokonui Lagoon from the Doctors Point Road.
Photo and Caption John – “I’ve seen friendlier skies”
Photo and Caption John – “I think I’ll have a muffin with my coffee today”Photo and Caption John – “Good to be back!”
From there it was a morning tea stop by the substation. From there we had foot paths to the Waitati school where it was hoped that a person from the Blueskin Resilient Communities Trust
would provide information on the schools addition of their solar panels, the BEL solar power buy back scheme & their involvement with the Eco House Build that is to be displayed at the Home &
Living show on the 2nd & 3rd of November at Forsyth Barr stadium. This house was constructed by women. It was due to attending to the final details of the Eco house that the BRCT were unable to oblige.
Photo and Caption John – “Enjoying the Opeke track”
The next point of interest was half way up View St we came upon a couple attending to fitting new number plates to a car. The woman who was obviously very proud of this just completed conversion of this vehicle to pure electric. (EV) The bonnet was lifted to show the very neat functional set up which had a range of 140 kilometres. She just had to have a photo of the car & amp;
group. At the top of View St we crossed a sheep paddock to the top of the Waitati cemetery.
Photo and Caption John – “So much History”
Photo and Caption John – “Old meets new”
Apart from the final downpour it was a pleasant stroll completing the eastern Orokonui Lagoon walkway to Doctors Point Road up to Opeke for lunch & return to the cars.
Photo and Caption John – “These are the good old days!!”
5. 19/10/2019. Hikers. Long Beach. Leaders: John and Robert.
‘Someone once said to me to “Take a Hike” , finally I have!!’
Many of the 29 Hikers who turned up at the Long Beach Domain in mild , improving weather conditions , had hiked in the Long Beach area before.
The challenge for Dave and I , as leaders , was to provide ‘something different’ , a different experience , even a bit of an adventure for them.
We travelled a well trodden route:-
– Along the Beach to the Caves.
Photo and Caption Clive – “Starting out”
Photo John – Caption Clive – “Improvised driftwood memorial
Photo and Caption Clive – “Its a Long Beach
-To the South (other end ) of the Beach.
Photo and Caption Clive – “Tahuna kids rock climbing
Photo and Caption Clive – “The Cavern”
-Back to the mid beach starting point.
-Through the Domain , onto Town Streets.
-Onto a pleasant “loop” track towards the Beach ,and onto Town Streets again.
Photo and Caption Clive – “Stile climbing”
-Back to the cars via a short stop at the McCurdy-Grimman Hall.
Afternoon Tea (Coffee) was at a new venue for many ; the Oaken Cafe’.
Did Dave and I make the walk different , even an adventure?
“An adventure is when you don’t know what is going to happen”
I don’t think our Hikers did know quite what was going to happen , hopefully like most Hikes it was a bit of an adventure.
During the hike ,little talks on points of interest ,hopefully gave all a greater appreciation of the area’s treasures.
From Dave and I ,thanks for the opportunity to organise and run this hike.
4. 14/5/2014. Hikers. Long Beach. Easy. Leaders: Judy, Jennifer.
Long Beach Route
After a few days of rain 32 happy hikers shook off their cabin fever with a pleasant day at Long Beach. At the domain we examined the information boards …
Notice board
… before proceeding to the beach …
and morning tea in the sun on the sand at the first rock-climbing site.
Morning tea at the foot of Climbing Crag or Driver’s Rock, a one-time climbing wall of Judy’s. (John Panoramic pic)
At the far end of the beach the huge ball room cave was explored (nobody wanted to dance) …
Not dancing.
… and the numerous anchor points for intrepid climbers marvelled over.
Marvelling.2nd wall
Back along the beach to the east end we marched, with efforts to keep feet dry crossing the creek fruitless for some.
Fruitless for some. (John pic)
A leisurely lunch was had in the tussock above the beach, where there were obvious signs of sea lions, but none in residence. Fred had to scramble somewhat to deliver his usual chocolate treat to us all – thank you Fred, it’s always a highlight!
And a short stroll back and up through the pines to the village, where Fred told a few tales of some of the earlier residents of the area.
An extended social hour …
Social hour
… at the Orokonui Sanctuary ended a very happy day. – Judy
3. 3/2/2010. Both. Long Beach. Easy. Leaders: Bruce and Marjorie.
We have become accustomed to Bruce and Marjorie’s careful planning on any tramps they lead. First stop then, an information panel stop.
Bruce in full flight. (Bob pic and caption)
Then a walk to the large cave at the north end of the beach for morning tea.
The sea dragon contemplates its meal ?!? (Bob pic and caption)
Returning south a little way to smaller cave, Bruce told us the firm volcanic rocks here and and further south provided 166 different climbs. He encouraged us to detect various bolt points to assist climbers. Fred, who had had a crib here, pointed out the remains of a rusted ladder people once climbed as part of a short cut across to Purakaunui. Through a macrocarpa forest en route back to the cars we discovered unexploded paint balls left over from fights carried out here. Back near the cars Bruce further explained our next destination would be our lunch spot.
A natural park bench ? (Ian pic. Bob caption)
Bruce about to launch. (Bob pic and caption).
We followed off the road a winding path through recently planted natives to a pine plantation where we lunched. We came out another way back to the road past a memorial gate.
Gate sign. Bill, Fred, Bruce, Peter
Further south again to the end of the beach and more volcanic rock, clearly showing its hexangonal basaltic formation.
Joyce, the sea tulip!! (Bob pic and caption)
Back to the road and round behind some houses with Fred pointing out his former house and those of several others.
Margaret recalling the house she used to live in when it was at Henley(!) (Bob pic and caption) New roofing iron clearly revealed it had been cut in half for transportation and reassembled on site.
Thanks Bruce and Marjorie for not disappointing us. A most informative and enjoyable day out. – Ian
2. 18/7/2007. Hikers. Long Beach. Easy+. Leaders: Barbara and Arthur.
1. 1/12/2004. Hikers. Long Beach. Leaders: Bev H, Bev M
12 clean and dry trampers arrived with poles and putties at Double Hill carpark(after leaving a car at Evansdale) at 10am ready for this downhill track to Evansdale Glen. Due to a shower we swapped a layer for a jacket.
We headed off descending through the manuka with views over the gully down to the dam. (This dark dam along with remaining pipeline was the water supply to the Seacliff Mental Hospital).
Black Gully Dam – Photo Gordon
After the visit to the dam, creek crossings started along this rather rugged, muddy slippery track to a sheltered spot for smoko at 10:30am.
Jill doing balancing act at morning tea – Photo – Gordon
By memory the muddy patches were worse than previous trips, which caused the odd member to slip and have a closer look at the mud!
However, it was great to be amongst such lovely healthy native bush, particularly the fushia and ferns.
We continued crossing Carey’s creek and walking up the creek bed a couple of times for about 50 metres, often negotiating slippery rocks and mud glorious mud! Our leader managed to find an umbrella of branches at 12:30 for a half hour lunch break.
With the majority of crossings over, the track levelled out and soon we were walking through a grass verged track admiring the lime green willow leaves to the glen. Careys Creek crossings were counted by 2 members, both arriving at 22.
Could have been 23, but we walked over the foot bridge at the end.
After arriving at the glen, drivers raced off ahead to pick up cars and drive us to Blue Skin Nursery cafe for our coffee and cake fix.
As always, we all enjoyed the day. For 8 of the group it was their 1st time on this track with our club. We needed jackets on, lucky though, no wind and little rain, mainly drips from the trees. Must admit the putties, pack and jacket were very muddy and took some scrubbing. However, the boots were clean.
In Anthony Hamel’s book, he quoted—“This is a rugged and remote area and the track can fall into disrepair. In 2006 The Green Hut Track Group did many hours of work on this track”. Once again it is very pleasing to see they have been back on the job and apart from muddy patches today, the track is in very good condition(with new steps dug in a couple of places). Thanks for your great effort.
No. 111 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Bus Trip. Walk Millers Flat to Beaumont”
5. 2/10/2019. Both. Bus Trip. Millers Flat/Horseshoe Bend – Beaumont. Rail Trail-Road/ORC Millennium Track-Road. M. Eleanore and Bob.
On a chilly spring morning, 45 members assembled at 8:15 a.m. eager to board bus and head Central for a walk along the Clutha Gold Trail.
We arrived at the Island Block entry at 10:10 a.m., luckily to a convenient hay barn where we had smoko.
Is this a farm machinery sale? (morning tea out of the hail). (Phi K. pic and caption.)
This was followed by a show of hands to see who was keen to layer up and head off in a shower of rain—17 accepted the offer to hike 3km round the hill track …
Starting off in a downpour. (Clive pic and caption.)10 minutes later sunshine. (Clive pic and caption.)
… to the Horseshoe bend swing bridge crossing the Clutha …
Horseshoe bend bridge. (Clive pic and caption.)
… to meet up with the rest of the group.
Meanwhile, we travelled to Millers Flat, crossing the Clutha and turned right heading back down the rather narrow gravel road (managed to meet a twin cab and trailer coming our way, he backed off and let us through). We passed the Lonely Grave site, then soon after arrived at Horseshoe Bend. Car Park was probably not designed as a bus turn, however, Wayne successfully manoeuvred his bus turn.
The majority got off in sunshine
Some of the hardy lot heading to the swing bridge. (Gordon pic and caption.)
to head along the trail. Looking back we spotted the first group hot on our heels.
(John G pic.)
The Ramblers were happy to enjoy the bus trip back to Beaumont where some intended to hike along from the bridge and back. I also heard a whisper on the bus, some were happy to try out lunch at the hotel.
We stopped for lunch
Where/when are we stopping for lunch? (Gordon pic and caption.)
by a little old shed and cattle stop at 12:15 p.m. for half an hour firstly in sunshine,
Very handy lunch stop. (Gordon pic and caption.)
followed by another shower (Lots sheltered in the shed).
Lunch – no one wanted to eat inside this hut until the hail started. (Clive pic and caption.)
We all set off
Preparing to move out. (Gordon pic and caption.)
enjoying looking at fresh bright willow leaves, healthy Hereford cows,
Some interested spectators. (Gordon pic and caption.)
the mighty Clutha,
A very full river not far from journeys end. (Gordon pic and caption.)
blossom
Cherry blossom hike. (Clive pic and caption.)
and particularly the easy grade of the track.
We arrived back to the bus …
We made it. (Eneanore pic and caption.)
… at 3.00 p.m. after a 14km (17km) trot along the trail.
Afternoon tea was pre arranged at the hotel for $10. We were greeted with very friendly staff and a great spread, including scones with jam and cream! YUM. We thanked them and they thanked us for the business. Was great to observe how happy everyone was enjoying catching up with each other. Particularly, with Judy Knox, who was on her last outing before moving to Townsville. I am sure you will come back and visit us Judy. We sure will miss you!!
We arrived home about 5:15 p.m. after a great day out. Thanks to the Club for subsidising the bus.
Eleanore and Bob.
MINUTES OF THE 30th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE TAIERI RECREATIONAL TRAMPING CLUB HELD AT THE MCKERROW LOUNGE, MOSGIEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ON THURSDAY, 22 AUGUST 2019 AT 1.30 PM
PRESENT: J Dodd (Chair), P & W Bathgate, D Bennett, J Butcher, C Crossman, P Davie, J Devlin, G Farquharson, B & J Finnie, I Fleming, J Gardiner, P Gillespie, G Grant, A Griffin, B Harvey, L Harvey, A Heenan, C Hughes, P & R Keene, J Knox, L Gowans, W & P McLean, D Mellish, A Miller, B Mitchell, D Moir, H Morris, S Munro, J Reid, D Roberts, E Ryan, N & M Simpson, L & M Smith, B & M Spittle, T & D Stratton, T White, G Williams, B & J Wright, J Yardley
15. 18/9/2019. Hikers. Akatore Area. Leaders Bob Mitchell Kathryn Fagg
On another lovely spring day we left Peter Johnstone carpark and met with Bob who had organised the hike at the cattle yards on his son Braden’s Farm at Akatore. 18 hikers walked up the road and stopped for morning tea on the roadside where the views were great. We then walked through farm land and down to the beach where we had lunch. Then on through a bit of water
(Jan B. pic.) One of her own, sent when she noticed no one else had sent one.
… and followed the creek around …
(Jan B. pic.) One of her own, sent when she noticed no one else had sent one.
… up to the road.
(Jan B. pic.) One of her own, sent when she noticed no one else had sent one.
We then had a nice climb up the road until we arrived back at the cattle yards. It was an 8.5 k walk with roads, farmland, beach, water and a nice climb and then we finished off at the Brighton Cafe. – Kathryn.
14. 15/3/2017. Hikers. Akatore Farm, Stream and Beach. H. Leaders: Bob and Lesley.
Route Map, courtesy Clive. Cars parked up from lunch spot. Distance walked: about 8.5 km.
Bob lead 24 Hikers down the road to the bridge over the Akatore River,where we sat in the sun for morning tea.
Morning tea across the Akatore Bridge in the sun. (Ian pic and caption.)
The tide was low enabling us to walk along the estuary,to the coast.This included a few moments of rock hugging,with many helping hands to get around a bluff.
Rock hopping and climbing. (Clive pic and caption.)
A few people declined and returned to the road,to be picked up by Braden,Bob son,on his farm “mule”and some rejoined the group.
Akatore Creek mouth. (Clive pic and caption.)
It was a clear,sunny day,with little wind and the journey along farm tracks,above the rocks,was good hiking.We lunched and explored at a private beach, …
Kevin emerging from a cave on the beach at the lunch stop. (Ian pic and caption.)
… then climbed the hill back to the cars,completing about 9km.
It’s all uphill after lunch. (Clive pic and caption.)
It was a different route on a favourite area,enjoyed by all, with coffee at Wals. – Lesley.
13. 5/10/2016. Trampers. Akatore Farm and Beach. E. Leader: Arthur H.
The windscreen wipers worked away as the bus took us for our tramps, the Hikers being dropped off first to walk the Millennium Track from the Henley end.
The Trampers were taken to Taieri Mouth, and then down the Akatore Road to the Taieri Beach Road, where we dismounted.
It was right on 10 o’clock, so morning tea was attended to as the first priority. A convenient ledge sheltered us from the cool breeze and light rain.
We walked down a long paddock to reach the sea. The paddock being recently cultivated was quite sticky from the rain. Our boots grew in size somewhat.
It was quite a relief to reach a lovely sandy beach, with the tide well out.
Down on beach copy. (Helen pic and caption.)
Turning right, we headed south, aiming for the mouth of Akatore Creek. The light rain was easing off slowly and after a while desisted altogether.
Along the beach, then it was up in the paddocks briefly to avoid a difficult patch of rocks.
It was most pleasant following the coastline. Interesting rocks, some small sandy beaches and sandy patches interrupted the mostly rock.
Lovely beach. Helen pic and caption.)
Quite a lot of bird life was evident – lots of seagulls of course, oyster-catchers, pied stilts, a pair of terns overhead, and paradise ducks out in the paddock.
After inspecting an interesting cave, we had to climb up to the paddocks for a little. Descending again, we had a nice grassy strip of grass to follow, above the rocks.
We came to the Akatore Creek mouth at 12 noon. It was almost low tide, and with a considerable flow of water exiting the creek.
Lunch was partaken of in the shelter of a steep bank, with some lovely yellow flowers about The breeze was quite light, but cool.
Lunch spot at Akatore Creek. (Helen pic and caption.)
The next leg of our journey wass uphill through the farm paddocks. A large mob of very friendly dairy heifers followed us along the fenceline as far as they could.
At the top of the hill we devoured a little to the left to get a good view looking down onto the Akatore estuary and environs.
Road and tidal area. (Helen pic and caption.)
Out onto the road, we followed it for two kilometres to arrive back at our starting point at 1.35 p.m.
A little early for the bus, we walked the road to Taieri Mouth. Downhill was easy. A very friendly pet lamb wanted to join our group after escaping from his paddock. But we had to be firm! Near the Taieri Beach School is an animal park (closed) where we glimpsed various species, including alpacas, geese, deer and ostriches(?).
We kept walking along the road, not so enjoyable but many interesting houses and backyards could be viewed in Taieri Mouth. Eventually we came in sight of the bridge over the Taieri River and the bus parked at the southern end of it.
The Trampers came to the bus at 2.45, soon after the Hikers had finished. There had been seven in our group today, our distance travelled: 14.5 km maybe(?) (using a small-scale road map to estimate from) – please come back soon, Margreet!
The bus delivered us all back to Mosgiel, after which may invaded “Wals”, creating mayhem with the tables, but it was a good finish to the day. – Arthur.
12. 23/9/2015. Hikers. Akatore Farm and Beach. E. Leaders: Bob and Leslie.
Twenty-nine of us parked at the farm’s stock yards and walked back north along the road to enter a neighbouring property, go through past the homestead, out into paddocks and down to the coast for morning tea.
A rocky knoll tempted two or three of us to climb it and view the surroundings from there.
On top of knoll. (John pic)View from top of knoll. (Bob pic)
We climbed back out, this time heading south parallel to the coastline through paddocks, some grassed and one being freshly being turned over with a large six-furrow plough. We walked for a while down along beach and rocks …
Down to beachA seaside conversation
… before being obliged by the high tide to return up the the paddocks. Eventually we reached the Akatore mouth. And what a sight. What had formerly been a gentle rock-hugging stream was now a wide mouth of breaking surf from the near side right across to the farther one.
New Akatore mouth 1. (John pic)
New Akatore mouth 2 (John pic)
No beach, or none at this tide level. Bob led us along the outside of a fence upstream just a little to descend a steep back to a new beach where once the stream had flowed. He had provided us with a huge hawser rope tied to the fence and lengthened at its end with a strapping belt stretching right down to the new beach.
New beach. (John pic)
With its aid, we all made our way safely down the cliff-face, …
2nd descent
… each doing so in our own fashion.
We lunched there, finding seating on lumpy dry marram grass, on the new beach of sand that must have been metres deep. What a powerful transformation the high seas had made of the old mouth we had become accustomed to.
New Akatore mouth (See below in 2011 report, click on video of old creek mouth)
After lunch, Bob led us up the true left edge of the stream along an edge made very narrow with an ebbing tide that still had a long way to retreat. At the first point there was no option but to make one’s way around rock still surrounded by shallow water. Never mind. The rest of the way was dry, if pebbled with rocks larger and smaller in places, sandy in others. We made our way then up to the bridge where Bob introduced us to that steep road climb that takes one right up from sea level to the top where the road first turns down. It made for a good workout, giving hikers with their varying energy levels the chance to brave the climb at their own pace. However, beside the rope provision back at the lunch stop, behold there had also been Bob’s ute sitting down at the bridge for any who didn’t relish the prospect of the climb. But bravo, no one took it. And Bob was noble enough to leave it standing there, true to his leadership role, and climb with the rest, with the intention of walking back down later to retrieve it. Noble? Would might even say silly not to enjoy ride back up in triumphant style. Painful certainly, this reporter imagines. It’s a long hill climb to the top. Good on yer, Bob.
(It was too bad the ‘Nike + Running’ app fell over in a big way and has had to be re-down-loaded, – so no GPS record this time). This was a most interesting tramp, a replacement for the original one that had to be abandoned due to lambing. We all enjoyed the experience of a route the club had not done before, now made possible by the mighty changes the ocean had wrought on the Akatore’s mouth, and exploited by Bob. So thank you Bob (and sister Leslie!) for the planning and the advance provision of rope and ute. Great leadership! – Ian.
11. 26/11/2014. Hikers. Akatore Farm and Beach. E. Leaders: Leslie and Bev.
GPS of routeCuppa. (John pic)Lunch panorama. (John pic)Comfortable? (John pic)Paradise Duck Chicks in pond.
10. 26/6/2013. Trampers. Livingstonia Park to Akatore. Beach Walk.
On a day that could’ve turned to rain, [according to the forecast] 8 trampers turned up for the walk from Taieri Mouth to Akatore. This is a challenging walk over the beach rocky outcrops, with some easier sandy sections for good measure. In some places it is safer to take to the farm paddocks to bypass some deep splits in the rocks. We had morning tea at the carpark before leaving, as it was already 10am, then headed off down the beach. We reached the river mouth at about 12:30, & went in search of a sheltered spot to have lunch, as a bit of a wind had come up, making it a little unpleasant.
Lunch at Akatore River mouth. Pic has Pat obscured behind Eric. (Ken pic and caption)
We then retraced our steps, with two of the group deciding that the farm paddocks offered a better route back again. The rest of us did some beach, & some farm walk back to the cars, which took a bit longer than the outward trip due to tiredness creeping in. We arrived back at the carpark at about 4pm. (13.9km, 3hrs 44min, moving ave 3.7km/h.) – Ken
9. 8/2/2012. Hikers. Akatore farm walk. Akatore Rd about 5 kms from Taieri Mouth. Leaders: Bev, Chris.
8. 30/11/2011. Trampers. Taieri Mouth Livingstonia Park to Akatore. Beach walk.
Welcome smooth sand ahead after extensive rock hopping …
Five Paradise duck-lings in a farm pond. Couldn’t detect the sixth.
7. 15/4/2009 Trampers. Taieri Mouth Livingstonia Park to Akatore. Beach walk. Leader: Ria.
12 of us made the trip. A bit of a struggle for one or two but we all got there. Here George poses as an Indian shaman(?) in front of a cave.
click to enlarge
George
There were places where we had to clamber up to the paddocks before descending to the rocks again.
Bank climb Ian, Shaleen, George
This was a very narrow squeeze.
The narrowest squeeze. Wendy at back
The trip was well-timed, with low tide after 1.00 p.m. so there was room for plenty of rock work clambering …
Difficult descent. Pat, Ken, Joyce, Bill, Shaleen (in mid-flight), George, Doug
and beach sand. This is where we stopped for a pleasant cuppa.
Tea break. Lex, Ria, Bill, Pat, Wendy, George, Bob.
Five lunched down at the Akatore mouth, the rest content to dine in the paddock above.
Pat, George, Bill, Doug
The five “down at the mouth” are just visible from the paddock.
Akatore mouth from paddock. Ken, Shaleen, Doug, George and Ian at rear.
Here is just one of the ponds as we made our return, this time largely over paddocks.
Paddock walk return. Doug, Ian, Bill
Careful rock clambering challenged some, and for others the distance was a bit of a stretch. But it was another successful day with the weather remaining kind. – Ian
6. 6/2/2008 Taieri Mouth Livingstonia Park to Akatore Beach walk. Trampers. Leaders: Ria, Hazel.
Lunch stop at Akatore Stream mouth. Leonie, Keith H, Tash, Lex
Tramp Report for Wednesday February 6th 2008
A beautiful day greeted 16 trampers as we met at Livingstonia Park for the start of our walk from Taieri Beach to Akatore. Our leaders were Ria Lippers and Hazel Leslie who had done 2 recces to make sure they had it all under control as it was the first time the Taieri tramping club had done this walk.
Tea Break. Doug M, George, Keith, Glenice, Joyce, Pat, Bill, Ria
Tea Break. Carol, Tash, Keith H, Lex
It turned out to be quite an adventure as we scrambled up and down rocks between the lovely bays that stretched all the way along this stunning Otago coastline. The tide was at a tantalising level as the more adventurous felt it was possible to get round, while our leaders took the more secure upper route along the cliff top. It was great to have the choice. We had lunch where the Akatore River reaches the sea, an enchanting spot with crystal clear water and white sand. George had a paddle in the water and we all relaxed in the sun. The tide was coming in, so most of the way back was along the top grassy pathway, but we did manage to go along some of the wider beach areas. As we descended the rope walkway back down to Taieri Beach we were so surprised to see so many people sunbathing and swimming, all taking advantage of the amazing Waitangi Day weather. Carol and I couldn’t resist a quick paddle before returning to the cars where everyone was waiting for us !! – Tash
Beautiful day for a beach walk when 12 hikers parked their cars at Knarston Park. The tide was out so we were able to walk south along the beach for quite some way before having to go up a rope walk to the grass area above beach to get past an outcrop of rocks. Then back down onto beach and time to sit and relax with our morning tea. Such a lovely day and so clear, the views were great and sea bird life interesting. On down the beach until we came to another outcrop on rocks that for us, was impassable and we couldn’t find a place suitable for us to climb up to top. So we decided that although it was a bit early we would have our lunch and sit a bit longer than usual, just soaking up the scenery and views. Watched the tide gradually coming higher up a little inlet, examined some interesting seaweed and heard about some of the bird life from our expert, Lesley G. 12 happy hikers wandered back to cars along the beach mostly and all agreed we’d had a very relaxed and pleasant day.- Bev.
4. 26/2/1997 Akatore South Side. Leaders: Jack M, Hugh, Mary L. 3. 7/8/1996 Akatore Farm Walk. Average. Leaders: Jack M, Jean A, Ria H 2. 9/2/1994. Akatore. Medium. Leaders: Jack M, Eleanor, Judy & Rob 1. 30/1/1991 Akatore Forest Walks. Leaders:
No. 35 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Berwick Forest. G Such. Wenita. Nov-April. Year round”
Location: Old Wool Shed: 30 km.
Location: Lodge: 33 km.
click to enlarge
40. 11/9/2019. Trampers, Waipori Forest, Meggetburn. Leaders: Alan and Kerry
22 Trampers set off down to Berwick and left a car at the Government Track car park.5 cars then carried on to the start of the track, by the road, into the Berwick Forest Lodge.
A steady walk up through native bush and forest
1st obstacle. (Gordon pic and caption.)Heading to Morning tea break. (Gordon pic and caption.)
to a welcome morning tea stop.
Morning tea. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Then down hill to the Meggatburn Stream which had quite a waterflow, so it was difficult to cross without getting wet feet.
2nd obstacle– Some wet feet. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Then up we climbed to Shaws Road. The track had been clipped back to allow for easier access. Therefore the track was easy to follow.
Regroup on way to top. (Gordon pic and caption.)
The day started well weather wise but with showers pending,
Heading down to Waipori Gorge for lunch. (Gordon pic and caption.)
we quickly carried on
A couple of budding models on the stone seat. (Gordon pic and caption.)
to a hut for our lunch, near the old Waipori picnic ground which is no more.
Walking out after lunch, we crossed the bridge on the Waipori River
Next stop Wobbly Goat. (Gordon pic and caption.)
and walked down to where the car was parked.Then 5 drivers returned to the rest of the group to collect trampers. Followed by a coffee session at the Wobbly Goat. – Kerry.
39. 12/12/2018. All. End of year. Pot luck meal at Berwick Lodge. Leaders: Peter, Wendy and Dave.
Route map, courtesy Ian. Trampers and most Hikers were led from the Lodge by Dave and Keith along Hook Road, up, up, up Farm Road, left along Old Boundary Road and down, up and back down again along a track through broom, gorse and trees to the Old Wool Shed site on Hook road, and back along it to the Lodge again. Peter led the Ramblers on a shorter walk.Young at Heart – Judy!!! (Dave pic and caption.)
A number of former club members turned up to a well-provisioned finger food meal at mid-day, and bowser a well covered trestle table of books, sale proceeds to go to the new Mosgiel swimming pool. Over 40 of us leisurely ate and talked till President Jill took over. She introduced Bruce who had composed a 4-stanza song to the tune of “The Old Grey Mare, and after lyric sheets were handed out, led hearty singing of it.
Thanks to excellent preparation, Jill had a briefed a number of us to give 2-minute accounts of private trips, local and overseas. These were many and varied. A good ending to the year, at a venue many of us hadn’t visited before. – Ian.
There were 14 keen Trampers out today for a walk in the forest – one member of the group used the word “intrepid” in describing us.
It must be a few years since our Club has tramped this track? Anyway, the cars parked at the usual spot by the old woolshed on the road into the “Berwick Forest Lodge”.
It was noticed that the toilet facilities by the carpark were absent, as about a month ago some “empty head” had burned it down!
There was a brief paddock walk in the sunshine (sunny all day) before crossing the footbridge over Boundary Creek, to the beginning of the track up into the pine trees. After about 150 yards we came to 6 large trees down over the track, which were successful negotiated by going under, over, or around.
Smoko was taken in a sunny trackside spot, at the appropriate time.
Gathering on way up. (Helen pic and caption.)
Continuing uphill we soon came to and crossed a Forestry Road (Prentice Road). Now descending slowly we eventually came to the Meggat Burn, which was crossed without mishap using a variety of techniques. Electing to just plough through, not worrying about wet feet, and some crossed on the shallowest part of the rock ledge where it was maybe only 3 inches deep. The burn was only slightly up after all of the rain a few days ago.
(Margreet pic.)
While the track was muddy in many places, it was surprisingly good after the quantity of rain that had fallen. Further up there was vegetation, especially gorse, beginning to encroach but not impeding our progress.
The track came out onto a forestry road, Tobermory Road; and in 10 minutes more we reached Shaw Road before 12 noon. Down Shaw Road for a few minutes took us to our lunch spot in a sunny area under the Pole Line that parallels Shaw Road. There was a limited view down on to the Taieri from here, with Hope Hill in the background. We could even see the sea.
Lunch spot. (Helen pic and caption.)
The sunshine was most enjoyable, ideal for lying back forma little nap after eating – one tramper having to be roused to begin the return journey!
Our return followed the same route, some care being necessary descending a slippery clay section before arriving back at the Meggat Burn. All crossed in safety again although a piece of equipment may have been lost?
It was uphill for a little while, and then it was down all the way. It was very noticeable that the leaders were in a hurry to get home (I was at the back of the group here), and not wasting any time – probably they could detect the aroma coming from the coffee shop? But it was just their imagination!
We were back in the lovely sunshine at the cars by 2.30 pm, having tramped 13.5 km for the day’s effort.
The Leader was most gratified to hear that all of the party had thoroughly enjoyed the day’s walk (and talk). Considerable birtdsong was heard in the forest.
As per the usual custom, a stop was made in Outram for refreshments and discussion. And then back to Mosgiel, and then home for boot cleaning duty. – Art.
37. 15/12/2010. All. End of year. Lodge, Farm Rd, East Boundary, Old Wool Shed, Lodge. Pot luck meal at Berwick Lodge. Leaders: Peter and Wendy.
For some of us, accustomed to entering Berwick Forest along Terrace Range Rd by the Old Woolshed at the old HQ site, it was a new experience to travel further along the Berwick Road to enter the forest by the sign-posted Webbs Rd and then down Farm Rd, turning left onto Boundary Creek Road to arrive at the Lodge.
The walk took us back up Farm Road.We stopped for tea break at its crest where it crossed East Boundary Rd and continues to Webbs Road.
GPS of route courtesy Ken
From here we had a good view across to Waipori Lake.
View of Lake Waipori
Almost immediately off Webbs Rd, Peter and Wendy led us along a forestry track paralleling the E Boundary Rd (which you can see on the left of our GPSed route) through Douglas Firs…
Through Douglas Firs
…and blackberry brambles in the more open areas.
Brambles
Interesting foot bridge
The track ended where at a log-loading site we joined up with the East Boundary Road. Turning right, were almost immediately at the two-storey lookout, with its lovely view of the Sinclair Wetlands.
The Lookout on E. Boundary Road.
Boundary Road eventually wound its way around to Terrace Range Rd near the old HQ site by the Old Woolshed.
Further on it was left off Terrace Range Rd onto Boundary Creek Rd, (passing Farm Rd on our left, thereby completing the loop,) and so back to the Lodge for lunch. Good planned timing, Peter and Wendy!
Lunch inside
Peter reported that the tramp was 6kms long and 19 happy trampers took part, with one or two others joining us for lunch and a singsong with Bruce and his guitar.
Bruce leading the singing.
Peter, as Past President, gave a speech on behalf of President Bill who unfortunately could not attend due to ill health, and wished us well for the Christmas season. – Ian
36. 8/9/2010. Hikers. Berwick Forest from Old Woolshed. Leaders: Bob and Evelyn.
35. 13/5/2009 Both. Berwick Forest from old Woolshed. Pink Route. Terrace Range, Shetland Saddle Ridge, Market, East Boundary Medium. Leaders: Ian, Ken.
Well, an unusual start to the day. For a wet morning, but promising to clear up later in the day, 10, mostly Hikers, turned up at the carpark and after much discussion forewent the programmed Cleghorn Street-Signal Hill walk, and settled on a Berwick Forest road-walk, because ground everywhere was SO WET. And again, despite a longer walk than usual, it proved that Hikers can do anything, given time-out on the hills.
click to enlarge
Lunch. Ken & Neil stading. Peter & Bev sitting.
We endured one or two showers initially, giving way to cloud and latterly even to sunshine.
Down Shetland-Saddle Ridge. Peter & Neil at back. Bev at front.
It was instructive to witness extensive flooding everywhere and how waterways cope; also the transformations brought about by forest harvesting and re-growth that had taken place over the 10 years since the club last visited the area. Views of the Sinclair Wetlands rewarded the last stages of the day and we got back to the cars just after 3.00 p.m., tired, a bit sore, but triumphant. – Ian.
34. 31/10/2007 Shaw Road?
Although once again, weather report not so good and some cloud hanging around, we left the car park at 9am as usual for our hike in Waipori – Berwick Forest area with high hopes of a good day out. We parked by the side of the road and set off walking along the road then across farm land and up a fairly steep hill.
Morning Tea
Took our time and stopped frequently to admire the view which got more interesting and expansive the higher we got.
Certainly well worth the effort. Had views over Taieri, down to Waihola and over the Wetlands, as well as the hills and valleys round that area. We really enjoyed our morning tea break after our hard slog up the hill. From then on it was fairly easy, pleasant going along forestry roads and through the trees. Found a nice sheltered spot in the sun for our lunch and sat and made the most of the break and rest before returning to the cars the same way we had come. Day turned out to be a good one for hiking. Not too hot at first but warmed up considerably by the time we were on our way back. Another happy day for hikers. Bev.
32. 12/9/2007. Trampers. Berwick Forest from Old Woolshed. Medium. Leaders: Doug J, Tom
31. 7/6/2006. Old Woolshed to Shaw Road, return. Leaders: Bob H and Arthur H.
30. 7/6/2006. Both. Berwick Forest Lodge. Leaders (Medium): Bob H, Arthur H, (Easy): Margaret D, Val.
29. 14/12/2005. End of Year. All. Berwick Hall. Bring a plate. Leaders: Lance and Lois, Lesley S.
28. 26/5/2004. Old woolshed at Berwick to Waipori Return. H.Started from the old woolshed, through the forest, Meggat Burn to Shaw Road, and down the track to the picnic ground near the Waipori River Bridge to have lunch there. Returned the same way. It must have been a long, tough tramp to do that. (Recalled by Art.)
27. 18/12/2002. End of Year. All. Berwick Forest Pre-Christmas Tramp. Finger food lunch and flasks, wet or fine. Leaders: Bill H, Lesley S, Wendy J.
26. 19/12/2001. End of Year. Combined. Berwick Forest. Pre Xmas Tramp. Finger food lunch and flasks. Leaders: Graham, Bill H, Wendy J.
25. 13/12/2000. Berwick Forest – Pre-Xmas Tramp. Finger food lunch and flasks. Leaders: Margaret and Les, Bev H.
23. 16/2/2000. Berwick Forest Circuit. Leaders: Barbara McC, Mary L, Sabina.
22. 15/12/1999. Pre-Christmas tramp and lunch. Berwick Forest. Wet or Fine. Finger Food and Flasks. Leaers: Margaret and Les, Colleen.
21. 12/5/1999 Old Wool Shed. Green Route. Half track, half road. East Boundary, Hook, Halfway, Prentice, Oban, Ret. Leaders: Claude, Lex, Molly.
20. 3/2/1999. The Circle at Berwick Forest. Leaders: Jack R, Pat, Hazel.
19. 19/8/1998. Berwick Forest Tramp. Leaders: Les W, Eleanor.
18. 13/5/1998. Berwick, Shaws Hill, Hayes Woolshed. Leaders: Bill H, Lesley S.
17. 17/6/1998. Old Wool Shed. Pink Route. East Boundary, Market, Shetland Saddle Ridge, Terrace Range, Ret. Leaders: Graham, Claude.
16. 30/7/1997. Old Wool Shed. Pink Route. East Boundary, Market, Shetland Saddle Ridge, Terrace Range (Part), Halfway (part), Bishop, Longspur, Terrace Range (part), ret. Leaders: Graham, Claude, Les W.
15. 19/3/1997 Waipori Gorge to the Megget Burn stream, Berwick. Leaders: Molly, Diana and Ray
14. 12/2/1997. Woolshed Shaws Hill and return. Leaders: Colleen, Ted, Sabina.
13. 13/7/1994Berwick Forest Woolshed to Waipori and return.Leaders: Molly, Dot T, Graham, Frank
12. 31/3/1993. Berwick Forest. Medium. Leaders: Jack R, Barbara McC, Mervyn, Doreen.
11. 17/6/1992. Berwick Forest walk. Average. Leaders: Mary Y, Nola, Doreen, Mary McG
10. 25/9/1991 Berwick Forest and Native Reserve. Average. Leaders: Dot B, Jean Y, Denise
9. 10/7/1991 Berwick Forest Woolshed to Waipori. A good winter tramp. Average. Leaders: Eric & Dot, Ray, Joyce I, Catherine T
8. 11/10/1989. Berwick – Shaw’s Hill Road. Easy. Leaders: Joyce I, Joan A, Norman.
7. 6/9/1989 Berwick Forest. Average. Youth Camp to Native Reserve. Leaders: Ria L, Peg C, Peggy A
6. 7/6/1989. Berwick Forest from Forest Headquarters. Sheltered pine walk. Leaders: June W, Ria, Peggy, Peg
5. 14/5/1989 Waipori Gorge to Meggetburn stream, Berwick. Bush and Pine walk. Leaders: Daphne, Helen W, Mavis
4. 3/2/1989. Berwick Forest – The Upper Circle. Incorporates the Otago Youth Adventure Trust training track. Leaders: Jack, Pat, Hazel.
3. 21/9/1988 Berwick Forest from Old Woolshed to Boundary Creek and O.Y.A.T.I. camp. Leaders; Kees and Ria, Doreen.
2. 22/6/1988 Berwick Forest from the Woolshed. Back early for barbecue. Leaders: Dave and Jean
1. 13/4/1988. Berwick Forest from Shaw Hill Road. Leaders: Hugh, Jean Y.
3. 4/9/2019. All. Hightop, Semple Road, Green Hut track loop.
New meeting place. (Judy K pic and caption.)
Trampers. M. Leaders: Arthur and Gordon. M.
Route map highlighted, courtesy Arthur.
A new tramp. Parking on Semple Road, 16 Trampers followed the old, original track in to the Silver Peaks to begin a circuit of Hightop. Quite muddy at first, the old track hadn’t been cleared for many moons, but was well defined.
Mud-glorious mud. (Gordon pic and caption.)Heading to renddezous with hikers for morning tea. (Gordon pic and caption.)
We caught up with the Hikers at Sleepy Hollow for smoko together. It was a combined day, but they were heading for Green Hut.
Bit damp to sit down for smoko. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Fifteen minutes took our group back to the Swampy Ridge Track, which we followed through the muddy patches, made worse by wild cattle in the area over winter. And then on a good track, climbing now.
Nearly there 6th. Gordon pic and caption.)
The day had been sunny to start, but by 11 a.m. the north-east wind was bringing in cloud on upper Swampy.
In cloud, and with a cold wind, lunch was taken in the shelter of the Airways building at the north end of Swampy top.
Lunch; but mainly sheltered. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Faint mutterings about mud and hills were heard, but dismissed as inconsequential bay the leader. A kind offer to describe the views from there was declined!
We started off into the cold wind on the return journey, but it was downhill and were soon into the shelter.
Heading back down from Swampy. (Eleanore pic and caption.)
Going downhill all hopped and skipped merrily through the mud,
Muddy patches. (Eleanore pic and caption.)Muddy patches. (Eleaanore pic and caption.)
to arrive back at the junction to Sleepy Hollow for a group photo.
The HAPPY tramping group. (Gordon pic and caption.)
The last leg of the circuit about Hightop took us, on a lovely piece of track, back to our cars. The cloud had lowered. 12 km, or little more, for our day’s adventure was good.
Thanks to all, especially Phil and Gordon for doing the recce of Hightop with me.
A refreshment stop was made at Blueskin Nurseries on the way home.
Home to clean our boots! – Art.
Hikers. Semple Road to Green hut. Leaders: Clive and Alex.
After conducting a recce of the track to Hightop this Hiker deemed it too boggy for the hikers and lead a recreational hike from Semple Road to the old Green Hut site.
22 hikers set off in good hiking conditions of around 13 degrees and sheltered from any wind by high kanuka trees.
setting off from Semple Road. (Clive pic and caption.)
We met up with the trampers at sleepy hollow for a shared morning tea
Tthe combined hikers and trampers at morning tea. (Clive pic and caption.)
and the more intrepid trampers then set off for swampy’s and we set off for green hut. A couple of the climbs had several hikers blowing hard at the top (Leader included), but the underfoot was good with evidence of recent clearing and maintenance by the ‘Green Hut track group’ (see ‘Keeping up with the Green Hut Track Group’). By midday we arrived at the site of the old green hut and enjoyed a sociable half an hour over lunch.
Lunch at Green Hut. (Clive pic and caption.)Great view across the forest and bush. (Clive pic and caption.)
The more downhill return to Semple Road meant we were back in the cars by 2pm and at Blueskin Nursery Cafe shortly after. The trampers were not that far behind. – Clive.
Ramblers. Semple/Mountain Roads. E. Leaders: Mutual.
Seven of us contented ourselves with a road trip, going on a good bit further beyond the locked gate to lunch in sunshine – turned cloudy and windy – turned cold, before returning back to await the Hikers’ return. Did something like 4 km. All good company and chatter. (Interesting point to note: sign posts have extended Semple Road quite a bit beyond the Green Hut parking spot to where it eventually turns into Mountain Road.) – Ian.
Then, a recce, before we go any further. Ian wasn’t a likely starter because of problems at home, so Judy recruited Bev, but in the event Ian was able to come, but the recce had to be fitted in at the last moment.
We entered in at the Mountain Road entrance and made our way up to the first junction with the top track on the map that runs roughly parallel to Semple/Mountain Road. Only a short way in and solid gorse blocked the track. But a short loop down to the left and back up again recovered the track, much more open. Up and over the top to the fence line and here our troubles started. Snow fellings of the scrubby manuka from that heavy winter snow-fall plus the gorse made for much ‘bush-bashing’. Still hopeful of getting to the next junction we pushed on. But no. Time was passing, so back out again and on to the Sleepy Hollow junction.
This was well-cleared, but we had lost quite some time by now. We lunched on the way and nursed our gorse-pricked legs.
Gorse-ravaged legs.
We pushed on to the Swampy Track junction, also well-cleared, where a majority decision was taken to turn back, with the Swampy route to be the one taken. So we didn’t explore the less inviting Hightop one to the left. Time was running out.
Now to the tramp. All went well till we came to the Swampy Track junction. Ian had still wished to have at least a wee look at the Hightop track to the left, so general consent was given and he and several others set off on it, only to find it was nicely cleared and seductively inviting over a clear rise. So much so, that he phoned back to Judy an invitation for the remainder to follow. But several didn’t wish to come, asserting the Swampy track was the one that had been planned. On the other hand, Ian and the others with him were so reluctant to give in that a grudging assent from the nay-sayers was won and the two groups were reunited. The cleared track led us out onto Semple Road but we could find no sign of the emergence of the bush-bashed track anywhere.
Anyway, we lunched back up at the DoC sign indicating Silver Peaks Conservation Area that we had passed earlier before retracing our steps back to the cars. But Ian still doubtless remains unforgiven for his ‘splitting the group’ and adopting a cavalier ‘Trampers’ attitude. His phone call did put fellow-leaders Judy and Bev, who had both remained behind, in an invidious position.
So, we had made it 3/4 of the way around Hightop but the last side still awaits a good track-clearing day. 21 Hikers out on the day. A good overcast tramping morning, getting quite hot in the afternoon. – Ian.
1. 16/9/1992. Hightop, Swampy. Start Double Hill Road. Average. Leaders: George, Doug M, Penny & Peter
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 becausethey 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 muddyin places.
That was a tricky bit. (Gordon pic and caption.)Careful Don’t slip. (Gordon pic and caption.)
It was pleasant walking along the track adjacent to theold water race. Morning tea was appropriately had along from one of the tunnels.
Putting the world right over morn. Tea. (Gordon pic and caption.)
The Silverstream water race was built between1877 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!
A perfect lunch spot. (Gordon pic and caption.)
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.
Still smilling. Heading to coffee stop. (Gordon pic and caption.)
On reaching our cars, after a few creek crossings,
1st & last obstacle. (Gordon pic and caption.)
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.
Coffee at Blend. (Helen pic and caption.)
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.
The pic is of our lunch stop (Ken pic and caption)
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.
15/4/2015. Trampers. Pumphouse, Tunnels, McRaes
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.
Some of the fallen trees across the track. There is a large Rimu in there somewhere. (Ken pic and caption)
Also, looking very sad is the old Racemans shed.
Racemans Shed (Ken pic and caption)
It has a tree which has fallen right across the top of it, & the roof has completely gone.
Roof gone. (Ken pic)
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.
Lunch at the picnic table.
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.
22 of us made a large group. Great. We had our morning cuppa at the top of the Tunnels track.
Morning Tea in the pines 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.
About to set off after lunch.
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.
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 stopped along Racemans for the morning tea break.
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 back at the top of Tunnels track.
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.
GPS of trip route, courtesy Ken. (Click to see full pic)
21 of us started the Tunnels track just up from the old Schoolhouse and down the track a little were soon admiring a railed bridge over a ditch and a new track complete with steps around the top of a large slip, put in by Neil and his group of track repairers. The track gently climbed to its top point over the race tunnel where we stopped for an early morning tea under pines, resting on their bed of thick pine needles.
Tea break, top of tunnels hill. (Ken pic)
Tea break 2
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.
Steep climb out of McRaes Stream
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.
Lunch at junction McRaes and Racemans. (Ken pic)
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
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.
On the way down Owhiro Stream. (Gordon pic and caption.)
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.
A catchup were the Owhiro Stream enters the Taieri River. (Gordon pic and caption.)the control gate into the ponding area. (Clive pic and caption.)
Morning tea was held beside the Mill stream pump house. The stream flows into the Taieri river. The river was full and very discoloured.
Morning tea Mill Creek. (Clive pic and caption.)
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.
Heading towards South Fork farm. (Gordon pic and caption.)Alan suppyling information on slipway at flood gates. (Gordon pic and caption.)
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.
Lunch back at homestead. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Helen Morris spoke about Doug
Helen speaks 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!
Doug. (Helen pic and caption.)
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.
(Add 100m to kms, as turned GPS on late!) Route: Riverside Rd, School Rd, Taieri Flood bank, Siverstream Flood bank, McKay reserve, paper road.
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 …
Cuppa at Dunedin Model Aero Club site on School Road.
… upon which to enjoy morning tea. One of us preferred …
An alternative hat
… 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 …
Lunch
… 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
Lake Kate
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, …
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.
GPS of route (Courtesy, Ken)
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.
Shutting the stock gate on the flood gate. (Ken pic)
It was time for lunch, so we went down to shelter, sit and eat around a pile of bulldozed willow logs by the confluence.
Lunch1 (Ken pic)
Lunch2 (Ken pic)
Then it was up first one side, then the other of the Silverstream till we reached Gladfield Road and its pedestrian swing-bridge.
Bridge (Ken pic)
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:
Taieri in the winter. Who? Dot, Who? Margaret, Joyce, Lex, Arthur, Who?
A perfect winters day for the 20 hikers who parked their cars at the end of Dukes Rd to enjoy awalk on the roads and farmland on the Taieri Plains. We went along Gladfield Rd to School Rd where we found a spot to sit and have our welcome morning tea break. Off down School Rd for a short distance then on to farm land. Across paddocks, along stop banks, making the most of the beautiful sun and scenery which made this an especially enjoyable day out. Sat and had our lunch in a very pleasant spot amongst trees and near the Silverstream.
A Presidential munch. PeterThe ‘swing’ bridge
Then it was across more paddocks, over a ‘swing’ bridge and back to the cars. Not a hard hike but one everyone enjoyed very much. – Bev
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.)
Turn Rt/SW by drainage ditch, across Taieri. Follow either of following alternatives:
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.
2nd Alt: Hikers. Turn left SE down to Taieri River flood gate. Followed river back along flood bank to Silverstream. Upstream to Riverside Rd and back to cars.
2. 4/7/2007. Both. Dukes Road, Stop Bank. easy. Leaders: George, Bob H, Les & Margaret, Bev H
Permissions from Mt Gowrie Station, Strathview Station, Calder Station.
13. 20/6/2019.Trampers. Deep Stream Pipeline from SH 87. M. Neil M. and Carol.
A fine but cool day dawned for the 10 trampers to depart for the big bend to start the Deep Stream walk to the East. Now just because it’s called a pipeline doesn’t mean it’s flat. Once the water is in the pipe the line goes up and down continually. In fact going by past reports for the distance we walked we climbed over 700 metres.
We left the cars about on the hour of 10.0 and walked up
Throwing our shadows o’er Jack Frost (Phil pic and caption.
to the top of the first hill on the line in about 20 minutes, so a break was called for coffee and smoko.
M:Tea. Great view. (Gordon pic and caption.)
After that, onwards and what do we find but the first big dip.
Quite a bit of uphill. (Gordon pic and caption.)
From where we had coffee/ tea one could see the track in the distance but not all the gullies we have to go through, which could give one the wrong impression of this walk. Although the day was cool, it did warm up as the hours ticked by. We arrived at the high point in the walk about 12.15pm for lunch where we could see back towards Mosgiel and Saddle Hill. A good view all round.
Now the return trip started about 1/4 to one and we arrived back at the road by 3 o’clock. One noticeable thing about the return trip, there wasn’t as muck talk.
Last steep pinch. Gordon pic and caption.)
Maybe some were getting a little tired. Well, we walked about 16 kms and probably climbed more than 700 m so not a bad effort.
At this stage of the day, coffee calls, so we stopped at Clarks Junction Pub – come cafe, to satisfy these cravings before returning to Mosgiel. – Neil and Carol.
12. 22/6/2016. Trampers. Deep Stream Pipeline from SH 87. M. Leader: Neil M.
10 Trampers left Mosgiel at 9.30 am. It was somewhat cloudy with a very gentle breeze but pleasant conditions.
It was 10.10 am when we left the cars and from there an approximate 30 minute tramp before morning tea.
On a few occasions the pipeline and relief flues surfaced …
Pipeline. (Helen pic and caption.)Looks like a bird to me. (Helen pic and caption.)
… whereby Peter gave us a lesson about hydraulics (water pressure and air bubbles) before disappearing again …
Pipeline and some nice rocks. (Helen pic and caption.)
to wend its way …
Track. Very deceiving as no flat. (Helen pic and caption.)
… through stunning country of craggy rocks, sheep pastures, Deep Stream/Creek and even a lone, healthy hebe.
The many ‘ups’ were balanced out by ‘downs’ and that led us to a 12.30 pm lunch stop …
Group at lunch time. (Helen pic and caption.)
…from where we looked across to the Rock and Pillars on the west and the Kakanui hills to the north.
At 1.00 pm (after squeezing an extra 5 minutes out of our keen-to-get-going leader) we left the well-placed rock tables and seats and headed back by the same route.
Having walked 15 kms in 4 hours moving time and 720m height rise total, we arrived at the cars at 3.00 pm. Huffs and puffs had subsided at this stage and would shortly be replaced by sips and slurps of coffee! – Carole.
11. 13/5/2015. Trampers. Deepstream/creek pipeline where it crosses Hiway 87.
GPS of Deepstream pipeline – North. Courtesy Ken. Walked 16km; 3h 53m moving; 4.1 km/h; climbed 982mtrs [this is probably the most climbing we have done on a day’s tramp so far]; none of the climbs are very long, there are just so many of them.
For the Wednesday tramp, I changed the location, due to the difficulty of contacting the landowners [possibly 5 or 6] of the properties we needed access to. I don’t know why people have phone numbers, if they can’t answer their phones, or reply to messages left on their answer phone. I don’t think I will be putting the Omimi/slaughterhouse tramp back on the program ever again.
So, we went to the Deepstream/creek pipeline where it crosses Hiway 87, & proceeded to walk along the pipeline track towards Mosgiel. There was no set destination here, so it was just walk as far as we wanted to go, then return back the same way.
As there was a cool breeze blowing, we struggled to find a suitably sheltered spot for morning tea break, but eventually found a gully with not much breeze.
1 Morning tea stop. (Ken pic)
Then we ambled along admiring the view into the river below as we went. We found a very nice spot to have lunch in the sun, & almost completely devoid of wind, so it was a reluctant group that packed up their gear, & headed back out again.
This track has lots of up’s & down’s, so is quite a good workout, but I hope the walk was enjoyed by all. – Ken.
10. 18/7/2012. 8 Trampers. Hindon-Deep Stream Pipeline. Half of full distance. Return. Medium.
GPS of route. We walked 13.8km. GPS records level distance only so probably did close to 14.5 or more up and down. Total height climbed: 660 mtrs. max elevation 447 mtrs. Moving ave. 3.7km/hr Moving time 3hr 46min. – Ken (edited)A large ‘thing’ in the only cutting on the pipeline.Panorama of our lunch spot. Pines of homestead on skyline.
9. 9/7/2008. Trampers. Hindon Pipe Line from Highway 87 to Wallaces Ford Road. Easy+. Leaders: Ian, Ria
Permissions from Mt Gowrie Station, Strathview Station, Calder Station.
The pipeline stretches into the distanceAn interesting feature
A better day couldn’t have been provided. We were in the centre of a strong high pressure system that provided clear, sunny skies, a warm calm, and a quiet peacefulness, broken only by a gaggle of garrulous gulls over Deep Stream and the occasional baaing of sheep, while the remains of the snow from earlier in the week defined the lee edges of gullies against green pastures and brown tussock tops, providing us with a glorious panorama (taking in Maungatua, Silver Peaks, Rock and Pillar, Kakanui ranges). Our route was open and easy to follow and the track was broad and grassy. We had interesting man-made features, ie the Deep Stream pipeline, to accompany us.
And we had 14 companions whose enjoyment of the day we could share.
Six at a gate. George, Evelyn, Bruce, Who?, Hazel, Lex
Bliss. Except, that is, that vigorous debate about the means of ferrying ourselves and cars from start-point drop-off at Deep Stream Bridge on Highway 87 to finish-point collection 15km downstream at Wallaces Ford Road took up quite a bit of the ride. Bruce reminded us of the old puzzle about the ferryman who had to transport a fox, a hen and a sack of corn across the river only one at a time not leaving two together when one would be devoured. (We did solve it.) And except for the fact that we were also on a roller-coaster ride. The benched track we were following that was the access road for the construction of the pipeline looked to be horizontal from a distance, but of course, Deep Stream is appropriately named and its contributories have a similar character. So we sang, “And when they’re up they’re up, and when they’re down they’re down, and when they’re only halfway up, there’s still more up and down!” as we crossed the gullies.
Looking back down at the longest and steepest climb out of a gully
But what a feat the pipeline is, bringing water 60km from Lammerlaws to Dunedin, with siphon after siphon traversing the deeply-incised landscape. So we admired the weather, the landscape, the engineering and our good fortune at being able to appreciate it all! Thanks to Ian and Ria, and to Ken who regrettably missed all but the recce. – Bob
8. 27/6/2007. Trampers. Deep Stream Bridge, Middlemarch Rod, Hindon Pipeline. Medium. Leaders: Arthur and Barbara. 7. 7/8/2002. Combined. Hindon Pipeline. Easy. Leaders: Ria L, Mary L, Joyce. 6. 8/3/2000. Deep Stream Pipe Line. Leaders: Bev H, Colleen, Pat. 5. 15/7/1998. Hindon Pipeline. Leaders: Bob H, Ian 4. 9/11/1995. Trampers. Hindon Pipeline. Medium. Leaders: Ria L, Catherine, Peg C, Judy C. 3. 2/8/1995. Deep Stream Pipeline from Middlemarch Road. Medium. Leaders: Ria L, Catherine, Doug and Mairie. 2. 20/5/1992. Deep Stream from Middlemarch Road. Average. Leaders: Ria L, Evelyn M, Catherine, Shirley McN 1. 25/10/1989. Deep Stream. Middlemarch Road. Average. Interesting country. Leaders: Ria, Mary McG, Mary Y, Hugh and Judith.
No. 1 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Maugatua Microwave. J Roy. Year Round.” Permissions from Horsehoof.
Distance from car-park: 24 km.
22. 29/5/2019. Horsehoof, – Maungatua. M. Arthur.
18 of us set off from Mosgiel and travelled through Outram and turning left off on a road into Horsehoof Station. Clear looking sky and the anticipation of a great day.
Parked up in the paddock, we set off up the first hill. The wind was very cold and strong up there, brass monkeys were the call, and numerous layers the call, jackets and hats also.
We stopped in a sheltered spot for our morning tea. Farm trackended and then it was onto DOC land and tussock.Not much track at all and quite hard going. The odd slip on the terrain.
Making it to the top
Finally the Summit. (Gordon pic and caption.)
where photo shoots were taken.
The new Saddle Hill volcanic crater.(Phil pic and caption.)
Great views but soooo cold and windy. Decided to go back to some shelter in the tussocks for lunch.
Lunch out of the wind. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Back up to the corner of Horsehoof,
Out of the West ( Mahinerangi in background) (Phil pic and caption.)
and with three going back down the start track to look for poor old Dave’s iphone lost on way up, while the rest of us went the longer way.
Two things sprung to mind on this tramp. If you go a different direction you need to let the leader know for safety reasons.
Lunch needs to be finished by everyone before some start on their way.
All in all a great tramp in some windy conditions, travelling 14kms. Refreshments well received
Coffee. (Helen pic and caption.)
with great service at the Wobbly Goat in Outram Helen.😉
MAUNGATUA DEBRIEF
It saddens the leader to have to write these notes, due to the fact that a few of the group completely ignored the club’s Safety Rules up on Maungatua.
The club formulate these safety rules many years ago, which were updated 2-3 years back. All new members are given a copy when they join, and they are on the club’s website. (v. Page 7a.) Everyone should be familiar with them.
There is nothing difficult about these rules, just simple common sense things (but of course, as they say, common sense isn’t common any more. (A detailed email is going out to all members about this) – Art.
21. 27/2/2019. Maungatua. M. Leader: Gordon.
A Fairy Tale.
Once upon a time 12 happy trampers set out to climb the big mountain of Maungatua. They wanted to get to the top, and were very determined.
But the nasty rain came just as they set out, and the cold wind joined in to make things unpleasant for the 12 happy trampers.
The cloud came down too, to hide the top of the mountain, but that was no deterrent either. Jackets and gloves kept them warm.
Uphill they went, on the good 4WD track, into the cloud and with the wind and rain attacking them.
In time they were high up on the mountain, and stopped to have their morning tea in the slight shelter of a little hut, beside some aerials.
After a brief stop to enjoy their hot cups, discretion was decided upon, and the 12 happy (still) trampers returned back down the mountain to their cars.
But the 12 happy trampers had had a good morning’s exercise, covering more than 6 km and the rain and wind had given a good test to the weatherproofness of their clothing.
Feeling a bit wet and cold, the 12 happy trampers drove back to Mosgiel, returning safely to their homes.
And they all lived happily ever after! – Art.
20. 10/5/2017. Trampers. Maungatua trig via Horsehoof. M. Leader: Arthur.
Clear skies, a light breeze, and lots of sunshine gave perfect conditions for our tramp up onto Maungatua. The cars were left high up beside the farm road on Horsehoof, a group of 13 happy trampers setting out from here on the uphill dozed farm track.
About halfway up morning tea was taken, with stunning views to enjoy at the same time, in the clear air.
Onward and upward, we reached the top boundary of Horsehoof Station, and climbing through the fence were in the DOC reserve which encompasses all of the top of Maungatua. It was then single file through the tussock and turpentine shrubs on the faint track.
We stopped to admire the Big Rock,
The beautiful rock. (Helen pic and caption.)
photos being taken of the group.
The group of 12 plus me. (Helen pic and caption.)
Just as we were preparing to move on a pair of N.Z. falcons flew in and landed on top of Big Rock just above us. They weren’t at all worried by us humans, and it was marvellous to see them there.
In single file we moved on, and eventually came to the summit post at 12 noon – perfect timing for lunch.
From here, on the highest point (895 metres) we could see in all directions – 360 degrees. A huge fog bank right down the coast totally hid the sea and the Otago Peninsula, but the land was in clear view as far as the eye could see. What terrific scenery.
Margreet pic.
Lunch over we began the return journey, which meant retracing our steps. With an occasional brief rest/regroup stop, we were back past Big Rock, through the fence onto Horsehoof again, and down hill with a brief uphill bit to reach the cars.
A group of 13 happy trampers had had a great day, walking a total of 12 km. The perfect weather certainly added to the enjoyment of the day.
But, the tramp finished too soon (obviously too short), as it was necessary to stop in Outram for a while on the way home so that discussion that hadn’t had time to be had during the tramp could be concluded.
The leader was particularly pleased to have such a good turn out of trampers today – thank you to all. – Arthur.
19. 11/1/2017. Hikers. Maungatua Big Rock and Trig via Horsehoof. M. Leaders: George and Ian.
It wasn’t the best tramp to ease into after the relaxing holidays. However the easier programmed Kuri Bush beach walk had not taken the tide times into account. What to do? Something inland. George scouted Saddle Hill (summit not tackled by the Hikers since 2010) and Horsehoof (last done by the Hikers 2011). Relevant property owners for Saddle Hill could not be reached, so Horsehoof and Big Rock then.
Seventeen turned out on the day. A respectable number, given that some members were still on holiday. Admittedly the road entrance to Horsehoof is easily missed, as happened to some on the day, but eventually all the cars arrived and drove on up to park in the high paddock where the FWD track to the top corner of the station starts. At about 690m here, we had already made good inroads on Maungatua’s Big Rock elevation of 880m.
It was still a bit early so we trudged through that first unavoidable gully to merelyregain the cars’ height a kilometre or two further on, finding a bank to sit on for morning tea.
(Clive pic.)
No more gullies now but it was up, steadily up, with frequent regrouping stops to eventually reach the Horsehoof Station’s top corner. At 865m effectively all climbing was behind us. We had gained 225m since leaving the cars. One of us elected to stop here and await the return of the others, and Mollie, who hadn’t wanted to miss the chance of revisiting Horsehoof, was happy to keep her company.
Now it was 15 who scrambled through the fence onto the Maungatua reserve to push on through the tussock and dracophillum (turpentine bush) till we reached a point opposite to the Big Rock.
(Clive pic.)
Here, along with George, ten were happy to make this their destination stop,
(Clive pic.)
while a remaining group of five carried on with an assurance it was only another half hour to the trig. W-e-l-l not exactly. More likely three quarters, as one found the going harder than others. But we got there! Or rather two did.
Made it! 895m.(Ian pic and caption.)
Too bad,the other three had stopped off short of the last rise and lunched. However with the encouragement of the trig returnees (or is it returners?) they were encouraged to push on so that they could say they had made it too. And they did!
On the return we discovered the hypotenuse short-cut that avoids a right angle in the fence and which we had missed on the way in due to overgrowth disguising it at its other end. A shame. It needs a fence indicator.
When we arrived at Big Rock, we discovered the ten others had long since given up waiting for us, and were back waiting for us when we straggled up the last weary slope up to the cars – at least weary for this writer.
So there it is. A good traditional tramp perforce resurrected for the hikers by an unfortunate tidal assesssment. And an enjoyable stop and chat at the Wobbly Goat to finish it off. And roll on the better weather. – Ian.
18. 10/2/2016. Maungatua Summit. Leader: Arthur H.
Horsehoof Station to maungatua peak. GPS of route, courtesy Ken. (Ken pic and caption) 13.2km; 3.7km/h; 3h 33m moving; total ascent 409m; max height 900m
Nine trampers set out in ideal conditions to conquer Maungatua. The day was sunny with some high cloud. The breeze was light all day – westerly, then changing to southerly for a while, and then died away altogether.
We drove in through Horsehoof Station, up the road towards the microwave. A car shuttle was set up by taking one car back 2-3 km, leaving it at the top of the hill above the woolshed.
We took the dozed farm track that winds its way up to the top of Maungatua, stopping for morning tea at a suitable spot.
We reached the top of the track, where the small shed and various aerials are situated, at 10.50 a.m. Climbing over the fence we were then in the DOC Reserve, which covers a large part of Maungatua.
From here there is a faint track heading to the summit, which is some 2.5 km away. This is undulating country.
We soon came to the large tor, and stopped for several minutes to inspect and photograph it.
Side trip to rock tor (Helen pic)
Continuing on along the track, which follows the fence line, we gained the summit a few minutes before 12.00 noon. A black and white painted post now marks the spot, …
“Trig” post with rock placed on top by one of the party. (Helen pic)
… and is visible from a short distance. Sitting down in the tussock, we had a relaxed lunch on the spot. The slight breeze was just a tad cool, we noted.
Lunch at the “trig”
From the summit there is a great 360 degree view, but unfortunately haze in all directions spoiled this somewhat.
Half of the group had a look over the brow, down in the direction of the 3 Kings -which isn’t visible. All of us then picked our way through the rough vegetation, in an easterly direction, to get a better view down on the Taieri Plain and Airport.
Making our way back up to the track, we returned along it to the shed and aerials, and over the fence. A brief stop here, where it was noted the altitude was 865m, compared to the 895m at the summit.
We now walked down a 4WD track through the tussock, following the western spur.
On fence line track well down to the Lee Creek gully showing ‘uphill grunt’ on other side. (Helen pic)
A restful stop was made at the bottom, in the shade of the beech trees at the north branch of Lee Creek. A short uphill grunt gave a “tang” to the end of our tramp, and we were soon back at the “shuttle” car.
All agreed that it had been a good tramp and an enjoyable day. This had been a first time for most.
Seven held a debrief at Outram on the way back home.
Coffee at Outram. (Helen pic)
The tramp distance was 13.2 km. – Arthur H.
29/3/2010. Private. Horsehoof, Maungatua Trig.
GPS of route from car to trig
At the Maungatua Trig (1)
At the Maungatua Trig (2)
17. 4/5/2011. Both. Horsehoof upper paddock to Big Rock. Medium. Leader: George.
George had recceed the programmed McKendry Road tramp and found the mud too squishy and the undergrowth too thick so elected to fall back to Horsehoof Station again.
We took the cars on through several gates to the paddock that gave us a shorter walk up to the paddock corner at the top.
It was a misty day, but at our tea-break the weather cleared to reveal the wind turbines beyond Lake Mahinerangi.
Beyond the fence at the top corner, we went on to negotiate the turpentine shrub (dracophyllum longifolium), tussock and alpine moss to reach the large rock for an early lunch.
A cool westerly wind drove us to shelter in a cleft in the rock’s SW side.
A sheltered lunch spot.
An interesting bank of fog in the west.
The tarn beyond the big rock.
Obviously scientific, an exclosure on the tarn.
After all that, we returned the way we had come back to the cars. A good outing. – Ian.
16. 15/9/2010. Trampers. Horsehoof to Big Rock. Medium. Leader: George.
Walked up the 4WD track that went by the Microwave.
Morning Tea break. George. (Emma pic)
Lunched at the Big Rock.
Keith and George at the Big Rock. (Emma pic)
Returned back down through the Woodside Creek gully.
15. 6/5/2009 Both. Horsehoof Station. Bridge over Woodside Creek, top corner, back down the more regular farm road. Medium. Leaders: Bruce, Wendy.
Many were discouraged by the wet morning start, but 8 of us enjoyed a farm walk on what turned out to be an cold overcast day (which we were well wrapped up against) interspersed by sun at morning tea and lunch. From the regular parking spot, for a change we turned down steeply click to enlarge
Descent to bridge
to cross the Woodside Creek upper tributary nearby
Woodside Creek
and to then climb steeply
Climb ahead
to enjoy a cuppa at the set of rocks a little way up.
Cuppa.
Then to carry on up to the top corner of the station. This was a route the club hasn’t taken for five years and more. We forewent going on to the big rock and tarn through the rather heavy wet dracophyllum we would have had to struggle through, so lunched at the top under the shelter of a bank
Lunch in sun
and returned by the more regular farm track.
Rock and Pillar Range in sunRecycled car bolstering bridge. Wee waterfall behind.
We all enjoyed a good tramping day but regretted there were not more to share the walk with. Bruce stood in for Marjorie who was indisposed on the day. Our thanks to Wendy and Bruce for their leadership. – Ian.
This turned out to be a tramp from Horsehoof Station rather than from the advertised Allendale Farm. So it was simply up by the regular farm road to the Maungatua Trig and back. click to enlarge
Decorated Trig. George, Hazel, Ria, EmmaSaddle Hill from Maungatua
What was different was the wind measuring masts
Mast for measuring wind?
and various markers presumably installed by Trustpower. A breeze pleasantly tempered the heat of the sun and 8 of us enjoyed a tramp in the tussocks and Maungatua top with the George making it easier and shorter by having the two cars parked further up the hill than on previous tramps. – Ian
13. 27/8/2008Trampers. Horsehoof Station Upland road-walk Leaders: Ian, Ken
Winter conditions decreed a firmer road walk in place of the anticipated soggy ground we would have encountered at the Flagstaff big rock. So it was Horsehoof Station for a look at the fast disappearing snow conditions. click to enlarge
Drift snow remains. Ken
Seven of us set off from our cars parked down at the shearing shed and walked steeply up in the general Maungatua direction. It was a good walk in the fresh air with general sunny conditions turning to threatening clouds later. The breeze was fresh but sheltering in the lee of a gully made for a comfortable morning tea.
Lunch was on the sheltered side of the repeater station,
Emma and Glenys approaching the Microwave. George ahead.
reached by cutting across a couple of wet gullies swollen with fresh snow runoff.
The return. Bill, Pat, Emma
A shorter day but the sun was out most of the time and the views and company were good. – Ian
The return. Bill, Glenys, Emma.
12. 18/6/2003 Horsehoof Station walk. Leaders: Shirley M, Bill & Pat.
Lex, Doug J, Arthur, Doug M
Snow on NE Maungatuas
11. 16/2/2005. Both. Maungatua with Summit option. Leaders: Val and Brian, Arthur and Barbara. 10. 18/9/2002. Microwave – Maungatua Summit. Medium. Leaders: Ria L, Barbara and Arthur. 9. 21/11/2001. Maungatuas Summit from Microwave. Medium. Leaders: Les W, Mary M, Shirley R. 8. 27/6/2001 Leaders: Claude, Bill, Pat 7. 8/12/1999. Maungatua, Microwave. Leaders: George, Hazel, Graham. 6. 18/8/1999. Microwave to Maungatuas. Leaders: George, Doug M, Hazel. 5. 3/12/1997. Microwave to Maungatua Summit. Leaders: Bob H, Judy C, Sabina. 4. 18/9/1996. Maungatua Trip, Micro Stn, Loop and return. Average+. Leaders: George, Ian, Nelson. 3. 6/12/1995. Microwave to Maungatua Summit. Medium. Leaders: Bob H, Jean, Ria H, Jack R 2. 26/8/1992 Leaders: George, Les W, Peggy A, Peggy M 1. 10/2/1989 Leaders: Graham, Shirley, Wendy
