Herbert Forest

Herbert Forest – Information and Trips Library

2. 19/10/2022. Trampers. Herbert Forest. Grade 3. Leaders: Di, Anne and Lyn

Today we set off over the Kilmog to the Herbert Forest; a hidden gem saved from the axe over 50 years ago. It is one of the last Podacarp (hardwood) forests left of the North East Otago region.

We parked off Reid Road and proceeded along Swallow Track following the creek and crossing over the creek into steeper terrain.

Dapple sunlight on Swallow track Caption and photo Pam — *Dappled sunlight on Swallow track Caption and photo Pam*

*Many a Creek crossing on Swallow track Caption and photo Pam*

After much huffing we reached a little yellow sign beneath a stone outcrop announcing the presence of the cave (Dave Melish was involved with this signage).

*How did you pop up there Eleanore Caption and photo John*

We stopped here for morning tea then continued up and onto the forest road, walked along a bit and went down to the Podacarp Track which is known for its big native trees Totara, Matai, Rimu, Miro and Kahikatea.

Some parts of the track were slippery and bit muddy due to the recent rain, but after a few creek crossings we came to the junction of the loops and had a well earned lunch and thanks to Anne for the liquorice allsorts.

We walked back on the Glenburnie Loop with its very impressive silver ferns and bird life, came back onto Podacarp Track and returned our steps back to cars taking a shortcut at the top of the Swallow Track.

*View towards end of track. 1st view. Caption and photo Helen*

Tramp postmortem Caption and photo John — *Tramp post mortem Caption and photo John*

We stopped and had a delicious ice cream at Hampdon Store and headed home.

Overall we had a varied terrain and some neat flora and bird life along the way, thanks everyone who assisted on this tramp.

Cheers

Di, Anne, Lyn

1. 30/1/2019. Trampers. Herbert Forest. Leader: Dave.

34 keen trampers and hikers met at the carpark and organised themselves, into vehicles to head to Waianakarua’s Herbert Forest. The drive from Mosgiel is approximately 1hr 15mins to the start of the Swallows track.

The clue is in the middle 4.5 hours Total Loop! (Clive pic and caption.)

The track was damp in places, we passed through Punga ferns to a cave where we had morning tea.

Morning tea at caves. (Gordon pic and caption.)

It was then on to the Podocarp track which is known for its big native trees that weren’t milled ie. Totara, Rimu, Matai, Miro and Kahikatea. It was pleasant in the damp gully on such a hot day.

Lunch was had at the top of this track on Breakneck road.