Taieri Recreational Tramping Club
Mid-week recreational and social walking group based in Mosgiel NZ
17 km from car park.
St Clair, St Kilda, Kew, Corstorphine, Ocean Grove, Tomahawk – Information and Trips Library
Nineteen hikers left Marlow Park in sunny conditions at about 0930 after singing happy birthday to Liz Griffin and walked over the Kettle Park Sports field and up a track to the Barnes Lookout.No. 47 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Toko Beach. M Young”; also No. 65 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Chrystalls Beach Farm”. Location: 59 km from the car park. Best in Summer. The stock winter over.
Directions: On SH1, before Milton, at Helensbrook intersection, left onto Forsyth Road, right onto Back Road, left onto Glenledi Road.
Chrystalls Beach, Toko Mouth, Cooks Head – Information and Trips Library
A fine overcast morning greeted us at Peter Johnstone Park with 19 trampers in 5 cars beginning our tramp at 10am. Continue reading “Chrystalls Beach, Toko Mouth”19. Welsh’s Road, Old Farm, Deep Stream Weir. Grade 3 Leaders: Lyn and Di
13 of us set off for the Pipeline, which is just off the old Dunstan trail on Rocklands Station.
We had morning tea under the pine trees where we parked the vehicles. It was a tad cold but we soon warmed up with the walk over the farmland to the pipeline.
It was stunning scenery walking to the Weir and back.
We had lunch in the sun out of the gorge with more room to spread out.
Then took the road back to the cars. It was 8.84ks according to my phone.
Some finished the day with a cuppa at the Wobbly Goat. Another great day out.
18. 17/08/2022 Trampers. Deep Creek Pipeline. 3.5 $10. Barbara Shackell & Judy Dennison
On a foggy old Wednesday morning, with the leader’s phone app threatening rain, 26 trampers met at the rugby grounds, sorted themselves into what appropriate vehicles were available and headed off at 9.30am sharp. A rearrangement of seating occurred when a couple of vehicles joined us at Outram, then again at Clark’s Junction with the addition of Heather’s vehicle, waiting for us at the turn off to Old Dunstan Road (ODR). We regrouped at Rocklands Station gateway, at which point the ODR was locked, and travelled in convoy through the farmyard, between buildings, up the hill and back onto ODR. Some 5km further along, two cars were left at the gateway to the Te Papanui Conservation Park, passengers rearranged again, with a couple of them heading off on foot to our final parking destination two kms further on. Morning tea was had in the shelter of a line of pines (although there was nothing to shelter from!) while a vehicle returned to collect the two pedestrians.
After morning tea the group set off for a couple of km on a comfortable uphill farm road, without stringing out too much at all. Good work Judy (tail-end Charlie!).
Entering the gate to the paddock containing the Deep Creek Gorge we followed a 4WD track to arrive at the pump station a little before noon. From there we picked up the pipeline track and followed it a few hundred metres around to a sunny spot which us allowed a view down into the gorge for a leisurely lunch.
After lunch we crossed the first of a handful of boggy patches and continued along the pipeline track to the weir.
What a difference a week makes – the recce had us walking along snow covered tracks, observing animal tracks in the pristine snow, dodging icicles clinging to overhanging rock, frozen bogs, while the club tramp had virtually no snow visible, the bogs were boggy, but plants – some showing colour – were visible through the rocky cracks and crevices. The weir had a considerably greater flow of water than earlier in the week, presumably from the snow melt.
Some took advantage of the ladders to gain an elevated view of the weir.
From that vantage point the pipe lineman’s hut was also visible and some members on the return walk, climbed up for a looksee at a very dilapidated “shelter”. While the hut is invisible from the track, its position is fortuitously marked by a final telegraph pole.
The return along the pipeline track provided a different perspective of the gorge and it didn’t take long to reach the place we’d had lunch and rather than follow the track the last couple of hundred metres around to the pump house, we took a shortcut, heading uphill, following no track, just the knowledge that we would reach the 4WD track over the brow, where we paused briefly.
A show of hands as we rested indicated that exactly half our number had never been into the gorge previously.
The farm road downhill to the vehicles was covered quickly. We agreed to meet at the Wobbly Goat for coffee, but in the event it was closing as we arrived, and we continued onto Wal’s.
My fears regarding the weather we would strike were unwarranted. Through the fog we were teased with a brief sighting of blue sky nearing Outram in the morning, but then re-entered the ground fog as we climbed up SH87. This cleared completely before Lee Stream and we had perfect weather for the rest of the day – intermittent sun, no wind or rain! A quick read of previous reports on this particular track leads the writer to believe we might have been lucky not to have suffered a debilitatingly cold wind!
Thanks to Rocklands station for permissions; to the drivers of vehicles able to manage the farm tracks, to those who met us away from the Rugby carpark for their punctuality, and everyone for the positive feedback on the day. I think it may be repeated!
Barbara
17. 18/03/2020 Hikers. Deep Creek Pipeline. M. Bob Mitchell and Mike Webb
.The weather was fine with great visibility and from the huts we could see the pipeline snaking its way around the gorge.
From the huts it was a steady climb down to find the track that leads to the pipeline. The track is approximately 2kms in length, and quite narrow in some places with railed walkways over some of the more challenging parts of the track. The views were quite spectacular and we were soon strung out in single file looking like porters on the Ho Chi Minh trail. Frequent photo stops were the order of the day.
From there it was a short walk up to the huts and back down to the cars.
16. 9/1/2019. Deep Creek Gorge Pipeline. Leaders: Theresa and Clive.
31 Trampers, Hikers and Ramblers set out across the tussock of Te Papanui Conservation Park. It was an ideal day for a walk on the tops as there was high cloud keeping what can be a scorching sun off our backs. The 16 degree temperature was just right to get things started after the Christmas/New Year break. 13 of the participants had not been on the walk before and were looking forward to the gorge.
Morning tea
found us being observed by a large herd of cows who seemed very interested in what we were all doing there.
After a twenty minute break we headed on up hill
to the hut at the mouth of the gorge. Having made sure everyone was accounted for it was across the 40 ? or 41 ? bridges and board walks to the weir at the top of Deep Creek.
This gorge is a feature that makes this walk so interesting. As an aside, the DoC blurb advises that there are over 500 species of native insects; plus a wide variety of plants and animals (including pigs and red deer), in the Te Papanui park.
Lunch was taken back at the mouth of the gorge, sheltering from the cool breeze that had sprung up. After lunch the Trampers headed off in a more Easterly directing to add a bit more distance to the completed walk. The hikers and ramblers headed back the way we had come in the morning. The hikers covered about 9.5 kms by the end of the day and were happy to sit down for afternoon tea at the Wobbly Goat about half an hour ahead of the more exercised Trampers group. The consensus was a ‘gorge’-ous days outing! – Clive
15. 26/4/2017. Deep Creek Gorge Pipeline . Leaders: Theresa and Arthur.
Leave the car park and go up SHWY 87 until Clarks Junction. Turn left onto Rocklands Road. Travel on excellent tar seal until you pass the Rocklands Station complex. Now you will be on gravel and at the beginning of the Old Dunstan Trail. Turn left off the Old Dunstan Trail and proceed on farm track for 2 kms. Park cars at the trees. Cross over farm land for a period of time — only down and up one gully,
going in a west / north direction towards the gorge. A gate in the middle of a paddock with a faint track going in the right direction. Two small newish huts with a solar powered panel on roof mark the beginning of the Gorge track. This is part of the Te Papanui Reserve. Traverse pipe line for approx 1/12- 2 kms.
The pipe line is suspended off the cliff high above the Gorge .The track is narrow on the pipe line …
… but is easy and in the main flat. There are many foot bridges to cross. (An in-house challenge to count the number, caused differing results/) One dedicated tramper even ticked them off on a piece of paper .WHO are we to disagree!! A small dam was at the head of a very picturesque Deep Creek Gorge.
Repeat the trip back to the road just beyond the huts. From then it is an easy road tramp back to the cars. 12 very happy trampers enjoyed a WOW 😳 kind of a day out. Approx 10 kms in length. Debrief and coffee at Outram. -Theresa.
14. 9/4/2014. Trampers. Deep Creek. (A replacekment for ‘The Gap’, programmed for the day, which would have turned out extremely muddle.)
13. 31/8/2011. Trampers. Deep Creek.
12. 10/11/2010. Hikers. Deep Creek. Medium. Leaders: Evelyn C, Graham.
11. 12/3/2008 Hikers. Deep Creek. Medium. Leaders: Joyce S, Lesley G
Bob H told us about the water race used in the gold mining days and the pipeline to supplement the Dunedin City’s water supply, built in the 1930s. The farmland had been former tussock country but the gorge was not modified and still supported many alpine plants, including gentians in flower. We had several sightings of NZ Falcons, which are now considered to be diminishing in numbers. It was an exciting area to be hiking in,
as the river was a long way below us and the sides of the gorge very steep. Ian F was making mental notes for the retrieval of anyone who miscalculated their step, but fortunately the plan wasn’t needed. We were back at the cars by 2pm and home to Mosgiel 3pm. An exhilarating day. – Lesley G
10. 13/6/2007 Leaders: George, Abe
9. 23/8/2006. Hikers. Deep Creek, Old Dunstan Road. Medium. Leaders: Val, Arthur & Barbara
8. 24/11/2004. Both. Deep Creek, Lammermoors. Leaders: Evelyn C, Ian, Peter and Wendy
7. 17/4/2002. Alt. Rockland and Deep Creek. Medium. Leaders: Bob H, Bev H, Bev McI.
6. 21/10/1998. Deep Creek from Old Dunstan Trail. Leaders: George, Les S.
5. 24/3/1998. Deep Creek, Rocklands. Leaders: Shirley McN, Ria L, Bev H.
4. 15/10/1997.
3. 8/2/1995. Deep Creek from Old Dunstan Road. Easy. Leaders: Jack R, Bob H, Ted, Dot T.
2. 20/3/1991. Deep Creek Dam and Pipeline. Great viewing and interesting country. Easy+. Leaders: Dave and Jean, Margaret D, Janice.
1. 1/2/89. Deep Creek.
14 kms PJP to cnr South Rd and Eastbourne St.
5. 27/09/2023 Hikers. Grade 2 Leaders: Jan and Jan
20 hikers set off from the old Carisbrook Hotel through the very run-down Caversham shopping area. We had a couple of stops to look at a bit of the history of the area. There were other points of interest, but with so much chatter going on, decided to give it a miss! We headed up South Road for a morning tea stop at a house belonging to Jan Y’s brother. It is a large property extending right down to just above the main trunk railway line. He has a stall at the Farmers Market every Saturday and has grown and propagated an extensive number of plants. Also has numerous tunnel houses, a couple of fruiting tamarillo trees and an avocado tree. He is a rockhound and there was a very large collection of rocks, crystals etc. on display.
Because there was so much to look at, the morning tea break was a bit longer than normal. We carried on up South Road to the Carlton Hill area, then cut across a couple of streets and back down to Sidey Street where you got a good view of Corstorphine House. From there we headed up a track which took us into the Kew area, with great views of Dunedin.
Down through a steep set of steps (Killikrankie Pass – a cool name) and we ended up in a park at Forbury Corner for lunch.
Returned to the cars by crossing over the motorway on an overhead bridge, then walked down a path on the north side back to the cars.
It was a pleasant day with no wind, and we covered approx 8 kms, at quite a leisurely pace. Several members of the group had lived in the vicinity of area covered so it was a bit of a trip down memory lane for them. Thanks to Jan and Pam who did a very enjoyable recce with me. The Two Jans.
4. 15/11/2015. Hikers. Leaders’ Choice. Lance and Joshiah. Street Walk: Mornington.
Seventeen of us met at Unity Park, wondering where Lance was going to lead us this time. He took us down High St just a little, across to the Old High St School property, then up through a corner of Mornington Park to the Mornington township. Back down the hill a little, Macnee St took us off into a suburb of Mornington few of us had seen before. Glenpark Avenue took us a long way steeply down and up, surprising us on the way with a bit of handsome Street Art – in the middle of suburbia. We eventually reached the Forfar St corner and down that a bit we stopped off under the shade of a tree in a recreation area for a morning tea break.
Forfar Street led us round to what this reporter reckons has to be the best city view in town.
There were views stretching out on our left to the head of the harbour and on the centre and right displaying St Kilda and South Dunedin beautifully stretched out. We stopped and drank in the scene. Some got into chatting with an unusually large well-dressed group of Jehovah’s Witnesses we passed on the street.
We followed Forfar Street winding on down and down and eventually entered a delightful rough track through an unnamed bush area near the bottom that led us through to the end of Barnes Drive. Now we were into the paths alongside the State Highway before having to confront a long climb up to the Lookout Point bridge at the top.
(Lance had earlier found out that this was to be the morning of the actual bridge opening.) Bad/good? timing saw us arrive just at the point where the official ceremony had concluded.
All the corporate suits and general onlooking public were still there enjoying the “seeing and being seen” of the occasion.
We wandered about for quite a while before one or two of us (was Fred the first?) found we humble tramping riff-raff were welcome to join the large crowd in a marquee for nibbles (nibbbles? – sandwiches and savouries galore) and drinks, and passed on the word. Yum. Eventually regrouped, Lance led us back down the way we had come up to stop off at the bottom in a grassy sloping section of Sidey Park for lunch.
The day had been hot. We were glad of the break. We were nearing the end of the outing, but not of any struggle. We exited further along by South Road and climbed the Caversham Rise to the foot of Eglington Road. Why did they put Unity Park at its top? It was a long weary climb for the end of a day, but all made it to finish off a day with a difference, capped, of course, by the Lookout Point Bridge opening. Thanks, Lance – and Josiah, for yet another creative Dunedin walk, opening up byways of interest we would never have otherwise known had existed. A hot day. Some steep struggles on hard pavements at times. A rewarding day. Well done. Finished off with a goodly social crowd at The Topiary Cafe. We DID miss you, Elaine! – Ian.
On the 9th Sept 24+ Hikers had a enjoyable day around Caversham.
We met at the corner of South Road and Eastbourne Street, walking down south road north to get on to Bridge Street and strolled along a path that was beside the motorway north-going traffic.
Morning tea was at the Barnes Drive traffic lights on a sloping bank and steps.
We walked up the back of the Caversham Valley Road to Aberfeldy Street, where a small car track went up to Baxter House…
…built in 1895 for a David Baxter whose daughter married T K S Sidey, the Mayor of Dunedin.
We also went to Rockyside Road where in 1855 Mr John Thomson the Surveyor for Dunedin built his house. Most of the hikers were unaware about the Baxter House still being there.
We travelled down lots of different streets in ‘Cavy’ and lunch was at the Kew Reserve.
After lunch, we passed the old Wax Match Factory and up to look at a very well done art work on a two-story building.
Then it was back down South Road and along to our cars. Those who wanted a coffee chat stopped off at Flax Cafe first. – Elaine.
The trampers continued up Siberia Road…
It was an interesting part of the Akatore Block, thanks Bruce S for sourcing.
9. 12/7/2006. Trampers. Stewarts Forestry, Gorge Hill, Windy Ridge, Narrowdale Road. Leaders: Graham, Ian
8. 24/3/2004 Trampers. Gorge Hill. Medium. Leaders: Doug M, Bob H
7. 25/7/2001. Gorge Hill – Narrowdale Road. Medium. Leaders: Donny, Graham, Irene
Click here for Antony Hamel’s YouTube video showing his exploration of the 5 falls of Nicols Creek
Neighbours at War Click here for background and photos to the Finnerty Family and their house site on the Moon Track by Nicols Creek.
Click Swampy ridge track for background information.
Click Pineapple Track for background information.
Click Pineapple and Flagstaff walk for background information.
No. 17 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Nicols Creek. D McCabe. Year Round”
Nicols Creek circuit Maintained by Green Hut Track Group.
DCC land.
Booth Road 16.1 km from car park.
Nicols Creek – Information and Trips Library
Hi Sarah. You were a late incumbent to the leadership of this tramp?
– Yes, Ross was originally down to lead it, but back problems meant he asked me to lead it instead. (Best wishes for a speedy recovery Ross.)
Did you do a recce the Saturday prior?
– That’s right, Craig went mountain biking, and I went exploring on foot, in the area, to finalize the tramp format.
Were the group lucky with the weather on the day?
-The weather was brilliant. Sunshine, little or no wind and temperatures towards the mid-teens. The tracks were reasonably dry.
And did we have a good attendance?
– There were 18 of us – arriving at Tanner Rd/Fulton Rd corner in 7 cars.
What was the tramp route?
-We started on the Pineapple Track, walking up to the Pump House for morning tea.
Then we carried on up the Pineapple Track, turning off at McGouns Track onto the Old Pineapple Track. This led us to the “new” Pineapple Track by Pineapple Point.
From here we followed the lower track, traversing Nicols Creek before arriving at the Mountain Bike picnic table at 11.55am for lunch.
After lunch it was onto the upper track, traversing Nicols Creek.
Then onto the “new” Pineapple Track, and back to the cars via McGouns Track.
Wahl!! I think you lost me somewhere there! Did the tramp take long Sarah?
– The recce only took me 3 hours. On the day the tramp took us much longer at 5 hours. Some technical terrain reduced the tramp down to a crawl pace in parts.
Did you manage to squeeze in coffee afterwards?
– Only just. We were back at the cars by 3.00pm, then headed straight to the Fire Station Cafe’ in Roslyn.
How would you describe the shape of the tramp?
– Roughly a double figure 8.
Sounds lucky, I think? Thanks for the interview, Sarah.
Continue reading “Nicols Creek, Swampy, Pineapple Track, Moon Track, Booth Road”
27. 30/08/2023. Hikers. Bethunes Gully to Mt Cargill. Grade 2 Leaders: Bill and Bruce
32 hikers assembled at Bethunes Gully carpark on a beautiful if slightly brisk morning. We set off just after 10.00am and after negotiating our way over and around a fallen Pine tree stopped in a semi-sunny glade for morning tea amongst the Pines – these trees must be amongst some of the tallest and straightest in the country.
The track was in pretty good order for winter – minimal mud but slippery rocks and bridges further up the track required extra care – apart from a couple of minor slips we managed to complete the day intact.
Not long after morning tree it was decided to split into two groups with Jill Dodd volunteering to lead the second pack – there was still only a 10 minute gap between arrival times at the top of the mountain.
The birdlife along the way was in great voice and Katrina even identified a Kingfisher welcoming us onto the track. The native bush section of the walk is quite beautiful complete with an abundance of ferns, some majestic old Rimus, clear streams and even the odd waterfall.
The steps at the top of the walk are real thigh killers and we were all very relieved to finally arrive at the summit and a well-earned lunch. The 360-degree panorama of Dunedin, the peninsula and surrounding districts is stunning and well worth the effort! The temperature was up around 15 degrees and led to many layers of clothing getting tucked away into packs.
There was a discussion during lunch re the grading of the walk and while officially it is a 2 the majority agreed that it was more like a 3 – Ady told me during coffee that it felt more like a 6!
After a fairly uneventful trip back down we adjourned to the Blacks Road Grocery cafe – this slightly quirky cafe was a lovely place to conclude a very enjoyable day – coffee and treats well deserved!
There was a lot of learning in my first hike as the group leader, particularly around identifying the appropriate pace to set and the timing of breaks. I couldn’t have asked for better support from the more experienced members of the group as I negotiated my way through the various stages and protocols on the day. Special thanks to Bruce, Jill and Jenni but many others chipped in to keep me on the straight and narrow.
All in all a lovely day and living proof that age is no barrier to serious physical achievement.
Cheers Bill
26. 16/08/2023. Trampers. Forrester Park and environs. Grade 3, $6, 23km, Leaders: John Gardiner, Dave Roberts
After the cancellation of the previous two week’s tramps due to the weather, 27 eager trampers were “chaffing at the bit” when they arrived at Forrester Park.
Weather conditions weren’t quite ideal, but were pretty good, for a chance to finally get out and enjoy each other’s company, and get some exercise.
The Forrester Park area was known to most, but some weren’t very familiar with it, or hadn’t been there for some time. With some new members and regular hikers, we initially did a circuit around the perimeter of the park, on cycle trails. For Alex Griffin , it must have been satisfying to experience these trails again, having supervised their construction by Task Force Green members, many years earlier.
We stopped at the public toilets at about 10.50am, and again for a regroup at the park’s “Gate to Nowhere.” A novelty, the gate sits at right angles to the end of an existing fence, left presumably after an earlier fence was removed. The gate is, of course, padlocked shut! Anyway this initial stroll gave everyone a chance to see the park’s amenities; the football fields, dog-park, Dog Club building, and BMX Track.
Morning Tea was enjoyed in the sun, overlooking the, “Events Car park”, with it’s established and recently developed native plantings, complete with two resident Pukeko.
From here we walked across the road to Bethunes Gully, arriving at a cycle trail above the vehicle entrance at 11.45am. A myriad of cycle trails lie on this side of the forested hill, north of the main vehicle driveway. Having explored some of these, including some “make shift” accommodation found in the forest, we descended to the main gully track, went up the hill a little, then off to our left onto a cycle trail.
This trail, complete with boardwalks, took us uphill through forest and bush areas, before we again came out onto the main track. A steeper uphill climb saw us rewarded when we arrived at the waterfalls, before we back tracked to a suitable bank to sit on and have lunch.
This 30 minute break ended at 1.00pm, when we were on our way downhill again. Those who thought their efforts for the day were winding down had one last surprise in store! By 1.15pm we were back into the bush again, climbing to the highest point of the cycle trails, we had initially explored upon entering Bethunes gully. An advanced cycle trail, complete with jumps, then one with the endearing name of “Dead Cow Gully” taking us back to the Bethunes Gully entrance. The twists and turns of these mountain bike trails provide an adrenalin rush, a physical and mental challenge, to master on a bike. When walking these twists and turns, they provide a less frenetic, but almost as emersive experience.
By 2.05pm we were back at the cars, with four cellphones giving four different figures regarding how far we’d walked. Somewhere between 7.84 and 10km was the range, with two phones reading just on 9km, so we’ll go with 9km! Afternoon tea was enjoyed at Blacks Road Grocer, which we filled to capacity.
A thank-you to Christopher and his staff, for his hospitality, and speedy delivery of hot drinks to our band of 27. In summary, an enjoyable day. The Forrester Park and Bethunes Gully area is a versatile one for tramping or hiking, providing lots of options, it lends itself to a future combined Wednesday outing. Thanks to Dave Roberts for accompanying me on the main rece and acting as tail end charlie on the day.
Regards,
John
25. 15/7/2020. Hikers. Bethunes Gully, Mount Cargill. Leaders : Mike and Jim
24. 25/9/2019. Trampers. Bethunes Gully, Mount Cargill. Jill D.
With a very threatening weather forecast 16 intrepid trampers parked at Bethunes Gully ,before traversing the track towards the television tower at the summit of Mt Cargill 600 meters above .We were greeted with birdsong along the way .The vegetation changed as we followed the track through pine plantation then opening to more scrubby vegetation but it did provide shelter from a southerly wind.
Along the way we had views over to the peninsula and harbour areas and also to the famous Brown House location -this providing some interesting reflections of party times of our younger days !!
There were clear views of the summit ,tower and nearby Buttars Peak .We knew we were getting closer to the top with the noise of the wind whistling through the tower .
The views from the top were amazing almost 360 degrees north up the coast east and west and to the south over Dunedin however we didn’t stay long up there.
Lunch was at the the junction to the Organ Pipes and Buttars Peak
where a smaller group checked the peak out
before rejoining the rest of the group on the descent.
This was a shorter walk over a well formed gravel track even the steps on the final ascent to the top appear to be newer and easier to negotiate
– all in all 10.4 kms and clean boots !
The coffee stop was at the Crocodile cafe at the Gardens ,where we rearranged the seating and general chit chat creating a relaxed end to the day .We were very lucky the weather held out till back in Mosgiel. – Jill D.
23. 28/8/2019. Hikers. Bethunes Gully. M. Leaders: Jay and Jan B.
On Wednesday 28th August 2019 24 Hikers/Ramblers met at Bethunes Gully to walk up to Mt Cargill. The day was suitably warm and made for pleasant walking conditions.
7 Ramblers organised themselves to walk up as far as they wanted and they were joined by another member who decided to go back with the Ramblers and the remaining 17 took off at a steady pace up the gradual climb to near the top where there were 127 steep steps to negotiate to bring us to the communications tower at the top of Mt Cargill.
There we sat in the sunshine having lunch and admiring the 360 degree view of Dunedin and up the coastline to Karitane. After a good rest we started our downward hike.
We all took our time getting down the steps as most people find going down is harder than going up. On the way back one of our long standing members [It was our 90-year-old Doug! – Ed.] was having trouble with his legs as they had lost strength and were feeling jellylike. But hardy fellows in the group stood on each side of him and helped him back to the carpark. Well done men!!
Clive and Lindsay took him to A & E where he spent the night. All was well.
Coffee was at the Gardens Crocodile Cafe. Leaders for the day were Jan and Jay.
Ramblers: Out talking and watching the birds on the Bethunes Gully track.
A record crowd of 8 of us climbed the track out of the Gully as far as we felt like it. Lunched at an early 11.30 a.m. beside the track, and sauntered back down to enjoy a leisurely sit in the sun back in the domain, to wait out the delayed return of the Hikers.
Birds, their song and tiny fresh spring fuchsia leaves containing bellbird-nectar-sipped flowers where highlights.
P.S. Doug at home the next afternoon, was ruefully nursing his shattered pride, as he came to terms with what had happened the day before. – Ian.
22. 13/9/2017. Trampers. Bethunes Gully. M. Leader: Eleanore.
Firstly, alongside Lindsay Creek. The track climbs steadily up the flank of Mt. Cargill, first through pine forest and then regenerating native forest. We found a cosy spot and enjoyed a smoko break. Once again we climbed steadily to the top of the ridge between Mt. Cargill and Buttars Peak. The intersection to the Organ Pipes Track was reached, by now we knew the mast was getting closer. Only to find we had to climb steps to reach the top!
The weather was calm and the views fantastic.
For quite a few members it was a first time visit to this track. Also, the company of the intrepid adventurer Judy Knox was enjoyed. We continued onto the A.H. Reed track where lunch was had.
The beauty of this track is the downhill—all the way to the car park!
We chose the little coffee shop near Baldwin Street for coffee, cake and a chat.
We travelled 10.9km and climbed 676 metres to the mast on top of Mt. Cargill
Another great outing had by all. – Eleanore Ryan.
21. 28/9/2016. Hikers. Bethunes Gully. H. Leaders: Adrienne and Judy K.
21 hikers with an age range of 12 to 89 (is that a record?) gathered at the car park at the start of the Bethunes Gully track. It was fine (well, not raining anyway) when we left Mosgiel, and dry at the start of the track, but a nasty creepy little drizzle hung round us the higher we went. Loud bird calls accompanied us for the steady climb up the gully on a well-formed track, slightly muddy in places, across several bridges where the creeks were running a bit higher than usual, to a welcome morning tea break on the side of the track.
Slow and steady was the order of the day, with plenty of stops to get breath back. Up – and up – and up. Several fell by the wayside – first two, then two more. When at last the junction for the Organ Pipes and the Mt Cargill summit was reached, 10 more subsided and declared “Lunch!”
An intrepid 7 continued another half hour to the summit (a first for some), up the steps in annoying drizzle. No views available from the top.
so it was down to the junction again for lunch.
By which time the other 10 had departed, it being a bit cold and damp to hang around.
Down – and down – and down – collecting strays as we went. Fred wasn’t present but his chocolates were, and much appreciated, thanks Fred. It was warm and sunny back …
… at the cars so parkas were discarded for the ride to the Botanic gardens and a well-earned (we think) coffee stop. – Adrienne and Judy K.
20. 30/9/2015 Trampers. Bethunes Gully, Mt Cargill, Organ Pipes return.
… & a chat with a guy from the university language department who had a group of very well dressed [all in black suits] Chinese visitors to the city, we made our way back to the Organ Pipes track. After a regroup here, we walked down to the Organ Pipes …
19. 21/9/2011. Bethunes Gully, Mt Cargill, Buttars Peak, Organ Pipes, Old Main North Road, Brown House corner, Norwood Street, Bethunes Gully.
18. 27/10/2010. Hikers. Bethunes Gully, track junction with summit/Organ Pipes. Medium. Leaders: Lesley G, Joyce.
17. 5/5/2010. Both. Bethunes Gully, Bike Tracks. M-. Leaders: Bob and Evelyn.
We parked cars at by the toilets at the end of Cluny Street (that’s what the Map said. Didn’t know that before.) in Bethunes Gully. Bob and Evelyn were to turn on a delightful surprise for us all. They led us back down the road to the gate to discover for us on the left a bike track leading up through the trees. We admired the loving attention lavished on the system of tracks by bike devotees as we climbed up through the un-pruned Oregon plantation. After a morning tea stop we ascended yet further to reach the plantation’s NE corner. Then it was down to our left back into the gully.
We emerged at the head of the grassed part of the gully at the bridge across the Lindsay Stream.
After the leaders had ascertained all seventeen of us were back up onto the walkway from the Lookout, (with Ken obtaining dispensation to carry on on his own to Mount Cargill, as he had come in his own car), they took us part way back down the walkway before striking off on the right up a rutted vehicle track through the bush,
… from which eventually a track led off to the left and down to parallel the walkway back down the bridge and then it was just a short walk to the cars.
16. 24/5/2006 Bethunes Gully, Mt Cargill, Buttars Peak, Organ Pipes,Old Main North Road, Brown House corner, Norwood Street, Bethunes Gully. Leaders: Judy, Tash
15. 15/6/2005. Trampers. Bethunes Gully, Mount Cargill. Leaders: Hazel, Ria.
14. 23/5/2007. Hikers. Bethunes Gully, Mount Cargill. Medium. Leaders: Betty, Dot T.
13. 5/11/2003. Trampers. Bethunes Gully, Buttars Peak, round trip. Medium. Leaders: D Jenkins, B McCabe
11. 28/8/2002 Bethunes Gully to Mount Cargill, Organ Pipes return. Leaders: Ray & Diana, Val
10. 16/5/2001. Bethunes Gully. Leaders: Nancy, Dot and Nelson.
9. 19/4/2000. Bethunes Gully, Mount Cargill. Leaders: Judy C, Mary M, Bev McI.
8. 27/5/1998. Bethunes Gully, Organ Pipes, North Road. Leaders: Hugh and Judith.
7. 25/3/1998. Bethunes Gully, Organ Pipes return. Leaders: Betty, Denise.
6. 25/3/1998 Bethunes Gully to Mount Cargill, Organ Pipes return. Leaders: B Bryce, D Pearce
5. 30/7/1997. Bethunes Gully, Mount Cargill. Leaders: Diana and Ray, Catherine.
4. 9/7/1997. Norwood Street, Bethunes Gully, Opoho. Leaders: Shirley McN, Pat, Wendy.
3. 27/9/1995. Pine Hill, Mount Cargill Track, Waitati Road, Bethunes Gully, North East Valley. Medium+. Leaders: Ria L, Catherine, Ria H, Shirley R
2. 12/5/1993 Pine Hill Road, Cowans Road, Mt Cargill, Old Mt Cargill Main North Road, Return Bethunes Gully, North East Valley. Back to Pine Hill Road. Leaders: Ria L, Catherine T, Penny & Peter
1. 11/4/1990 Bethunes Gully, Mt Cargill, Buttars Peak, Organ Pipes,Old Main North Road, Brown House corner, Norwood Street, Bethunes Gully. Leaders: Margaret S, Hartmann, Bev H, Peter R
10. 16/08/2023. Hikers. Mosgiel Street Walk. Grade 1, $0, 9km, Leaders: Raewyn Keene, Helen Morris
It was a little frosty as 14 hikers set out from Peter Johnson Park for a street walk till lunchtime. Along Reid Street to Factory Road, Church Street to Gordon Road, the pace was steady. As we approached the railway crossing (and unknown to some of us), was the plaque about our own Lester and his beautification efforts.
As we continued on to the old Mosgiel Railway Station for morning tea, it was great to see the daffodils & blossoms beginning to bloom, indicating Spring is not far away.
Refreshed and with the sun trying to shine, we headed off to Cemetery Road, ventured into the new Grange Lifestyle village as far as we could go, and back out to the underpass into Kinmont.
Some hill climbing was considered necessary to get our hearts pumping, so up Leith, Clyde & Braeside Streets we went. Back down to Quarry Road and left at Nellies, we looped back to our cars via Argyle Street & Bush Road.
Ross C joined us today and was apparently looking forward to a ‘flat’ walk (as advised by his lovely wife) – oops! Hopefully the friendly chatter along the way helped.
All in all, a pleasant morning’s walk, good company and 9kms achieved.
The Harwood hike will be rescheduled into the summer programme.
Helen & Raewyn
9. 20/07/2022. Hikers. Mosgiel Silverstream/Wingatui. Leaders: Jan & Jenny.
On a dismal Wednesday morning, 13 of us set out on our walk around Mosgiel. We walked down the Silverstream which was running higher than normal, lifting our feet over the pesky tree roots, and had morning tea down the end of the track to fortify us for the walk ahead.
We walked down Silver Springs Boulevard which brought us out to Centre Road. Crossing over to Hagart Alexander Drive we took the first left onto Ben Lomond Drive in the Highland Park subdivision and came out onto Wingatui Road. Further up the road we spoke with Ady outside her house, chastising her for not being out walking with us.
We then carried on up to Gladstone Road and at the junction with McFadden Drive we climbed the steps up onto Joe Brown Drive, taking the 2 to a 2.5, took a left and back down McFadden Drive onto Gladstone Road again. At the lights we crossed over to Gladstone Road South.
Someone was heard to say they were buying a pie for lunch, and next minute a few more were buying pies for lunch at the Z garage! Further down the road we discovered a cafe and then a few more were disappearing to buy more goodies for lunch. Doesn’t say much for our home made lunches does it!! A little further down Gladstone Road we turned into Cemetery Road and stopped at The Hub for lunch where we found shelter and a seat to rest our weary legs. The pies went down a treat along with a liquid refreshment.
We commenced the rest of our journey heading back down Gladstone Road, turning into Burns Street, right into McDonald Street then into Ayr Street & Argyle Street where we stopped to suss out the honey stall & onward up Bush Road, Forfar Street into Eden Street where we crossed the road and continued down the Silverstream, taking in the progress of the swimming pool and across Memorial Park back to our cars.
Comparing notes we agreed on 12ks for the walk and managed to keep dry for the entirety of the walk. Some wanted to get on home and put their feet up and a few of us adjourned to the Wooden Table for a hot drink and something sweet to go with it.
Jenny and Jan
8. 16/11/2016. Hikers. An East Mosgiel Trek. E. Leaders: Jay, Judy K.
Our scheduled hike for today to Hawkesbury Lagoon was put off until later in the month because of the inclement weather forecast, so an impromptu hike was the order of the day. The hikers left the carpark at 9.00 a.m. and we walked up the Silverstream from Peter Johnstone Park and stopped for morning tea …
… near the Wingatui Road end. From there we checked out the new houses in the Springfield sub-division and took a wander down Rutherford Road which many people had never been down before. We then walked down Factory Road to Haggart- Alexander Drive and through the cutting and up Wingatui Road …
… to Gladstone Road when we decided to have lunch on the bank …
… by the railway line. No trains came!!! After a leisurely lunch we took as many shortcuts as possible to get back to the carpark before the rain came. A welcome coffee break was at Wals. – Jay.
7. 10/6/2015. Hikers. Mosgiel Trek. E. Leaders: Jim and Betty.
Jim and Betty led twenty-two Hikers on a most illuminating illustrated tour of Mosgiel, with historical anecdotes echoed and amplified by several other old identities in the group. At one house, and the next,
Jim would tell us who had originally lived there and what they did. And where this street and that street had originally terminated. And where which dairy and which mill had once been located. And what rubbish dump now boasted as foundation for which set of houses.
As is evident from the route map, the walk was extensive – 14.7 km – a good stretch for the Hikers, necessitating one or two drop-out groups en route, and ending with only the famous six completing a last street-block encirclement on the day. Suspiciously this might have just been a prank, added at the last minute from a wicked sense of humour on the part of the leader, and strongly confirmed by the Back Marker rebelling and leading the remainder by a more merciful direct route back to the cars.
We morning-teaed by the Silverstream,
up near Wingatui Road, and lunched behind the Joe Browns settlement, on the back bank of Reservoir Hill…
…looking down on the small Woodlands settlement,
and speculating on what drainage problems the properties might have experienced in the recent rain storm.
Our route was obviously the result of much imaginative planning. Highlights for this reporter were the new houses alongside Wingatui Road near the Silverstream (how similar many of them were!), the walk across Brooklands Park…
…and the surprising route through from McFadden Drive to Woodland Avenue.
From the end of Woodland Drive, there was the fraught quick-or-the-dead negotiating of the lanes in the Quarry Road roundabout to land us eventually in Kinmont Crescent. Thence through the SH1 underpass (surprisingly short) into Cemetery Road and back across the railway crossing and into Gordon Road’s SW section of houses.
Here, at the lower end of King Street, Jim pointed out the distinctive turreted house there,
the original Maternity Home where he first entered the world. Further up in Argyle Street was Mossbrae, the onetime Maternity Hospital. When we reached the end of Argyle Street, instead of releasing us back up Bush Road to the cars, Jim took us away down Perth Street and across and back up Tay Street, to go (at last with only the famous six) via the Street lights intersection finally back to the car park.
Nearly 15 km, much on pavement, but a lot on grass too, was a good stretch for the legs, usefully developing fitness for next Wednesday’s climb up the forestry’s Margaret Road, linking Taieri Mouth and Big Stone Roads.
Betty and Jim capped off a wonderful day out by turning on a piping hot pottle of chips to accompany coffee chatter back at Topiary Cafe. Thank you so much, dear leaders, for a wonderful day out. – Ian.
6. 17/9/2014 Wingatui Block. Hikers. E. Leaders: Les and Margaret.
Heavy overnight rain determined cancellation of the Millennium Track. Leaders Les and Margaret instead led us on the street walk recorded on the above map, stopping for morning tea in the shelter of the Wingatui Railway Station. On/off drizzle accompanied the whole walk but we were secure in our parkas. Thirteen of us enjoyed each others’ company and the varied views the route provided. Thank you Les and Margaret for your wisdom in making the tramp change and providing us with a good morning’s ten kilometre workout. Sorry, forgot about taking pics. – Ian.
5. 7/9/2013. Both. Birchleigh Village/Haggart Alexander housing development. Leaders: Bruce and Marjorie.
Thanks to two reports received, from Elaine and Bruce, each with a distinctive style, I have inter- leafed them for a wonderful account of the day.
ELAINE: Approx ten hardy people turned up at the car park at 9.00 a.m. The planned walk to Flagstaff was flagged.
BRUCE: With snow forecast to 100 m the planned hike on Three Mile Hill was postponed and an alternative street walk undertaken from 0900 to 1100.
ELAINE: George’s birthday bash was canned also. Was really looking forward to the wine. Never mind. Next week its all on if George is well.
BRUCE: Seven of us proceeded from the car-park via the Gordon Street verandahs during a nasty shower of hail to the RSA garden and memorial to Church Street and then into Wickliffe Street. (Ed. note: Three had returned back home.)
ELAINE: Bruce and Marjorie decided since the weather said showers … sleet … hillside snow …, that we would walk around the new housing estate at the northern end of Mosgiel. We also checked out Chatsford and Birchleigh for the future!
BRUCE: We turned off Wickcliffe Street into the Brooklands Estate past the BMX track to Doon Street and then via the new subdivision at Birchleigh Village.
We took the path on the left immediately past the main office to have morning tea, in the company of Ria who joined us in Wickliffe Street, in the rotunda assembly point beside the bowling green.
After a circuitous route through Chatsford we left the village and meandered through the new Highland Park subdivision. Although the slogan “My heart’s in the highlands” was repeated, the ground seemed pretty level.
After inspecting a show home from the outside we returned via Factory Road to our cars in the car-park with some comments from a pedestrian about our mental state for hiking on a wintery day. – Bruce
ELAINE: Only seven people came on this walk. The day didn’t get any better weather-wise and I think some of drivers passing us thought we were mad. The trampers cancelled their day altogether. We did laugh a lot and talk a lot. Let’s have a great turnout next week for George’s birthday shout, weather permitting. There could be a change to next week’s programme, so watch out for details. – Elaine.
4. 22/4/2013. Both. Car park, King St, Gladstone Rd Nth, Wingatui Rd, Shortcut to Haggart Alexander Drive, Factory Rd, return.
The Trampers’ trip was cancelled due to illness. In addition, both tramps came to nothing due to recent rain muddying up tracks. So a remnant seven of us did the above (tarseal) route, remarking on various properties passed and exploring a number of new housing developments on the way. A lot of changes! Rain everywhere else came to nothing in Mosgiel. We enjoyed the views and good company, especially Judy’s new South American poncho, lasting the distance only because of some emergency repairs.
– Ian.
3. 25/4/2012. Hikers. Wingatui Block. Leaders: Arthur and Barbara.
2. 9/8/1989. Wingatui Racecourse. Over the Hill. Easy+ Leaders: Betty, Molly, Ria.
1. 14/12/2005 Wingatui Hall, Silverstream End of Year lunch. Leader: Lesley S
1. 24 May 2023. Bayfield carpark to Glenfalloch. Grade 1. Hikers. Leaders: Linda Partridge and Helen Ingram.
A convoy of cars from Mosgiel parked in the Bayfield carpark at 9.45 joining Brighton and Dunedin people. Twenty-five hikers in total readied themselves for a walk along the cycle track along Portobello Road to Glenfalloch. It was a still bright morning, the harbour sparkling in the sunlight. We walked along the side of the inlet and stopped at Vauxhall Yacht Club for morning tea.
Then on to Glenfalloch which we reached just before noon.
The gardens look beautiful every season, and that day in autumn the maples were flaming red, and a long bank of fuchsias in purple and shocking pink terraced one of the hillsides. We had a leisurely lunch and Linda had prepared a questionnaire for us to take round the gardens to help us explore the grounds.
How many spoons in the sculpture near the restaurant? Where will you find the sundial? It really brought out the competitive nature in us! But everyone’s a winner, and a bag of Cadbury Favourites was handed round.
The Portobello bus was due at 2.15pm, and most of the hikers decided to walk on to Macandrew Bay to catch the bus there.
Brandishing BeeLine Cards we filled the bus and were dropped off close to the cars.
We finished the day with a hot drink at Nicols Garden Centre. Thanks to Linda and Helen for a very enjoyable day.
No. 89 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Outram Glen – Lee Stream Year Round”
Outram, Allanton, Floodbanks, Lee Stream, Traquair, Whare Creek – Information and Trips Library
15. 25/01/23 Hikers Outram Glen to Confluence. Grade 2 Leaders: Eleanore and Judy
On a clear still day at 9:15am, 23 of us met at the start of track carpark ready to hike the river track to the meeting of the waters where Lee Stream flows into the Taieri.
For some this was a new hike and a revisit for others.
After a pleasant half hour walk we arrived at the river beach for smoko, knowing we had a solid climb up through the well placed rock steps for quarter of an hour.
Some parts of track were damaged a few years ago by washout flood damage therefore, maintained as a route standard only with care required. After we climbed the well-placed rock/wood steps, it was then a long traverse above the Taieri River for just over an hour and a half—often stopping for a breather. It was good to see the unusual crop of potatoes amongst the grass knowing we had arrived at the Confluence.
After a leisurely 40-minute lunch and toilet stop, we returned down the track, also stopping often to walk as a group. Trip back was 15 minutes quicker than trip up. We walked 9km altogether.
Coffee and cake were shared at Topiary (Wal’s) Cafe by most of us, Trampers arriving back to join in after their Hope Hill outing.
Outram Glen is a great bush walk, close to home. Care needed after rain. Today track very dry with blue sky and about 23 degrees. Thanks to Judy D. for her caring role as my Tail Ender. Hopefully, you all enjoyed the day as much as I did.
Eleanore
14. 01/12/21 Trampers. Outram Glen to Lee Stream. Leaders: Sarah McCormack and Pam Cocks
After a change of tramp due to drizzly conditions forecast for the day at Swampy, 8 trampers set out from Outram Glen Scenic Reserve following the Taieri River to the Lee Stream convergence.
We stopped for morning tea beside the river just before the climb up the hill.
The day was starting to warm up a bit with a few of us over dressed as we were expecting it to be cold. Barbara showed off her stone skipping skills that she learnt at a young age and obviously still practices to maintain a high skill level The track was dry and would have been slippery if there had been any rain.
We made good time after morning tea and arrived at the Lee Stream convergence by 11:15 so a bit early for lunch.
While checking out the scenery and having a natter the wind decided it was going to come up. The wind was coming straight out of the Lee Stream valley and had a definite chill to it, so we decided to make our way back and find a lunch spot along the way.
Lunch spot was found with convenient stone seats and some also had tables. After a leisurely lunch we meandered back to the cars stopping to check out the plentiful fantails and another show of stone skipping.
We finished the day with coffee at the Wobbly Goat after covering just under 10km.
13. 15/7/2020. Trampers. Outram Glen. Leaders : Joy and Kathryn
18 keen trampers arrived fully kitted out for an easy but in some places slippery tramp up to the Lee Stream.
This is a favourite hike with the odd little challenge of fallen trees or wash outs adding some variety.
After several days of damp weather the river was running higher than normal and the rapids could be heard above the chatter of the group.
Gordon challenged us all to count the number of drainage pipes on the return trip. Seven, I believe was the winning number.
Another perfect Wednesday outing with a great group of people finished perfectly with a cuppa at the Wobbly Goat.
12. 29/1/2020. Hikers. Outram Glen M. Leaders Kathryn and Nikki
16 hikers and 5 Ramblers met at Outram Glen with the ramblers going off on their own walk.
Hikers had an enjoyable walk around the track stopping for morning tea down at the river before climbing the stairs to take u5s to the Lee.
Kathryn and Nikki.
11. 18/4/2018. Hikers. Outram Glen to Lee Stream. H. Leaders: Clive and Jim.
26 Hikers and Ramblers set out from Outram Glen scenic reserve alongside the Taieri River to Lee Stream. This was our first visit since the storm last year caused a lot of damage to the track and trail. Repairs are on going, apparent from the pile of gravel on the track and washouts still to be repaired on the trail. Several trees still block the trail.
We arrived at the end of the track about 10.15am and had morning tea on the rock strewn beach beside the river.
Several ramblers and a couple of the hikers then turned back to the start. An intrepid 19 hikers continued over the trail, followed by fantails and tom tits to Lee Stream. There seemed to be more hills to climb and they seemed steeper. Maybe that’s an age thing!
Arriving at Lee Stream around lunch time we picked spots out of the wind to have lunch.
It was pointed out by a senior hiker that we hadn’t actually reached Lee Stream and should continue to the stream. Walking a further 100 meters got us there. (see photo)
The return journey took longer than normal and unfortunately one member suffered a wound to her calf muscle on a broken bush stump whilst trying to cross a washout.
A tired crew arrived back at the carpark after 3.30pm. It was intended to visit a local coffee shop, but when we got there it was closing,.so 2 cups of coffee next time! Happy Tramping. – Clive
10. 9/11/2006. Hikers. Outram Glen to Lee Stream. Leaders: Jennifer and Dorothy S.
9. 10/8/2016. Hikers. Outram, Historical Park and Museum, Outram Glen. E. Leaders: Alex and Liz.
A good frost today but lovely and sunny for our hike around Outram
which was varied with a visit to the Museum,
Vintage Park and then onto the Glen track.
We numbered 25 and finished off with the Local Coffee Shop.
It was a wee bit different owing to the unknown conditions from the nasty weather three days earlier but as usual the company was good and we achieved our goals thanks to everybody. – Liz and Alex.
We were met with a surprise variation to simply walking the Outram Glen track. The leaders took us first up to the Taieri Historical Museum via an interesting side track shortly up the George King Memorial Drive by the bridge over Traquair/Whare Creek. We were seduced by the machinery museum building at the top of the property with its wonderful variety of early Taieri farming implements. They found it hard to drag us away.
We made our way down the driveway this time, and past a surprising number of cars to the track beginning. Time had passed so the leaders made our cuppa stop at the crest of the track’s large rise just past the entrance and in a nice sunny spot.
Then on we went till we reached the great set of steps that took us up from the river side to the high undulating bush track, or more officially, ‘route’. From the top of the steps on to the end of the route was a long series of regrouping pauses, where the more able waited for the less able to catch up. But get to the end we did.
A note to the side: On our way to the start of the track, we noticed Bob’s ute had joined our parked cars while we were up at the Museum. Some knew that he did have a prior commitment and must have presumed he would have caught up with us somewhere on the track but knew nothing of the leaders’ plan to visit the museum first. Eventually we did meet him, towards the end of the track, returning. It was all just too sad a misunderstanding.
We discovered the reason for the group of cars at the start when we reached the end. By the Lee Stream mouth was a large group of young St Mary’s School pupils being instructed on safety measures pertaining to launching inflatable rafts drawn up nearby.
Again, we wandered back each at our own pace. A pleasant day, sheltered by bush from the coolish wind. – Ian.
Nineteen of us walked the riverwalk from Outram Glen to Lee Stream. The weather was threatening but we had just a little rain, and with no wind and a mild temperature it was an enjoyable 12 kilometre expedition. Many of us had not seen the Taieri River so brown and surging for a long time.
The track in the upper reaches was quite slippery so we needed to watch our feet. Some birdsong from bellbird and fantail was appreciated as was the presence of wood pigeons. We had lunch at Lee Stream where a number could remember past picnics beneath willow trees.
Congratulations to Evelyn and Bob for leading the group. Evelyn did a stalwart job in trying to keep the group together, trying to both race ahead to hold back the fast movers and take care to see the rear guard were still with us. She even managed to end up with one more tramper at the finish than she had at the start. Well done Evelyn!
Bob provided us with some drama by taking a tumble. However he bounced back and even did it again to keep the medics on their toes. He finished the tramp in fine fettle and good humour, leading the bulk of the group on the homeward stretch. We hope the scratches and bruises do not cause too much discomfort.
George celebrated his 80th birthday and first great grandchild by handing out beautiful chocolates to all.
Altogether it was a satisfying day with a return to home base before the southerly caught up with us. – Marjorie.
5. 6/6/2007 Ian, Doug M, Eleanor B, Joyce S
20. 11/01/2023. Racemans Circuit, Trampers. Grade 4 (regraded 3 – see below). Leaders: Neil Hodgkin, Julie MacKenzie.
Trampers: 10 women, 4 men
Weather: Low cloud, drizzly, calm, 16 degrees
Track: 14 kms, 3.5 hours walking and 170 m height gain.
A good, mainly flat walking surface, the odd muddy patch, and sometimes short, sharp, steep, descents/ascents in and out of side creeks.
Several crossings of the Silverstream and even though the flow was low, care was needed and poles were helpful with slippery and unstable rocks.
As a first up tramp for 2023 it was great and a very suitable tramp for the weather conditions. In the bush there was no precipitation and no wind. We had the usual stop for smoke-o …
…and got to the weir about midday…
…but decided to move on down the track for lunch where it was less noisy.
On our return I as leader came face to face with six barking and not so friendly dogs who were eventually followed by a female runner who didn’t seem to worry. She said that the dogs were barking because we had sticks, but I didn’t believe her. What goes up must come down so we were expecting their return and when we heard them approaching we all stood off the track, sticks by our sides and gave them a TRTC guard of honour!
Grading: The grade of this tramp is solely dependent on the flow and depth of the Silverstream. The way it was on Wednesday, I’d put it at 2.5 – 3, but with more water it would certainly be a 3 -3.5 I think.
Neil.
Continue reading “Silverstream Water-Race, Racemans, Top Weir”
18. 30/11/2022. Trampers. Post Office Creek track from the Waipori Village side. Grade 3. $14. 60km. Leaders: Barbara and Leah.
The walking track is off Patearoa Road which itself is off Moonlight Road and we parked at the junction of the two. The permit was left visible through the windscreen.
A quick morning tea, and the party set off on the 1km down-hill (remember what goes down at the beginning of the day must go up at the end!!) to the rustic signpost indicating Post Office Creek track. There was a brief delay while one driver (nameless) went back and spent a frenetic 5 minutes searching for car keys in order to lock the vehicle. Having found the keys in the backpack, they were left on the ground while the pack was rezipped. The person (also nameless) who had ferreted them away while the rezipping was underway should be afraid; very afraid! A brief detour a few minutes down the track proper took us to the now dilapidated fishing huts.
A scramble back up the track and we were crossing the first of the creeks and negotiating the rock bivvy.
The entire track follows the contour of the slope with very little up or down. Many of the guts had bridges in varying degrees of disrepair but which, it’s understood, are likely to be removed entirely in the near future, after the maintenance work in the forestry has been completed. The tracks will be realigned to navigate the guts minus bridges.
Pigs had been digging up the track which left it nice and soft underfoot and there were a few fallen branches we cleared as we went.
We left the canopy cover of the trees as we neared the re-sited Waipori School buildings where we sat and had our lunch. Half the group elected to follow Jill to the actual Post Office Creek while the remainder sat and chatted, walked down to the lake edge and poked around the buildings.
Disappointingly there was no fishing or poetry recitation.
On the return of the wanderers, we set out again, retracing our steps, looking out for litter to take back to our vehicles. The last uphill kilometer was unwelcome but all 14 made it. A change of footwear, a little shenanigans with someone’s pack and sticks, and we headed back to the locked gate, this time heading to the right, over the Lake Mahinerangi causeway, through the fishing village and back to the Middlemarch Road at Lee Stream, enjoying a commentary from Jill who, for several decades, had farmed the property on both sides of the road.
One carload stopped for an icecream at Outram ($2 for 2 scoops being excellent value!), but weren’t joined by the other two, who must have thought 4.30pm too late for such extravagance!
An enjoyable day on an easy track which could well be considered for a combined day.
It would be possible to leave a 4WD vehicle at the bottom of the hill, at the signpost for the track, as we did on the recce, shortening the distance by 2 km.
Barbara
17. 2/6/2021. Combined trampers and hikers. Leader: Jill
A combined group of 42 people met at Andrew Reid’s hay barn on Mahinerangi Road and soon set off down the steep hill past the cattle yards. It was nice to have several visitors out today, as the weather gods were truly kind, and the ground underfoot was firm.
We all enjoyed walking through the rolling country and down to Lake Mahinerangi, initially opposite the old Waipori school building.
The lake was very low but still picturesque. We followed a gold miners water race to a now empty dam. One can only marvel at how adaptable and hardy those early gold miners were to seek their fortunes in this remote area!
The trampers then went up through the farm, intending to walk several kilometres more than the hikers, but I am not sure there was much between us in the end!
Trampers had lunch beside a tree lane with good expansive views and the Mahinerangi wind turbines were turning in the distance.
Back down to the farm lane that we followed to THAT hill and our cars.
Distance covered was about 12.5 km. Jill
After parting ways with trampers 14 hikers led by Chrissy (thank goodness) climbed up a fairly steep hill where we had a short lunch with the promise of another break at the top of the next paddock! Well, we somehow went through a wrong gate so instead of doing a loop we did a loop and a half to get back on track. We were all in good spirits until we saw the road we had to go back up to get to the cars.
But it was onwards and upwards at our own paces and, getting overtaken by the trampers, we made it back. This was a hard walk for us, but our senior members were so impressive. Well done team. PS. we never did get that promised break?
All up it was a solid 12 kilometres. Thanks Chrissy. Jenny & Jan Y.
16. 15/8/2018. Trampers. Verterburn Station. Leader: Jill.
11 trampers enjoyed a beautiful day on Andrew Reid’s property. We parked at the woolshed and headed downhill before walking along a water race created by gold miners, to a now empty dam.
We marvelled at how this race had been dug into the hillsides – and can barely imagine the living conditions of the early miners, one must certainly hope their toiling brought rewards!! There were a few fences to climb
but we were rewarded with nice views over Post Office Creek and then Lake Mahinerangi.
We then walked away from the lake, across a dam, and through paddocks up to the farm boundary with DCC forestry. Lunch was eaten in the shelter of the trees.
Then a few more ups and downs but we basically walked through the paddocks beside Mahinerangi Road back to our cars.
A most enjoyable day.
Distance walked 15.5 km. – Jill.
15. 17/1/2018. Trampers. Post Office Creek. Leader: Jill.
… we backtracked about 1 km and shortly after went up a very steep stock lane …
… and lunched by the trig there, enjoying expansive views of the area.
We continued up the farm track towards the back of the Maungatuas – the intention had been to look over to Waihola, but it was decided that was a bit far on this occasion! It was an easy return down hill to the bridge over Post Office creek – and to our cars.
An 18.5 km tramp enjoyed by all. – Jill.
14. 7/5/2014. Both. Reid homestead, Verter Burn to Post Office Creek and old school buildings. Leaders: Ken and Peter.
21 of us parked in the Reid’s homestead backyard and made our way through one or two fences down to a bridge over the Verter Burn (near ‘1’ on the map) for morning tea.
We followed a road on the stream’s true left, which begs the question as to where originated the pond with its beautiful reflection on our left. (About ‘2’ on map.)
Between 3 and 4 on the map, is where we approached the Verter Burn ford, into which we were to plunge later, but at this stage we swung off to our left to make our way through early gold-sluiced cliffs (8/4 on map) to finally cross the Post Office Creek and arrive at (5) the former Waipori School building (as reported to the writer) of the one-time but now submerged Waipori Township.
We climbed the steep hill alongside the Post Office Creek’s true left to skirt on our right a forestry of densely branched trees (larches? [and unpruned!] with a scattering of eucalypt among them) for a lunch where the forestry road levelled out at the top (6).
Then it was back down to the school building and out to the aforementioned ford, which this time we crossed with variously successful attempts in keeping feet dry, (but mostly wet).
Beyond that, was the further challenge of the BIG CLIMB, of un-fond older members’ memory. A taranaki gate at its top was new to us, but Neil successfully unscrambled its complexity. Three more paddocks and gates took us out to the Mahinerangi Road ( 11) and along it to the homestead (12.1) again.
At Outram, the majority of the (now well-established) coffee club socialised at the Wobbly Goat, …
although some betook themselves to the No 8 w Herbs cafe across the road. And that’s it. – Ian.
13. 28/11/2007. Trampers. Post Office Creek, fishermen huts return. Skyline track was closed on the day. Working on roads, trees. Easy. Leaders: Bill & Pat.
The long hill climb back out of the Verter Burn gets no easier with age, but all agreed it was another good day out. – Ian
12. 8/11/2006. Trampers. Post Office Creek. Medium. Leaders: Ian, Doug M
11. 18/5/2005. Both. Post Office Creek. Leaders: Doug J, Bill M, Joyce S, Lesley G
10. 29/10/2003 Forestry roads return. Leaders:
9. 25/4/2002 Leaders: Joyce S Shirley, Wendy B
Map: Sullivans Dam, Cloud Forest, Telegraph (Old Bridal) track to Pigeon Flat, Escarpment Track, Cowan Rd, Short Cut to Fox Rd, down to Sullivans Dam – drawn 2002. (Click to enlarge)
Sullivans Dam, Cloud Forest, 3 Peaks – Information and Trips Library
10. 23/11/2022. Trampers. Three Peaks, Escarpment, Cloud Forest Loop. Grade 3.5. 26km. Leaders: Clare Noakes, Jill Reid.
15 trampers set out around the lovely track around Sullivan’s Dam but we soon had to turn right up the hill that stated ‘for experienced trampers only’!
This track is an overgrown mostly-boardwalk that goes up and up through a patch of majestic Rimu, Totara and Miro to the Pylon Road. On the way we passed a bush telephone and a fairy grotto!
Morning tea was had under the pylons watching 2 helicopters below us loading up to do some spraying.
After refueling we set off on the escarpment track, firstly through gorse then mud, fallen trees and a rock climb up to the magnificent view from Pigeon Rock.
Just when we thought the worst was over we came upon 2 huge pine trees crossing the track. However everyone made it safely over, then it was a short scramble up Pigeon Hill to lunch.
The challenge after lunch was to follow the blue ribbons to Mt Cargill, this proved little trouble thanks to some tall scouts who could spot them among the growing pines.
Once out on the road with the sky growing darker it was a fast trip down the 3 Peaks track back to the cars where the heavens opened! Good timing team! This is a lovely, varied track with lots to keep you interested. All seemed to enjoy it even the harder parts. Thanks for a great day out – Clare. Continue reading “Sullivans Dam, Cloud Forests, Escarpment, Cowan round trip”
No. 12 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Karitane to Maori Pa and Beach Walk. C Tither. Year Round.”
Pa accessed from Karitane wharf. 2 hr ret. Walking Track. – Manager: DOC.
If you want a history of Huriawa Pa, Sir Truby King or early Methodist missionary James Watkin, it’s all just a click away here.
24. 02/11/2022. Combined. Karitane. Grade 2. $13. 56km. Leaders: John and Dave R
In summary, Karitane is such a beautiful spot, one the club has visited many times, but one that never fails to delight. Ideal for our diverse group with varying abilities, it allowed flexibility for people to safely go at their own pace, yet permitted lots of interaction between hikers and trampers. The Grade 2 classification seems appropriate, with just over 7 Km walked.
23. 19/01/2022. Hikers. Karitane. Leaders: Liz Griffin and Faye Lamb
22. 20/1/2021. Hikers. Karitane. Leaders: Linda and Heather
Fortunately we were rewarded with reasonably fine weather at Karitane.
Getting ready to get underway. (John pic and caption.)
Bob and Lester keen to get started. (John pic and caption.)
We started the day with morning tea,
Civilised morning tea. (John pic and caption.)
before proceeding along the peninsula track.
We walked past the totem pole and blow hole, taking in the magnificent ocean views, gazing at the distant coastline and a ship waiting to go into the harbour. Some of the more energetic hikers walked up the steep track to take photos and admire the view from the highest part of the headland.
This view makes the climb worthwhile. (Joh pic and caption.)
Coastline looking south. (John pic and caption.)
Alex has walked over this in the past! (John pic and caption.)
Not much sign of wildlife today, only a few lone seals were spotted dozing on the rocks blending in as always with the sleek black rocks. Further on we took the track down to the waters edge another time for photos, with some amazing rock formations eroded by time and the tides.
Sure these rocks have names? (John pic and caption.)
We proceeded back up the track, which led us up on to the road. From here we walked along the beach, admiring the lovely new beach houses.We stopped for a lunch break near the end of the beach, a time for a rest and for everyone to catch up on what they had been doing over the holidays. After lunch we posed for a group photo in front of one of the stunning large rocks.
We then headed back along the beach and out on to the road for a short street walk, checking out the local cribs , gardens and back to our cars.We enjoyed finishing the day with afternoon tea at Salt and Sugar General store in Karitane, certainly a unique coffee stop, and I’m told the cake was very good! – Linda and Heather.
21. 27/3/2019. Hikers. Huriawa Pa Peninsula, beach walk. E. Leaders: Clive and Alex.
The week leading up to this walk at Karitane had threatened all kinds of extreme weather. So it was surprising to muster at least 26 Hikers and Ramblers at the start of the walk outside the local fishing club. First things first it was nearly 10 o’clock so fortification of morning tea was taken before setting off. We headed to the prominent headland , whose history has been recounted in earlier visits and reports. Alec who had spent many a happy hour in Karitane had extensive local knowledge and immediately tried to put it to good use by taking a little known short cut … over a cliff …. So not that way. The views from the headland are spectacular and a couple of more intrepid hikers made it further out on to the headland. See photos attached.
After the headland we made our way down through the bush to connect up with the road. Although it was high tide there was enough beach to walk on and we made our way to the basalt rocks at the far end of the beach in time for lunch.
A number of the hikers were able to recall holidays spent at Karitane over lunch.
Just as we finished lunch a cool wind came up heralding rain. It was behind us so we made a faster return down the beach and up onto the main road. By the time we reached the local dairy the rain had set in in earnest so we didn’t hang about but made it back to the cars just as the heavens opened.
We followed the scenic route over the hill past Seacliff to Warrington. We had a short stop at St Barnabas’ church, which had been built in 1872 and is a tribute to the caring local community who keep it in such a fine state.
To end the day, with the rain lashing down,we made it to the Blueskin Nurseries cafe at Waitati for afternoon tea. – Clive.
20. 4/10/2017. Both. Huriawa Pa Peninsula, beach walk. E. Leaders: Jan and Bev.
A large contingent of trampers and hikers (40 in total) set off from the rivermouth area along the edge of the estuary to the Huriawa Pa peninsula. Track then headed upwards, and we had morning tea on a bank under a large marcrocarpa tree.
Track climbed steadily tho not steeply up to a totem pole, then along the edge of the cliffs to the blowhole. A group of trampers went up a steep little track to the highest point on the headland with great views. Past the blowhole we detoured off the main track along a mown pathway which looped round a newish planting of natives. Then took another detour down to the water’s edge and back up to the main track which led on to the beach. The weather had turned warm and sunny with no wind, so perfect beach conditions.
Came across a sea lion sunbathing on the beach, but he eventually trundled his way back to the water.
Walked to the end of the beach, and came back a little way to a lunch spot.
There were lots of large slips along the bank which runs along the edge of the beach and one of these slips provided good seating on the various tree trunks, rocks etc.
Some of the hikers carried on back down the beach to the cars, whilst the rest took a track off the beach and meandered round the streets of the Karitane township before returning to the car park via the main road. The tide was well in by then, so quite a different look to the estuary. The majority stopped off for coffee at the Blueskin Nursery Cafe on the way home, but the staff coped well with the rather large crowd. – Jan.
19. 10/12/2014 All. End of year Christmas shared lunch. Karitane Fishing and Boating Club Hall. Tramp: Huriawa Pa, beach walk. Leaders: Elaine and Eric
Elaine’s planning for the day did not disappoint us. Eric, obviously under precise instructions, ably led those who came for the tramp around the peninsula…
…and along the beach and return to get us back to the hall right on the dot of the appointed time of 11.30 a.m.to meet up with those who were able to come only for the occasion. Well done Eric, for someone who had never done the route before! So thanks, Eric – and Elaine, who stayed behind. And what was that for?
Surprise! Yes, meantime Elaine had been busy secretly putting up countless photos with questions attached, pens and slips of paper to write the answers down on, not forgetting bags to put them into. What preparation! What inventiveness! What tramper was the child in the photo? In what year was the camp in the photo held? Identify the car. How many pages in the day’s ODT? The puzzles went on and on, around the walls of the small hall, inside and out.
Of course there was wonderful food in all its variety…
After we were all satiated, came the declaration of the winners. from the bags accompanying their respective photos, Elaine drew answers, correct, facetious and otherwise. Each winner was awarded a Christmasy-wrapped present fetched and delivered by Eric from a large bag of presents donated by – who knows who? Where does Elaine get her sponsors from? Present after present. And we mustn’t forget the lucky numbers handed out when we first went in. It seems every number holder was awarded a present also.
After this was all over, Elaine got the Four Jolly Tramping Mates to perform their song, a song which has now come to be sung on one or two previous occasions. Well, it’s really Peter’s song as he has written the lyrics and chosen the tune. Over the years, the membership has perforce had to slightly change, with Heb now replacing Ray who has retired from the Club. And that’s not the only change either. Peter had added two further brillian verses to include Fred’s chocolates and Margaret’s red brolly. The lyric’s subjects are so pertinent, cheeky and entertaining, it has stood up well to repetition over the years. Thanks, Elaine, for arranging this part too.
Well, that was it, unless you include the coffee stop (another of Elaine’s innovations) at Blueskin Cafe on the way home for some.
Well, Elaine. You have certainly put your stamp on the social side of our Club’s activities. Thank you, and Eric, for providing a most enjoyable finish to the year’s activities. – Ian.
18. 28/5/2014. Hikers. Karitane, Huriawa Pa, beach walk. Leaders: Bev and Lesley
Here we were at Karitane, all ready to set out, with Leader Bev out there on the right waiting for us to follow.
And as you can see from John’s second panorama below,
at either end of the pic you can see both the the tramp’s end on the left and its entrance point onto the peninsula. We made our way along right on the harbour inlet’s edge to a lovely spot for the morning tea cuppa. We we surprised by the occasion whiff of warm air which accompanied us for the day, until a norwester blast hit us just as we were returning to the cars, a trace of which can be seen on the above panorama.
Following the leisurely sit down, was a bit of moderately steep climbing to reach the top of the track where it returned back on the peninsula’s southern side. We admired the following blowhole.
Les recalled how once he and Ivan McIntosh had braved the ledge along the top. Not now!
By various stops and starts (part of a track we found too flooded to negotiate so had to find another way) we made it back to the peninsula’s beginning, and onto and along the long firm beach, to lunch at its southern end. Here John and Elaine combined to make this stunning photo.
After another leisurely break, we made our way back along the beach, across the peninsula’s neck and back to the cars.
A great day out for some 30 hikers, well led by Bev and Lesley, to whom much thanks. – Ian.
16. 30/11/2011. Hikers. Karitane from railway line. Easy.
15. 21/4/2010. Hikers. Karitane from railway line. Easy. Leaders: Elaine, Fred.
Whare Nui (?) of Puketeraki Marae. (Bill pic)
Tor. (Bill pic)
Rock on beach showing columnar basaltic structure. (Bill pic)
End of Huriawa Peninsula. (Bill pic)
14. 30/7/2008. Hikers. Karitane from railway. Easy. Leaders: Bob H, Evelyn C.
13. 8/8/2007. Hikers. Karitane from railway line. Easy. Leaders: Evelyn C, Bill H.
St Clair, St Kilda, Kew, Corstorphine, Ocean Grove, Tomahawk – Information and Trips Library
2. 24/08/2022. Hikers. St Clair/Kew Street Walk. Grade 2.5. $5. Leaders: Shona & Maria
24 hikers met at the Forbury Trotting Club where Maria distributed a handout giving information on points of local interest (thanks Maria).
We walked together to Second Beach (a hidden Dunedin gem), for morning tea and took time to look at some stone installations there.
We proceeded to Jacob’s Ladder where most climbed the 287 steps to Seaview Terrace and the remainder studied some of the more impressive homes on the flat.
Both groups re-joined at the bottom of Allandale Rd before dividing up again, one group taking themselves up the walkway beside Frances Hodgkins Retirement village to Easther Cres and meeting the rest for lunch at the recreational area between St Andrews home and Sarah Cohen school. We walked back to Forbury via Surrey St.
Coffee at The Good Oil at Nichols.
Distance approx. 8.4kms