Trip Reports
Waianakarua North Branch – 27th Feb
Saturday, March 12th, 2022
The Sunday mornign started cooler than hoped, at just 14 degrees maximum temperature forecast..
The Waianakarua North Branch river explore is a trip that has been done by the club quite a few times in the past, but not in recent memory so was an unusual one compared to a normal day tramp. Unfortunately the only members on this trip was me and my son Reuben, who was keen to do it again after enjoying the reconnaisance explore a few weeks prior.
Starting at the DOC Glencoe campsite, we put on our short-sleeved wetsuits and set off up the river. The sides of the rived quickly narrow to a spectacular gorge, requiring some easy scrambling to stay relatively dry. At this point we saw a very long eel slowly cruising up the river.
After about 40 minutes we reached the crux of the trip – this involves a little swim and then a tricky climb out of the water. Once I got over that, was another spectacular gorge with waist deep water to wade through.
Because of the cool temperature we were starting to get a chill at this point, so began to make our way back downstream. Much quicker than the way up as we swam the bits that we were keeping dry avoiding ont he way up!
The river up from Glencoe is like a mountain stream, but easy for is to visit from Oamaru – would definitely recommend visiting again, taking a picnic in a dry bag to enjoy in a secret spot. Would only recommend on a warm day – 18degrees or more so as not to get the chills..
Cameron Valley Hut
Saturday, March 12th, 2022
Cameron Valley Hut
5th and 6th March 2022
Two club members met in Wanaka late Saturday morning knowing the weather was fine and
the walk into Cameron Valley Hut was only around 5hrs in duration
We then drove to the carpark for the Cameron Valley Lookout just past Makarora and
commenced walking at 10.30am
The track starts as a well formed “tourist” walkway for about 10 minutes until the lookout.
From this point it is a marked route and changes in intensity quite dramatically.
The track was well marked and easy to follow with a couple of slightly nerving parts close to
deep bluffs, certainly not for those whom suffer from vertigo.
Total altitude difference was circa +600m, but total ascent was +1187m and descent -675m
giving an indication of the variability of the track, which explains the +5hrs for a short 7.3km
track.
Following the gorge was very scenic with a good amount of birdlife in evidence and a variety
of our great kiwi Flora.
Lunch was had at approximately 12.30 following the only major river crossing on the track.
The hut was reached at 4.00pm. Cameron Valley Hut was built in 1960 but has obviously
had repairs and maintenance done well over that time as the roof and chimney were fairly
new and the hut was in very good condition overall.
Apart from a couple of day walkers we met no-one else so had the hut to ourselves for the
night.
Late afternoon was spent exploring nearby waterfalls and creeks.
The return trip to the carpark on Sunday was obviously a bit quicker and took roughly four
hours. Rain was forecast so we needed to ensure we crossed the river before then.
A quick stop for refreshments at Makarora, a drop of in Wanaka then the drive back to
Oamaru where surprisingly the weather was better than in Wanaka. That doesn’t happen
much!.
Thanks to Dave Woods for the company.
Julian
CRUISEY {GOURMET} ROUND the HARBOUR BIKE RIDE: 20/02/22
Tuesday, March 8th, 2022
The weather is SO important to have an enjoyable cycling and for ferry crossing – we ‘managed’ it just right! [The day before was too wet, and day after unsafely windy]. This was an atypical TC outing, but nothing like variety!
14 bods descended into a cafe at Port Chalmers for either a late breakfast, morning tea, or early lunch. After being adequately replenished, we arrived at the chartered ferry for friendly owner-operator Rachel to load our 9 ebikes and 5 ‘real’bikes like a weight-lifter. We were on our way soon after 11.00, blessed with sunshine, sea-spay, views and a well researched commentary. After mooring and offloading at Portobello, and a b
rief look at the township, we headed South on the flat finished trail [apart from 100m], diving in and out of all the bays, while avoiding other cyclists and walkers.
Soon enough we arrived at Glenfalloch right on the dot of time, only to find our outside booked table for 12.30 had been written up on their front desk as 11.30. However we were quickly established at 2 indoor tables, with refreshments and delightful lunch food [slightly different from my typical TC lunches!!]
With happy smiles and tummies, we set off to round the bottom of the harbour, for what’s becoming our traditional group photo with ‘the teeth’ -someones idea of Oamaru stones sculptures. Then Northwards, through the industrial and wharf areas to the Stadium, and up the cycle path to St Leonards. Here the trail ends, but he last remaining section costing 5 million [!!] to be completed by the end of the year to Port Chalmers.
Graham and I sorted some interesting quiet back-roads about 3 years ago to follow, rather than the busy main road. The only issue is, that there is quite of lot of up and down hill work.
Fine for ebikes and fit real-bikers, but can prove a struggle otherwise. I took one person a horrible flatter route, while the rest arrived back at the wharf at a similar time.
The six tail-enders to leave
, decided that to complete the ‘gourmet’ requirements, and to have a debrief, the local pub would fit the bill -and it did!
Thanks to Colin [and Ross for the tailor] carrying some bikes, and the rest of the crew: Jenny, Graham, Mary, Jeff, Bev, Norma, Heather, Karyl, Trish, Catherine, John and Graham, for a real beaut day!
I’ve begun planning next year’s more extensive ride! Jane
The weather is SO important
Lindis Peak
Thursday, February 17th, 2022
Waitangi Weekend, 6th– 7th February 2022
Sunday 6th, 7am saw a group of eight trampers leave Oamaru to meet up with another four arriving from Twizel at the Wrinkly Rams for a morning coffee at 8.30am, before all twelve headed over the Lindis Pass to Old Faithfull Road. The signpost to the Old Faithfull Rd is just past Elliots bridge, and the start of the climb is well marked.
The track climbs steadily from 400 metres to the top at 1226 metres, sometimes along a poled route, but mostly up a grassy four-wheel drive track. It is a pleasant surface to walk, and easy to follow. The climb started under cloud keeping us cool on the trek up, but the sun broke through and soon we had magnificent views spreading out before us. At the top there are rock tors, flowering Spaniards and fantastic views right around from Lake Wanaka, down to Cromwell, over to the St Bathan’s Range and up the Lindis. High cloud over the mountain tops obscured Aorarki/ Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring.
The trip up and back took 5 – 6 hours, with a stop for lunch near the top. Julian, Lynette, Russell and Neville then headed back to Twizel , while the other seven of us, John, Mary, Geoff, Kevin, Uwe, Sylvia, Jo and Jenny spent a pleasant time camping overnight at the historic Lindis Hotel campsite, a beautiful, sheltered DOC spot. It was a most relaxing, social time and fun to explore this old goldmining area.
Canyon Creek
Thursday, February 17th, 2022
29-30 January 2022
Canyon Creek, Ahuriri Conservation Area
Third time lucky for leading this trip as two previously programmed attempts were cancelled due to poor weather forecasts.
Four members decided to travel up to Twizel on the Friday night for a bit of socialising prior to commencing the tramp on the Saturday. We met the fifth member in Omarama about 8.30am. Travelling in two cars we began the long journey up Birchwood Road, this road is not maintained over the later 2/3rds of the road and we were thankful for having high clearance vehicles as the road was washed out in places and previous vehicles had created rough tracks around these washouts, a slow and bumpy journey indeed.
We were very lucky with the weather as it was a glorious day and we had plenty of time to reach our destination, which allowed us to stop frequently to soak in the views.
A walk along the flats was required before crossing Canyon Creek which was no more than ankle deep. This is followed by a short sharp climb over the bluff that creates the first Canyon, certainly gets you warmed up that climb.
Following the track along the valley we encountered a few treefall areas and track missing due to washout but these are easily navigated by walking along the river bed until the track is sighted again.
Lunch was taken at the base of the cirque in the lower valley before commencing the climb into the upper valley. The views in this area are simply outstanding with mountain peaks and waterfalls aplenty.
Once at the top we navigated by following the cairns along the valley, multiple routes have been laid out with cairns so choices aplenty.
We reached the rock Bivouac in early afternoon and proceeded to set up camp. Some members exploring further up towards the end of the valley and some members making the most of their photographic skills.
Following a blustery night, we had a later start to descend down the valley on what was again a nice day.
At the crossing of Canyon Creek at the start of the valley (carpark end) we came across a horse trekking Company taking Clients out on a trip, this group followed one of our members out to the carpark, interesting to note that the tramper was first back settling the debate that shanks pony is faster than a real pony at least whilst walking.
A long slow trip back out Birchwood Road ensued with a stop for refreshments in Omarama before proceeding home.
