September 2025 Meeting Report
Meeting Report
Jenny chaired the meeting.
Guest Speaker
Our speaker was Syd Woods from Geraldine. He and a friend, Kate, completed the “Freedom Challenge,” a mountain bike ride from Pietermaritzburg to Wellington (near Cape Town) in South Africa. They had 26 days to finish and completed it in 21.
The route covered 2,150 km with 11,000 m of climbing and numerous river crossings. Bikes weighed about 14 kg with gear and often had to be carried. No GPS was allowed; navigation was by map and compass. All riders carried trackers.
Syd described the first week as brutal. They started in the dark each morning and finished in the dark each evening. There were food and rest stops every 50 km, with meals and accommodation every 100 km, often at old homesteads. Around 50 people started the challenge and about 25% did not finish. Weather was generally good, with frosty mornings and snow at the highest point at 3000 m. The challenge took place in 2024. Syd mostly enjoyed the experience but was pleased to reach the finish line.
Trip Reports
Mt Cuthbertson
Two people completed this climb in the Waitaki Valley. It was harder and longer than the sign suggests, but the views were excellent.
Mt Nimrod Reserve
Five people walked towards Mt Nimrod, having lunch high on a rocky knob before returning. Wallabies were seen.
Mt Heim
Three people walked six hours to the head of the valley in rain, then encountered snow. It took another 2½ hours to reach the Bivy Rock, where they camped for the night. The Mt Heim climb was abandoned due to weather and avalanche conditions.
Up and Coming Trips
Orokonui Reserve
Visit to the wildlife sanctuary near Dunedin.
Little Mt Peel
Two groups: one doing a loop, the other a climb.
Bike Ride
Kakanui and surrounding areas.
Silverpeaks
Overnight camp and a circuit walk in the area near Dunedin.
Wednesday Walkers
A report was given.
A special meeting was held alongside the monthly meeting to vote on awarding life membership to Bill Bews, Maurice and Phyllis Gray, Jane Naish, and Stewart and Betty Jenkins. The proposal was passed. These valued members, and past members, will be honoured at a date yet to be set.
The meeting ended at 8.55 pm.
August 2025 Meeting Report
Meeting Report
Colin chaired the meeting.
Trip Reports
Bike Ride: Port Chalmers to Portobello
Fourteen people took the ferry from Port Chalmers to Portobello, then biked the 32 km back to their vehicles. The weather was perfect and the harbour was calm.
Luxmore Hut
Four people left early on Saturday and travelled to the start of the Kepler Track. They climbed to Luxmore Hut, where two of our members were acting as hut wardens. The group was warmly welcomed with hot scones and a toddy. The weather was fine and they returned on Sunday.
Roseneath
Nine people walked near Aviemore, heading up Fern Gully from the old village site to a rocky outcrop with good views, then back down to Wharekuri in good weather.
Ben Ohau
Five people enjoyed a walk with a good dusting of snow. They climbed to the trig, took in the views, and returned via Greta Stream.
Wednesday Walkers
A report was given.
Up and Coming Trips
Mt Nimrod Reserve
Inland from Waimate, an interesting area with a good hill to climb.
Awakino
Possibility of enjoying some snow near Kurow. This may be an overnighter.
Canyon Creek / Mt Hyme
Camp at the bivvy rock and enjoy a good climb.
Trip planning for the Spring Programme followed.
The meeting closed at 8.40 pm, followed by a cup of tea and a chat.
July 2025 Meeting Report
July Meeting Report
Julian chaired the meeting.
Trip Reports
Otekaieke Hill
A fine day with a frosty start. The river was high, so the group climbed 1000 m, followed the ridge for about 2 km to the trig, then returned the same way. Deer were seen in the area.
Arthurs Pass Trip
Five people travelled to Jacksons, crossed the high Taramakau River, and walked to Lake Kaurapataka. The weather was wet, with many river crossings required to reach the hot pools. They returned to camp by following the true right of the river. A very watery weekend.
Wednesday Walkers
A brief report was given.
Up and Coming Trips
Port Chalmers Bike Ride
Ferry from Port Chalmers to Portobello, then bike back to the cars.
Luxmore Hut
Stay in Te Anau on Friday night, climb to Luxmore Hut on the Kepler Track on Saturday, stay the night, and return Sunday.
Aviemore to Ben Ohau
Walk from Aviemore to Ben Ohau.
Cape Wanbrow
Mark outlined a planned vision for the Cape tracks, including metal sculptures depicting ancient animals and plants found in the area. These will become an attraction worth visiting.
There was no photo competition as advertised. Instead, Jonathan demonstrated several useful websites for planning tramps. The Mountain Safety Council site offers good advice on topics such as river crossings and weather forecasting. Outdoor Access Maps and Topo Maps are also helpful for route finding, showing actual topography and allowing overlays. Members found the session informative.
The meeting closed at 8.45 pm, followed by a cup of tea.
Otago Harbour Bike Ride
12 cyclists went on the on a cycle around Otago Harbour, stopping at the tooth fairy park (Harbour Mouth Molars), and then finishing at the Portobello Hotel & Bistro before catching the ferry back to Port Chalmers.
— Mary and Geoff