Wednesday Walkers
Walking groups go on day walks within two hours driving from Oamaru each Wednesday.
You are welcome to join us for the day and no membership is required.
There are usually Two Walking Groups, both leaving from the Towey Street tennis court car parks.
The Walkers usually leave at 8-30 am and go on a longer and possibly more demanding walk.
The Wanderers usually leave at 9-30 am and go on a shorter, less demanding walk.
If you are on our emailing list you will be notified of the coming Wednesday’s walks and any time changes. This can be sent to your email address by Tuesday, the day before the trip.
If you wish to go on this email list please send your email address to northotagotmc@gmail.com stating your wish to be included in the mail out.
However you are welcome to just turn up to be included in that days trip, though be aware that there is the very odd cancellation or time alteration.
See down further under Group Skills and Day Gear Checklist for some things to be aware of on the walk and a recommendation of what to bring.
View Map
Recent Walks
Sailors Cutting to Benmore
Wednesday 23 April 2025
Weather: Sunny, mild, very light easterly breeze.
Trip: The 13 trampers drove from Oamaru to the Benmore Dam lookout, left one vehicle there, and then carried on to Sailors Cutting for the 16km tramp back down the A2O track to Benmore. The weather was perfect for walking – the air was crystal clear and not a cloud in the sky. Autumn colours were brilliant. There was a steady flow of cyclists along the trail, mostly going in the same direction as we were, so care was needed to give them room to pass.
Walking started at 10 o’clock with the first stop for morning tea at 10.45 beside the lake with a good view of the St Cuthbert Range and a fleet of New Zealand scaup accompanied by a pair of Australasian crested grebes as outriders.
The track then wound around the lake, at times almost at water level, at others climbing high to round rocky bluffs. The scenery was spectacular, with high tussock-clad mountains plunging steeply into the glassy lake.
The next stop, for lunch, was made at just on 12.30 at a picnic table a little under half-way along the journey, with yet more stunning scenery.
After lunch, another hour’s walking took us to the saddle at the base of the Ram Paddock peninsula, which was the traditional destination for Benmore Walkway trips. It also had a toilet, curiously sited behind a gate.
From there, the track descended to lake level before climbing again and descending into Boundary Gully, the site of some spectacular golden poplars and a past lunch venue. This was followed by the climb to the highest point on this section of the A2O, reached at 3 o’clock, which offered extensive views to both north and south.
Another 3/4 hour sidling high along a ridge before dropping gradually took most of the trampers down to the Benmore Dam, although three opted for the detour around the old walking track to the Benmore Islands Lookout with its extensive views up both arms of Lake Benmore and beyond to the Southern Alps.
The dam lookout car park was reached at 3.45 and the vehicle parked there took the drivers back to Sailors Cutting to pick up their cars and return to collect their passengers.
A great trip through magnificent scenery in perfect conditions was rounded off with large ice creams in Kurow.
John
Boundary Creek Walk
Wednesday 16 April 2025
We parked near the rifle range at the top of Boundary Creek Rd in one of Richard Plunket’s paddocks. From there, 19 Wedensday Walkers went up a good farm road taking us to Eden Road, and on to Rosebery Rd.
At the end of Rosebery Rd we were on good farm tracks heading to an aqueduct on the former Oamaru water race. There our challenges commenced, as we were unable to find a way through gorse and steep slippery slopes to the bottom of Landon Creek valley or the aqueduct.
After a bit of back tracking to another valley, and a stop for lunch (in view of the aqueduct), it was time for a review of options.
There was no apparent access under the aqueduct so we had to skirt around a pine forest to another valley which led us to Landon Creek.
Fortunately, and surprisingly, Landon Creek valley was dry, although the grass was as high as an elephant’s eye Mike (who was leading at the time) tells me.
So no problems (for those behind Mike) getting back out to Boundary Creek Rd and back to the cars.
David and Bev
The Hays, Hakataramea
Wednesday 9 April 2025
Weather: Fine, sunny, mild, gentle westerly breeze.
Combined trip: This was a combined Walkers/Wanderers trip and the nine participants travelled by two vehicles to The Hays farm in the upper Hakataramea Valley, arriving just on 10 o’clock. As a mob of sheep were being brought down the track we would be going up, we took an early morning tea in the farmyard, surrounded by rooting pigs, cackling hens and some delightful huntaway pups. We then drove 2kms up a farm track on to the rolling hills and parked, setting off tramping at 11.30-ish.
Walkers
The plan was to do a circuit, heading west down to the Grampians Stream, following it upstream and circling around to the east to return either by the Dunstan Stream valley or the ridgetop track. As we had parked further up the main track than in the past, we first had to find a way down to the Grampians Stream.
Reaching a point where three gates gave access to the west, we chose the middle one and followed a fenceline then a 4wd track which headed down to the south. However, it petered out on a grassy top and the routes down to the stream were either too steep or blocked with dense matagouri, so we were forced to turn north west across a series of broad ridges until we found one which gave a reasonable route down.
We reached the Grampians Stream at 12.30 and worked our way up it, mostly alongside the true left of the stream with occasional high sidles to get over bluffs or slips. After half an hour of this, we reached a beautiful pool headed by a small waterfall. As well as providing a photo opportunity, it also blocked further progress so a climb up the steep banks on one side or the other was inevitable. We chose the true right bank, so linked up for an impromptu river crossing exercise, then scrambled on hands and feet up the bank. Lunch was enjoyed on top in the brilliant sunshine with panoramic views.
About 1.45 the tramp was resumed, first down an easy slope to the stream, which we crossed more easily on a shingle bottom. It was now after 2 o’clock and the target time back at the cars was 4pm so a brief conference resulted in the decision not to cross again to climb the steep ridge on the true right above a spectacular gorge where a tributary joined the Grampians Stream. Rather, we would carry on along the flattish ground on the true left until we came to the 4wd track which we knew would take us back up to the ridgetop track. This we reached about 3.15, some radio communications confirming that the Wanderers were on a similar timetable. The two groups met up shortly after and got to the cars half an hour later.
It had been an interesting and at times challenging tramp across great country in perfect conditions.
John
Wanderers
It was a perfect day with a strong westerly wind. On arrival at 10.20am we decided to have morning tea in the shelter at the yards, next to the pigs, chooks and two playful nine week old puppies. After driving up the steep farm track we parked near the air strip.
The three Wanderers chose to brave the strong wind and walked west along the ridge and then into the long paddock called Middle Dunstan because it is above the Dunstan Stream, which we saw most of the day.
All day we had great 360degree views with one little cloud in the sky. Mt Studholme and Mt Dalgety were always visible.
Even though both groups did different walks we all arrived back at the cars together.
After a cuppa and debriefing at the back of the cars, then icecreams at Kurow, we arrived back in Oamaru soon after six.
It was a lovely day out in the high country.
Jane
Local Walk – Towey St to Weston, via the Gardens
Wednesday 2 April 2025 (Wednesday Walkers)
As the weather forecast was not great, the 10 Wednesday Walkers gathered at Towey St decided to do a local walk.
From Towey St, it was down Severn St to the gardens, then thru here–observing what the Council are doing and having a talk to Jimmy in the bird aviary–up to the sale yards and along as far as Airedale Road on the cycle track, stopping for a snack and drink in the shelter of the petrol station.
From there it was into Charles St and weaving our way back to the Essex St corner. Continuing on along the Western road until the new subdivision opposite the crematorium, we cut through here and back onto the cycle track, ending up in the gardens band rotunda for lunch.
After lunch it was up the steps and over railway line and finally back to the cars in Towey St just before 1pm.
We had a fine misty drizzle most of the time, but nothing that caused any inconvenience.
It was approx. 13kms, at no cost and enjoyable company.
Bev
Local Walk – Towey St to the Observatory Village, via the Gardens
2 April 2025 (Wednesday Wanderers)
Six wanderers had a wonderful walking day in rather inclement weather.
We set off from Towey Street up the hill into Queens Reserve. We walked through that, exiting it at the other end of Queens Crescent and down Isis Street, from where we adjourned for morning tea at Chetwin’s home.
Replenished, we set off again – crossing the railway line and down the steps into the Oamaru Gardens. From there we crossed the footbridge into the children’s new play area. There we ran into a bit of trouble as two of our members (they will remain unnamed) would not continue on the walk until they’d tried out all the available play options.
Four of us went on to Chess Street and waited patiently for them to catch up. From there we climbed up the hill to Observatory Village, where we lunched in Margie and Brian’s home.
With permission from Katrina (the manager) we inspected a recently completed villa which is on the market. We also had a look around the new Community Centre. Then we surprised Bill Bews by arriving on his doorstep and serenaded him with Happy Birthday.
From there we wandered back down the pathway that leads to behind the Resource Centre, through the gardens, back over the railway lines, up the walkway into Lune Street, and headed back to our cars on Towey Street.
Surprisingly we had covered 9 kms.
Farm Walk
Wednesday 26 March 2025
Trotters Gorge–Trig Loop
Wednesday 19 March 2025
The six Oamaru-based trampers left Towey Street at 8.30 to be joined by three more at Maheno and drove the 45kms to the Trotters Gorge Scenic Reserve. Just before 9.30 we set off up the track, crossing the very shallow Trotters Creek six times, and passing through but not stopping at the Otago University Hut compound. We did check out the once-splendid swimming hole which had become almost completely filled in with shingle brought down in floods some years ago and had not been restored.
We carried on up the track past the end of the so-called maintained stretch and turned left to follow Trotters Creek on a track which had been cleared some three months earlier by members of the group. Crossing the creek took us into a stretch above the true left that had been cleared but was now partially overgrown again. Eventually we crossed back to the true right where the track led through farmland. Just after this crossing, at about 10.30, we settled down on a sunny bank for morning tea. The track then followed the right bank, apart from two crossings, undulating its way past the confluence with Pigeon Creek until it came out on an open flat occupied by a substantial hunters hut.
After a brief stop we started out on the climb at around 11.30. The first stretch comprised a steep 4wd track winding up a spur. About half way up, the slope lessened as the track angled up the hill to the top ridge of the Horse Range. Two more energetic trampers left the track at the half-way point and climbed directly up the shallow gully leading to the top ridge. The peloton continued up the track to the top ridge and turned left to climb along a fence line, eventually reaching the summit trig just on 12.50pm. Photos were taken and landmarks identified in the 360° panorama and we settled down among the rocks and tussocks on the sheltered northern side of the summit knob for lunch.
After a 40 minute stop, we were back on our feet, dropping down off the summit knob and through a gate leading to a ridge which ran down to the south-east. We turned east off this about half way down and followed a track across a broad saddle, past some curious but friendly cattle. A gentle climb took us past a spectacularly sited house, where we had a quick chat with one of the farmers, then past some yards to join the Horse Range Road. From there, it was an hour down the road with time to admire the rocky bluffs, native bush and splendid bird song, dominated by bellbirds. On this trip nobody visited the cave hidden by pine trees above the road. We reached the cars at 3.30 where we met up with the Wanderers, who had done the shorter return trip to the hunters hut. Large ice creams at Hampden rounded off the day.
Weather: Fine, sunny, mild, gentle south-easterly breeze turning to north-east in afternoon.
John
Tara Peak
Thursday 13th March 2025
This Wednesday Walkers’ trip was unique, in that it took place on a Thursday. The reason was to join up with a group from the Geraldine Tramping Club (most of whom came from Timaru) on a tramp which we had first done almost five years earlier, leading up from the South Canterbury downlands into the Campbell Hills. A convoluted drive through Waihao Downs, where we met the Geraldine contingent, ended behind the Glenlone homestead where we were greeted by the landowners. The aim was to tramp a circuit climbing Mount Tara, at 909 (or 1093 according to some maps) metres the second highest peak in the Campbell Hills, continuing along the top ridge and then descending back to the starting point.
We set off just before 10 o’clock, starting up the gravel track past a second house, then winding around a gully before striking out up a broad grassy ridge through a gate into a tussock run block where a distinct 4wd track started. At this point we stopped for morning tea, setting off again up the track just after 11am. The track provided good going and a steady climb took us to the top ridge and a boundary fence, which we crossed to turn left on another 4wd track and a final ½ km climb to the summit of Mt Tara, marked by an old steel trig (shown on maps as either 909 or 1093 metres). The 500-600 metre climb from the homestead had taken just 2 1/4 hours, including stoppages, although the last straggler took almost 2 3/4 hours. We settled down below the trig for lunch.
The view from the summit was stunning: a 360 panorama from the Kakanuis in the south-west to Mt Domett and the St Mary Range in the west, past Totara Peak, Mt Sutton and the Kirkliston Range in the north-west, the Grampians and Mt Dalgety in the north, with Mt Sefton visible through a gap, then around to the Hunters Hills in the north-east and finally the South Canterbury downlands and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Closer in, we were looking as the backs of Mt Parker and Mt Meyer (with Station Peak in the distance), around to Mt Orr and other tussock-clad hills.
After lunch, we headed back over the fence and along the track which followed the top ridge of the Campbells in a northerly direction. As we proceeded the view to the north opened up and we could see the Hakataramea Pass and Valley. The route was now mainly downhill except for one climb over another knob before descending again to some yards in a saddle, where we paused while a mob of sheep concentrated in the corner dispersed. Here, we turned right (east) on to a 4wd track which wound its way steeply back down to the valley which we followed back to the homestead with a stop for a break at the foot of the descent, finally reaching the cars at 3.30, some 5 ½ hours and 12 kms after setting out. It had been a great tramp in perfect conditions with views that generously rewarded the effort and good company. Thanks too to the very welcoming hosts.
John
Farm Road – Hakataramea Valley
Wednesday 5th March
Elephant Hill
Wednesday 5th March
Eleven Wanderers climbed Elephant Hill which is 1,671 feet (510 metres) high with 360 degree views on a clear day. We had the most spectacular views on a perfect day, not too hot, sunshine and little wind. 40 years ago I used to reach the summit in 1 1/2 hours but this time it took me an hour longer and this is the last time! (I think). When I finally reached the top everyone had finished their lunch but were willing to wait for me as the views and company were so good. We did this walk anticlockwise so that after reaching the top we continued along the ridge until we were able to go down a 4WD track to the valley. There were a few stream crossings as we walked through the stony gorge before it opened out onto the flats. This was another great day out in the hills with great company. Thank you for helping make this a special day for me. Jane
Pleasant River-Bobbys Head
Wednesday 26 February 2025
After an unsettled period, the weather turned out to be perfect for tramping – sunny, warm, with just enough breeze to provide cooling. The group travelled from Oamaru with the usual stops at Maheno and Palmerston and turned left down the Goodwood Road and then left again at the second entrance to Bobbys Head Road to park at the signed entrance to the Tavora Reserve.
After briefing, we set off at 10 o’clock along Bobbys Head Road, turned left on to Goodwood Road and followed it for about half a km to the old churchyard of St Paul’s Chapel of Ease. Through the gate, a short climb led to the cemetery grounds dominated by the few remaining graves, mainly of Prestons, which also provided seating for smoko. A search revealed what looked like the outline of the now-demolished church.
It was then back on to the road at about 10.45, down and then up a hill to the turn-off into Goodwood Settlement Road. We walked along that road until it petered out into a farm lane, and then followed that lane until it passed some tanks on a hilltop where we turned right into a paddock along a fenceline which we followed down to the flats beside the Pleasant River estuary. A stroll along these soon found us at the beach. It was now after 12.30 and time for lunch, taking advantage of large logs on the pristine white sand.
After lunch we retraced our steps for a hundred metres and climbed up an old 4wd track on to the cliff tops. For the next two and a half hours we followed the coast north, stopping to admire the stunning views in both directions and watch the surf pounding against the cliffs and sweeping into the many coves. Occasionally we veered inland to cross a steep gully or find a gate and, at one point, climbed to avoid an old landslip. Many fences had to be crossed, most depowered thanks to the farmer. Eventually, around 3.30, we reached the end of the farm section, crossed the boundary fence, and clambered down a steep sandy bank between old pine trees to the shallow Tavora Creek. Unlike on some previous visits, the creek disappeared before it reached the beach so feet were kept dry.
At the far end of the beach, we headed into the sand dunes before climbing up a fenceline track to Bobbys Head, admiring the mature plantings of ngaios, kowhai, ribbonwoods, cabbage trees and pittosporums on the way, and entertained by grey warblers and fantails. The track around the top of the headland was rather overgrown, but afforded spectacular coastline views. There were also sea caves and some rocky islets home to a gathering of sunbathing seals. Finally, we climbed over a stile on to Bobby’s Head Road and a short downhill stroll back to the cars, reaching them just on 5 o’clock.
The day had given us perfect weather and 15 km of walking, much of it undulating, with some of the most spectacular coastal views in Otago.
John
Gunns Bush, Waimate
Wednesday 26 February 2025
Nine Wanderers met at Towey street before travelling to Waimate, where we met up with three more at the new Waimate toilets. (Sadly there is no longer music in these new ones!)
On arriving at Gunns Bush we had morning tea accompanied by the enthusiastic chorus from the bellbirds.
The track was very muddy when we started, but improved the higher we went. Two of us enjoyed a shorter walk while the rest had lunch at the highest point of the circular track.
There is a wide variety of native plants in the bush dominated by the large Miro tree. Sadly not much regeneration. We saw a lady with two Springer Spaniels who had killed a wallaby while on their walk. That explains the lack of regeneration.
After Gunns Bush we had an ice cream before going to see the colourful bedding in the Waimate Gardens, then travelled back to Oamaru.
Jane
Otekaieke Bridle Track
Wednesday 19 February 2025
Eight keen Wanderers met at Towey Street on Wednesday and after a short discussion about the possibility of rain we decided to go up the Otekaieke Bridle track as planned. With no sign of rain all day we had to cope with rather warm conditions. We divided into 2 groups after smoko as the faster ones hoped to reach the Boundary Riders Hut. It was further than they expected so we all enjoyed the 8 or 9 river crossings in warm clear water, seeing the regeneration of native bush next to the track and river, and hearing the birdsong from time to time. Good to see two Falcon flying above the hill. This is a really special place for a walk. We concluded the day with a necessary stop at The Flying Pig. – Jane
Otematata-Benmore
Wednesday 19 February 2025
This was a substitute for a tramp down the coast cancelled for bad weather. The forecasts suggested Otematata offered the best chance of a dry walk, at least till late afternoon.
The seven trampers set off from the Boat Harbour Camp at 10 o’clock, following the Otematata Wetlands track which wound through the trees following the lakeside upstream. After smoko at a convenient picnic table, we took a branch track into a new area called the Gumtree Walk. This followed the outline of a peninsula and crossed some extensive boulder fields. Out towards the end of the peninsula, we came across a grove of large redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) trees, obviously planted many years ago, but by whom and why? There was also a mix of other exotics including some Pinus coulteri with their giant cones. Back across another boulder field, we re-joined the main track as it crossed another camp and up on to the A2O track which ran between the Loch Laird Road and the lake until, at 12.30, we took advantage of a shady gum tree to settle down for lunch.
After lunch, we headed up the hill to the top of the Benmore Dam, then turned around to start back. The route back followed the main Wetlands track and took an hour less than the outward leg, reaching the cars just after 3.30.
Fifteen minutes later, the first spots of rain were felt as we headed for Kurow and ice creams. The conditions had been perfect and the walk interesting, with the extension of the tracks.
John
Herbert Forest
Wednesday 12 February 2025
This was a close-to-home tramp to facilitate preparation for the annual pot-luck dinner that night. It was also the first time we had been in the Herbert Forest since major reconstruction had been carried out on parts of the Hoods Creek track following major treefalls.
The twelve left the Swallows carpark at 9.30, having parked two vehicles up at the Breakneck Road gate. The track was in good nick and bird song prominent as we left the Swallows Creek valley and climbed up to the cave. A short stop there, then we carried on to the top of the Swallows Track and morning tea at the road junction just on 10.30. One returned from there and the remaining eleven carried on up Queens Road and down into the Podocarp Track. Just before noon we came to The Big Trees. At this point, four trampers crossed the stream to take the Glenburnie Loop back to leave seven to carry on up to the top of the Podocarp Track.
We stopped for lunch beside Diamond Hill Road at 12.45. Half an hour later, we walked up that road to the junction with Breakneck Road, where we stopped to watch an empty logging truck head up to the log stack we could see from our lunch site. Five minutes later we were starting down the Hoods Creek Track wondering what was ahead. Right at the top we struck a major bog, but after that the going was quite good, with some impressive re-routing to avoid treefalls. The stream itself was low, so most did the many crossings with dry feet. The ladder by the big waterfall was as impressive as ever, and the tale of its installation told again. Further on, a tangle of trees and scrub formed a dam across the stream which promises trouble in the next big rain. Finally, we came out the bottom end on to Pa Road at 3.30. The Hoods Creek section had taken around half-an-hour longer than on past trips. By 4 o’clock we were out at the Breakneck Road gate.
John
Waianakarua Escarpment
Wednesday 5 February 2025
28 Walkers (including a few Wanderers for part of the walk).
Unlike most of this summer it was a nice fine warm day, and we completed the walk in the usual figure of eight pattern, starting down Double Hill Rd.
Some parts of both farms had rampant grass (including thistles) which occasionally made progress a little slower than usual.
The derelict house still stands and some braved entry without injury!
David McK.
Kurow Hill and the Awakino Gorge
Wednesday 29 January 2025
Walkers
Te Waimate
Wednesday 22 January 2025
Mt Misery – Wanderers
Wednesday 15 January 2025
Katiki Beach to Shag Point
Wednesday 15 January 2025
Weather: Fine, sunny, mild, light north-east breeze.
Permission: None
Travel: 54km
Trampers: 17
Trip: This was the last Wednesday for some time when the tides would be suitable for a beach walk – the low tide at Shag Point was scheduled for 11.15am. We arrived at the car park at the north end of Katiki Beach at around 9.10 having driven the 42 km from Oamaru. The timing of the low tide meant there would not be time to go up to the north end of the beach and back, so at 9.20 the 17 trampers set off south down Katiki Beach to walk the 7kms to the point where the beach meets the rock shelf of Shag Point. It had been arranged that two who wanted a shorter walk would return to the starting point and take a vehicle down to the southern end to ferry the drivers back at the end of the day.
It was now 1 3/4 hours to low tide so the sand was getting wider and was firm enough to provide an excellent walking surface. After half an hour, we came across the first of the Katiki boulders (similar to Moeraki boulders but more plentiful). At about 10 o’clock we stopped for smoko, settling down under a bank in bright sunshine and warming up so some were encouraged to doff a layer. Shortly after smoko, we started coming across the many and varied rock formations which are a feature of Katiki Beach. There were reefs with round pools, layered strata in the cliffs and rock shelves notable for their patterns of lines or cobblestones. Notable was the complete absence of the coating of green algae which had made the footing treacherous on previous visits. Further along we came across a myriad small spherical rocks like bowling balls. One headland required some scrambling over large rocks but the formations lacked the very slippery black alga struck on earlier trips, which promised well for the walk down the Shag Point shelf later. Navigation of the rock formations, not to mention photography, made for slowish progress and the group became spread out before gathering again for a quick snack on the beach beside the south end car park at around 11.45.
Around mid-day, we headed down the sandy beach to the start of the rock shelf which runs down the north-east side of Shag Point and was now fully exposed by the low tide. At this point, the group divided, eight choosing to head along the rock shelf while the remaining seven would take the road. There was no sign of the slippery surface of past years and the only hazard was the occasional mat of seaweed that appeared to be firm but proved to be filling a gap between rocks. The stone shelf supported an amazing variety of rock formations including huge Katiki boulders, many split to form open flower buds or spa pools, straight drainage channels, cobblestones, parallel tram lines and strange prehistoric scripts. Many of the rocks contained fossils and several seals watched us go by. By 1.15, two hours after low tide, we were reaching the end of the negotiable shelf when advice was received from the road gang that congregation of seals was such that it would be desirable to climb up from the rocks a few metres earlier than normal. Accordingly, we found some steps leading up from the rocks to the road level and scrambled up to reach a grassy reserve behind some cribs.
It was time for a proper lunch while the road gang walked down to the boat harbour. The drivers then took off by car to collect their vehicles while the rest headed back along the road and old railway formation towards the SH1 junction, passing cribs with lush gardens reflecting the microclimate of the area. All were duly picked up and taken to Hampden for large ice-creams after a fascinating walk in perfect conditions through a uniquely stunning land and sea-scape.
Island Stream Waterfall
Wednesday 18 December 2024
Weather: Fine, clear, mild, cool north-east breeze.
Travel: 32km
Trampers: 25.
Trip: The now traditional tramp to the waterfall on the north branch of the Island Stream took place before Christmas this year, rather than between Christmas and New Year. The combined group of Walkers and Wanderers left Towey Street at 9.30am, picked up three more at Maheno, drove up Tulliemet Road and parked in the paddock at the starting point. There the assembly sorted itself into two groups: ten would go to the destination by the most direct route following tracks most of the way, and fifteen would take a longer path via the Dogs Den stone hut. Both groups set off just on 10.30, diverging on to their respective tracks a couple of hundred metres on.
The Dogs Den group tracked more or less parallel to Tulliemet Road for about 1 ½ kms, reaching the hut at 11 o’clock. After a leisurely morning tea, they headed in a northerly direction following a grassy vehicle track, then swinging left to drop down to and cross a small creek – actually the south branch of Island Stream – and climb the steep bank on the other side. Then, as in past years, it was a matter of finding a route across country, sometimes skirting bush, others bashing through it, crossing bogs and small streams and finally tracking down a streambed through bush to come out above a cleared area with the destination in sight across a shallow valley. The progress was aided by the youngest member of the group, who proved adept at route finding. Just on 1 o’clock they joined the other group who had settled down on a sunny, sheltered face above the waterfall. Some wandered up the hill behind to get a clearer view of the waterfall while others devoured their lunch.
Lunch over, most of both groups set off on the return journey, while four tackled the tricky climb down to the to the rocky basin beneath the waterfall and three others maintained a radio watch above. Shortly after 2 o’clock, the intrepid four emerged from the steep valley and the seven headed for home, following grassy vehicle tracks most of the way. The return trip was straightforward, following the shorter route, and the last stragglers got safely back to the cars just on 3.30pm. It had been an excellent tramping day with something for everybody.
Trotters Gorge
Wednesday 11 December 2024
Trip: This was essentially a working bee on some of the Trotters Gorge tracks. All nine walked past
the University Hut to the junction where one track turned west to follow Trotters Creek and the
other continued in a northerly direction up the valley. After morning tea, four headed west and the
remaining five went north, clearing vegetation back from the tracks as they went. The west group
worked their way along to where the track stopped before crossing the creek to leave the reserve
and the north group went to the entrance to Dave’s Track and a little way up a forestry track to the
left.
The two groups met up again for a latish lunch at the junction, after which they walked back to the
cars. A relaxing day but a good job done. Large ice creams in Hampden were the reward. John
Freehold Creek
Wednesday 4 December 2024
Trip: It was fine in Oamaru as the 8 trampers left at 7.30am to drive the 155 kilometres up the
Waitaki Valley to Lake Ohau. The weather remained clear all the way although cloud in the upper
Dobson Valley obscured the view of Mt Sefton or Aoraki and supported the forecast of rain later in
the day. We pulled into the Parsons Creek parking area just on 9.20am.
Around 9.30 am we set off up the walking track in to the first patch of beech forest, looking for
seasonal flowering NZ mistletoe. There was a good display, and time was taken to admire and
photograph. Crossing the A2O cycle trail, we kept to the walking track up on to and across the open
terraces under the Ohau Range. Still visible were the silvery skeletons of manuka and matagouri
interspersed with unfortunately healthy sweet briar bushes. Other signs of the October 2020 Ohau
fire were burnt beech trees on the fringes of the forest remnants in the valleys leading up the Ohau
Range. Fortunately most of the beech forest had survived and the next patch of mistletoe-bearing
forest we came to was at Sawyers Creek, where we stopped by the bridge for morning tea.
From there, the walking track joined the cycle trail until the track up Freehold Creek branched off
across that stream’s bridge and wound steadily up through the beech forest, with a few tree-falls
requiring minor detours, across a couple of rock falls, and eventually emerged at the bush line. A
hundred metres or so above the bush line, we settled down for lunch just on 1 o’clock. The creek
was roaring below and views were clear both up and down the valley. The surrounding lush sub-
alpine vegetation provided a markedly different outlook from the beech forest and the tussocky
terraces below. However, disappointingly, the pipe which had for years channelled water from a
spring just above the track had been truncated and the traditional enamel mug had disappeared.
After lunch, two headed on up to explore the valley towards the waterfalls, arriving back at the
lunch spot just on the agreed departure time of 2 o’clock. All then proceeded on the return journey,
to be greeted as we emerged from the bush by the first few drops of moisture – the rain forecast for
3 o’clock was half an hour late. It was not enough to warrant donning jackets, but there were clear
signs of bad weather approaching from the Dobson Valley and the head of the lake. We paused
again on emerging from the Sawyers Creek bush to don rain jackets although the rain never got
heavy. The last stretch of the walk, through the Parsons Creek bush, was highlighted by the red
mistletoe and the party got back to the cars around 4.30 pm, after a walk of almost 14 kms which had delivered everthing promised. John
Papakaio Bike Track (Wanderers)
Wednesday 4 December 2024
Group Skills
We sometimes walk in places where it is easy to get lost, or fog comes in unexpectedly.
* Always follow the leaders instructions. STAY WITH YOUR GROUP.
* Keep in view of someone with a two way radio. (Note that we carry several 2 way radios and also a Personal Locator Beacon for emergencies.)
* If you think you are lost or unsure where to go, eg. A fork in the track or reduced visibility such as fog, STAY PUT. Make yourself visible with a bright article. Call out or blow your whistle. 
Someone will look for you.
* Always let someone know if you are going off the track eg. Toilet stop or photo shoot.
* Look behind frequently to keep the person behind you in view, and also to know where you have walked in case you need to go back.
* The person who opens a gate should close it, or designate someone else who knows how, to do so. Leave all gates as you find them.
Day Gear Check List
The following should be carried with you, no matter how nice the weather is when you leave. Day pack, boots, socks plus a dry pair in the vehicle, water/wind-proof coat with hood, over-trousers, shorts and long johns or long trousers, thermal singlet, shirt, warm jersey/jacket, gloves/mitts, warm hat, sun hat. NO COTTON OUTER GARMENTS PLEASE. This includes jeans as they contribute to hypothermia when wet. Sunglasses, lunch, snacks/emergency rations, full water bottle, sun block, first aid kit, toilet paper, torch, map, compass, whistle, survival sheet/bag, a bright piece of equipment or clothing.
Optional; Gaiters, camera, walking poles. Walking poles can be very helpful, especially on tricky surfaces and stream crossings
Spare clothes in the vehicle.
160 Wednesday Walkers Walks
If you have a walk you would like to do, please suggest it at next weeks walk.
ABC Caves
Altavady
Anderson Lagoon – Shag River
Ashlands Rd. – Kemp Rd. Katiki
Aviemore – Mt. Dryburgh
Awakino Ski Field
Awamoko Stream
Balmoral Huts
Ben Ledi
Ben Lomond
Ben Ohau
Benmore Walkway
Benmore Peak
Big Ben
Big Kuri Creek
Bike rides
Black Cap – Scout Hill
Bobbys Head – Pleasant River
Borland Lodge
Boundary Creek
Canyon Creek
Cave Hill
Central Otago Rail Trail
Chinamans Hut
Chinamans Cave
Clear Stream
Cone
Conical Peak
Deep Stream
Devils Bridge Cave
Devils Elbow
Doctors Point
Dome Hills
Domett Loop
Douglas (Rob & Sue)
Earthquakes
Elephant Hill
Evensdale Glen
Flannagans Pass
Fox Peak
Freehold Creek
Gentle Annie Hut
Gibson Farm Walk
Glenthorn Station
Gunns Bush
Golf Course, Waianakarua
Government Hill
Grampions
Gunns Bush
Hamilton Hill
Hampden / Moeraki
Hampden Township
Hillgrove Farm Walk
Herbert Forest
Heywards Point
Island Cliff
Island Stream Waterfall
Kakanui Peak
Kakanui – All Day Bay
Karitane Walkway
Kauru Hill – Fuchsia Creek
Kawairua Station
Kettleholes, Omarama
Kurow Hill, Awakino Gorge
Kurinui Reserve
Lindis Pass / Dalrachney
Little Domett
Livingstone, Beaties Hill
Loman Run
Maerewhenua Gold Diggings
Moana Station
Moeraki Lighthouse
Moeraki walkway
Mopanui
Mt. Alexander
Mt. Alexander Loop
Mt. Bitterness
Mt Cargill
Mt Cook (Not the Summit)
Mt Dalgety
Mt. Dasher
Mt. David
Mt. Difficulty – Allan Rd
Mt Difficulty – Dasher
Mt. Difficulty – Hectors
Mt. Domett
Mt. Dryburgh
Mt. Evelyn
Mt. Fortune
Mt. Grayson
Mt Kirkliston
Mt. Kohurau
Mt Kyeburn
Mt. Mary, Trig J
Mt. Meyer
Mt Michael
Mt Milne
Mt. Miserable
Mt Nessing
Mt. Nimrod (Haka)
Mt Nimrod (East)
Mt Nobler
Mt. Obi
Mt Orr
Mt. Parker
Mt. Peel (Little)
Mt. Pisgah
Mt. Stalker
Mt Studholme
Mt. Sutton, Ohau
Mt Sutton, Waitangi
Mt. Trotter
Mts. Trotter & McKenzie
Mt. Watkin
Ngapara Farms Walk
Noondale Reserve
Oamaru Walkways
Obi, Mitchells Hut
Obi, Mt. Stalker
Obi, Shingle Creek
Orbell’s Cave
Otekaike Bridal Track
Otekaike Hill
Peel Forest
Pigeon Bush – Duncan Road
Pigeon Bush – South Peak
Pleasant River, Bobbys Head
Prominent Peak
Puketapu Hill
Pulpit Rock
Quail Burn
Raki’s Table / Tunnel
Raki’s, Belmont, Victoria Hills
Razorback
Rock & Pillars
Rosella Ridge, Silver Peaks
Roseneath
Round Yards circuit / gorge
Seacliff Reserve
Shag Point
Siberia Hill
Staircase Ridge
Station Peak
Stony Ridge
Suttons Face
Swampy, Leith saddle
Table Top via Wainak Reserve
Table Top via Herbert Forest
Tapui Farm Walk
Te Huruhuru
Temple – North
Temple – South
The Hays
Timaru Walkways
Trotters Gorge Reserve
Trotters Gorge Trig L
Tokarahi Farmwalk
Waihao Walkway, Hotel circuit
Waimate Gorge
Waipiata
Weston Escarpment
White Horse
Woolshed Creek
Wainono Lagoon
Starting place is the Towey St Tennis Courts (see the map at the top of this page) usually at 8-30 am every Wednesday.