Wednesday Walkers
A walking group 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.
Trip information 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.
Unless otherwise notified trips will leave at 8-30 am each Wednesday from outside the Towey St. tennis courts, Oamaru . 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
This Week’s Walk
Recent Walks
A2O Duntroon to the Maori Rock Drawings
Wednesday 12 December 2018
14 walkers keen to get a walk in, no matter what the weather was like, turned up at Towey St. at 8-30am.
Light drizzle was falling but when we neared Duntroon there was a lift in the clouds a bit, so we walked in overcast conditions but with little moisture and also some “filtered” sunshine.
We headed out through the wetlands and over to the Waitaki River, before heading upstream to the irrigation intake where we paused for morning tea. It was then on up the bike track, arriving at the Maori Rock Drawings about 11-30am. A welcome sight for some was a mobile coffee dispenser. The chosen drinks were duly dispatched before placing the throwaway cups in the overfull waste baskets.
After viewing the well protected drawings we made use of the picnic table and mown grass for lunch. It was then back down the track to Duntroon with a short diversion further down the riverside track to its end. A visit to some of the Duntroon tourist spots ended an enjoyable outing before we returned to the coastal drizzle. Ross.
Mount Watkin/Hikararoa Scenic Reserve
28 November 2018
Trip: Access to the Mt Watkin/Hikararoa Scenic Reserve is controlled by DCC bureaucracy. Jane had managed to get a key and to book access this Wednesday and the following one for the Wednesday Walkers. The weather today was not that promising – low cloud shrouded the hilltops and occasional drizzle was promised. However, the forecast for the following Wednesday was even worse, with the prospect of serious rain. So, after the obligatory stop in Palmerston, the four cars drove south through Waikouaiti, turned right on to Ramrock Road, then right again on to Mount Watkin Road which wound its way inland. At (S)Kerr Road, we turned left across the north face of Mt Watkin and parked near the locked gate into the reserve just after 10 o’clock.
Having negotiated the gate, we turned left and followed the fence eastward down through wet grass, gorse and broom, and sometimes mud, across a gully and part way up the other side, where we came across a grassy 4wd track which sidled in a southerly direction up the lower slopes of Mt Watkin. About 10.45 we stopped for morning tea at a spot which would have enjoyed sunshine and a view – on a fine day. Shortly after tea, we turned uphill at a spur which seemed to offer a reasonable route to the invisible top. We first climbed steeply through tussock punctuated with spaniard then, after a short stretch of tussocky terrace, turned uphill to clamber over slippery rocks –some columnar “organ pipes”- interspersed with flax, spaniard and shrubs. This was the trickiest part of the tramp and it took the best part of 1 ½ hours to climb the 200 metres from the morning tea stop. The summit, marked by a trig and a carved pou, was reached just before 12.30 and we settled down for a relaxed lunch among the rocks and vegetation.
Time was taken to consult maps, compasses and memories before deciding to head down the north side of the hill shortly after 1pm. This took us over less rocky terrain than the ascent, though still requiring care. At one point we struck a barren rock field, which some navigated through and others skirted above. This was followed by a pleasant stroll through tall tussocks. By now the weather was clearing and we could see where we were heading! We then reached a fence with two electric wires which seemed pointless (it seemed to have only one end), but had to be crossed before we could head down the boundary fenceline and across the gully we had traversed in the morning. On the other side, rather than continue up the fence, we headed left on a grassy track which sidled up with fewer obstacles. Shortly we were on a well-formed track which took us back at the gate at around 2.30pm.
It had been an interesting day – pity about the weather – which whetted our appetites for a longer exploration of the reserve in better conditions. John
A2O Weston to Enfield
21 November 2018
With 80mm of rain in the last two days and more on the way the proposed walk on run country behind Five Forks was postponed in favour of a walk along the A2O bike track from Weston to Enfield.
12 turned up in watery sunshine at Towey St. and we drove to Weston, parking the cars on Main Street. The bike track had that washed look that comes from heavy rain and we dodged the puddles along the first stretch to the Kia Ora Road, which was closed because of the flooding of the Waiareka Creek. The Enfield road was also closed at the Five Forks turn off because of slip clearing operations near Coalpit Road, however the bike track was open and in good order. We stopped and watched the flooded Waiareka flowing under the bike bridge, before continuing on to Fort Enfield for morning tea, definitely a step up from our usual morning tea seating. It was then back to Weston for lunch at Judith and Ross’s place. Lots of stories were told, some of them true, and Margaret also remembered this Limerick.
There was a young man from Bengal
Who went to a fancy dress ball,
He decided to risk it
Dressed up as a biscuit,
And the dog ate him up in the Hall—–
It was then home just before the next lot of rain arrived. A 12k walk that was enjoyed, not only because of the lack of rain, but also for the curing of a lot of cabin fever.
Ross
South Temple, Ohau
4 cars, 16 trampers.
Wednesday 14th November 2018 dawned with a beautiful sunrise which encouraged 15 intrepid explorers to leave Towey St. at 7.30am enroute to the Temple carpark, the 16th tramper being picked up in Duntroon.
It was a two and quarter hour drive, reaching the Temple carpark at approximately 9.45am. After putting on boots and gaiters, a hunter who was camped there advised that the river was easier to cross if we walked west for about a hundred metres.
The North Temple river was still running swift and milky, so now was the time for a lesson in river crossing, successfully negotiated by all.
Once on the other side it was very apparent as to how high the river had been, at times the markers were a little difficult to find. By 10.30 am everyone was ready for a morning snack, so after having walked through beautiful beech forest we suddenly came out into a grassy clearing, our morning tea stop overlooking the river.
A quarter of an hour later after some sustenance, it was off again with the river as always on our left. With the sound of rushing water, birds singing, a calm sunny day and almost cloudless blue sky, what else would anyone want.
There were beautiful views across the river to the steeply rising hills on the east side of the South Temple river, combined with a very large shingle fan.
The morning continued through the beech forest which was covered in a carpet of young beech trees waiting for the chance to grow, then it was out into the grassy clearings, interspersed by three very large shingle fans and a couple of little streams.
Lunch was at 12.45pm on another grassy area, but this time with good rocks to sit on and the river just below us. The sound of the water and the warmth of the day lulled some into a light sleep until being informed that it was time to move on, the South Temple hut supposedly being not too far around the corner—–.
40 minutes later and with a climb of 100 metres, we were opposite the hut which is no longer as visible as it used to be. Thank goodness for the red roof, as the trees are partially obscuring it. The river at this point was very swift and still reasonably high and it was 2pm, so no attempts today at this river crossing.
From here it was the same track back to the car park, but with different views of the other side of the river. The search was on for any signs of mistletoe near the track, though sadly none, but what was beautiful was some of the beech trees which were out in brilliant tiny red flowers. (A beech mast occurs about every 4 years)
From the hut back to the carpark took 3 hours, longer than it used to, but there are now a lot of roots, rocks and stream crossings. Our day in paradise was completed at 5pm with everyone having a fresh muffin, warmed to perfection in the hot car.
On the way from the Temple carpark to Lake Ohau there were magnificent sightings of mistletoe out in full bloom.
A beautiful day weather-wise, great company and a magic area to tramp in, mission accomplished. Thank you everyone.
Bev.
A2O Otekaike to Kurow
7 November 2018
Weather: Overcast, warm, stiff north-west breeze.
Trampers: 34 – 27 in main group, 7 in Flat Earthers.
Trip: The plan was to start walking from where the A2O track leaves SH83 just east of the Otekaieke River and go through to Kurow, possibly via the Kurow Winery. The Flat Earthers, who joined the main Wednesday Walkers group for this trip, would start from Kurow, meet up with the main group for lunch, and return to Kurow. All cars stopped in the convenient parking area at the starting point, trampers sorted themselves out, and Flat Earth members drove all but two of the cars to Kurow.
The main group set off at about 9.30, heading down towards the Waitaki before veering west to cross the Otekaieke River which was just wide and deep enough to dampen most feet but not much else. We kept going parallel to the Waitaki on the excellent bike track surface, winding through the willows, broom and gorse and past some wet areas crammed with large rushes. At about 10.15 we stopped in a clearing decorated with brilliantly coloured clumps of Californian poppies for a relaxed morning tea.
Half an hour later we were back on the track, continuing up the valley towards the striking lenticular clouds driven by the north-west wind. The track continued to wind through the willows and across the dry Otiake River until we met up with the Kurow group, who had followed the A2O track through the vineyard, just where the bike track from the winery meets the riverside track. This determined the luncheon venue and all settled down on the trackside at around 12.15.
Lunch over, the now united group set out along the river track, rather than following the bike track up to and around the winery. At one point, progress was slowed by the need to clamber over a large, recently wind-felled willow which resisted removal by either Swiss army knife or Silky-saw. A little further along the track largely disappeared, offering only relatively clear going alongside the Waitaki. Then a fence and gate showed that we were back on familiar ground. At one point, we stopped to admire a flock of terns dipping and wheeling over their nesting site on an island. Shortly we met up again with bike track which we followed until it turned south towards Kurow whilst we kept on towards the Kurow Bridge. There, it was through a small gate, a scramble up the road bank, a short road walk to reach the cars shortly after 2pm, and welcome ice-creams.
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 sticks, 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.