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 Weeks Walk
Recent Walks
West Maerewhenua Foothills
13 Sept 2017
On a calm day ideal for walking twenty seven walkers set off from a paddock near the top of the Simpsons farm at Maerewhenua West. After a short walk up the road, it was through a gate then along the ridge, until we climbed down to the creek where morning tea was had in the sunshine. Five people then left to do an easier walk while all others climbed rather steeply up a track. Then a pleasant walk along the ridges took us down and up again. Finally a track took us to a rocky outcrop with perfect views down the valley towards Campbell Park.This was the lunch spot.
Lunch over, it was back on the track until a gate took us to the top of Sheepwash Creek gorge. Here we began a steep down-hill climb and crossing the stream several times, plus a little bush scrambling, before all were rewarded with a rest in a clearing. Further on down the gorge, (the kowhais not yet in flower) Bill found the exit to the rocky, matagouri-lined steep track zig-zagging up to a paddock that lead back to the cars. A lovely walk, if trying at times, with wonderful views all day. A total walk of 12.5 km and a climb of about 900m.
Georgie
Blairgowrie Run, Turnbulls Rd.
6 September 2017
24 walkers headed out through Five Forks to the cattle yards halfway along Turnbull’s Road on a blustery Nor Westerly day. Jane S was waiting to join us there for her first walk with us.
The walk started by heading further up the road to the Blairgowrie cattle yards and further south across paddocks that were greening up in the spring weather. A stop was made in the shelter of some snow tussocks for morning tea where 2 walkers decided to turn back. We then headed SE across the paddock to the eastern boundary paddock before turning NE along that boundary. The going was easy, following a well defined track, and we made good time before crossing the first Fuchsia Creek tributary, with a sharp climb back up to the fantastic views of the North Otago downlands.
We then continued in the same direction before descending to the second tributary where we stopped for lunch on a sheltered sunny bank. A comment was made that Wednesday walks don’t get much better than this! After a leisurely lunch we followed the 4wd track up the other side, skirting the neighbors block of pines until we gradually ascended to the start of an internal stock race.
Realizing we had to head further west, we turned up a ridge until we could see Turnbull’s Road. It was then a short descent across a Stony Creek tributary and up a track to the cars shortly before 2pm. Everyone enjoyed the 11km walk.
Ross
ANITA VICKER’S FARM WALK – KATIKI .
30TH AUGUST 2017.
On a day that dawned much better than predicted, 27 people left Towey street, adding another 6 at our Maheno pick up, arriving at Katiki at 9.15am—–45kms.
Dave introduced Anita Vickers-, the farm owner, to the group and she then lead us up the hill, over into the next gully, then up to an old hay barn. The views from here were just amazing, extending from the Moeraki lighthouse to Shag point, with even a small boat viewed out from Shag Point.
From here we were very close to the forestry area, with more views over into Trotters Gorge.
Lunch was taken on top of one of the hills by the boundary fence of Anita’s brother’s farm. We continued on into Spud’s farm where breeding cows were feeding on winter crops. From there back along the flats and back to the cars parked by the woolshed, by 1.30pm.
A very enjoyable , easyish 9km walk , a little muddy in places but otherwise great terrain, our walk made so enjoyable by Anita’s company—many thanks. Dave.
‘Roseneath’ – Lake Waitaki
23-8-17
Thirty one Wednesday Walkers (including three visitors who’d driven down from Timaru) took advantage of good weather to explore a new venue reasonably close to home, yet over-looked in years gone by. This property, which lies immediately south of Lake Waitaki, stretches from just above the Waitaki dam all the way to Aviemore. It has relatively easy contours reaching a high point of just 991m.
On meeting the owner Jock Russell a few days prior, his words were “there are a maze of tracks over there – take your pick”. That we did with options for the various degrees of age, fitness levels, and general well-being. The scenery was as good as it gets, starting with towering limestone rock formations over-looking a man-made dam in the most unlikely setting. As we got higher, there were breath taking scenes of Lakes Waitaki and Aviemore, then later, the end of the snow-covered St Mary’s range towering over us. This venue will certainly be one to remember for future walks but always at times that don’t interfere with the farming operation.
Having access to such a scenic place is indeed a privilege which we must respect. Bill B.
A2O Island Cliff to Duntroon
16 August 2017
Weather
Fine, mild, clear sky, no wind.
Trampers
24
The Trip
We parked just before the Awakino bridge on the Island Cliff-Duntroon Road. Dave and Margaret agreed to take two cars through to Duntroon, stopping at Grants Road and Elephant Rocks to walk back and join the trampers. They could then take the drivers back from Duntroon to pick up the other vehicles at the end.
We set off at about 9.15, along the Island Cliff-Duntroon Road, turned left up Prydes Gully Road and then right on to the bike track just before the driveway to the Duffs’ farm. The track here was muddy with a washout at the creek, which meant it was closed to bikes but quite walkable. The track climbed gently north-west through cultivated farmland, with the views of the rolling country and mountains to the west opening up, reaching a high point at Grants Road where the front runners took advantage of a Lions picnic table and the rest sat on the grassy bank for smoko.
After smoko, we headed across the road turning towards the north-east along a ridge with good views of the lower Maerewhenua Valley. A sharp descent down a badly scoured zig-zag on Hores’ farm led to a gully with some remnants of film set buildings. Most of the party took advantage of a short side trip to some spectacular limestone formations and the Anatini whale fossil. Back on the track, we headed up a gentle climb to the road and, a couple of hundred metres further on, the entrance to Elephant Rocks. A short trip down the paddock and we found comfortable spots for lunch among the rocks at the top of the valley- we decided not to go down among the lower rocks because of the presence of ewes and young lambs. Entertainment was provided by Bev’s endeavour to reunite with its family a lamb which had followed some visitors up and got separated from its mother.
From here, the walk was all downhill to the Maerewhenua valley where a new section of track followed the river for a distance alongside a dairy farm before crossing another washout and re-joining the roadside for the final stretch past the Maori rock drawings, across the Maerewhenua bridge into Duntroon to end, appropriately, at the Fossil Centre at around 2.30.
A perfect day, a relaxed 15km walk and some great views.
Tapui Homestead Circuit
9 August 2017
27 walkers headed out to Tapui Homestead for a new walk. The weather was warmer than usual though there was a slight nor easter at times. The first stage was up the main farm track, to the green tank, where we turned down towards the Kakanui River and a hut on wheels for morning tea. There was a great view of the river in the gorge below with the snow covered Kakanui mountains beyond.
Then it was on up to Davidsons Road, though 3 decided to turn back before we got there. About a Kilometer down the road we climbed through the fence and walked east along the farm boundary, crossing into the next farm via a steep gully. As it was sheltered from the easterly down here, it was decided to have an early lunch.
Continuing east along the boundary we eventually crossed Slatey Creek on the farm track that eventually led down to the Tapui Homestead Road. Then it was a short walk up the road back to the cars, with a round trip of just over 14k.
Walkers enjoyed the views of the North Otago mountains and downlands on an almost spring day.
Ross M
A2O Cycle Track, Windsor to Island Cliff
On a frosty morning , 25 people set forth in 6 cars to Windsor where we parked opposite the old school.
Packs and boots on and off up the road about 400 metres to where the new A2O track begins. By this stage the sun was shining , with no wind.
Morning tea was enjoyed sitting in the sunshine in a cutting before the Raki tunnel. As the tunnel was approached torches and head lights came out. The surface of the tunnel was completely dry for 90% until near the west end where water was dripping from the roof.
From the toilets at the end of the end of the tunnel 23 people turned left up the hill to the end of Peaks road. The other 2 drivers headed back along the track that had already been walked to pick up two cars and meet the group back at the end of the track on the Tokarahi /Island Cliff road where they picked up the other four drivers at end of the day.
The views as the group walked up Peaks Road were amazing with wonderful views of snow capped mountains at times peaking through some cloud.Lunch was again enjoyed in the sun at the end of Peaks road. From there it was mainly downhill. Numerous areas showed just how high the water had risen during the recent heavy rain.
Overall this trip was a great way to experience this section of the A2O cycle trail without biking it.
In total, just over 19 Kms.
Dave I.
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.
* 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.