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
Papakaio Bike Track (Wanderers)
Wednesday 4 December 2024
Wandering the Herbert Forest Bike Tracks
Wednesday 27 November 2024
On a misty Wednesday nine Happy Wanderers drove down to Herbert Forest and parked in Reid road. We walked up the mountain bike tracks next to South Ridge road while the trees looked very eerie with the fog through them.
Because of the mist the bird song was the highlight of the day. Brown Creepers, fantails, Bellbirds, Blackbirds, Thrush, Grey Warbler, and the Shining Cuckoo was heard near us high up in a tree. We had no views but the birds made up for that. Sadly there was no sign of Wood Pigeons.
After the forest walk we visited a beautiful woodland garden. To conclude an enjoyable 8km walk day we drove through Kakanui for an ice cream fix at the store. Jane
East Awakino (Walkers)
Wednesday 20 November 2024
Tokarahi Farms (Wanderers)
Wednesday 20 November 2024
13 of us piled into 3 cars and drove out via Five Forks to 2 farms just short of Tokarahi. We started walking South along a well formed farm track until we branched off to the nearby Pukekarara Creek and its farm dam, where we paused for morning tea.
We continued up past the dam until we came to the entrance to the Kowhai gorge where we opted to climb up and sidle above the gorge for easier walking.
At the top of the gorge 4 opted to follow the farm track back to the cars and kindly relocated the other 2 cars 2k back towards Oamaru for the rest so they didn’t have to do the road walk.
The other 9 continued up through some well grown paddocks shut up for baleage to Davidsons Road, where we stopped for lunch on a sheltered bank.
About 1pm a few spots of rain started to fall so we donned rain coats and walked down the road until we came to a gate named Cecil on the left. We climbed up a hill to another gate and a shelter belt which gave us protection from the cool easterly wind. All the paddocks were named with names like Florence and Goldie, which probably didn’t help our navigation, but added to the walks interest.
As we headed north towards the Tokarahi-Tapui Road we were following the top of a hill, which lead to an extensive grove of mature English trees. Just as we emerged from these trees it started to rain with a bit of hail, so the last 200m was a quick downhill walk to our now repositioned cars.
A leisurely stop at Fort Enfield completed an enjoyable day out in the verdant green, rolling North Otago downlands.
Ross
Earthquakes
Wednesday 13 November 2024
Weather: Fine, mild, moderate north-east breeze.
Travel: 49 km
Trampers: 10
Trip: Nine trampers drove the 49 kms from Oamaru to the signposted entrance to the Earthquakes/Waipata reserve, meeting the tenth there. At 9.30 they all set off along the road for ½ km before turning north into a farm track which passed a derelict farmhouse and zig-zagged up to a limestone plateau, passing a keen but friendly mob of heifers on the way. At the northern point of the plateau they stopped (at 10.15) for morning tea and to take in the view of the rolling downlands and cloud-capped mountains to the west.
After smoko, they dropped down the escarpment, past some spectacular rock formations and crossed a gully to climb up on to another plateau. The route took them around the north-west tip of this formation, initially below the escarpment, then up on top to enjoy extensive views of the Waitaki Valley. Several electric fences enlivened proceedings, but otherwise the going was smooth. (At one point, radio greetings were exchanged with the Wanderers who were climbing the slope into the eastern end of the Earthquakes.) The plateau then split into a number of broad ridges and they followed what seemed to be the main one until, just before 12.30, they stopped to take a leisurely lunch in the shelter of the only tree in sight – a lonely kowhai.
Lunch over, the group spread out to find the best way down to the road, which they reached at 1.30pm. At the road they turned south and headed downhill past a farmhouse and two driveways as it rounded a hairpin bend and climbed following the line of the Waipati Creek. About ½ km up from the hairpin a gate on the left gave entrance to the Reserve. A short climb led them into the Earthquakes themselves with their spectacular cliffs and chasms and the need to be very wary of the many deep holes and drop-offs. The terrain had been altered by the change in management and the fire which had swept through the eastern end of the Reserve the previous summer. Because of this the group was unable to find a way down to the “Post Office”. Eventually they came to the whale fossil and finally dropped down the hill to reach the cars just on 2.45pm to conclude a fine tramp in perfect conditions.
Wandering around the Earthquakes
Wednesday 13 November 2024
Sebastapol Hill to Clarkes Mill
Wednesday 6 November 2024
Henk’s Photos
Wanderers – Sebastapol Hill & Totara Quarry
Wednesday 6 November 2024
The 13 Wanderers started off from the Brydon Memorial Gates with the Walkers on a lovely sunny day, making the ascent of Sebastapol Hill for a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside. This was the first time up for some of this easily accessible hill next to State Highway 1. With no haze we could see for miles. After retracing our steps back to the Historic buildings, we followed a farm lane south to Springfield Road where we caught up with the Walkers and paused for morning tea.
A short walk along the road took us to the turn off into the old Totara quarry. An enjoyable stroll through this unique feature took us to the amazingly preserved limestone fence running across the ridge. A new owner on the other side of it prevented us going any further and we returned through the quarry to a sheltered spot for lunch. It was then a case of retracing our steps back to the cars by 1-30pm. A unique historical walk close to Oamaru. Thanks to the land owners for giving us access.
Ross
Timaru Coastal Walk
Wandering Around Timaru
Wednesday 30 October 2024
With a desire to walk in places that weren’t muddy 11 Wanderers headed for Timaru and some well formed tracks. We parked at the bottom end of Centennial Park about 10-45 am and walked up the mountain bike track on the true right of the Otipua Creek North branch. After pausing at the toilets we crossed the bridge a little bit further up and continued on the old railway embankment to the top of the Park where we stopped for lunch. The park was being well used by mainly mountain bikers and dog walkers and the birds were singing their hearts out.
After lunch we continued down the true right of the creek, following a rough but dry mountain bike track until we came to our first bridge crossing. Two of our group opted to continue on down past the toilets while the rest crossed the bridge and headed down the true left of the creek. Unfortunately this track was closed further down which necessitated a steep climb to the top track, but the the native bush plantings on this face were looking great and growing well above our heads.
After doing a figure of eight tour of the park we relocated to the ice cream shop and then the Timaru Botanical Gardens for a look at the well stocked fernery, the bright flowering Azalea’s and the multi species rose garden. A good day out ended back at Towey Street at 4-30pm.
Ross
Wanderers @ Shag Point
Wednesday 23 October 2024
After lunch there we went downhill and branched off to go up to a fenceline track and following it to the right we could look out to sea and also see the Walkers having lunch on the opposite side of the Shag River mouth.
We could also see Mount Cargill and further south.We were accompanied for much of the walk by constant birdsong – brown creepers, grey warblers (not grey wanderers) and tui. We rejoined the track back to the carpark from where we went to the point above the boat harbour. We saw only 5 seals in all,each side of the point,and two colourfully garbed two Buddhist monks examining rocks.
We then drove back along the road and on the old railway route past some interesting and interestingly perched houses and gardens and on to Hampden for icecreams.
Margaret
Andersons Lagoon to Shag River Mouth
Wednesday 23 October 2024
Weather: Light overcast, mild, strong north-west wind.
Trampers: 25
Trip: The now annual shag and sea lion viewing trip from Andersons Lagoon along the clifftops and beach to the Waihemo/Shag River mouth and return took place on a warm north-west day. With a low tide forecast for 3pm, it was decided to delay the departure time from Towey Street to 9.30am and to include both Walkers and Wanderers (except for four of the latter who opted for a shorter walk around Shag Point).
We parked as usual at the end of Andersons Road (off Bushey Hill and Goodwood Roads ex Palmerston) and set off just on 11 o’clock. The lagoon was quite low and the track dry. Notable were the extensive new plantings of natives along the bank above the track and damage from slips caused by recent heavy rain. We stopped on Stony Creek beach for morning tea before continuing along the beach and up the ladder and the steep zig-zag track to the walkway which undulated along the clifftop, crossing a dam on the way to the first major gully and with four more ups and until we came to the descent to the beach with its helpful rope. The most notable change along the walkway was the burgeoning crop of NZ spinach-kokihi. The walk so far had taken an hour from smoko and four had turned back leaving 21 to carry on.
Down on the beach on the northward journey past the limestone cliffs, we were concerned to find that the population of nesting shags, which had been greatly reduced the previous year, had almost collapsed with only ten nests occupied on the whole beach – in past years there had been dozens. In part, this was due to some of the nesting ledges having been destroyed by slips, but there were still many intact but unoccupied ledges. Nor was there any sign of the furry chicks to almost fledged teenagers which we were used to seeing in almost every nest.
In contrast, sea lion numbers were booming, at least 16 being seen hauled up on the beach with the likelihood of more hiding in the scrub behind the sand. One or two showed a lively interest in the passing game.
At the end of the beach were the dunes and Waihemo/Shag River mouth and, at about 12.30, after carefully scanning the area for wildlife, we settled down in the lee of the dunes to enjoy lunch and the view to Shag point and the ocean. As we ate, we were spied by the other four wanderers on the Shag Point side of the river.
After lunch, as we started to head south a couple of sea lions appeared from the surf and waddled up the beach, one causing a pair of straggling walkers to execute their own pas de deux. We walked back along past the basking sea lions and depleted colonies of shags. As it was now almost low tide, we decided to keep down on the beach rather than return to the clifftop. We expected to be able to navigate the first headland with ease but we knew the next one was more formidable, with the waves reaching right up to the bottom of the cliff. However, the wave action was so vigorous that we decided not to attempt the first headland but to go back up to the clifftop track. At the old morning tea site, we went back down to the beach and found that we could get around the last two headlands with ease, to emerge safely on Stony Creek beach, The final stroll along the beach and up the grassy track got us back to the cars just on 4 o’clock. Large ice creams on the way home rounded off a very satisfying day, apart from the worrying decline in nesting shags.
John
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.