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

Recent Walks

Not That Big Rock

Wednesday 13 October 2021

 

Weather: Overcast, strong cold south-west wind, rain threatening-improved during day as skies cleared and temperature rose.

Trip:  The planned trip for the day was the Big Rock circuit on Dome Hills. However, the continuing southerly storm which was coating the hills in snow forced a change in plan. A short discussion at Towey Street led to a consensus on an alternative trip.

So we drove to Duntroon, parked and set off along the A2O trail towards Elephant Rocks. On the way, we did a short side trip to the Maerewhenua rock art site and paused for morning tea on suitably positioned log segments at the side of the track. We then climbed the hill and turned into the Elephant Rocks paddock where we variously explored, cavorted and lunched among these big rocks. The views of the snow-clad and sometimes cloud-enveloped mountains were spectacular, but made us pleased that we weren’t up there.

Lunch over, we carried on up the hill, then down to the entrance to the Anatini whale fossil site and further exploration, some struggling to identify the whale parts but all admiring the striking rock formations. It was then about turn, down the hill and back along the Maerewhenua Valley to Duntroon. Duntroon was closed, so we were forced to repair to the Fort Enfield for the formal debrief, which concluded that the 17-plus km walk had been surprisingly enjoyable.  John

Waianakarua Escarpment/Herbert Cemetery –

October 6, 2021

 
24 brave souls headed out on a drizzly cool day for our second walk on the two farms.
 
This is a nicely varied walk, mostly on farmland, plus a wander around the picturesque and historic Herbert Cemetery on Mt Charles. There had been a number of drizzly days prior to the walk so underfoot conditions were a little slippery here and there. On a good day the views are magnificent but on this day not so much – however occasional clearances were enough to get a good idea of the lay of the land.
 
The escarpment area has some wonderful mature native bush including totara, ngaio, griselinia, and kowhai, many adorned with the native common mistletoe which was not in flower.
 
Some of the walkers deviated a little to take in an early settlers home well past its best and smothered in every type of vegetation imaginable.
 
Jane suggests about 11.5 km in length with a total of 531 m gained.
David McK.
 
 

 Herbert Forest – Round Trip

Wednesday 29 September

Our first trip following daylight saving was to the Herbert Forest. With the promise of a fine day 23 walkers met at the Swallows car-park from where we planned to walk the 13+km Swallows, Podocarp and Hood Creek tracks. As we walked up the Swallows, we commented on how dry it was underfoot. From the cave it was only a short distance to the junction of Queens and Middle Ridge Rd where we opted to have smoko.

Then another short road walk to the beginning of the Podocarp track. We continued on this track until reaching the ‘big trees’ – Kahikatea and Matai. We were also able to identify numerous Totara, Rimu and Miro trees. This special forest is the last remnants of a Podocarp forest on the east coast, between Christchurch and Dunedin. A few streams were crossed on the way.

On leaving the Podocarp track there was another short road-walk to the start of the Hoods Creek track – but who has locked up his bike here? We had just settled down here for lunch when Robbie V. suddenly appeared from down the Hood Creek track. He was able to inform us of the condition of the track – tree-fall in a few places from recent gales and maybe a bit of bush-bashing. Lunch over we set off down the track, minding the onga-onga (native nettle) growing on the side of the track. Sure enough we met the results of the gale. One large pine tree had taken care of 20-30 metres of track, but was able to be negotiated higher up. Many small stream crossings in this section  too . Then on to the 5m ladder – but this was no problem for this group. All regrouped at the road at the end of Hood Creek track. From here, via Breakneck Rd, was about a 3km walk back to the car-park. Some tiny hobbit-sized cabins, along with some elaborate-looking stone work, were seen in a property on the way back.  We arrived at the car-park soon after 3pm.

 An enjoyable ‘debriefing’ was held at the Maheno Pub where we were warmly welcomed by the new proprietors.  Margie

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Station Peak Foothills

Wednesday 22 Sept 2021

It was a brilliant clear fine day which made our first experience on
this unique Northbank Waitaki farm property so enjoyable. Twenty one
walkers set out from the woolshed paddock just to the West of the
original Station Peak homestead which was built in the 1850’s when the
property was first taken up by early settler, Herbert Meyer.

Once we were atop the hillock behind the woolshed the farmscape
northward opened before our eyes which gave a good lead on where we
should go for morning tea; to the cabbage tree peak just above and
ahead. This spot provided a great vantage point to view the farm layout,
the Lower Waitaki Valley and the mountains from Ben Lomond to the East
and Totara Peak to the West. Most peaks having little of the winter
snows remaining.
From this point the route taken was in an anti clockwise direction
toward the western side of the farm property, traversing the contour of
moderately steep foothills (at about ¼ of the way up to the skyline) and
then to return home along the easier lower country before finally
descending to the long established and maintained farm steading. A
shortened walk of c. 8km. Ewes set for lambing nextdoor on the
translator peak ruled out climbing higher or attempting the summit.
The walk was most enjoyable due mainly to the favorable conditions, the
anticipation of discovering an elusive stand of Kowhai, (and some seeds
to collect), and generally being able to let down with no thought of
Covid; and time for a little song and dance. Courtesy of the owners, the
Pavletich family we had a magnificent day out.   Ian

 

Roseneath, Lake Aviemore

Wednesday 15 September

Backwards Around Oamaru

Wednesday 8 September

Trip:  This was the day the South emerged from Covid Level 3 to Level 2, so no preparations could be made. Accordingly, the ten hardened walkers met at Towey Street and decided to avoid travel issues by doing a trip around Oamaru walkways, but to do it anti-clockwise.

So we set off up Towey Street, along Perth and Tamar to head across the old landfill site to meet up with a bike track which followed Bushy Beach Road past the deserted BMX track up to a viewpoint with a great panorama to the south. From there, it was back to the road and down it to the Bushy Beach Reserve. Any temptation to linger was quickly terminated by the viciously cold wind, so we climbed back up the road to find a sheltered spot for morning tea.

After smoko we continued up the hill, turned into Brinkburn Street and down a track to the Cape Wanbrow Reserve where we followed tracks up the fenceline, then down around past the old WW2 gun emplacement, the utility of which was debated. Further along, as we headed back towards the town, another debate ensued on the merits of developing so-called Forrester Heights. We then dropped down to Waterfront Road and walked along the harbour to stop for lunch in the shelter of a play area shed. A visit to the Galley for coffee revealed the presence there of two truant walkers who later paid an apologetic visit.

Lunch over, it was across the open area behind Harbour Street, down along the side of Oamaru Creek, over Humber Street, then under the Thames Street bridge, across the ‘stepping stones’, through Takaro Park, and along Cross and Read Streets to Eden Street. On the way we were given a commentary by Mike on the passage of the Glen Creek which appeared and disappeared several times on its way from Glen Street to empty into the Oamaru Creek at Meek Street. 

We left Eden Street at Warren Street to climb up the valley, then up through the Glen Eden Reserve to swing around past the Observatory and its eponymous village, where we paused to admire Bill’s building site, then continued downhill to cross to the Gardens and the main trunk railway. It was then a last climb back to the cars which we reached about 2.40pm.  Despite the inclement wind, it had been great to be out again stretching legs and expanding lungs on a 15km walk with over 560 metre height gain. Not so good was that we had started with ten walkers but arrived back with only seven – a wastage rate of 30% far exceeding the standard.  John

Oamaru’s Byways under Level 2

 

Wednesday 8 September 2021

10 keen walkers enjoyed walking around Oamaru’s byways in brilliant sunshine, even if a ‘bit’ breezy in places.
Amazing the knowledge we picked up on the way. Walked for 3 hr 40 min, chatting and eating for 2 hr 20!
561 elevation gain, so some work done..
Somehow managed to loose a 3rd🤔, with only 7 completing the entire 15.17km. [no idea where the 1st lost bod got to – but should not be permanently lost.]
We nearly gained 3 at Friendly Bay….
 
Thanks for the great walk, company and concern after 15 weeks- felt like a ‘new entrant’ this rolling up this am.
Jane
 

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. 09-9 First aid practise 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.