Day Walks based in Dunedin
11th and 12th August
Friday afternoon saw 5 bods stuff their gear into 1 carload, and head to Dunedin. There we had a flat to unpack and establish ourselves into. Although the ‘film festival’ was on, no one seemed inclined to take advantage of this, with the option of good restaurants and our own conversations being sufficient each of the 3 evenings.
Saturday morning saw us heading South to Taieri Mouth where we met up with Maurice and Phyllis to walk the Taieri River Millennium Track. The track basically followed along the river with beautiful views from vantage points as we rose and fell with the terrain through forest and bush. After the said 8 km’s we came out towards the other end of the track near Henley. A good spot for lunch except for a pesky jet boat that disturbed our peace! A pleasant return trip with differing views-especially of the sea as we approached it.
On the return journey to town, we were fortunate enough to join the crowds spying a whale.
Sunday we headed to to Outram , then continued S along the Maungatua’s to Berwick. 5km down the Waipori Falls Rd we began the Government Track. This was built in the 1860’s to provide access to the Central Otago gold fields. The gradient was gentle but relentless through rather nice beech forest. It seemed to take some time to reach our 9km goal of the top, then to be disappointed with no inspiring view for our efforts. The return trip was somewhat speedier. A nice walk to do once.
Another nice meal in ‘The Gardens’ area in Dunedin before heading home. Thanks to Roz, Chris, Ross, Phyllis, Maurice and especially Heather who joined us from Middlemarch way.
Jane.
