Big Ben – 1370 Metres
It had been 20 years since I had been up Big Ben at the foot of the St Mary Range inland from Kurow. Nine of us set off from the end of Domett Road and headed west on a farm track for about 3km over a low saddle and into the headwaters of Malcolms Creek.
We took a small break here before starting our just under 600m climb up an old 4WD track that would take us to the top. We started up an old steep zigzag track which hadn’t been used for a while, and was well overgrown with Tussock – so it was a bit slow-going in places following animal tracks. After about 2 hrs of climbing and at 1200m the track levelled out a bit, and after another ½ an hour we reached the top at about 1pm.
Rodney had got to the top before us, and was busy rebuilding a rock cairn he built last time he was up there about 30 yrs ago. We checked out Rodney’s cairn before having lunch at the trig station just below the summit to shelter from a cool breeze. Views were excellent, with views of Kohurau 2009m, Little Domett 1860m, the Kirkliston Range and Hakataramea Valley, St Mary Range, inland to Danseys Pass, Kurow and down the Waitaki Valley, and in the distance the high peaks of the Southern Alps including Mt Cook.
After lunch and about 2pm we headed back down the track to the 1200m point. I had permission from the neighbouring farmer to cross over to their farm and go down a much better 4WD track to a farm track that comes out from Lone Creek. From the Lone Creek track it was only a couple of km and we were back at the vehicles about 4pm, after covering 12km with an 850m climb that took us about 6hrs.
It was then back to the Duntroon hotel for light refreshments before heading home.
Thanks to the farmers for letting us on their property’s, and everyone that came and made in an enjoyable day.
Thanks to – Adam, Neil, David, Trevor, Mel, Rodney, Geoff and Mary.
–Neville
Cameron Hut
Cameron River and Glacier, Otago Anniversary Weekend, 21/23 March 2026
This time it was anticipated that significant glacier retreating had taken place, so we did carry crampons, axes and hard hats but did not anticipate doing the same as the last visit. It did make for heavy packs all the same with some of us also carrying tents in just in case the hut got too busy.Two exiting trampers we met warned us that kea were present at the hut, which did put us off the idea of putting them up.
The last 4 km of the walk did seem to go on longer than the previous 12 possibly because of the increase in the rate of climbing but eventually we got to a vacant hut which is not seen until you are almost upon it. It has 9 bunks, 3 high, with solar light and usb charging for devices. There was only the distant occasional kea call so one tent was erected. In the next wee while another 4 trampers turned up which meant that the hut was quite busy for cooking but the new arrivals also put up tents spreading the risk for kea attacks. One young man from Greenland complained about the weight of his pack which was over 20kg.
He had been unsure about drinking river water and had brought a weekend’s worth of bottled water.
The following day we started a leisurely stroll up the ramp towards what was once the access route to the glacier, the ramp is the top edge of the moraine wall and can be seen from almost the start of the tramp the previous day. Where it runs out there had been a route onto the ice…not now, 2 of us carried on climbing to a point where it got too difficult to carry on without getting to anywhere close to the glacier. The others found a good possie to look on. After descending a bit the 2 of us then donned our helmets and went down the moraine wall to the valley floor with the aim of climbing directly up the face of the glacier which is very rocky, see photos, to eventually reach the ice and after fitting crampons having a small explore. The ice had retreated by at least 100m in height and from our new perspective we could see where in the previous visit the route for access had been, now just sheer rock plummeting to the now rocky surface of what remains of the glacier.
The spectator group had returned to the hut and the 2 of us also returned there now along the valley floor to finish the day with well deserved cups of tea and a good rest.
The extra trampers had all left at this time and we did not really expect to see anyone else there, but wait , just on dark after we were all in bed 3 others turned up and they were looking for a bed in the hut. So a full hut and all the sounds and stirrings that go with that meant a fairly sleepless night and it was with some relief that we got up at 6 and prepare for our walk out. Initially there was a thick mist around the hut so thick that it was difficult to find the loo, but by the time we left at just after 7 it had cleared and another beautiful day was here. A much faster walk because of the downward gradient meant that we were back at the cars at lunchtime feeling hungry for pies in Geraldine. Sadly they were almost all gone by the time we got there with just mutton pies in the cabinet, but we made do with other offerings and continued home feeling very please with our weekend.
Thanks to Neil, Jen, Jenny, Julian and Lynette for great company on this adventure.
Robbie
Meeting Report – March 2026
Meeting Report – March 2026
Geoff chaired the meeting.
Completed Trips
Twilight Walk Fifteen people, including eight newcomers, took part. The group walked up Buckleys Hill, around the reservoir, and returned. A good evening was had by all.
Kakanui Bike Ride Noel led this popular ride south around the Kakanui and Herbert area.
Up and Coming Trips
Big Ben A steady climb from the end of Domet Road, returning via a different route.
Cameron Hut In the Arrowsmith Range, starting from Lake Heron.
Snowy Creek Gorge Cross the Ahuriri River at the start, then head towards the gorge. This trip has been attempted several times previously.
Wednesday Walkers A report was given.
At this meeting we presented Life Membership certificates to several valued and long‑serving members. They shared stories of past trips and experiences with the club. Jane brought photos from earlier years, prompting many memories. Certificates were presented to Morris and Phyllis Grey, Jane Naish, Bill Bews, Ross Milmine, and Stuart and Betty Jenkins.
The presentations were followed by a pot‑luck supper. The meeting closed at 8.45 pm.
Jollie Valley
Jollie Valley (Gamack Conservation Area)
28 February 2026 – 1 March 2026
Four members headed into the Jollie Valley in the Gamack Conservation Area for a relaxed overnight trip. We kept a steady, conversational pace, stopping to take in viewpoints and check landmarks along the way. We paused late morning to look over Jollie Hut, then continued on. Lunch was held beside the Jollie river near where a couple of hunters had set up camp. Their mode of transport into this valley were electric motor bikes!
By mid-afternoon we reached Green Point Hut and chose our tent sites next to the hut. Three of us opted to explore a bit further into the valley before returning for refreshments and eventually dinner. A card game helped fill in the calm evening (note: some are more competitive than others at cards!).
Sunday, 1 March 2026
We woke to a calm start and took our time with breakfast and packing up. Before leaving a quick check around the hut area was carried out, making sure the campsite was tidy and that nothing was left behind. With everything stowed, we headed back out of the Jollie Valley, retracing the track and stopping for short rests as needed. This is an easy overnighter into a majestic valley and I’m sure it will make it back onto the club programme in the future.
Thanks to Jenny, Robbie and Lynette for the company.
Sugar Loaf – Rockburn Waitangi Weekend
Trip Report: Sugar Loaf – Rockburn – Lake Sylvan, Waitangi Weekend 2026
Waitangi Weekend offered our group three days to explore the magnificent Rockburn Valley at the head of Lake Wakatipu, so three members set off at 2pm on Thursday from Oamaru, arriving at Lake Sylvan DOC camping ground at 7.30pm. This campsite along the Routeburn River offers scenic, well-arranged, partially secluded sites with toilets and running water.
Next morning we drove to the Routeburn shelter (after Jenny had hidden her bike under piles of bracken for the return trip) and were ready to set off walking by 8am. 10 minutes along the Routeburn Track we followed a signpost pointing uphill to the Sugar Loaf Track; it was a steep and steady climb for 2.5 hours to the boggy Sugarloaf Saddle, from where we had superb views across to the Humboldt Mountains, Lake Wakatipu, the Dart River and the Mt Earnslaw massif. Then it was a steep scramble down to the Rockburn River, using rocks and branches for handholds, crossing creeks and waterfalls through the mossy beech forest. The track is well marked and clear of windfall. From Sugar Loaf it took us 4 hours to walk to the wide, open and sunny grasslands of Theatre Flat. Walking over the swing bridge across the Rockburn to Theatre Flat was interesting: I didn’t notice there were no wire netting sides until I was halfway across! With a strong Nor’west blowing, we found a sheltered spot to camp by a copse of beech, right by the river. The Rockburn is a beautiful fast flowing river with a clear green tinge, rushing over boulders and forming deep pools.
Our plan for the middle day, Saturday, was to climb up to Park Pass and back to camp, so we set off at 8.15am and were pleased to find the route well marked in the bush and over the grassy flats. After two hours walking with rain thickening and cloud lowering over Park Pass, we decided it best to return to camp for lunch. The walk out to Lake Sylvan was going to be a long 18km over roots and slippery rocks, so we decided to pack up our tents and head 4km down river to some grassy flats we had admired on the way in. By mid afternoon all three of us were snuggling into our sleeping bags and boiling up hot drinks to stave off the wet and cold.
After a night of heavy rain, we woke to see mist clearing from the mountains, so we shook the rain from our tents and were on the Rockburn track again by 7.30am, bypassed the Rockburn hut in bright sunshine, and stopped for lunch enroute to Lake Sylvan at 12 noon. The track remains rough around the Lake, but at the foot of the Lake we joined the gravelled highway back to the magnificent new bridge and carpark. Robbie found the leafy old track back to the river, so he and Jenny took this shortcut and crossed the Routeburn River opposite the carpark.
Back to the camping ground by 2.30pm, Jenny hopped on her bike, biked for about 30 minutes up to the car at the Routeburn shelter carpark, then picked up Di and Robbie back at camp. We were away home by 3.30pm.
Thanks to Robbie and Di for a fabulous exploration of the beautiful Rockburn Valley, in all weathers!
Jenny Kitchin