NOTMC volunteered to check out huts up the Hopkins Valley while participating in the FMC November ‘Love Our Huts’ campaign. Our aim was to reach the Elcho and Cullers huts and Dasler biv, but with high river levels we only managed to reach Monument and Elcho huts.With a fine weather window on Thursday 5th, 3 of us left Oamaru at 1pm. The road to Monument hut has been undercut by the river in places and with other wash outs driving was slow. We finally parked 2 km away from Monument hut. This meant a late start at 5pm, but with 5 hours of light left on a clear evening we hoped to reach Elcho before dark.
However, with the Hopkins River running high and swift, we needed to take all the high-water tracks through the bush. Making slow progress, by 10pm we faced an impenetrable wall of tree fall and dense undergrowth of beech saplings. With no sign of orange markers and no way through in the dark, we decided it best to sleep out in the bush under the stars. The beech leaves made a soft and spongy bed, so we pulled on hats and jackets and snuggled into sleeping bags. At first light we pushed, climbed and bashed our way through the bush before heading on to Elcho hut for breakfast.
Elcho hut is well maintained by NZ Alpine Club, but it was still satisfying to scrub benches and clean windows of sandflies (using the blue bucket that Karyl carried in), sweep under bunks, and weed around the hut. It is a unique hut with a great sense of history and retains a traditional feel.
Meanwhile, Mark and Nicky were following us up the valley on Friday, with Mark driving all the way to Monument hut in his Toyota Hilux. After walking part way up to Elcho and back, they settled into Monument Hut for the night, then next day cleared the track, stacked dry firewood, and polished up the hut.
Early Saturday the three of us at Elcho, being advised by a friendly hunter that it would be safe to take the lower river route now, set off back down the valley. Passing beech forest ablaze with flowering mistletoe is a highlight in December, and we marvelled at the abundance of crimson flowers billowing above us.
The Huxley River was still running high, so after checking for possible crossings, we opted on the side of caution and detoured into the bush to cross the swing bridge. As we headed briskly to Monument Hut over the river flats, Mark suddenly appeared to announce that hot sausages were sizzling in the pan for us at the hut. And, even more welcome, a ride back to Colin’s car was waiting for us!
We can report that Monument and Elcho huts are looking clean, tidy and well loved. Our hunter friend also reported that Cullers hut has been painted and is in good condition. Thanks to a great team of Colin, Karyl, Mark and Nicky for joining in and supporting ‘Love our Huts.’
Jenny Kitchin
Sunday 1 December 2024
This tramp took in a circuit of tussock run country between the Hectors Creek and the South Branch
of the Kakanui River. It started at the end of Turnbulls Road which turns off Dunrobin Road which, in
turn, turns off Kakanui Valley Road north of Five Forks.
The route started south across gently rolling country to and then along Black Cap Road with a short
diversion to climb the eponymously named Black Cap (769 metres), with its cap of dark basalt rocks
and the remains of a trig. Back on the road, the route wound down to cross a low saddle between
Hectors and Mole Hill Creeks before tackling the 200 metre climb to the top of Scout Hill (892
metres). It then dropped down, past some organ-pipe like volcanic outcrops and a mob of Hereford
cows and calves to Scout Hut, where the group stopped for lunch.
Lunch was followed by a 2 ½ Km northerly walk up Mole Hill Road to a gate on the right which led
out over a flattish area before a grassy track showed the way. It wound down a ridge, then
descended steeply in a zig-zag to the Mole Hill Creek, some 300 metres below the road. A bulldozed
track then followed a narrow gully up the other side before coming out on to a flattish top, 200
metres above the creek. It then wound through a densely tussocked flat and back out on to the track
leading to the cars. The 21 km walk had taken 7 hours and had been enjoyed by Mary and Geoff,
Helen and Rodney, Linda and Neill, Lynette and Julian, Lorena, and John.
Jenny chaired our meeting. She presented to us our clubs Certificate of Incorporation that we were granted by updating and rewriting our constitution as required by a law change.
Trip Reports
Herbert Forest Bike Ride: Tracks were muddy in the forest, so another route was undertaken. Twelve people enjoyed the day but finished in the rain.
Benmore Easement Track: Seven people went on this walk. Start at D O C site then cross a creek and follow the orange markers up hill. Not enough time to reach the cairn at the top but great views of the lakes and surrounds.
Herbert Forest Working Bee: Lots of track clearing and step building achieved.
Kahikatea Lodge: Seven people braved the cold, A steep downhill start then on up to the hut which sleeps 6 and has an exceptional toilet door.
Otamatapaio Hut: Cancelled due to flooding.
Up and Coming Trips
Wainakarua to Kakanui: Walk along the coast.
Mt Sommers Weekend: Staying in huts. Date to be decided.
Mt Milne in the Kirkliston’s: Enjoy the views
Labour Wknd Bike Ride: Bike around the local area
Our speakers tonight were Julian and Lynette Hardy talking about their trip to Turkey, Croatia, Netherlands and the U.K.
The first part of their trip was from Istanbul where they joined a tour group. Visits were made to the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and other sites in Istanbul. The group also visited Gallipoli, Lone Pine, Canakkale, Troy, and Selsurk where they watched traditional carpet dyeing and weaving. They then visited many historical sites and also the springs at Pamuk Kale. They are beautiful blue pools formed in the white calcium carbonate landscape and are thought to be therapeutic.
There was a coastal walk called the Lycian Way that they enjoyed walking part of. Other places the couple visited were Kekova, a sunken city, Kanya where the whirling Dervishes originated, Cappadocia where they stayed in one of the caves and Eskisehir the “Venice of Turkey” then back to Istanbul.
A flight to Croatia was next where they boarded a cruise ship for 8 days. It stopped at many sites including the Blue Caves along the coast. They enjoyed the city of Split and the beautiful scenery. Next came Amsterdam and a cycle tour of the city. They visited many sites including the Red-Light district and Anne Frank’s house. Their son met them in Amsterdam, and they all travelled via the Euro Star train back to London. In the U K. they saw Windsor Castle, the Meridian line at Greenwich, the Regency canal and did a walk along the Dover coast to finish off their adventure.
Meeting closed at 8.45 pm followed by a cup of tea
N.O T M C Extraordinary Meeting and September Club Meeting Report 2024
Last month an extraordinary meeting was scheduled to ratify the agreed changes to the clubs’ constitution as required by the Governments changes to the Incorporated Societies Act. These changes had been proposed and discussed by committee and members at previous meetings and sent out to all members. A motion was put forward to accept the changes. Motion was carried. Meeting closed 7.34pm. Jenny chaired our September Club meeting
Trip Reports
Grampians Trip: 5 people went on this very windy tramp in the Haka pass area. Snow on the tops was powdery but the wind was extreme. Lunch in the shelter of Black Rock. From the top views of 7 lakes could be seen.
Orbell’s Cave: A fine day. 12 people headed up Orbell’s stream with lots of criss crossing. Mostly downhill on the way there with an uphill walk on the way back. A good day out. Wednesday walkers gave their report.
Up and coming Events
A bike ride in the Herbert Forest for All grades.
Working bee in the Herbert Forest: Mainly repairing wind damage.
Benmore Range: Tramp starts not far from the Salmon farm. Climb to 1000 meters
Otamatapaio Hut: 15km walk into the hut. Stay overnight then out.
Kahikatea hut: Walk from Mt Misery Rd up along ridge to the hut.
Kenya and Tanzania Safari and Bike Trip
In May and June 2024, two of our members Karyl Robertson and Jenny Kitchin, her husband and another friend Julia headed off to Nairobi to start their safari part of the trip. Nairobi is on the equator but at 1000ft. They had a driver/guide and travelled in a special vehicle designed for animal viewing. They visited Mt Kenya National Reserve. Mornings and evening were the best times to see the animals who appeared not bothered by visitors. Accommodation was great, tents but very luxurious. Villagers were very poor and built houses from anything they could find. The markets were great because the weather was good for growing a wide variety of fruit and vege. They travelled on to the Karamega Rain Forest. It is a remnant forest with teak and Mahogony trees, 400 varieties of birds and the same as butterflies. The group visited a fisherman’s island in Lake Victoria then on to the grasslands of the Masi Mara where there were lots of animals to see. They toured part of the Rift Valley which is huge then on back to Nairobi. Their bike trip started in Nairobi with a group of cyclists. A truck had been adapted to carry everything they needed including bikes, food and all the fresh water for the ride. Biking distances varied day to day. Their trip took them close to Mt Kilimanjaro, through the savannah where the Masi locals guarded their camp at night then on to the Usambara highlands, a visit to the tourist focused town of Lushoto then down to the much hotter plains and finally to the Indian Ocean coast where the bike trip finished. A visit and a relax in Zanzibar completed their adventure.
Meeting closed 8.40pm followed by a cup of tea.
Julian chaired this meeting.
A photo competition was held, and photos were shown on the screen in different categories for members to vote on. Results of the votes to be posted on the club website. Winner’s photos will be entered into the F.M.C. photo competition. There were beautiful photos, and we found it hard to choose winners.
Trip Reports
Ben Lomond
9 people enjoyed a walk up towards the top of Ben Lomond on a fine day
Conical Hill Walkers started at an easement from the Pig Route. A good day with views from the top as far as the Rock and Pillars.
Aoraki Mt Cook weekend. Based at the Canterbury Alpine club hut. Saturday some walked up to the Red Tarns then up on to a rocky outcrop with great views, Others attempted to walk the Hooker track but turned back because of congestion on the track. Sunday not so fine Some walked into the Hooker hut. Others to Kea Point, A lovely weekend.
Up and Coming Trips
Bike Ride Around the Enfield area. All levels.
Luxmore hut: Stay at Te Anau Friday night then walk to Luxmore Hut. Other options available
Trotters Gorge: Explore this area
Arthurs Pass: Walk into the Hawdon hut. Other options available
Wednesday walkers gave their report
Meeting closed 8.30pm followed by a cup of tea.
