Ben Lomond
16 June 2024
Ben Lomond is the highest point on the ridge separating the Maerewhenua and Otekaieke valleys.
After a week of fluctuating weather forecasts, the day dawned fine and nine trampers left Oamaru
at 8 o‘clock, picking up a tenth at Duntroon, and turned down Special School Road to park just
before the farm track dropped down off the terrace. After a preliminary discussion it was decided
that six would head for the top while four would aim for a shorter walk. Among the latter was the
supposed trip leader who had left his boots at home.
All set off just before 9 o’clock dropping down off the terrace to the valley floor and crossing the
Otekaieke River by a stock bridge. It was then through a couple of gates to start up the steep climb
to the Ben Lomond ridge. The main group took a direct route up while the shorter walkers followed
the zig-zag track.
The group who were attempting a longer distance headed towards Lower Ben Lomond (994 metres)
where they stopped for lunch at about noon. A discussion was held whether they try and make it to
Ben Lomond itself, but with what looked like a change in the weather coming and shorter amount of
daylight available it was decided to turn back after lunch following the high path for the views rather
than descending into the river valley.
The other four stopped at a fenceline about half-way along the top ridge (about 830 metres) and
lunched on a sheltered knob with fine views of the mountains in the St Mary Range. Two returned
down the fenceline while the last two (including the bootless leader) returned by the track.
All ten met up before the bridge and returned to the cars at 2.30pm. The Duntroon Hotel debrief
concluded that it had been a very good day with fine weather, great views and a good workout. So
said Roz, Lorena, David, Robbie, Julian, Neville, Rex, Neil, Jane and John.
Staircase Ridge 12 May 2024
Seven trampers turned out for this walk which does have quite strenuous climbs in it. It was a fine chilly morning as we set off down the hill to the Middle Branch of the Waianakarua River. Birdsong was unusually loud and the big descent was undertaken in good spirits. We had been joined by two younger potential members so some observation was required to see if they were going to be ok going up the Staircase ridge. As many members will know, the river part of this trip is particularly slippery at this time of the year, but luckily there had been no frost and fairly dry conditions meant it wasn’t too bad.
It was the same for the very steep climb out of the river bed going up the initial part of the Staircase ridge, probably as dry as I have seen. One of the young fellows developed blisters fairly early on which were dealt with on a few occasions during our walk, hopefully it didn’t put him off altogether. The track had ben trimmed since the last time I was there and the going was relatively easy.
DoC has taken on the maintenance of both the Tabletop and Staircase tracks and the track markers put in are probably better than ever, well done to the 2 local rangers responsible. This group set no speed records and by about lunchtime we had reached Pt 499 which provided some good views and a good place to have a leisurely lunch and the chance to have look around and pick out the various landmarks.
It was decided to return from whence we had come at this time and a pleasant, mostly downhill journey brought us back to the river and the last grind up the hill back to the vehicles by 3.30. A very pleasant day’s walk in good company with good accompanying birdsong along the way. Thanks to Neville,Neil, Helen, Rodney, Henry and Archie for coming.
Robbie
Top Dingle Hut April 2024
Trip Report, Top Dingle Hut, 27 – 28 April, 2024
But the forecast was good and the mountains looked inviting with a fresh coating of early snow, so the three trampers continued further up Birchwood Rd intending to climb over to the Dingle Burn Valley to stay the night at the Top Dingle Hut. (It’s always wise to have an alternative trip planned if trying to cross the Ahuriri!)
Robbie drove us right up to the Dingle Burn Track carpark, and the three of us headed off up the track at 11.30am. We reached the saddle by 1pm, having lunched lower down to shelter from the freezing wind blowing off the snowy peaks. Then we headed down the steep ridge to the Dingle Valley below, reaching Top Dingle Hut soon after 2.30pm.
Top Dingle Hut is well worth a visit: a small 1963 hut with 6 bunks, fireplace, stainless steel bench and bespoke table and stools. Surrounded by beech trees, catching the afternoon sun, looking out over the Dingle Burn to mighty peaks above, it is a place to linger. After settling in with hot drinks and afternoon tea, we spent the sunny late afternoon collecting firewood from the forest, then settling in for a game of Five Crowns by the blazing fire.
Leaving at 8am the next morning to climb back up the hill, we reached the saddle by 10am, so we had time to walk for an hour north along the ridge to a small tarn. The day was perfect, windless and sunny, and the views up the Ahuriri valley over to Mt Barth, Mt Huxley, and Mt Maitland were magnificent. Another hour back to the saddle and a quick descent in an hour to the carpark made for a comfortable five hour walk in all.
Many thanks to Robbie for leading the alternative trip and to Karen for joining us on another stunning Ahuriri adventure. Snowy Gorge still awaits us!
Jenny Kitchin.
April Clubnight report
March Club Meeting Report
Jenny welcomed us all.