Little Domett and Little Domett Lower Saddle – 28 September 2025
This trip was done in two groups, with one group seeing the opportunity of climbing Little Domett 1860m from a different area which gave them an easier direct route to the top. The other group did the Domett Lower Saddle, getting to a high point of 1158m.
The 1st group left town at 6.30am, an early start considering daylight saving had just started and one member leaving Dunedin at 5am. They met another member at the end of Domett Rd and 4WD into a hut called Lone Creek Lodge by Lone Creek. They then headed off up a 4WD track to the lower saddle and then cross-country and up a direct ridge to the top of Little Domett, making good time (despite the strong winds), reaching the top about 11.15am.
The other group left town at a more respectable time of 8am and drove to the end of Domett Rd, where they started their hike. Group two headed off up a 4WD track to a small saddle and then down into Lone Creek and up to the hut where the others had parked their vehicles. After a bit of a look around the hut it was then off up a track behind the hut and into a basin below Little Domett, which we climbed out of and sided around the lower ridge of Little Domett to a lower saddle, getting there about 11.30am. Group two was in radio contact with group one on Little Domett, and they had thought of hiking another hour over to big Domett at 1942m—but there were wind warnings for the day and it was starting to pick up, so they decided to stay put and have an early lunch and take in the views. Group two found a place out of the wind on the lower saddle, taking in the views of the mountains around us and down into the Waitaki Valley.
Group two took a leisurely lunch and got the call on the radio that the other group were on their way down, so we stayed put for a while and watched the other group come into view. Group two then when down a zig-zag track into a broad valley leading back to Lone Creek where we climbed back up to the small saddle and back to the cars, getting there about 10mins before the other group arrived in the 4WDs. It was then a quick catch up of everyone’s day before heading home.
Thanks to the farmer for giving us access to this area and the members that came along to enjoy it.
Rodney, David, Neil, Jonathan, Julian, Lynette, Jenny and Mike.
–Neville
October 2025 Meeting Report
Meeting Report
Colin hosted the meeting.
Trip Reports
Little Mount Peel
Five people completed this walk on a very cold day. There was plenty of snow, but the track has been improved. Excellent views from the 1,300 m summit.
Little Domet Saddle
Seven people climbed this peak, following Lone Creek for much of the way and passing “The Lodge” en route to the top. Conditions were very windy at the summit.
Silverpeaks
Three people completed this overnight trip, staying in the ABC Cave along with two others who arrived. It was very cosy. They climbed the Devil’s Staircase, continued on to Silverpeaks, and walked out the next day.
Wednesday Walkers
A report was given.
Up and Coming Trips
Mt St Cuthbert
A climb near Cattle Creek. A long day but good views.
Kaikōura Range – Mt Fyffe and Kowhai Saddle
Mt Sutton and Lake Dumbell
Via the ski field road near Ōhau.
Twilight Walk
Visitors welcome. Walk along the beach to Orwell Street, then over the Skyline Walkway.
South Peak via Snake Gully
Walk in the Trotters Gorge area, known for interesting rock formations.
Trip planning for the summer season followed.
The end‑of‑year BBQ will be held at Glen Coe Reserve on Sunday 7 December. A tentative date for awards is March 2026.
The meeting closed at 8.40 pm, followed by a cup of tea.
September 2025 Meeting Report
Meeting Report
Jenny chaired the meeting.
Guest Speaker
Our speaker was Syd Woods from Geraldine. He and a friend, Kate, completed the “Freedom Challenge,” a mountain bike ride from Pietermaritzburg to Wellington (near Cape Town) in South Africa. They had 26 days to finish and completed it in 21.
The route covered 2,150 km with 11,000 m of climbing and numerous river crossings. Bikes weighed about 14 kg with gear and often had to be carried. No GPS was allowed; navigation was by map and compass. All riders carried trackers.
Syd described the first week as brutal. They started in the dark each morning and finished in the dark each evening. There were food and rest stops every 50 km, with meals and accommodation every 100 km, often at old homesteads. Around 50 people started the challenge and about 25% did not finish. Weather was generally good, with frosty mornings and snow at the highest point at 3000 m. The challenge took place in 2024. Syd mostly enjoyed the experience but was pleased to reach the finish line.
Trip Reports
Mt Cuthbertson
Two people completed this climb in the Waitaki Valley. It was harder and longer than the sign suggests, but the views were excellent.
Mt Nimrod Reserve
Five people walked towards Mt Nimrod, having lunch high on a rocky knob before returning. Wallabies were seen.
Mt Heim
Three people walked six hours to the head of the valley in rain, then encountered snow. It took another 2½ hours to reach the Bivy Rock, where they camped for the night. The Mt Heim climb was abandoned due to weather and avalanche conditions.
Up and Coming Trips
Orokonui Reserve
Visit to the wildlife sanctuary near Dunedin.
Little Mt Peel
Two groups: one doing a loop, the other a climb.
Bike Ride
Kakanui and surrounding areas.
Silverpeaks
Overnight camp and a circuit walk in the area near Dunedin.
Wednesday Walkers
A report was given.
A special meeting was held alongside the monthly meeting to vote on awarding life membership to Bill Bews, Maurice and Phyllis Gray, Jane Naish, and Stewart and Betty Jenkins. The proposal was passed. These valued members, and past members, will be honoured at a date yet to be set.
The meeting ended at 8.55 pm.
August 2025 Meeting Report
Meeting Report
Colin chaired the meeting.
Trip Reports
Bike Ride: Port Chalmers to Portobello
Fourteen people took the ferry from Port Chalmers to Portobello, then biked the 32 km back to their vehicles. The weather was perfect and the harbour was calm.
Luxmore Hut
Four people left early on Saturday and travelled to the start of the Kepler Track. They climbed to Luxmore Hut, where two of our members were acting as hut wardens. The group was warmly welcomed with hot scones and a toddy. The weather was fine and they returned on Sunday.
Roseneath
Nine people walked near Aviemore, heading up Fern Gully from the old village site to a rocky outcrop with good views, then back down to Wharekuri in good weather.
Ben Ohau
Five people enjoyed a walk with a good dusting of snow. They climbed to the trig, took in the views, and returned via Greta Stream.
Wednesday Walkers
A report was given.
Up and Coming Trips
Mt Nimrod Reserve
Inland from Waimate, an interesting area with a good hill to climb.
Awakino
Possibility of enjoying some snow near Kurow. This may be an overnighter.
Canyon Creek / Mt Hyme
Camp at the bivvy rock and enjoy a good climb.
Trip planning for the Spring Programme followed.
The meeting closed at 8.40 pm, followed by a cup of tea and a chat.
