Distance 12.5 km                   Ascent 500 m                                 Duration 4:15 hours

After a slow commute through the city, we picked up the rest of the day’s trampers at the Princess Margaret Hospital car park and were driven to the Tussock Vineyard car park area on Huntsbury Ave.  The 16 Standards took off to the left, over a stile and down the Huia Gilpin Track into the valley to visit the shelter before coming back up to the Summit Rd.  The 10 Alternatives went straight on up the 4-wheel track continuation of Huntsbury Ave.  And it was straight up – after 2 months of no tramping the author’s lungs and legs were really rebelling!  Fortunately, the gradient became more gentle as we made our way upwards.  Near the Summit Road, the alternatives had morning tea with a beautiful view to the west of the fresh, overnight snow-cap on the foothills.  During the break, a native Canterbury ground beetle was seen scrambling across the track – an unusual daytime sight because these beetles are normally nocturnally active, feeding on other insects and worms.  On being picked up, it demonstrated another feature of these beetles by spraying its foul-smelling defence chemical.  It was returned to the grassland before we left.

After the tea break, we crossed the Summit Road and followed the Crater Rim Track through the Scott Scenic Reserve and on to near Sugar Loaf where we took Mitchell’s Track and passed to the south of Sugar Loaf and across the road for a ‘pit stop’ at the Sign of the Kiwi.  On resumption of the tramp, we joined the Bowenvale Track.  Soon afterwards, we met the Standards coming down the Summit Rd.  Why the Alternatives circled Sugarloaf in a clockwise direction and the Standards in an anti-clockwise direction is something some psychologist may be able to answer.  One feature of this tramp was the number of places where planting had occurred over the winter, with signs bearing information about the plantings. The lush, green growth of previous years’ plantings was also very visible.

The Alternatives had lunch sitting in a nice, protected area below the mountain bike track before resuming the tramp in the direction of Mt Vernon.  At this point, they took the ‘low road’ (the Mt Vernon Mountain Bike Track) to the gate near the Archie Lilly Memorial and the Standards took the ‘high road’ to the Mt Vernon summit.  From the Summit Rd, it was then a long steady tramp down the Mt Vernon Farm Track to the bus waiting for us in Hillsborough Terrace.  The Alternatives arrived at the bus at 2.00 pm and the Standards about 20 minutes later.  Before dropping off the PMH passengers, we ended a lovely spring day’s outing with coffee at Zeroes.

Txt by Eric

Stds muster @ lookout

Alts Lunch

Alts Lunch

Distance 8.6 km                    Ascent 1,105m                               Duration 3:45 hours

After heavy rain overnight we woke to cool south westerly conditions with clearing skies. This tramp has been cancelled the last 3 years so it was 34 eager trampers including one visitor Chris V who joined bus driver Peter for the journey to Porters Pass. The plan this year was for the Alternates to walk the same route as the Standards, climbing Rabbit Hill.

At 10am just over the crest of Porters Pass under blue skies with calm conditions, 20 Standards set off followed closely by 14 Alternates heading steadily uphill on the 4WD farm track. This initial steep section is probably the most punishing as we have just left the comfort of the bus.

Fresh snow had fallen overnight creating “winter wonderland” conditions for our morning tea spot at 10.35am with views looking towards magnificent Foggy Peak minus fog which doesn’t happen often. The Alternates arrived ready for a breather not long afterwards with their Leader setting a good pace.

After morning tea, with the snow covered alpine tussocks sparkling in the sunshine, it was a satisfying sound to hear the crunch of our boots as we made our way up and along the ridge to reach TRIG M, 1251m at 11.30am.  Time was spent admiring the view, taking photos and some let off steam throwing a few snowballs.

This next section is spectacular with pockets of mountain beech looking even more so with branches laden with snow and some impressive rocky outcrops. A more scenic female peeing location would be hard to find. Thank you Warren.

Following the ridge towards Rabbit Hill there are many ups and downs with progress slowing markedly on the steeper descents as full focus was required in the very slippery snow. Brave alpine plants cling to the scree slopes and look right at home in the snowy environment. We were not looking forward to the boggy section where several streams cross, just before we begin climbing Rabbit Hill but, this year, perhaps with the snow it was easier to negotiate.

While enjoying refreshments after the Kate Valley tramp last week some were discussing the life of various animals. We had sympathy for sheep and how boring their life must be with grass all day long before we progressed to the breeding habits of rabbits.

I delved a bit deeper, frightening.

A doe can have more than 20 offspring in a year and can breed when only 4 months old. Can be pregnant again within minutes of giving birth as they are induced ovulators. If a doe is receptive she lifts her tale and the buck falls to the side or backwards. With an experienced buck this can take only seconds. Gestation period is 25 – 28 days.  Let’s move quickly on.

For the staff at Further Faster, Rabbit Hill is a favourite Mountain Dog Challenge. I can imagine the dogs would love the thrill of the chase but not so much the BTC trampers who are using all their energy just to get up the bloody hill.

Rabbit Hill, 1198m is quite cruel as just when you think you have reached the summit there is a higher point to come. Standards enjoyed lunch at 1pm after walking along the ridge from the summit to find a little more shelter. Magnificent views to take in of Lake Coleridge and the snow covered Southern Alps. Alternates tell me they sighted  a red admiral butterfly at the summit. No photographic record but I’ll believe them.

Full concentration was required after reaching the saddle and making the steep descent to meet the bus 5.2 km along the Lyndon Rd. It was treacherous with the slippery snow and some big drop offs but at the same time extremely entertaining.

Many different styles for the slips and slides, not always landing in soft snow only but with the addition of glorious mud. A tramper with a prominent role in the Alternate group was apparently the most spectacular of all with three different demonstrations of a rolling technique which he was obviously trying to perfect but never quite mastered.

The Standards were back at the bus by 2.40pm and joined just 30 mins later by the Alternates. The verdict, when asked if they want to follow this route next year, was they had proved they could climb Rabbit Hill so no need to do it again. A great achievement by all.

Thanks to both Leaders for leading us confidently through the snow for a stunning Spring tramp in perfect conditions.

We were home before 5pm after a wonderful day out.

(txt Kate)

The Alts on the ascending track

Alts morning tea stop

Alts lunch stop

Stds take a brief break

Stds group photo atop Trig M

Stds admire awesome snowy mountain views

Stds troop on…

Winter wonderland

Alts on return

Stds line-up on the level

Stats: distance 12.5km, ascent 250m, time 4hrs

Our bus left Christchurch with 41 on board including 3 visitors: Hailey, David and Chris. At Darfield we picked up farm owners Evan and Maureen, and 3 members of the local tramping club. With such a big group it was decided to split into the usual 2 groups but this didn’t last long as everyone enjoyed the rare opportunity to talk with members who are often in the other group. Fashion statement de jour was a member’s new knee high camo gaiters.

This tramp is interesting because it combines Matariki Forest, the former Bathurst Resources coal mine which was shut about 5 years ago, and a farm walk. Talking of mines, Farmer Evan was a mine of information all day, starting with an underground mine about 100m underneath the road that we walked on for the first km. It operated from the 1920s and closed in the ‘70s because of water. They delivered coal to local houses; one ton of coal was 1200 shovels full – hard work for the poor driver.

The former mine is undergoing remediation with extensive landscaping. A lot of natives will be planted to stabilise the hills and the water drains into a lake which was the ideal place for morning tea. Then began several climbs and descents across the rolling hills until we holed up in a gully where we could have lunch out of the cool westerly wind with great views east. On the way, Evan pointed out the one hectare area which will be fenced off to protect native lizards (at his cost), and another where he planted natives around 20 years ago to smother gorse.

The walk out to Whitecliffs was uneventful until the bus was not where we expected it be. Oops, we came out on a different track and the bus was where it should have been, just around the corner.

Peter M

Bus drop-off Bush Gully Rd

Entering Coalgate Forest Farm

Morning tea stop by lake

Up, up, and away…

Heading off after lunch

Admiring the views

Trampers striding out

Feisty horses

Distance: 11kms (Alternates) 13.4kms (Standards)   Time: 4 hrs 15 mins.   Elevation: 429m

Shortly after bus driver, Alan, left Bishopdale there was mutual excitement as we passed two club members waiting for their airport bus, bound for different adventures. There were 38 trampers including visitor David C, and Jim, a guest of Joanne.

Mystery surrounds some names on today’s walk in North Canterbury. Who were Barbara, Ella and Kate, of Lookout, Peak, and Pond fame? Research has failed to identify the trio, enquiries with Transwaste are ongoing.

After a seemingly brief walk downhill, the 17 Alternates caught up with the 21 Standards who had stopped for morning tea. Belatedly the few Alternates stragglers realised that they were, in fact, continuing on a further distance.

The track descended to the wetland area, bypassing Kate Pond. Very soon Alternates spotted a pile of abandoned packs, guarded by a pair of reclining minders. From the junction Standards had begun their extra 3 km return to Ella Peak sans packs.

Everyone trooped on, enjoying the spectacular views of Pegasus Bay, Motunau Island and Banks Peninsula. One of the Alternates offered a credible explanation of the “kissing gate” through which we individually squeezed, like sheep being drafted. A member then disclosed that it was her 53^rd wedding anniversary, with resultant questioning as to who might have sustained a longer marriage. Well done those with the big numbers!

Some 20 minutes after the Alternates, the Standards arrived at the beach lunch stop at 1220 hrs. From there it was a steady uphill return in the sunshine, through plantation forest and on road to the bus. Both groups arrived back simultaneously at 1410 hrs.

Sights seen during the day – a diminutive mermaid (Amberley toilets), two honking geese (Kate Stream), an amorous couple (on a ridge above the beach) and a snowman – ah, seen closer, it’s not a snowman, it’s the trig on Ella Peak.

In the fashion stakes the Standard’s leader’s peaked cap drew admiration, a purchase from somewhere along the Rhine. Therein lay another story. With the 1410hr arrival at the bus, time allowed for a refreshment stop at Amberley, continuing the day’s companionship and laughter.

Text by Marie-Therese

The tramp begins…

Stds enjoy views from trig station

Stds descend hill

Alts near beach

Awesome coastline views from beach

Alts return

Duration 4 hrs 20 mins

We had a fine, clear, frosty morning with little wind for our tramp.  Bus driver Peter transported 41 trampers (including 3 visitors) to the township of Little River on Banks Peninsula for the walk from there to Birdlings Flat some 16 km away.

The walk began (for the Standard group) at the entrance gate to Kinloch Homestead about 2km up Kinloch Rd from the Akaroa Highway.  From there it’s a 6km climb with a 560 m height gain up a well-graded and sealed road to the intersection with Bossu Rd.  The weather was fine and sunny as we climbed, and layers of warm clothing were soon removed.  The views back down to Lake Forsyth, Little River and the hills beyond were a suitable reward for the hard work.

Directly opposite us across the valley, and above Little River township, we identified High Bare Peak where new owners are de-stocking, removing exotic trees, planting native trees and encouraging the land to revert to its original bush covering.  The owners also plan to develop walking tracks and to open the area for recreational walking.

Kinloch Rd was a bit busier than usual owing to recent logging activity and on the way up we encountered several trucks transporting logs from an area that once contained a pine plantation.  At the Bossu Rd intersection (the starting point for the Alternates group) we also had a chance encounter with a group of trampers from the Over Forties Tramping Club.

Bossu Road is so named because it leads to Mount Bossu, a rocky peak overlooking Akaroa Harbour some 10km away to the east. French settlers named it Mt Bossu, presumably after the 18^th century French explorer Jean Bernard Bossu.  Maori call this mountain Tuhiraki.  According to legend, Tuhiraki was formed when the ancestor Rakaihautu used his digging stick to create the great lakes of the South Island. After completing his task, he planted his stick in the ground, where it eventually grew into the mountain.

The second part of the walk took us eastwards along Bossu Road and with a slow descent to sea level again at Birdlings Flat – a distance of about 10 km.  The views from this road include the eastern bays of Banks Peninsula (Oashore, Tokoroa, Tumbledown etc) to the left, the Kaitorete Spit ahead and in the distance, the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps.

Following a tiring few hundred metres over the soft shingle, the walk finished at Birdlings Flat settlement where Peter and his bus were waiting to transport us back to Christchurch after a very pleasant day out.

Text by Warren

Stds ascend Kinloch Rd

Stds make headway on Bossu Rd

Alts morning tea Stop

View towards Kaitorete Spit

Alts en route

Views galore

Descent to Birdlings Flat

Distance 14 km                                                                     Duration 4 ½ hours

After last week’s awful weather and the ensuing cancellation, 42 eager trampers were keen to enjoy the fine conditions and workout that lay ahead.

Jen welcomed our visitors, Stuart and Hailey, and our driver, Tony. Despite Stuart travelling by car and meeting us at Sumner, I’m sure he felt the good vibes.  A different sort of treat was handed around the bus – a bag of One Square Meals. Graham was duly thanked and his warning that they were quite hard and might need a soften up before we risked dental failure on our first bite, was noted. One member was particularly delighted – taking the product name at face value and deciding that Wednesday night’s dinner was sorted!!

We soon arrived at Sumner where the 31 walking with the Standards alighted and headed off up Whitewash Head Road for the start of the Flowers track. The Alternate group remained on the bus to be deposited at Evans Pass.

The Standards were enjoying the stunning coastal views while negotiating the somewhat slippery conditions underfoot. An early morning tea was called so that we could watch a paraglider launch himself from the clifftop. Our leader seemed to be kept quite busy helping untangle and move gear for the would-be flier which begs the question, “How would he have managed if we weren’t there?” We were very pleased to see him safely launched and staying aloft, at least while we were watching. It seemed like a perfect day for this leisure activity also. We soon heard the two-minute warning, quickly followed by the one-minute and then the five-second, so no excuses for not being ready to move on.

We descended to Taylor’s Mistake via the switchbacks which reminded me that the year before, walking with the Alternates, they had to be conquered coming uphill at the end of the day. A bit of a challenge when the legs are tired. In response to one member’s query how the bay got its name, Google confirms the commonly held belief that it was named after a ship’s captain who mistook it for Lyttelton Harbour. Surely Captain Taylor was navigating in extremely challenging conditions, or had he exceeded the daily ration of rum? However, it has been known as such since at least 1853, so a mistake that has become part of our local lore.

Arriving at the turn off for the short descent to Boulder Bay quite a few of the Standards opted not to visit this quaint beach with the remnants of times past, but continued up to Scott’s Hut where we waited for the others to join us.  “The Cabin” is one of four prefabricated huts sent to Antarctica on Robert Falcon Scott’s second polar expedition, 1910 – 1913. It was intended for meteorological observations but none of the party could be spared for these tasks, so was never erected. After its return to Lyttelton it was utilised as a garden shed on a Clifton property before being gifted and moved to its present location after the 2010/11 earthquakes. It must have the most sublime views in the region.

Just before we reached our lunch spot at Godley Head we encountered another group of hikers descending.  “Oh, it’s the Alternates” we exclaimed, thinking what good time they had made. On reaching the rest area we found a group from the Kaiapoi Walking Club in residence but there was plenty of room for all.

After lunch the single lane track winds its way around the Lyttelton side of the Summit Road with gorgeous views of the water to Purau and Diamond Harbour. We appeared to be moving along at a good pace and sure enough we reached the bus at the top of Evans Pass shortly after 2.00pm. Arriving back in Sumner we were assured there was time for an ice cream or coffee and on the way to the beachfront shop we once again met our Alternates. They were quick to shed their packs, change footwear and join us for a quick refreshment. Keen to include news of their day, I approached several for comment but received very conflicting information. One said the 190+ steps were quite a challenge.  Another said, “What steps?”  Let’s leave it that they too had a fabulous day in a special place close to our city.

Text by Jan Bw

Coastal trail switchbacks from Sumner

Paraglider in flight

Taylor’s Mistake beach

Boulder Bay

Stds muster at Boulder Bay

Alts mornng tea

Harbour views

Distance 14.2km.    Elevation gain 478m.  Time 4.5 hours (including stops)

The weather forecast was for a beauty and so it turned out to be.  For mid-winter we couldn’t have asked for a better day, blue skies and no wind.   The weather team, of course, received due credit!

President Jen, as has become her well received custom, greeted us in the several languages of the group on board and informed us that the 41 trampers meant that we had a “break even financially” number for the trip.  Driver Tony headed off along SH 73, past the ‘World Famous in Sheffield’ pie shop and turned off soon after into Dalethorpe Road, at the Annat corner.  There used to be a small settlement and a school at Annat (in fact the author apparently spent the first year of his life in the school house there) but there isn’t much there now.

A few km down Dalethorpe Road, a washed-out ford stopped the bus, so we disembarked and set off down the shingle road in separate groups, even though both Standards and Alternates were doing the same tramp.  After a km or so, our intrepid leader, Chris led us off the road and into the Dalethorpe Forest, along 4-wheel drive tracks, where the shaded areas were still hard with frost.

This was a pine forest with trees at different stages of development, but it didn’t stop some comments encouraging Chris to deal to a few apparently out of place (wilding) specimens.  Morning tea was in the warm sun on a grassy knoll and during our break, the local farmer passed by on his quad bike, demonstrating his drifting skills.

Now the climbing started along the Annavale Station’s 4-wheel drive tracks, traversing the small muddy streams and dodging the impressive cow pats deposited by the Angus cattle.  While the track was undulating at first, it increasingly became upwards and the talking notably decreased as we climbed and a couple of breaks were required to regain breath.

The lunch spot was short of the top, but we had glorious views of the Russell Range, which we were tramping in, as well as across to the Big Ben range to the south.  A glider drifted noiselessly above us and there was some discussion about where it would land in this hilly terrain, but a solution soon emerged when it crossed above us again, with a microlight engine whining away.

After lunch, there was a brief but steepish climb to the top and the group, eschewing the desire to scale the nearby Russell Peak (941m), took in the panoramic view presenting itself.   To the west was the Torlesse Range with snow topped peaks and Lake Rubicon, visited on another BTC tramp.  Below us, the Kowai River wandered northwards to join the Waimakariri River in the distance.  The track downwards provided some physical relief and also a continuation of these outstanding views on this warm and sunny day.

Some horses came to their fence to investigate this large group of intruders who had invaded their tranquil environment.  They presented a beautiful photographic opportunity with the snow covered Torlesse Range behind them.

Down near the bus and on the flat again, we walked alongside a very early irrigation canal, transferring water from the Kowai River to the plains.

The Alternates arrived soon after the Standards and the bus headed for the city again after a wonderfully invigorating day in brilliant weather, and we all felt how lucky we are to live amongst such natural beauty.

Text by Selwyn

Preparing to set off from bus drop off

Stds followed by Alts on track

Morning tea in the sun

Heading up steep track to lunch stop

Leading stds take a short break

Majestic horses

Panoramic views during farm track descent

Stds re-group on way to bus pick up

Distance 15km, ascent 672m, time 4hrs 45mins

While we were travelling by bus all the way to Mt Alexander there could easily have been a procession of psychedelic unicorns pulling chariots laden with burlesque dancers going past, but the fog was so thick they would have gone by unnoticed. All credit goes to driver Garth for driving us skilfully through all the murk and mist.

However, it was a pleasant trip, with the joy of being on the receiving end of three rounds of little treats and the fun at watching Bev trying to stuff large bags of used bras and swimming togs into the overhead racks (don’t ask).

We arrived safely at our destination and caught a glimpse of Andy Fox, the fourth-generation owner of the property, Foxdown Farm. He kindly allows us to walk on his 14,000ha sheep and cattle farm for a smallish koha, which we’re told he will be donating to the local fire brigade this year.

So, 34 trampers including guest Peter S set off uphill towards the nicely maintained pine plantation which was still shrouded in mist. Then, voila! Sunshine! Before long the 21 Standards, soon followed by the 13 Alternates, made it to one of the most unusual morning tea spots our club gets to enjoy. This is a very old sheep yard, studded with trees and still bordered on one side by an authentic drystone wall.  There can’t be many like this in the whole of New Zealand and this one is in excellent condition. It was just lovely sitting in the sunshine, being serenaded by magpies.

Soon after smoko we encountered two very startled-looking newlyweds driving carefully down the track from the very flash Foxdown Hut.

The Standards made it to the last steep climb, negotiated the difficult barbed wire fence and chose lunch spots near the trig at the top of Mt Alexander. The Alternates, who arrived soon after, favoured possies closer to the massive radio masts. In fact, the view from anywhere at the top was superb – all the way down to the Waikari basin, across to Lake Sumner, the snow-capped Southern Alps in the distance, and the Kaikoura range far away to the north. Eating our lunch with no wind to contend with and with sunshine on our faces was just blissful. Even a discussion on the sad state of US politics couldn’t cast a shadow of gloom on the participants.

The Alternates set off again the same way they had come up (but obviously all downhill this time!)  while we Standards took a longer, more undulating route. The pine plantation we had encountered at the start of our giant loop tramp looked a long way away, because it was, but at least the bigger ‘undulations’ weren’t as muddy as they could have been. This was a sign of the severe recent drought, as was the fact there was hardly any stock left on the farm this winter (though there was still a lot of sheep and cattle poo to stick to our boots).

The Standards made it back to the bus first, followed soon after by the Alternates. There was just enough time for a quick look around Foxdown’s splendid collection of classic cars, which appears to be still expanding.

By the end of our pleasant, uneventful tramp any vestiges of cabin fever from not having tramped for a couple of weeks had dissipated just like that morning fog, and it was a bunch of happy trampers who boarded the bus for the trip back from Foxdown to Fogtown.

Text by  Shirls

Trampers greeted at Foxdown Farm

Stds lead the way

Stds enjoy morning tea

Alts enjoy summit lunch

Awesome views across misty valleys

Stds descend from summit

Stds group photo

Alt Return through pine plantation

Duration 3 ¼ hr

There may have only been 38 of us keen trampers (including guests Cait and Stuart) setting out from Castle Hill Village, but after about 10 days of drizzle and rain we were all set to enjoy this superb tramp. We definitely were ‘all set’ as there were gloves, raincoats, and even some over-pants donned in the expectation that we’d be trudging all day in the cold and wet. The fog we’d encountered along the way had done nothing to make us feel more confident about the weather. However, within half an hour of steady uphill walking, multiple layers were shed as the weather was actually quite pleasant.

The bush along the start of the Hogsback track seemed even more lush, mossy and green than usual after the recent rain, but surprisingly the track wasn’t overly muddy (no exciting falls were observed to add a touch of drama to this report unfortunately  oops, fortunately).

Morning tea was at a pleasant spot near the turbulent Thomas River (oh alright, it was actually so tiny we could step over without getting our boots wet- no drama here either sorry). The 11 Alternates had already passed this point, having avoided most of the uphill part by skirting round on the flat.

It wasn’t that long after morning tea that the 27 Standards emerged from the bush and made our way to our picturesque lunch spot, the lip of the Leith slump, with the fog-bound Mt Enys towering above. Some of the Alternates were enjoying the new picnic table there, but no one was raving about the view. Usually this is a stunning spot to look way down to Castle Hill Village, and across to Prebble Hill, but today it was still somewhat foggy and there were just tantalising glimpses to be had.

This writer does not pretend to be an expert on the geology of the area, but can report that apparently the formation of the slump has something to do with a section of the mountainside collapsing, possibly due to the effects of water on soft glacial sediments, rather a long time ago. A very technical explanation, I know.

Both Kiwan, first-time leader of the Alternates, and Standard leader Brent both cleverly managed (with a little help from Alan) to locate the elusive spot to lead us over a fence and onto the ideal track to take us across the tussock covered hillside. Our destination drew us forward, the magnificent Kura Tawhiti tors emerging out of the land like… an obvious simile sorry… like the ruins of a massive castle. Walking through these vast, water and wind sculpted limestone outcrops is quite a humbling experience.

There was plenty of time to read display boards with fascinating information about the Kura Tawhiti area, including how it was all under water 30 million years ago, and a reminder about how there had been moas and giant Haast’s eagles around here 700 years ago. Secure behind a fence were some of the world’s rarest buttercups, about 69 plants in all. Also impressive were the new sculptures symbolising the importance of this area to Maori. Kura Tawhiti can be translated as ‘treasures from an ancient land’ which seems very apt.

It was only 1.30 when both groups made it back to the bus waiting for us in the Kura Tawhiti carpark. Driver Callum drove us skilfully through the fog back over Porters Pass, and there was still time for a coffee/beer/ice cream at Darfield (and someone may even have decided they had earned a pie, despite today’s tramp being not much more than a mere 8km for the Alternates and 9km for the Standards).

It was a treat to be back at Bishopdale nice and early at 4 o’clock, with the added pleasure of knowing we hadn’t had to endure yet another blah weather day in Christchurch. In fact, we had enjoyed good weather, a bit of exercise, lots of fellowship, and some incredible scenery. Not bad for $25!

Text by Shirls

Ready to set off from bus drop-off

Stds morning tea stop

Snowy peak from beech forest track

Approaching Kura Tawhiti lunch stop

Alts enjoy sit down lunch

Stds descent after lunch

Single file along Leith Hill track

Castle Hill rock formations en route to pick-up

Distance 13 km                         Ascent   560m               Duration 4 hr 40min

A very chilly morning, minus 5, we were told, saw even most of the diehards abandon their usual shorts for full leg covering. We were all pleased to head off to Gebbies Pass and a big thanks to Stuart, our driver, who had the heating turned on and up!!

After collecting our fellow trampers from their pick-up spot at Halswell, we numbered 38 in total. President Jen welcomed us all to what was shaping up to be a great day, introduced a new member Bruce H, and thanked Kate for the birthday chocolates which were circulating. Although not the done thing to inquire how many candles on the cake, Kate was quite forthcoming, saying that she now qualified for free skiing. Further questioning elicited the information that she had not been on the slopes for quite a few years, and with her health and well-being foremost in our minds, free pass or not, there were many cries of, “Don’t do it Kate!!”

We soon arrived at the crest of Gebbies Pass, the short bus journey making a nice change. The group of 25 Standards were soon headed upwards closely followed by the 13 Alternates. As the forest is still being felled in different areas the track can change between our annual visits. Steve did a good job of keeping to the well-marked path although he caused a little consternation when he invited his group to “Get their gear off”. Perhaps it’s a reflection of our age that we may have been more excited if he’d said, “Get your sandwiches out!” However, the steadily uphill route saw hats, neck warmers, gloves, jackets and vests being discarded at various times.

Those of us who remembered the walk as it used to be, were bemoaning the lack of fully grown pine trees that we would spend quite some time wending our way through on the lower slopes. However, we were pleased to note the absence of the unsightly and dangerous “slash” evident just a couple of years earlier. Morning tea was soon called and a chorus of the usual song for the Birthday Girl was thought appropriate. Having learned on the journey that our bus driver was a muso and chanteur, some felt that we would have benefitted from his input at this point!

One of the many great things about this tramp is the variety of landscapes walked through – although the patches of treacherous ice underfoot didn’t allow for too much gazing around, or appreciation of the wonderful views as we climbed ever higher.  We enjoyed Chris’ geology lesson – stopping us to point out the two basalt columns and how they had formed from cracks in the volcanic vents.  Thank you, Chris.

We made good time reaching the Packhorse Hut, arriving well before noon. Cameras appeared and there was time to explore the hut (and conveniences), and enjoy the views. The Sign of the Packhorse built in 1916, is one of the four rest stops on the route to Akaroa, envisaged by Harry Ell.

Eventually we were rounded up and with Mt Bradley looming over us, set off on the second leg of the journey through quite different terrain, and now walking in the shade. The bush and the lancewoods were a wonderful sight and this whole section taking about 45 minutes was a highlight for most. Our leader found a spot in the sun for lunch and far below we could see the track that we would be rejoining, winding its way down to the Kaituna Valley. There seemed to be plenty of time for a leisurely lunch which we all enjoyed. Making our way steadily downhill from this point to the bus was fraught with danger as patches of ice caused loss of traction and frequent slips were observed and heard. We were pleased to sight the bus and with no injuries in either group the consensus was that it had been a great day for all.

Text by Jan Bw

Departure from Gebbes Pass bus drop-off

Stds morning tea stop

En route to Packhorse Hut

Stds arrive at Packhorse Hut

Kaituna Valley view from Packhorse Hut

Stds lineup on trail after lunch

Stds muster on Kaituna Valley trail

Stream crossing Kaituna Valley