Stats: distance 14.3km (alternates 13km), vertical ascent 640m, time 5hrs

With the threat of rain, it seemed like the Glenafric Tramp may not go ahead, but we woke to a dry, mild overcast morning and – no emails.

Scattered showers were forecast for later on in the afternoon, but that wasn’t enough to put off 46 Trampers including four visitors.  With our driver Alan we set off North to Waipara Junction where we would turn off to Glenafric farm, a coastal beef and sheep property the owners kindly let us tramp over.

The groups split in to two when we arrived, and both leaders were given written instructions for the route, quite important on this tramp since there had been previous indecision about the direction to take. There was no problem with the first uphill, apart from it being reasonably steep, and we soon made it to the top for morning tea overlooking the farm.

The tramp continued across farm paddocks to a fence line on the hillside. As always there was a discussion about the best place to clamber through. After first making sure the electric wire was off, the usual solution was adopted. Some went lower down the slope, some higher up and some stayed in the middle. At this stage the alternatives could be seen walking higher up on the hill above the fence line – had they found a better option?

The fence safely negotiated we regrouped and carried on over undulating farmland before dropping down to a valley, and the first of the river crossings.  There had been the odd spattering of rain, but when it started getting heavier, with mutterings of “this is earlier than they said”, some decided it was time to put on wet weather gear, despite it being mild and muggy.  Fortunately, it was just a short shower, and the wet weather gear, still reasonably dry was packed away.  There was no problem staying dry with the numerous stream crossings either. With plenty of stepping stones and the odd helping hand there were no major mishaps.

Leaving the stream we climbed to our lunch spot on the cliff top with spectacular views overlooking the ocean, and Motanau Island to the North. With little wind, it would have been the perfect spot if not for the flies. There was plenty of Aussie waving going on, and a corked hat was mentioned as being a possible solution.

After lunch the tramp crossed more paddocks, with some curious cows in one, before dropping down closer to the coast, where we wended our way through long grass, thistles – and seeds. At this stage it helped to be nearer the back, as the front trampers flattened the grass making it easier for those following. Once away from the grass the landscape changed to dry uneven lumpy ground with rutted tracks, the result of movement associated with plate tectonics. This eventually led to the track down to the beach.  It was all eyes down on the stony beach, not just for scrambling over the stones, but also to keep an eye out for fossils, which the beach is known for, and some trampers had found previously.

On the last slog uphill, after crossing Dovetail stream, the alternatives could be seen on the opposite hill making their way down the farm road toward the beach. They would bypass the beach though and join the steep uphill track before crossing by the homestead and along the road to the bus. Back at the bus the standards had time to remove some of the stubborn seeds from socks and boots. We even got to see the farmer and some of his flock as he passed by.

Although over farmland, the tramp proved to be quite challenging, but with plenty of variety and some great views, so another enjoyable day out.  Txt by Sally

A spring in the step after leaving the bus.

Through grassy farmland

Just as well someone knows the way

Great spot for lunch with coastal views.

Cattle, a hazard of farm walks.

The sculptured limestone in the creek bed.

Rocky beach with towering cliffs

Stats: distance 14.8km, ascent 720m, time 4hrs 30mins

With Viktor driving there were 48 trampers and 5 visitors: Steve Gray, Hetty Syme, Jaki Horn, Daphne Hazelgrove and Pip Lynn. It was a mizzly sort of morning as we boarded the bus – brightened by masks of various hues and sorts worn as required in Covid’s current red light setting.  The day brightened a little on our way to a new tramp on Banks Peninsula’s volcanic hills.

The first people to settle in this area around 1300AD were descendants of explorer Rākaihautū, founding ancestor of the Waitaha. The story is told that following his arrival in Whakatū, Nelson with his kō or digging stick, Rākaihautū travelled south, digging out the lakes and rivers of Te Waipounamu. Among these are the lakes we drove by:  Te Waihora, Lake Ellesmere and Wairewa, Lake Forsyth. Each lake has a story which is part of a larger narrative. Te Waihora is called Te Keteika-a-Rākaihautū (Rākaihautū’s fishing basket).

We had a comfort stop at Little River’s railway station (the terminus of a branch railway from 1886 until 1962). Apparently Little River was also a coaching stop on the way to Akaroa, and developed as a sawmilling settlement, supplying timber to Christchurch.

On the Okuti Valley Road, past the Little River Campground our walk started with a gentle climb through the Okuti Valley Scenic Reserve. This is a remnant of lowland forest with kahikatea, tōtara, māhoe and kānuka. And we spotted a box for ruru.

Most of the walk was through farmland. Invigorating walking. Outwards to French Peak and returning the same way. While the cloud looked as though it might lift, it didn’t and so the Standard group didn’t reach French Peak, instead stopping and lunching below with pine trees and cows for company. The conversation was as ever an enjoyable part of the walk.  In light of recent Omicron related media stories and the suggestion that people over 6o stay home and lock down what might be the response if we got lost in the mist? And quite unrelated, a hot tip for an unexpectedly good tipple from Charteris Bay – Whistling Buoy 2016 Pinot Noir.

The return walk was mostly downhill, and we were back at the bus early enough for there to be a chunk of the afternoon remaining when we got home. It was a good refreshing day out despite the clouds and missing out on the French Peak views. Thank you to all for making it so.

Upwards on the Okuti Valle Track

Will the clouds clear for us?

In the mist for the Alternative group’s lunch

Lunch under trees for the standard group

The end of a good day

 Standards: Distance: 11.3km Duration: 4hrs Elevation Gain: 565m

Alternatives: Distance: 10.5km Duration: 4hrs 10min Elevation Gain: 394m

Coal Spit Spur Track is a new tramp on our BTC calendar but we were aware of the forecast threat of a heatwave followed by afternoon rain, which fortunately in the Craigieburn Forest area did not eventuate.  Instead we enjoyed close to perfect weather conditions for this new venture. Our full bus encountered a number of traffic stops, this somewhat delaying our tramp to a later start.

Upon our arrival all were delighted to be greeted by a lovely beach forest commencing with Mistletoe track, this providing tree canopy sheltered tramping, starting on a slight upward slope enabling trampers to gain their second breath before taking a short tea and biscuit break.  We recommenced on a now significantly steeper ascent until arriving at the foot of Helicopter Hill. Here the Standards were given the option of dumping their backpacks and climbing this hill to take in the magnificent vistas offered by this 15-to-20-minute climb. This excursion was bypassed by the Alternatives but otherwise both groups followed the same route.  Helicopter Hill has an elevation of 1256m and concluded the main climb of the day. 

After grabbing our backpacks, we headed down the Luge track amongst more open bush, which took us to a hairpin bend that pointed us in the direction of the Coal Spit Spur Track. We continued on seeking a suitable place for lunch, which we eventually found on the left of the track revealing a beautiful steep sided valley slightly hidden by scrub and bush, which we passed through to expose this magnificent vista and picnic spot. After lunch we continued mainly on a downward descent eventually catching up with the Alternative tail enders and having to cross a number of not insignificant rivers and streams, this helping to ensure that my boots were as clean as they had been for some considerable time! As usual, towards the end of our tramp, our expectation of finding the bus around the next corner proved to be illusory as some further track ascent was needed before concluding our tramp. One has to concede that the removal of one’s boots upon arrival at the always welcoming sight of Leopard bus is a highlight of a day’s tramping, this additionally providing us all with some sense of achievement and wellbeing. It was decided not to stop on our long journey home partly because of our late start and similarly delayed journey home because of various traffic events. 

I need to acknowledge Kate’s indirect input to this story by providing pen and paper and a number of pics mainly taken on Helicopter Hill.

Text by Keith L

Morning tea on Mistletoe Track.

The Lyndon Saddle.

Making the descent of Helicopter Hill.

Standards on the summit of Helicopter Hill.

Crossing Manson Creek.

 Standards Stats: 11.3km – Duration: 3hr 50min – Elevation Gain: 412m
Alternative Stats: 10.6km – Duration: 4hr 33min – Elevation Gain: 332m

A group of 40 trampers set off with one of our regular drivers Alan. Our numbers included four visitors, regulars Tony G and Steve G and two new visitors Jaki H and Daphne H. 

Our President indicated how good it was that the day was not going to be too hot. She was starting to rethink that as we got closer and the drizzle got thicker and the fog came down but everyone was relieved as it cleared as we headed down the hill and parked at the start. 

The Rakaia Gorge Walkway begins next to the unique wrought-iron Rakaia Gorge Bridge – the only design of its type in the world!  The 55-metre single-span bridge has trusses that fan out underneath carrying the load to the gorge edges. It was built from 1880-82 for a growing inland population and farming industry. It was built strong enough to take rail, but this never eventuated. The bridge is a Heritage NZ Category One Historic Place. The second bridge that completes the gorge crossing is concrete and newer.

​For Maori, crossing the Rakaia River was a major event. Records tell of Maori crossing in rows holding onto a pole. When European people started settling in Canterbury, an Accommodation House was built by the Rakaia Gorge by John Bryan in 1851. It included a smithy, post office, bar and cattle yards. It burnt down in 1878 and was not replaced, but while Bryan was there he ferried travellers, stock and goods across the river in a flat-bottomed punt pulled by a rope from the other side of the river. The Rakaia Gorge Walkway includes a section of the track that led to the Accommodation House, which was on a terrace on the north side of the river. 

As we exited the bus to start, the Over 40’s Tramping Group set off ahead of us.  We started across the road and headed up the gorge track admiring the stunning blue of the Rakaia River and the views of the bridge as we went. 

We hadn’t gone far when we stopped as one of the Standards was stung by a bee!  Setting off again the track continued to wind up and down through the bush and past farmland until we arrived at a clearing and viewpoint for our morning tea break.  The Over 40’s took one look at us as we arrived seemed to decide it was time they finished their break and headed off again. After morning tea it didn’t take too long before the standards could hear the Over 40’s as they stopped at the old mine site.  We were pleased they continued along the track as we headed up on the track to the high point. 

After reaching our maximum elevation of 433m and admiring the views of the gorge and surrounding farmland and hills we headed back down to the river for lunch, passing the Over 40’s (again) as they headed up to have their lunch at the top.  The Alternates arrived at the river not long after the Standards and we enjoyed a leisurely lunch and were entertained by one of the jet boats showing off in front of us.

The Standards then headed off, followed soon after by the Alternates and were on the bus in plenty of time to stop for refreshments at the Hororata Café & Bar.  As always, the first tramp of the year was a good one with everyone enjoying the company and the walk.

The turquoise water of the Rakaia River.

Morning tea, not very sunny.

No view of Mt Hutt today.

Striding to out on the Rakaia Gorge Walkway.

Over the stile.