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.