Statistics: distance 15km/12km, elevation gain 818m/450m, time 5hrs/4hrs 30mins

Both McCormacks Bay and Moncks Bay, the start and end points of today’s walk, were named after early European land owners. Evans Pass was named for Rev John Evans, an early missionary who used the route between the port and Christchurch. The Māori name for the pass, Tapuwaeharuru, translates to “the place of the echoing footsteps” (Source Wikipedia).

Shortly after driver Grant departed from Bishopdale, President Graham welcomed visitor Sharon as one of today’s 31 walkers. We were all generously gifted a Kathmandu packing tube by members Veronica and Kiwan, in recognition of their recent marriage. The congratulations and best wishes of club members are extended to this couple.

With few clouds in the sky, we were hopeful of completing our walk by 1500 hrs ahead of forecast rain and hail. After leaving behind the 19 standards at McCormacks Bay Reserve, the 12 alternates were driven to the start of John Britten reserve. We set off at 0920 hrs, walking uphill to the bleating of ewes and errant lambs. Upon reaching the Mount Pleasant aerials, morning tea stop was announced at 1015 hrs. The NW wind had been decidedly fierce on our ascent and it was a pleasure to be sitting in a sheltered spot with a view of Pegasus Bay. The break was also spent swatting away bothersome flying insects.

We roamed our way along the undulating tracks to a point above Evans Pass, where there was a sudden change in direction, as we zigzagged back to just below where we had been a short time earlier. At 1200 hrs, and with the Standards hot on our heels, a suitable lunch spot was reached. Having encountered cyclists along the narrow tracks, we interestedly watched a lone rider pass by, only to see him come adrift from his saddle as he took a short tumble off the track. Assistance was promptly offered – though declined; his audience may have distracted a little. Harder work on a bike maybe, than staying upright on two legs.

We were impressed as Kiwan gallantly posed beside some native New Zealand mistletoe (Ileostylus micranthus). There was no dallying for a kiss under the mistletoe from Veronica who was walking with the Standards…

As we walked along, there was discussion on the stress of having to break in a new hairdresser, though it could not be compared with potentially being dragged backwards through a gorse bush. This invasive plant is widely flowering in the area, nonetheless we could appreciate the vivid yellow flowers (and a decent hair stylist).

The good tracks made for rapid progress back to the Eastenders Track, with the Standards rapidly overtaking the Alternates along the way, before our final descent via Clifton Terrace and Mulgans Track to the waiting bus (15 km for the Standards, 12 km for the Alternates). We were back at Bishopdale by 1500 hrs, well ahead of the southerly which eventually arrived three hours later.

Text by Marie-Therese

Nimble passage over stile

Alts begin walk at John Brittan Reserve

Alts team line-up…

Stds morning tea stop

Alts enjoy morning tea

NZ mistletoe…

Alts lunch stop

Stds enjoy views

Statistics: distance 13.5km, elevation gain 594m, 5 time 5 hrs mins

With only 17 passengers on board, bus driver Alan left Bishopdale and weaved his way across the city to The Princess Margaret Hospital meeting point where another seven walkers were gathered. A quick re-arrangement of walkers off and on the bus had 12 Standards setting off at 0915 hrs on a longer warm up to the climb up the Canterbury Adventure Park track. Conversely at 0930 hrs 12 Alternates were confronted by the immediate launch up the semi decent hill climb. Both groups were following the same route in the direction of Governor’s Bay. Numbers were decidedly down for this early spring walk, and we pondered the various adventures or escapes that regular trampers might be enjoying.

At 1000 hrs the Alternates’ leader announced a trackside morning tea stop. Two hours later, having reached the Summit Road and located the start of the descending track to Governor’s Bay, it was lunchtime. The Standards must also have had similar stops as they seemed to still have a spring in their step at day’s end.

Despite this being a pretty routine walk with little of note beyond the wide vista of mountains, plains and harbour, there were some moments of excitement. At lunchtime we watched a stainless steel cup tumbling down the hillside and out of sight. Odds on that, having gone a fair way, it would be lost forever, but not so, elegantly retrieved by a willing searcher. One of the more daring members of Alternates tested out a long dangling rope swing and, after declining the offer of a push from her husband, built up a pretty good Tarzan-like momentum.

Having taken a different track, the Standards missed this swing. There are many side paths down to Governor’s Bay and the proposed route was not always obvious, however all roads lead to Rome, or in this case, tracks to Governor’s Bay. We walked through many new plantings, each with pink ribbon fluttering in the breeze, marking where Council and volunteers were re-generating the area.

As the Alternates meandered their way they were privy to an array of colour which brightened sections through the bush – camellia, Cranesbill geranium, flowering currant, forget me not, hellebore and the ubiquitous tree lucerne – all of these before entering the sheltered climate of Governor’s Bay itself, with its profusion of spring flowers and blossom trees.

There was mud, particularly in shaded areas, the temperature was somewhat erratic with clothing being removed and replaced as the easterly wind increased, but the sun shone. The fresh air and healthy living style were reputed to be the reason why one walker had enjoyed the day. The companionship and laughter that were evident during the walk didn’t require explanation.

Having made good pace on their 10 km walk, the Alternates arrived at Otoromiro Hotel at 1350hrs, 20 minutes ahead of the Standards who had done a longer 13.5km, around Coronation Hill to the Sign of the Kiwi. We settled ourselves in the sunshine and enjoyed refreshments, an assortment of coffees, hot chocolate, beer, wine – still, or mulled – as we waited for the bus to collect us for the drive back over the hills to the city

Text by Marie-Therese

Alts at the start of the day

Stds take direction from their leader

Avenue of trees

Stds make headway

Alts ascent

Alts sunny lunch

Stds take a break for lunch

Stds group photo

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

35 trampers were looking forward to a good walk after the previous week’s Little River-Birdlings Flat walk was cancelled due to weather.  Fog surrounded the bus as we headed north on the motorway, so our driver Grant was on high alert, but this cleared after Woodend so we knew we would be able to see the track!

After an initial descent, the Standards stopped for morning tea then were caught up with by the Alternates who carried on a bit further for their own tea stop. The track continued on down to the wetland area, past Kate Pond to the junction with the track to Ella Peak (346m). As usual, the Standards dropped their packs here for this steepish climb to a great view, with lots of photos taken.

We arrived at the beach and sat at the mouth of Kate Stream for our lunch stop. Graham climbed up a rough gully behind the beach to Te Ara Matairangi, a viewing platform and ika pou whenua, by Ngai Tuahuriri. (There is a proper track, this was shortcut.)  Great views from here from Motunau Island in the north, along the curve of Pegasus Bay to Banks Peninsula.

Then it was back along Kate Stream and an uphill return through plantation forest and on the road to the bus.  What was that rule about no uphill after lunch?  The Alternates arrived before the Standards so were comfortably settled in the bus by then.  During the return walk, Alan was able to pass the coveted coloured tutu dress to Brent, whose transgression had been mentoring the Standards from the rear, but all was well as our leader Peter kept us on track!  With the early arrival at the bus, we were able to fill a special request to stop at Amberley, so certain members could check out a clothing sale, and the rest of us have some refreshments, ending the trip with the relaxing drive back to Christchurch.

(Link to a video by Transwaste attached):

https://youtu.be/XNyYOoX6LFk?si=5vAXeUEMECv1rJJJ

Text by Graham

Stds heading off

Alts morning tea

Stds prepare for climb to Ella’s Peak

Stds group photo on Ella’sPeak

Stds descent towards coastal lunch spot

Stds stream crossing

Stds arrive at beach for lunch

Stds upward slog through forest

Statistics: Statistics: distance 14km, elevation gain 700m, time 5hrs

 After a few days of showery weather, tramping day dawned bright and clear if somewhat chilly at -1 C at 8am.  It was a few degrees warmer in Sumner and as the standard group of 23 walkers headed up the Flowers Track, winter jackets were soon being shed.

The track along the edge of the cliffs in the Whitewash Reserve and the (sometimes steep) track down to Taylor’s Mistake beach brought sunny views of a calm sea as the track to Boulder Bay and Godley Head stretched out before us.

After morning tea at the beach, we headed along the coastal track to Boulder Bay where we took a short detour down to the small holiday houses clustered there.  As we headed up to Godley Head, we met another group of walkers from the Over Forties Tramping Club heading in the opposite direction.

Since 2021, the area around the World War II buildings at Godley Head has been ‘out of bounds’ as the Department of Conservation dealt with asbestos contamination.  In August 2024, and after a clean-up costing $1.4 million, the area was re-opened and today we were able to walk through the historic site again. The site is a significant World War II coastal defence heritage site with restored gun emplacements and other military heritage structures. There is also a DoC campsite and a four-bed cottage (Lighthouse Cottage) which is bookable.  We spent some time exploring the various structures and reading the new information boards before moving on to lunch at the nearby car park.

After lunch it was a 1hr 50min walk along the undulating Crater Rim Walkway to Evans Pass where David was waiting with the bus.  There was a bit of mud, but everyone enjoyed the views across an almost deserted Lyttelton Harbour to Purau and Diamond Harbour townships and a skiff of snow on Mt Herbert.  A very enjoyable and interesting walk with a few hilly bits to get the lungs and heart working.

While the 23-strong standard group was walking to Evans Pass from Sumner, the 14-member alternative group had been taken up to Evans Pass by bus and was doing the same walk in the reverse direction. After leaving the Godley Head car park they headed straight down the hill for lunch at Scott’s Hut just as the standard group was exploring the Godley Head buildings, so we managed to miss each other.

Both groups got back together at the Sumner clock tower, and we headed back to Bishopdale in the bus feeling pleasantly weary after a good day out.

Text by Warren

Stds heading up the walkway from Sumner

Stds heading around Scarbough Headland to Taylors Mistake

Alt Morning tea with Lyttelton Harbour in the background.

Stds Regrouping after morning tea at Taylors Mistake

Stds visit to Boulder Bay

Stds Gun emplacement pose at Godley Head.

Alt Lunch at Scott’s Cabin.

Stds Walking the Lyttelton Harbour track back to Evans Pass.

Stds Getting closer to Evans Pass with Lyttelton Port in the background.

Statistics: distance 16km/ 12km, elevation gain n/a, time 4hrs

With the tramp being cancelled last week due to bad weather, 41 keen trampers were ready and waiting at Bishopdale car park when the bus and new driver David arrived.  After standing around in a coolish wind, it didn’t take long for everyone to get settled in the warm bus.

President Graham welcomed back a member who had returned to tramping after surgery, and she generously shouted chocolates.  Mention was also made of the colourful tutu that Shirley was wearing. This would be a new addition to the tramps, awarded to anyone who was unfortunate enough to make a faux pas. At this stage it was just being modelled. We also heard an update on another member’s recuperation after her surgery.

After a short trip the bus arrived at the McLeans Forest car park. It was a pleasant surprise getting off the bus to find there was very little wind at all, and it stayed that way for most of the tramp.  Walking in one group, the trampers set off on the marked walkway heading west towards the pickup point at the Willows recreational area.  From then on it was a case of follow the leader, on marked tracks, unmarked tracks, grass tracks, stop banks, stony roads, dirt roads, shingle roads and a track through pine forest. There were also a couple of fences to clamber through. The comment “I have no idea where we are” could occasionally be overheard. At one stage the sounds of gunfire and small planes buzzing overhead indicated there was a rifle range and airfield close by.

Reaching the Weedons Ross Road carpark area, four trampers elected to walk the shorter distance back up the road to the Old West Coast Road where they would be picked by the bus on the way back to Bishopdale.  The rest carried on to the lunch spot in a clearing, which was an ideal spot to get some bearings, with the mountains visible in the distance, and a short walk through the gorse to the banks of the Waimakariri River.

Trusting the leader, the group then carried on after lunch on various tracks to the Willows, an area which has been specifically developed for non-motorised recreational activities, and the welcome sight of the bus.  Although a flat course, at nearly 17km it was no walk in the park, and in spite of there not being a lot of scenery, the twists and turns made it interesting. The Strava map shows we were generally going in the right direction, and not around in circles like it seemed.

With the shorter travel time, the bus arrived back at Bishopdale earlier than normal, beating the rush hour traffic.

Text by Sally

Morning tea time

Leader waiting for the rest of the big group.

Chris posing in the memorable moment Tutu.

Lunch for part of the team

Lunch for the other part of the team

The Waimak River from the lunch spot

The many options to get past a locked gate.

Does the leader really know the correct way?

Statistics: distance 12.5km (to hut); time: usually 5hr

Stupendous? Glorious? Fabulous? These were words I had in mind from the start to sum up our Bealey Spur tramp, but as things turned out none of them were particularly appropriate. More about that later.

The spectacular landscape near Arthur’s Pass is something people are prepared to pay a lot of money to see when they travel by train. We got to enjoy it for a mere $25 each. The sights of the ghostly mist shrouding Lake Pearson and also the frozen willows were especially memorable.

The area was certainly in the grip of an impressive frost when the 21 well-rugged up standards and 12 alternates set off briskly up the Bealey Spur track at 10am.

One of the great things about this tramp is the variation in the landscape every half hour or so. We began by walking through a lovely mountain beech and black beech forest, then the track was flanked by manuka scrub, before opening up to tussock, before surprising again with further changes alternating between forest and tussock. It’s a bit like a Great Walk, but in miniature.

DOC rates the track as ‘easy’ but that is debatable these days as it is washed out in many places. The going isn’t particularly steep, but elevation is gained without much in the way of switch-backs.  The tree roots did help to form natural steps, but it was necessary to take great care not to trip up on them. Just to add to the drama there was the impressive drop-off on the left, way down to the Bruce Stream. Walking on frozen mud is surprisingly easy but more hazardous were the mirror-like sheets of ice which weren’t about to melt in a hurry. That is despite the wonderful sunshine that was beginning to warm us up rather nicely.

A well-earned morning tea for the standards was taken at 11am, in a pleasant patch of sunshine beside the track. The alternates had enjoyed theirs a little earlier on.

Before long we reached the lookout point which gives breathtaking views of the glistening snow-capped Alps and the extensive braided Waimakariri River, also Klondyke Corner, and the highway winding its way north to Arthur’s Pass.

Boardwalks helped us navigate another different part of this variable landscape, an area of bog with many frozen little tarns. In answer to my musings about how thick the ice might be, Linda bravely extracted a piece which was about 3cm thick.

The swamp gave way to forest again, and then, like the Three Bear’s Cottage in the woods, suddenly there was the Bealey Spur Hut (and inside was evidence suggesting Goldilocks had recently been in there, though none of the three sets of rustic bunks were broken).  It was great to see that this historic hut is still being used as it had been built getting on for 100 years ago. It was known originally as ‘Top Hut’ as it was the topmost musterer’s hut in the days when this area was used for summer grazing of sheep.

Despite the frost and ice on the ground, the area by the hut was the perfect place for lunch for everyone, as the intrepid alternates had arrived at 12.45, only about 15 minutes behind the standards.

Although continuing on the track to the top of the spur has been the goal of the standards in the past, there was no clamour to carry on further. So, there wasn’t a great rush for the standards to set off, but eventually we headed back down the way we had come up, still having to be careful because of the combined hazards of tree roots, mud and sheets of ice.

Then about half way down word filtered through that all was not well with the alternate group behind us. One veteran tramper had fallen dramatically but was ok, and then another had slipped and was not ok. A big shout out to all those people who looked after Real Trooper Wendy so well.  The locator beacon and cell phones were put to good use, and a rescue helicopter arrived within half an hour of being called. It was still a matter of two hours before our stoic friend was on her way to hospital and everyone else was back on board the bus. So just after 5pm the bus was heading back to Christchurch, with a somewhat sombre crew on board.

Our driver Peter was great, very helpful and uncomplaining about his working day being extended by several hours, and he got us back safely to Bishopdale by 7pm.

So yes, the weather was superb, and the views were amazing. But none of us would call it a stupendous day after all.

Text by Shirls

Starting out in the frost

Stds Morning tea

Great views on the way up

Alt Stop for a rest not to much further to the hut

Stds walking on the frozen ground tussock going into bush

Moss covered bush floor.

Rescued member being winched up

Statistics: distance 9km; time: 4 hr

On a cloudy 7 degree morning, bus driver Alan transported 33 trampers to the far end of Bowenvale Ave. After a short walk to the carpark, we were joined by three more, making 36, including three visitors: Stuart M, Derek and Ian (new one week old friend of Brent). On the bus ride, Graham welcomed back Marie Therese and very timely, as it coincided with her providing a generous birthday shout. He encouraged trampers to book for Bealey Spur tramp next week as it’s important to fill the bus, and reminded us of the 8am start.

At 9.15am, 21 Standards set off up the 4WD track watchful for any mountain bikers after a warning from Selwyn of the speed they travel at. Once on the Bowenvale Track climbing up through the valley, the extent of the vast number of native plantings on most slopes is very impressive. At an early morning tea at 9.50am on a slope with views across the city to the Southern Alps, we watch 15 Alternates stride past showing they have the stamina to go a little further.  We carry on uphill through the tussocks with very strong south westerlies, keeping most beanies and jackets on despite the now bright sunshine, to reach the Summit Rd. From here we take Mitchells Track through lovely native bush with much birdsong to the Sign of the Kiwi, where at 11am it is too early for lunch. A quick loop track is taken to Coronation Hill to fill in time but we obviously walk too fast as we are back at the Kiwi very quickly.

From the Summit Rd the Alternates take Cedric’s Track walking under Sugar Loaf to their lunch spot at the Harry Ell shelter. The perfect spot, sheltered from the wind, bright sunshine and a warm stone to sit on with a backrest for the lucky ones who qualify for the seat.  When the Standards arrive at the shelter at 11.55am, the Alternates are about to depart, so they choose to dine here also, slipping seamlessly into the just vacated warm seats.  The Alternates who by now must be getting desperate, head to the toilets in Victoria Park where I’m sure they find huge relief.  The Standards walk through Thomson Reserve and initially Latter’s Spur Track among the vast pine trees.

We pass a junction with the Eastside Bush Track but it is not until further on that the leader plans to join this track. Unfortunately, nobody has waited at the junction to alert the tail ender and one other. Janne showing great initiative, rings the leader to find the correct track.  A reminder to always have someone at any junctions for those behind not in sight. When we do join the Eastside Bush Track it is a very speedy trip back to the bus in Bowenvale Ave where we arrive at 1.15pm followed in 5 minutes by the Alternates.

The chatter this week has moved on from beef wellington to far more sophisticated topics such as gout, dupuytrens contracture and ambidexterity. Always good to learn a new snippet ………more males are ambidextrous.

A very enjoyable round trip with nice early finish.

Text by Kate

Leader’s briefing

Alts ascend valley track

Morning tea by newly planted area

Alts all smiles…

Stds at style by Summit Rd

Beginning Mitchells Track

Alts enjoy sheltered lunch

Track back…

Statistics: Statistics: distance 14/9km, elevation gain 155m, time 4hr 30mins

On a very cold and bleak morning 36 trampers braved the conditions for this year’s Charteris Bay to Purau/Diamond Harbour loop walk. After the last pickup at Halswell and a short bus ride through Gebbies Pass we arrived at Charteris Bay at 9:40am. Shortly after, we were walking north along Marine Drive then onto Bayview Road stopping on the roadside at 10:20am briefly for morning tea. Continuing on we passed the Mt Herbert walkway directly above Diamond Harbour village then turned sharply south onto the very muddy old stock road (Purau loop) arriving at Purau Bay at just after 11:00am, having walked about 5km so far. We stopped for a quick break at Purau then turned north onto the Coastal Cliff walkway back towards Diamond Harbour.

At midday we stopped in the pine forest just off the walkway above Diamond Harbour for our lunch break. By now the northeasterly had got up and a few of us were complaining about how cold it was. Hence our lunch break was short, about 20 mins. We were on our way again on the walkway passing Diamond Harbour wharf and onto Diamond Harbour beach. At the west end of the beach we were once again on the coastal cliff walkway making our way towards Church Bay arriving there just before 2pm. Continuing on the walkway we were soon at Hays Bay.

Previously our route back to the bus at Charteris Bay was to gain the road above Hays Bay.

This time, benefitting from Steve’s local knowledge, we stayed on the walkway then found the track above and down into Hays Bay, walking past the Charteris Bay Yacht club and around to our waiting bus, arriving at about 2:45pm.  The Alternates walked the same route, with a pick up at Diamond Harbour.

A good winter’s day out on a cold overcast day with picturesque views along the bays. Fortunately the rain stayed away. Kudos to the weather team for making the right call.

Tex by Stuart C

Drop off at Charteris Bay

Stds roadside morning tea break

Stds leader shows the way…

Stds muster at Purau Bay

Stds on slippery downhill track

Stds traverse foreshore

Alts line up

Stds sheltered lunch

Statistics: distance 12km; elevation gain 700m; time 4hrs 40mins

35 trampers signed on for the Okuti Valley hike. On a fine and cool morning, after the last pick up at Halswell, we enjoyed a leisurely and scenic bus ride along the Akaroa Road turning right onto Okuti Valley Road at Little River. A short while later we alighted at the Okuti Valley Scenic Reserve. At about 10:15am, after a short walk further up the road, we started walking uphill on the Okuti Track. The track made its way initially through a very attractive area of native forest within the scenic reserve. After about 45 minutes we stopped for a brief morning tea in an area of pine trees.

By now the forecast northerly wind had arrived, warming things up, resulting in a few of us shedding a layer or two as we continued on our way upwards through farmland to French Hill with good views across the valley and south east to Birdlings Flat. A couple of sections of mud and fairly deep bog had us picking our way through doing our best to keep the mud and water out of our boots. A good pair of gaiters proved their worth on these parts of the track.

By about midday we reached the next point of interest, the saddle between French Hill (815m) and point 704, then it was a bit of up and down for 1.5km or so and we reached our lunch stop at Hilltop, south of and approximately 80m above the Akaroa Road.  In the meantime, the alternates, walking the same out and back route, had stopped for their lunch on the saddle overlooking the sheep yards.

After our brief half hour lunch stop, we were walking back down the track towards our bus waiting at the reserve, arriving just before 3pm. A very picturesque peninsula stroll on a lovely winter’s day, on which we welcomed new visitor Stuart M.

Text by Stuart C

Preparing to hike…

On track, onward & upward…

Stds break for morning tea

Stds traverse farm land

Stds emerge onto solid ground

Sheep eye up Alts during lunch..

Alts group photo

Stds negotiate boggy ground

Statistics: distance 12.5/10km, elevation gain 595m/360m, time 4hrs 20mins

After experiencing vast amounts of mud during and after our tree planting session on the Port Hills last week, what could be more pleasant than… traipsing through more mud on the Peninsula? It was particularly muddy and slippery as the 33 of us set off from the top of Gebbies Pass, but we were lucky to be experiencing a burst of glorious wintry weather – no wind and plenty of sunshine.

Within half an hour many had discarded jackets, beanies and gloves as we warmed up nicely. Though our uphill trek wasn’t particularly steep, a lot of energy was expended dodging the deepest, gluggiest mud puddles. Once we reached the pine forest it was hard to believe that only a few years ago the area we were walking through had been felled and littered with slash, as now we were sheltered by a plantation of fine-looking young trees. That was until we got to several places where there had been huge slips recently and many of those trees were nowhere near where they had been planted. One couldn’t help idly wondering if these slips had occurred in the middle of torrential rain, or if later, the ground had slowly and spontaneously slipped away from the hillside … and if so, might more saturated land suddenly fall away as we trod our way past?

Morning tea for the 20 Standards was enjoyed on top of a sunny hillside, with handy gorse bushes nearby to fill in for the lack of a toilet stop on the bus journey. After our little break we had the indignity of being hassled by the 13 Alternates who were waiting impatiently at the stile for us to head off ahead of them.

One of the highlights of this tramp is the stunning view of lush farmland and Lyttelton Harbour below. Another is an intriguing geological feature we encounter along the way. Remarkably, the distinctive volcanic twin walls known as the Remarkable Dykes were passed by virtually unremarked.

The pine forest opened up to farmland, so we were able to enjoy the view and the easier going. Not everyone was enjoying this part of the tramp so much, as one of our number hung back, unwell. He then resolutely continued on to the Packhorse Hut, fortunately not far away. Kindly Kate, having seen this man sitting down on the track for a while, rushed up and started massaging his leg… before being gently informed that his problem was very much gastric rather than a matter of cramp!

Usually, the Standards set off from the Packhorse Hut to have lunch at a spot half an hour further along to the right up on the flank of Mt Bradley. However, this time we followed leader Warren up a sunnier though steeper hillside for a mere quarter of an hour before stopping for lunch. Meanwhile the Alternates were enjoying their lunch down at the Packhorse Hut, along with our poorly Standard (though I suspect he wasn’t enjoying his lunch at all). Those motivated Alternates really showed us up again as they finished their lunch and set off ahead of us down to Kaituna Valley before we even made it back down to the hut.

There were a few highlights or perhaps lowlights along the way: an impressive matai right by the track, more mud (one of our most experienced trampers did a rather impressive, unintentional wallow) and someone was heard to ask, “So where is Neil Armstrong these days, we haven’t seen him tramping for a while” (we have had a couple of Neils in the club, but strangely enough, no astronauts). There was a construction that looked like it had been made by industrious beavers and many of us used it to cross over the stream to keep our boots as dry as possible.  Which was silly really, because soon after, most of us opted to splash through at the last ‘stream crossing’ to wash the mud off our gluggy boots.

It’s always a good day when the two groups make it to the bus at pretty much the same time. In fact, everything about the day had been pleasant (for 32 of us anyway) – from the Les’s generous chocolate shout on the bus in the morning, the weather, stopping off at Tai Tapu for refreshments and having driver Alan negotiate the traffic and road works to bring us safely back to Bishopdale nice and early at 4pm.

Text by Shirls

Alts morning tea stop

Alts line-up at Packhorse Hut

Stds take a break in the pines

Stds ascend track

Awesome views to Port Hills & beyond

Stds enjoy views

Stds re-group at the Packhorse Hut

Onward…

Careful stream traverse…