Distance 10.65 km; duration 3hrs 27min (walking time) 4 hrs 10min (with breaks); ascent 529 m (total of each ascent phase) lowest point 275 m, highest 450 m. Source: Graham W’s watch

A forecast high of 14deg for Rakaia Gorge turned out to be pretty much on target. 30 trampers set off from the starting point in two groups, 23 Standards were off and away including visitor Rebecca S, plus 7 Alternates who moved more slowly. Bus driver Peter remained with the bus at the drop off point, always good to have our transport and driver awaiting us.

There were many questions (and a bit of philosophy) along the way. Would the obstacle of the fallen tree that had been reported to ECan twelve months earlier be removed? It must have been, as today there was no crawling beneath branches when advancing along the well-trodden track. Agility counts for much when there are big steps up and down, and muddy patches to be avoided. Both situations occurred with some frequency along the way.

Stripping off clothing and stopping to take photos are good things, but they are not to be combined, definitely a no-no. What was the noticeable foul smell that accompanied us for much of the way? This was instantly recognisable to me as being hemlock (Conium maculatum). I recalled how my older siblings made blow darts using the hollow stem of the hemlock plant – until discovered by a parent (this was in the fifties). Lucky nobody died, although Socrates didn’t come off so well (died a tad earlier in 399 BCE). Apparently crushed hemlock smells like mouse urine. There were also potato plants growing trackside, these would be more palatable than the stinky and deadly hemlock.

Is a “drop off” a drop off when nobody actually drops off? There were many view points of the Rakaia River with big drops, fortunately no tumbles. Eventually the cloud lifted, but the spectacular vistas which we have enjoyed on previous tramps were mostly not visible.

Why did a large tree stump at the side of the track have “Sober” painted on it? Several of us had been breathalysed earlier in the morning, noting to the officers that we were en route to catch a bus. Sober at the start of a tramp is a good thing. Nodding off in the bus on the way home after a good day out isn’t a bad thing either. Unfortunately today there was lack of time for a drink stop, straight home for us.

Both groups arrived at the boat harbour lunch stop about mid-day, Standards having done a longer loop to a vantage point. Listening to the murmur of voices and river while munching food is a most satisfying way to while away the time. The “five minutes!” call from leaders, and the cooler easterly breeze was, however, sufficient to stir us into action, with Standards leaving marginally ahead of Alternates. Both groups had arrived back at the bus by 1400hrs having encountered and encouraged many family groups on their outward walk.

There was slight envy as the knees of one nimble runner were observed. The young woman was outpacing everyone. It was not the knees per se, but their ability. And we actually all did OK.

Text by Marie-Therese

The walk underway…

Morning tea stop

Awesome river views

Short stop

Stds make headway along track

Lunch stop by river

Follow the leader…

Stats: distance 12.9km, ascent 250m, time 4hrs 30mins

The slight drizzle at Bishopdale did not deter the 37 trampers leaving with Peter on the way to the Mt Vulcan Station. Our group included returning visitor Andrea and first-time visitor David D who is a second generation BTC tramper and who has just returned from the United States.

Our bus trip was made more enjoyable by two bags of chocolates – one celebrating Marie-Therese’s ninth grandchild Charlotte Rose and the other celebrating Wendy’s birthday a couple of weeks ago for which she received an extra tag for her backpack. Congratulations and thanks to both.

The description of the tramp in the Programme is quite accurate – undulating tramp over farmland and farm tracks with no major climb for the Alternates and a steady climb to lunch for the Standards, although one Standard referenced the “steady climb” as a “real slog”. And, true to what other trip reports have indicated, a number of trampers voiced the “I don’t remember this tramp” on at least one occasion. Farm tramps will do that and leaders and mentors on farm tramps are hardy souls.

Seven of the 13 Alternates chose to eat lunch at the top of Mt Vulcan although their view was quickly overtaken by the fog that quite quickly rolled in and then through, while the remaining six enjoyed the view (and flies) until their return. All the Standards went to the top except for two who valiantly agreed to watch the backpacks (maybe from sheep?).

The “news” from the tramp seems to concentrate on wildlife. Alternates report seeing a rabbit, lots of sheep, 2 ladybugs, a lizard, flies (LOTS of flies at lunch), and at least one pesky sandfly during a toilet break. Standards were more colourful in their descriptions of three lambs serenading them at morning tea, a plaintive cow which had become separated from her calf, iridescent beetles which seemed to favour the men, clinging to their hats and shirts, a Paradise Drake (duck) performing the “broken wing” deception, and the apparently disgusting two dead sheep at lunch which would put anyone with a lamb sandwich off from his or her meal.

Not a lot more that can be added to a no-accident tramp. Brent M covered the details of Motunau Island in his 2023 Trip Report although leader Bev added that there is good fishing (perhaps for cod) around the Island.

Alternates were back at the bus at 1400, and the Standards got back at 1445 leading to a return to Bishopdale by 1615. From the chatter on the bus on return, it sounded like everyone had another good day.

Thanks to Kate and Shirls for the information from the Standards.

Text by Michele

Alts set off following Stds

Alts morning tea

Alts ascend along the fence line

Stds on track

Stds enjoy panoramic ocean views

Alts group photo

Coast ahead…

Iridescent beetles…

Stats: distance 14.63km, elevation gain – see below, time 5hrs 20 mins

We were 34 strong for our Port Hills walk. En route to the Standards’ drop off at McCormacks Bay  we happily handed round the bus repeat Grandad Brent M’s chocolates and welcomed the arrival of twins Sophie and Miles to the tramping club whānau. After dropping off the Alternates at John Britten Reserve, Driver Tony and his bus were required elsewhere until 1pm. We hoped the forecast hail didn’t happen before then. It didn’t.  Once again the weather gods smiled on us, a few rain-spots before morning tea and the day cleared.

It’s a meandering “curly wurly” sort of walk. And enjoyable for that. Janice led the 27 Standards at a good clip.  Her check-ins with trampers received “ecstatic” responses. I’m advised Les did the same with the 7 Alternates. Both groups’ walks afforded the customary good company and conversation. A pole was lost and recovered on the part of the Alternates. A number of cyclists were encountered and made way for on the part of the Standards.

A group of sheep ‘posing’ on a rock was seen. Had they been young humans a selfie might have been taken. Five boats sat on a tranquil sea waiting to go into port.

Lunchtime conversation included kitchens and Ukraine. On the descent beneath some gnarly old pines a tale was told of a tramper who used to run this road and got dive-bombed from behind by a magpie. Stabbed on the head, her white T-shirt had blossomed spectacularly red by the time she reached Sumner.

Distracted by Clifton Hill’s blooming roses and gardens a small group of Standards went off piste near the end. Thanks to Jan Br’s retracing of steps they were quickly set right. For the Standards the end came after an elevation gain of 880m according to the NZ Maps app or 773m according to the Suunto watch app. Had a second tramper who also wears a Suunto watch, been walking with us, apparently he may have had a different number. Go figure!

There was time for ice-creams at Redcliffs on the way home. Thank you to Tony for his flexible parking.

Jen C

Trampers enjoy morning tea

Stds enjoy elevated 360 deg views from Mt Pleasant

Stds rally at Mt Pleasant Trig Station

Lyttelton Harbour views

Stds all smiles at Mt Pleasant Gun Emplacements

Alts returning on Mulgans Track

Alts on Mulgans Track

Stds file downhill on return journey

Blooming gardens en route

Stats: distance 9.5km, ascent 650m, time 4hrs 30mins

It was on a low cloud morning with fresh easterly winds that a small team of 30 that included new BTC member, Jenny M, and 2 welcome visitors, Stella P and Matthew, departed from Yaldhurst with bus driver Peter.

President Jen encouraged trampers to find some new recruits among friends and family to spend a day with BTC to experience what the club has to offer as bus numbers have been low. Bookings are now open for the Xmas lunch so please book to allow the Adventure Park to know the number they are catering for.

There were some road works but thankfully only one temporary traffic light before our toilet stop in Hororata. I find it amusing that the very smart corten steel sign depicting flora and fauna lets us know we are in Hororata but it is attached to a drab concrete block wall on a building needing some tender loving care. To the left is Carol’s Closet. It looks rather spooky so my imagination runs wild wondering what might happen behind the second-hand clothing racks. To complete the scene there is one dog and a woman with a cylinder on her back spraying the garden which contains approximately 4 plants and a few rocks.

On the final shingle section of Algidus Rd before the carpark, thick dust starts permeating the bus making it very unpleasant for sensitive airways.

At 1030 now with a promising blue sky, 21 Standards closely followed by 9 Alternates set off across the grass paddock of cows and their calves, breathing in the rural aroma of manure perhaps hoping if they breathed deeply it might clear the dust from their sinuses. This paddock is deceptively steep and most are puffing a little as they negotiate the 2 stiles leading to the next steep poled section through tussocks and scrub face. There are dainty yellow buttercups and pockets of spaniard grass to avoid.

Relentlessly up up up it is a relief when finally at 1140 it is time for the Standards’ morning tea on a ridge line with great alpine views. We are feeling satisfied we are now over half way to the summit.

With the weather now heating up under a clear sky, we continued steadily upwards through rock outcrops and were rewarded at 1230 with the sight of the cairn on the broad summit at 1240 meters. A better lunch spot would be hard to find with views over Lake Coleridge, the deepest lake in Canterbury, the Wilberforce and Rakaia Valleys and snow on the foothills with the Southern Alps in the distance. The blue of the lake was such an intense blue it is hard to describe but almost the colour of my sun hat which I have always considered too bright but a stunning colour for a lake.

A display panel at the summit informs us that Peak Hill was once an island surrounded by the Rakaia Glacier on one side and the Wilberforce Glacier on the other. At the height of the ice age Peak Hill was topped by glacial ice. When the ice age ended the glaciers melted and the rivers flowed in their place. The rock material was deposited and this moraine now forms the hummocky landscape we see today.

After lunch we head right over uneven ground with no defined pathway but a few small cairns, ably led by Brent and Alan who knew to follow the fence line. The views on this section are mind boggling as you are facing the mountains with the lake to the right and the braided Rakaia River to the left. All good things come to an end and when we turned left to follow the fence line at the bottom, we now had the very tedious section to negotiate through dry bracken, matagouri and squelchy muddy patches. Finally, it is time to turn right and cross the paddock again arriving back at the bus at 1500.

The Alternates had been safely back for at least 30 mins. They had endured plenty of up up up carrying on past the Standards’ morning tea spot to the base of the final climb to the summit before returning by the same route negotiating the steep descent without injury.

Peter placed a towel at the back door of the bus on our return journey as he thought this was where the dust was entering………. very high tech. Conclusion, these buses are not made for shingle roads.

We were back at Bishopdale by 1700 now with those incredible views to call upon any time we are despairing with what is happening in the world.

Text by Kate

Hororata sign

Setting off from the bus

Steep ascent to the summit

Lunch in the sun at the summit

Awesome views across Lake Coleridge

Stds group photo at the top

Stds begin descent

Distance: Alternates approx 14km, elevation 388m. Standards 14.54km, max elevation 1364m, ascent/descent of 1083m.

Our 0800 hrs departure saw 37 trampers boarding the bus at Bishopdale (driver Alan). The total swelled to 40 after three more joined along the way. A frequent question during the drive was “Are you going up the hill?”

The descriptor “challenging”, along with fresh snowfall, was a deterrent for a few trampers who changed their mind about climbing Mt Oxford, preferring to go with the Alternates for the out and back walk to Ryde Falls. 22 Alternates confidently set forth from Coopers Creek, while 18 Standards huddled around their leader to receive instructions for the push to the summit.

The weather was good. The track into Ryde Falls, alas, was not so good. 140 boggy bits were counted, and that was on the way in. Mud prevailed, there were nine fallen trees to clamber under, plus six river crossings, all the while enjoying the bush on either side of track. It was well-nigh impossible to return home with clean boots, socks, or legs. One tramper, however, managed a brief dip ahead of the lunch stop via a topple during the river crossing. Rapid assessment showed that they were OK – as too their cell phone. Shorts were temporarily removed for drying, a pair of shapely legs were displayed, while a decently long shirt covered any possible indiscretion. (By comparison, the grapevine informed that one of the Standards had walked with their shirt on inside out.)

On arrival at the Ryde Falls Creek/Cooper’s Creek west branch confluence lunch stop, packs were dropped and most people headed the short distance to view the falls. In many decades of visits to these falls, this was by far the greatest cascade of water that I’ve personally seen. Some intrepid adventurers even clambered down to the base of pools.

The day was not greatly disturbed by wasps, nor even sandflies, at least not until the return to the bus where the Standards were already waiting. Apart from one gouged arm, and a few dings from close encounters with fallen trees (avoid sending texts while walking…) there were no major incidents for the Alternates. A bonus to be welcomed back to the bus by my daughter and baby granddaughter who live nearby in Oxford.

Quotes for the day:

“Some of those who reached the summit were first timers, some were last timers, and some had a boot in each camp.” (A Standard)

“I see you on the days you move mountains. I see you on the days you don’t get out of bed. Whichever day it is today, you are beautiful, strong and brave” (Stephanie Bennett-Henry) – Painted on a small rock left near Ryde Falls.

Altogether, an eminently satisfactory day out, “strong and brave” – great descriptors for both the day and the walkers.

Marie-Therese (Alternates)

Mt Oxford (A Standard POV)

The preceding account captures much of the Standards’ walk. We were blessed in having less mud, no river crossings and far fewer fallen trees to navigate than the Alternates. The snow was soft and melting. The sound of it was tranquil and almost babbling as we trudged. Blessed also in our leader’s pace and timely reminders of where we needed to be to get to the top and the bottom too. Lunch was efficient and several of us had mouths full and were clutching sandwiches when the summit photo was taken by a passing acquaintance here for twelve months from France – an opportunity to exchange French pleasantries.  Our mentor – very experienced with this tramp – and our Tailender kept us on track and on task. Done!

Jen

Alts river crossing

Scenic Ryde Falls

Alts enjoy lunch by the river

Stds huddle before setting off

Stds bridge crossing

Stds negotiate the steep summit track

Stds on track above the tree line

Stds nearing the summit…

Stds group photo at summit

Panoramic views of the snow-capped ranges

Distance 13.1km; elevation gain 780m; duration 5hrs

It was good to have our trampers numbering over 40 this week and I’m sure every one of us enjoyed this walk. Jen welcomed Nicholas (visitor), Andrea (guest) and others returning after travels, illness etc. A special mention here of the return of the American branch of the BTC. Great to see you back, Michelle. Two birthdays were noted, or as it was put to us, the celebration of receiving the Gold Card in one case, and in the other having had a few years’ use of it, and looking forward to many more. Thank you, Shirley and Janne.

We left Bishopdale punctually which was just as well as having to stop for two different lots of road works ate into our travel time. As always, the Stop/Go light appeared to be stuck on red and just as it seemed that we might have to send our roading engineer out to remonstrate with the truck-bound worker, we got the green light. Some dodgy passing manoeuvres by the traffic on Porters Pass made us thankful that we were in Stuart’s safe hands. Perhaps mindful of our slow progress to this point, Stuart then decided his moment had come. With plenty of visibility and clear incline ahead, we pulled out to overtake a truck and trailer combo. It seemed a big ask of our ageing bus but it proved worthy of the occasion and we were back on our own side of the road with plenty of time to spare. The only visible sign of discomfort from the passengers was the obvious leaning towards the aisle by those of us who found ourselves looking down over the drop-off to the river far below. Well done, Stuart.

Reaching our destination at 10.30 we set off with no time wasted. Indeed, at the end of the day the Alternates described their leader’s pace throughout the many kilometres as “agreeable”. You may have a job for life, Lynley. Similarly, Selwyn was familiar with the Standards’ route and very early in the day the mentor happily declared himself surplus to requirements.

The long and winding road to morning tea provided ample opportunity to catch up with the week’s news from those around us. As always, snippets of conversation overheard from ahead or behind were noted for following up later. It was a joy to walk through the bush, so much so that the uphill section went mostly unnoticed. The sign requiring us to cross the bridge one at a time provided plenty of opportunity for the engineers present to note the flexibility/strength of the structure and the deflection caused by each individual. I have been assured that this information will never be revealed – very wise!

After lunch we soon emerged into the grassy downhill sections of the track where the grasses proved quite slippery. Other conundrums were wet boggy sections encountered halfway up a hill while it being quite dry at the bottom. Well-meant advice to keep one’s feet dry by stepping on the mini hillocks proved difficult. These conveniently spaced, inviting-looking mounds were unstable and seemed hellbent on pitching the less agile tramper headfirst into the boggy mass below. 

The final stream crossing, the last of four, heralded the start of a steep section of track which is as tough as it gets on any of our tramps. At least the ignominy of previous years where a helping hand is required to haul everyone up the steep-sided riverbank was unnecessary. The ever-changing path of the stream and erosion had worked in our favour. From this point the climb was hard work and everyone was pleased when we reached the plateau where a breather could be taken, and conversation resumed. When we eventually diverted off the track to wend our way down to the pick-up point, it was a nice surprise to not encounter the usual marshy underfoot conditions on this final stretch. The call to walk much further to the left than usual may have meant that we avoided it, or perhaps drier conditions were the explanation. The result was a much easier finish to the day’s walk which we all appreciated.  The bus duly appeared and as always Ali and her team had sorted our boot bags from the rest, marked the section for the gear of those departing at Yaldhurst and generally had everything super-organised. The Alternates were pleased to announce that they had had a great day with nothing newsworthy to report, which we all agreed is generally a good thing.

Note to self – next year take a rubbish sack to collect the many beer bottle and cans littering the pick-up spot.

And finally – a few facts:

Dracophyllum – Hmm! After reading the various descriptions and viewing the photos on Google, I think I must have been stumbling along with my eyes shut. Not one resembled any plant that I could recall seeing. This plant is commonly known as the Turpentine Plant. It hybridises readily, accounting for many sub-species, which probably explains not being able to easily identify the ones we encountered.

Flat ­– This should be easier.

Land that lacks significant variation in elevation.

Only true, for short periods of time!!

Text by Jan Bw

Trampers prepare to set off

…the long walk…

Stds muster on beech forest track

Stds make progress after lunch

Alts troop across Texas Flat

Alts enjoy a break in shade

Stds descend to river

Stds river crossing

Stds take a breath

Stds stride the plateau

Standards – 11.5km with 780m of total ascent

On a sunny morning but in a coolish southerly breeze, 26 trampers emerged from the bus in Morgan’s Valley, Heathcote, to immediately embark on a steep uphill track towards the Summit Road, many vertical metres above us.  The Alternates followed the Standards up the hill, but they were intending to complete their tramp in Lyttelton, whereas the Standards had Sumner as their destination.

Sheep still graze the pastures through which the track passes, (in fact we were on the Baa Baa track!) though one hopes that in time, these Port Hills will be entirely left to nature and the return of the original native flora.  During this tramp there was discussion of what these hills would have looked like in pre-European times and without reaching any definitive conclusions, there was general consensus that there would have been a considerable amount of native vegetation, as now exists in the valleys.

Another topic of conversation was the President’s impressive command of salutations in many different languages, the latest being Slavik, recognising our driver, Viktor.

After about 45 minutes of climbing, near the Summit Road and with glorious views across the city, Leader Brent called for a morning tea break.  This was accompanied by a talk by Nicholas on the comet (it has a Chinese name that I didn’t pick up!) currently being sighted in the western sky, just after sunset, including useful tips on how best to observe it.  So absorbing was this chat that the Alternates caught up with us, having had morning tea lower down.

There was a short walk along the Summit Road before we entered the Major Hornbrook track down to Lyttelton, sparking a discussion on who Major Hornbrook was. A simple Google search revealed that Major Alfred Hornbrook (1814-1898), served in the British Army and arrived in Wellington in 1840, a memorable year in our history.  He subsequently moved south and established the Mitre Inn at Lyttelton and used the track we were on to transport goods from the Port to his home on Mt Pleasant.

On this gloriously sunny day, we had magnificent views of the harbour, a ship being gently nudged into its berth by the tug, and the majestic hills on the other side.  There was a short walk around an upper area of Lyttelton, then another steep climb up a track into Urumau Reserve. Substantial native plantings are starting to take root and initially the track is well formed with mountain biking capability, but we didn’t meet any.  However, beyond the Reserve and up the lava flow crater wall back up to the crater rim, the track is very steep and rocky in places, but helpful steps have been chiselled into the rocks by some thoughtful people over the years.

Lunch was at the saddle where the track meets the Crater Rim walkway and, sheltered from the gentle but cooling southerly, we had views over both the Harbour and out to Pegasus Bay over Sumner.  The location prompted a comment that this is why we go tramping!!

The tramp was completed on a grassy track down to Evans Pass then onto the Captain Thomas Track back to Sumner.  There we found the always welcome sight of the bus waiting for us, having picked up the Alternates in Lyttelton.

A thoroughly enjoyable day, which is one of the writer’s top 5 BTC tramps.

Text by Selwyn

Local garden art

Stds morning tea stop

Alts group photo

Stds enjoy views at lunch

Stds return tramp after lunch

Stds return journey to Sumner

Distance: 16.2/9km, ascent: 776/507m, time: 4hrs

Anyone would have thought that those assembled by the bus at Bishopdale were downright keen to get on the way to Mt Grey, as 29 of the 31 of us were ready to go by 8.20! (Just one arrived at a perfectly sensible time later and there was one to be picked up in Woodend). Two of our number were welcome repeat offenders sorry, guests: Jenny and Peter.

Viktor, one of our favourite drivers, first dropped the 12 Alternates off at Lake Janet. A disclaimer here: please do not read too much into any placenames which may appear in this report. Mt Grey is not grey. Lake Janet is actually a murky pond. The so-called ford is a lump of broken concrete. No one looks out from the Lookout, and as for the Red Beach track (as the name appears on a topographical map) there ain’t no sand or seagulls there!

Clever Viktor then drove us 19 Standards about 2 kms down a very dodgy road until we got to a good place to unload. There followed a brisk walk downhill (yes, downhill- not the usual uphill slog straight off the bus!) on a road which was so rough it’s hard to imagine that in the past the bus used to go down it. We got to the decrepit ford, but fortunately we didn’t have to venture across the river.

Ah, the joys of a gentle, jolly jaunt uphill through lovely bush, with only a little bit of mud underfoot. Morning tea was at a civilized 10.45, and partaken by the track. For the rest of the morning, we continued to zig and to zag through bush on the Mt Grey Track. This is a much better option than the Red Beach/Beech track which goes up much more steeply. Even easier was the Old Lookout Track which the Alternates were taking to the summit.

By 12pm we Standards were above the bushline, but there was still a bit more walking to be done to get to the summit.  Conditions were windy and windy (blame the English language for any ambiguity here, it’s all in the pronunciation).

The sight of us reaching the trig station on the summit at 12.30 was apparently more than the Alternates could bear: we could see them high-tailing it back down the Old Lookout track the instant we arrived.

The 360 degree view from up the top was incredible, but we quickly agreed finding a sheltered spot for lunch just a little downhill was an excellent idea. The wind blowing across from the snow-dusted Alps was a bit chilly.

As usual, the world was set to rights over our sammies (or in one case, a cold Couplands pie) with the usual unusual discussions about how good gravity was, and the life story of an obscure woman cricket player from way back.

After lunch and the obligatory photo shoot at the trig, we set off happily on the easy-peasy Old Lookout track. On the way, we passed the enormous telecommunications tower, moaning in the strong wind (the tower was moaning, not us) and the eponymous Lookout Tower. Before long we could see our bus way below us, though this white Tranzit one will never have the emotional pull of our beloved ones in Leopard livery.

After a while the open broom-covered hillside gave way to forest, an oddly mixed one at first, with both natives and grandaddy old pines, before we entered the pine forest proper. The Standards were fresh enough not to baulk at a proposed detour around Lake Janet, mainly because the ‘lake’ is so piddling it only took one minute to circumnavigate.

The Alternates had made it to the lake and the bus only about half an hour before us. Their tramp had been as uneventful as the Standards’ had been. However, some snuffling sounds had been heard close to the track on the way up. It was reported that piglets were the culprits, though others swore they had seen creatures with fluffy tails, almost certainly feral cats (which have rarely been known to snuffle, but who knows?). It was also reported that the Esteemed Alternate Leader did what looked like some outstanding Swan Lake moves not far from Lake Janet- but also that they weren’t intentional.

We had all made such good time tramping we were back at Bishopdale by 3.30, not bad at all for a mountain hike.

Text by Shirls

Stds set off from bus drop-off

Stds on track

Stds enjoy trackside morning tea

Stds zig-zag towards summit

Alts lunch Mt Grey summit

Stds enjoy panoramic views

Stds group photo at trig

Stds begin descent after lunch

Alts relax at Lake Janet after tramp

Distance 14.5 km                   Ascent 462 m                 Duration 4:30 hours

After picking up the group waiting at Princess Margaret Hospital, there were 34 trampers on the bus, including one return visitor and one guest.
It was then a short trip to the drop off point at Halswell Quarry, with just enough time to hand out Brent’s now famous date and maple slice. The slice was delicious, but the presentation, neatly cut squares in small white paper bags was impressive as well.
After advice from a local Halswell member, our driver Callum parked the bus close to the Cashmere Road entrance, rather than risk the road cones and traffic lights at the usual Kennedys Bush Road entrance.
Heading off across the grassy dog park “Where are we?” with overcast skies and a coolish wind, the group reached the familiar “ oh I know where we are now” car parking area with toilets.
After a short stop, with standards leading, both groups headed up the Quarry track, before branching off to a paddock through a gate on the right and meeting up with Kennedys Bush Road.
Another track led us to the main Kennedys Bush walkway where the alternate group were already assembled. The standards carried on past until finding a reasonably sheltered spot for morning tea.
After again crossing paths with the alternates, it was a steady climb to the summit road, then along the more sheltered track in the bush to the Sign of the Bellbird.
Built in 1914, the Sign of the Bellbird is one of four rest houses planned by Harry Ell to provide shelter and refreshments for groups of walkers on the envisioned track from Dyers Pass to Akaroa.
Although it looked a very inviting place to stop for lunch, as it was only 11.25am, it was decided to carry on until midday and find a suitable spot. This allowed the alternates who had arrived within minutes to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the rest house.
Crossing the road to the car parking area opposite, the group dropped down to Ellas track rather than taking the higher Crater Rim track. Although more care was needed initially on the rocky track, there were areas of attractive native bush with vocal Bellbirds and views of a somewhat grey looking Lyttelton Harbour.
Nearing the lunch spot at the Junction with the Crater Rim track, damage due to the Port Hills fires was evident with blackened vegetation contrasting with yellow gorse flowers. It was good to see numerous new plantings with their fancy Eco guards.
Following the Crater Rim track to the Sign of the Kiwi, it was obvious it was school holidays, when numerous young riders emerged from the mountain bike track on to the Summit Road at death defying speeds.
The Sign of the Kiwi was the finish point for the alternate group but, after a short stop, the standards carried on down the Harry Ell track to the sign of the Takahe, where the bus, having picked up the alternates, had just arrived.
There would have been plenty of time to stop for refreshments at the Sign of the Takahe cafe, but after investigation it appeared to be closed, so after a change of shoes, it was back on the bus for an earlier than usual return.

Text by Sally

Stds muster at Halswell Quarry

Trampers negotiate first gate at start of tramp

Alts en route to Kennedy’s Bush Track

Stds break for morning tea

Alts @ Bellbird

Kererū

Stds reach Sign of the Kiwi

Stds line-up

Distance 8.7 km                    Ascent 564 m                 Duration 4:00 hours

A lovely sunny morning for our Wednesday tramp to Washpen Falls greeted us.  After departing from Bishopdale at 8.30am the trampers waiting at Yaldhurst were picked up at 8.55am. Jen, our President, welcomed 34 of us, including one guest and one visitor, with greetings in many languages. We continue to be impressed. The rest stop at Darfield was not so pleasant with a pesky very fresh easterly breeze which got everyone back on the bus very promptly, especially Chris S with his spanking new No. 2 haircut. Alan, our driver, then continued on towards our destination.  The snow capped mountains and spring lambs made for a lovely sight and we arrived at the start of the track at 10.00am minus the wind!

The 23 trampers walking in the Standards group set off first at 10.10am followed by the 11 trampers walking in the Alternates group who do a shorter walk. Some of our number who hadn’t done this walk before wondered about the origin of the track’s name.  The Washpen Falls are situated in the headwaters of the Washpen Creek which is the longest tributary of the Hororata River. The creek was dammed and pens were built so sheep could be washed before shearing as the first farmers in the area thought the wool would sell better in England if it was washed! So hence the name! The McElreas, who are the landowners of the farm the track is on, charge a small fee for the public to walk the track and they do a great job maintaining it (with very helpful wooden steps constructed in tricky places). They provide very interesting information in the brochures in their “office” at the start of the track about the history, flora and fauna, the Stone Lake and the hydro-electric power plant that powered the property for 40 years.  Honey was also available for sale at the office much to the delight of those who had cash on them. There was also a lovely memorial to the 8 million horses that gave their lives during World War 1.

The Standards made our way through Pines, Douglas Fir and Beech trees and stopped at a very impressive cave for morning tea, the Alternates joining them soon after. The Washpen Falls Canyon was formed by a lateral volcanic explosion, and the bluff and the cave were created by the rapid cooling of the lava. After morning tea the Standards made their way to the Bluff Lookout for lunch arriving at 11.55am and the Alternates, avoiding this part of the walk (this is the hardest climb on the walk over open farmland), continued on the track to their lunch spot. The views from the Bluff across the plains, the Rakaia River, Lake Coleridge and the mountains beyond were spectacular. Peter M and Jen C had challenged each other to a “who could produce the best sandwich” competition. The stakes were high. Peter is renowned for his famous sandwiches. He even makes one every week for his golfing buddy. Even though he gave Jen precise instructions on how to prepare his magnificent sandwich, could she make the grade? Peter scored a 10 and Jen a 9 (they each ate one half of each other’s sandwich and self-evaluated).  Apparently if you want to not have a soggy sandwich, put cream cheese on first then the relish.  And you need the bell peppers and ham to be a winner. Jen will try harder! And for those of you who want to know what grasshoppers eat after observing a lovely specimen hovering around our sandwiches, they are herbivores but sometimes eat dead insects for extra protein. And as for why those nasty orange spiny plants are known as Spaniards, Mr Google tells me “in a paper on popular plant names of NZ presented at a scientific congress in 1921, Johannes Andersen said that Spaniard was a “fantastical” name and that he hadn’t been able to trace a source for it”. So there. That covers all lunchtime queries. And the Spaniards were not responsible for poor Kate’s shin injuries – they were caused by a rock.

At 12.20pm we set off back down the track. Passing through the Snowy Peak gate we made our way to the Washpen Waterfall.  The waterfall looked stunning amongst the trees. Apparently some scenes from the film “Z for Zachariah” were shot at the Washpen Waterfall back in 2014. The rest of the film was shot around Banks Peninsula.  Margot Robbie who played “Barbie” in the recent movie “Barbie” was one of the main actors.  I don’t think this post-apocalyptic movie was that successful from my research but thank you Kate for this interesting piece of information. We then passed a sign in the trees saying “Jen’s Lookout”. We didn’t realise our President was so famous. We continued on to Stone Lake which was dug out by hand in the 1920s as a water storage pond for the hydroelectric power scheme constructed further down the bank. Chris S and Selwyn rowed vigorously up and down the Lake in a rowboat to demonstrate their athletic prowess as we watched in awe. A few further steps and we arrived at the bus which was ready and waiting to take us home.  We departed at 2.10pm so had time to stop in Darfield for refreshments.  We all enjoyed our day – stunning scenery and weather. What more could we wish for. I know – Brent’s maple syrup and date slice which he is bringing next week. No pressure.

Judy R

Trampers muster to begin walk

Alts progress up valley track

Leading Stds pause for the group to catch up

Morning tea in the cave

Alts tackle the stairway

Stds ascend towards the Bluff Lookout

Alts enjoy lunch in the sun

Native flora, running water & birdsong…

Keen rowers take to the lake