Stats: distance 14kms, duration 4.30

Ah, Dracophyllum Flat today, a glorious walk through knee-deep snow … but no, a tramp in the mountains was too hazardous, so instead we were off on the less spectacular walk from Charteris Bay to Purau and then back to Diamond Harbour/Charteris Bay via a coastal track.  Never mind.

But maybe things weren’t so bad; this was our first tramp in 3 weeks, the weather forecast was for a pleasant warm day, and there was the bonus of lots of toilets along the way!

Having shouldered our packs (or in Glenys’s case, someone else’s pack), we set off from Charteris Bay. Nineteen keen Standards headed off along the usual roadway route, and Jan Brw lead the 22 Alternates along a delightful, picturesque coastal track via Black Point. A helicopter across the bay zapping backwards and forwards dropping off loads provided entertainment while we were enjoying our morning tea. The vegetation along our way was varied, including granddaddy old pines, succulents, rogue garden flowers, new plantings of natives, and those distinctive plants with purple flowers, Echiums, also known as Paterson’s Curse or Salvation Jane. Another feature along the way were the barrels with empty milk bottles bobbing on top of the startlingly green water (on offer as a treat for the native plantings, not for thirsty trampers!) We weren’t the only intrepid trampers along the way; we encountered a large, cheerful posse of ‘Westies’ who we assume hailed from West Melton, the alternative of West Auckland being a tad distant.

Lunch was a civilized affair for us Alternates, sitting at nice picnic tables with a stupendous view down to Diamond Harbour. However, the going soon got dramatically difficult when most of the Alternates continued on our way to Purau.  In fact, we were confronted with massive slips, and mud so deep that our trusty leader was heard to jokingly call out, “Oh, did anyone happen to see a ‘Track Closed’ sign?!” Er, yes, we all had seen an unofficial looking sign nailed to a tree but were so overawed by her local knowledge and confidence we had, like sheep, walked on past it! Our Esteemed Leader had actually not seen the sign at all, and her enquiry was genuine! As we hauled our mud-encased boots over the precarious slips we couldn’t help but wonder what our Standards buddies had done when they had encountered the matching sign coming from the other direction.

Actually, exactly the same: Standard Leader Chris S too had blithely continued on unaware, and his hapless troupe followed, bemused at his supposed daring leadership. Then there was Pip, who apparently took the word ‘slip’ as an instruction, and gracefully obliged.

After all that trudging in mud, the Alternatives didn’t quite make it to Purau, and took a shortcut back to the bus at Diamond Harbour in time to make it to our rendezvous with the weary Standards at Charteris Bay soon after.

So this may not have been the scheduled foray to the fabulous Dracopyllum Flat, but it actually turned out to be a pleasant day, with a little bit of adventure thrown in for good measure.  Txt by Shirley

Alternates morning tea stop heading to Purau on Coastal Track

Standards take a break on inland route to Purau

Standards arrival at Purau Foreshore Reserve

View across Purau Bay

Standards navigate Coastal Track from Purau to Charteris Bay

Charteris Bay Yacht Club

Stats: distance 14.5km, ascent 462m, time 4hrs 30mins

School holidays usually mean that the number of trampers will be a bit less than normal but 4 late defections due to Covid reduced the total to a mere 27. President Bev gave a special welcome to one member who had been away for some time for hip maintenance. In a surprisingly bright morning, both groups set off from Halswell Quarry with enthusiasm, helped along by songs from bellbirds, a sunny sky ahead and a lazy southerly behind. A moment of nostalgia for one member, recalling his days as an apprentice servicing a crusher in the now abandoned quarry which was shut in 1990.

At morning tea, we could see a lot of water lying below the hills after recent heavy rain, while further away, fresh snow glistened on the mountains. The initial route was a little south of previous tramps, but the end result was the same. Everyone remarked that there was very little mud on the track, but that would change after lunch. After 2 hours tramping, lunch was at the Sign of the Bellbird.

The plan was to go via Ella’s track to the Sign of the Kiwi. It was out of the wind with great views of the harbour, but it wasn’t long before Leader Lynne decided that the state of the track was more than we wanted to handle. So, the Crater Rim track was the better choice but, being reasonably flat in many parts, it was wetter and muddier than we would have liked.

In due course everyone arrived at the Sign of the Takahe and were treated to a piece of Ali’s excellent cake left over from the birthday lunch held the previous week. Txt by Peter

Onward & upward from Kennedys Bush

Morning tea on the ridge

Back on the trail towards Sign of the Bellbird

Lunch at Sign of the Bellbird

Heading towards Sign of the Kiwi

Arrival at Sign of the Kiwi before heading down to Takahe

Stats: distance 15km, vertical ascent 790m, time 5hrs 45mins

When President Bev joined us on the bus and made the usual announcements, she noted that our expected 27 trampers had swelled to 33 which was pleasing. Some of the old hands had considered that perhaps each week’s trip should be a “mystery tour’ so that the members deterred by the “Mt” preceding some of the tramps’ names, would be none the wiser until the destination was reached.

Mt Thomas has a reputation as being a long and challenging ascent. The Standards set off up the road at a fast clip to join the Ridges Track and to see if they could be the first for a couple of years to reach the summit.   Despite the valiant attempt it was not to be, and they arrived back at the bus over an hour behind the Alternates well-satisfied with their day, but still to knock the blighter off!

Meanwhile the Alternates were enjoying a fabulous day, lead at a steady and comfortable pace by Norma. Setting off on the Red Pine Track, the group was delighted that a new pathway had been constructed since the previous year’s washout, and this pathway was rated by all as A1!! We were high and dry with a groomed surface underfoot and many of the group commented that this was one of the few times that one could stroll along enjoying the scenery, confident that no rocks or roots were lurking to cause havoc for the inattentive. At the junction with the Kereru Loop track, the ascent became steeper, but the numerous switchbacks ensured that this was easily manageable. Underfoot now were the usual tripping hazards to be wary of, and then a truly formidable obstacle in the form of a large tree that had fallen across the track. The option of going around or under as is sometimes possible was ruled out, and a call to the rear for the chainsaw fell on deaf ears. Not even an offer of a Swiss Army Knife was forthcoming. We were silently grateful that it was up to Norma to demonstrate how we were going to get over this tree. “Come the moment, come the man”, or two in this case, and Bill and Gavin ensured that that we all reached the other side without too much effort.

Not long after this we dropped steeply to a stream where we thought we would have lunch, but with no sun it was decided that we would retrace out steps to the top where we could enjoy the dappled sunlight.

We were all a little worried about what it would be like getting over the aforementioned obstacle on the return journey as it appeared that the “mounting and dismounting” would prove more hazardous, but our two heroes had their technique honed and again all dropped down the far side unscathed!!

With plenty of time, we branched off and took the Kereru Loop track back to the bus where we quickly donned some extra layers to ward off the chill as we waited for the Standards.

Another great day in the bush. Thank you, Bishopdale Tramping Club. Txt by Jan Bar.

Admiring the view across the plains

Trudging up the steep pine forest track

Settling in for morning tea on the ascent

The Standards make their way through the Beech Forest

Lunch on the ridgeline

View of Mt Thomas summit from the ridge line track

Waterfall on the Wooded Gully Track

Distance: 10.2km                                Duration: 4hrs 20min                                      Elevation Gain: 440m

On Tuesday I was delighted to hear “we are going” from one of the weather team anticipating a clear frosty day, with plenty of snow around. We were not disappointed!

Gathered at our pick-up spots, the frosty start to the day had the hats and gloves out and those at Bishopdale did not linger in the carpark before alighting the bus. With a number of cancellations, we had 37 trampers who headed off with driver, Viktor.

We arrived at Castle Hill Village to a crisp day, clear blue sky, no wind, and the recent snow sparkling on the surrounding hills. Setting off as one group, taking care to avoid the very slippery ice on the road, we stopped for morning tea at Enys Cottage, the original site of the Enys brothers’ Trelissick home and what was Jenny’s family bach. Thank you, Jenny.

Our leaders kept us on track as we headed up through the bush and across the snowy slopes to Leith Hill Slump for lunch. The Alternates were enjoying the views as the Standards arrived. Before long we were cheering Selwyn as he chased his lunchbox and Bev, her glasses, as they flew down the snow and threatened to disappear into the bush.

After a relaxing lunch, some of the standards decided to have fun in the snow, so plastic bag in hand, they climbed a short distance up the steep slippery slope enjoying a fast slide down. I think if they’d thought of the activity earlier the competitive nature of the group would have had many trying to get higher up the hill for a faster run!

From there, it didn’t take long for the Standards to catch the Alternates who were happy when the Standards passed by and left footsteps for them to follow in. Sounds easy, well not so much as we regularly fell through the crust and a foot dropped 20cm or more to the ground below.

Before the Standards headed down through Kura Tawhiti, they waited to re-group, realising there was an incident involving one of the Alternates. When they did catch-up, it was obvious that one of the group had face-planted into the snow. With all limbs still functioning we moved on down through the climbing rocks to the bus.

What a very special day in the snow!  Txt by Jan Bbr

Heading towards Enys Cottage for morning tea

Selwyn recovers his wayward lunch box

Panoramic views over Castle Hill Village & beyond

Leith Hill Slump for lunch

Back on the trail after lunch

Heading back for the bus pick-up

Stats: distance 15km, ascent 672m, time 4hrs 45mins

The day started with a cracking frost.  The bus set off at 8.30am and after collecting our President, Bev, enroute, we had 43 enthusiastic trampers. Our driver for the day was Alan.

As we travelled to our destination, we drove through a mixture of sun, frost and fog.  On arrival at 10.00am at Foxdown Farm, a 1400ha hill country farm established in 1877, we climbed off the bus into a very bitter wind to be greeted by a cute bouncy puppy and more mature laid-back sheepdog.  On the positive side the sun was shining, and we had clear blue skies.  After donning warm jackets, gloves and hats we set off in two groups at 10.15am into what felt like a gale.  The Standards were walking on farm tracks to the summit of Mt Alexander and returning on a loop track while the Alternates were walking to the summit of Mt Alexander and retracing their route back to the bus.  We followed the well-maintained farm track flanked by pine forest which made for easy walking to the sheep yards for our morning tea stop at 10.50am. The sheep yards were well-sheltered by trees giving us some respite from the dreaded wind. The Alternates arrived to have their morning tea just as the Standards were getting ready to depart at 11am.

Leaving all shelter behind as we were now in open countryside, the Standards walked up a grassy track to the very comfortable looking Foxdown Lodge which was a short distance from the sheep yards at the top of a hill. We were told by the farmer, Andy Fox, we could visit because there were no guests in residence. Panoramic views could be had from the deck and the outdoor bath looked very enticing (on a day without wind!).  Looking through the windows, the accommodation looked very comfortable, and we thought it would be a wonderful place to spend a night.  The lodge is a recent initiative for the farm and opened in 2020.  The farm runs mainly sheep and some beef, and also has a museum with an interesting collection of various historical objects open to the public.

Soldiering on into the wind, we climbed steadily to our lunch stop just below the summit of Mt Alexander arriving at 12.15pm.  On the summit there is a trig point and a large communications tower. We had amazing views all round as the atmosphere was very crystal-clear due no doubt to, if I haven’t already mentioned it, the wind. Some of us climbed up to the trig point and communication towers on the summit for even better views. We could see to the south Mt Grey, to the west and north snow-capped mountains and the Hurunui River weaving its way across the Amuri Plain, and to the east Pegasus Bay and Banks Peninsula.

We set off at 12.45pm to make our way back to the bus. This part of the walk was much more pleasant as the wind had finally dropped considerably.  We even managed to take our hats off and enjoy the sunshine.  It was all open countryside until we walked through the pine forest at the end climbing up the last hill before descending to the bus below arriving at 2.40pm. After some of us had a look at the collection of classic cars in one of the farm sheds, we departed for home at 3pm.  Another great day enjoyed by all. Judy Rennie

Morning tea at the sheepyards

Arrival at Foxdown Lodge

Panoramic views from Foxdown Lodge

Anyone for a bath? (Foxdown Lodge)

Onward & upward!

Making the descent

After wending our way from the secondary pick-up spot at Humphrey’s Drive and up Soleares Ave to Mt Pleasant Road to the drop-off above Barnett Park, driver Viktor deposited 40 eager tree planters to be greeted by CCC Port Hills Ranger Fiona and her two assistants.

The site was a gully-head just below the top of Mt Pleasant [Tauhino Korokio], once the site of an early Maori Pā of the 1840s.

Being seasoned to the council’s planting methods, we were soon heads-down and planting a variety of recommended fire-retardant shrubs and grasses such as: mingimingi, karamu, mahoe, makaka (nz native broom) and some flaxes.  The hole-digging was certainly easier than up in our former site at Thompson Reserve where the trees will have a good start.

With 40 experienced planters in action the 400 seedlings were in the ground by morning tea-time, very much impressing our supervisors.  Morning tea was taken on the roadside overlooking the Ōpāwaho/Ōtākaro Estuary with a grand vista from alps to ocean.

After this pleasant break from toil, everyone made tracks back the bus parked at the top of Clifton Hill for stowing gear and readying for the start of the second part of our tramping day.

Leader Alan had us begin with the walk to the gun emplacements overlooking Te Whakaraupō and proceeded downhill from there to branch off down onto the Urumau Reserve track.  Lunch was tucked out of the breeze amongst the rocks just before the descent into Lyttelton.

This is involved a tricky scramble down a narrow ridgeline to a gentler saddle with a view over the container terminal. The usual way down to Reserve Tce was closed due to tree maintenance so we continued down a mountain bike track which took us to Randolph Tce and on course to view the renovated Timeball Tower.  This is a reminder of the earlier Timeball Station destroyed in the Christchurch earthquakes.

But why was the Timeball built in the first place? In pre-GPS days, longitudinal position at sea was calculated by comparing local time against Greenwich mean time, as measured by the ship’s chronometer. An error in the timepiece of four seconds translated to 1800 metres of distance at the equator, so precision was vital. By sighting a timeball dropped at known Greenwich time, a navigator could ensure the accuracy of their chronometer to the second. For more detailed information use the following website. [ref: https://visitheritage.co.nz/visit/upper-south-island/lyttelton-timeball/stories/an-introduction-to-lyttelton-timeball/]

After a meander around the historic site, we all made our way back along the main thoroughfare of Lyttelton to the marina where Viktor had the coach ready for our journey back to Bishopdale.

All in all, a very pleasant way to spend a Wednesday.

Tree Planting June 2022

Getting set for our walk.

Navigating the narrow ridgeline

Down hill on the way to Lyttelton

Descending the ‘Looper’ Mountain Bike Track

Timeball lookout

Restored Timeball Tower

Stats: distance 15km, ascent 568m, time 4hrs 30mins

With 43 trampers and our Driver Victor we arrived at Barnett Park in Redcliffs for the tramp over the hill to Pony Point. Chocolates had been supplied along the way thanks to Kiwan who was celebrating a birthday.

The weather conditions looked promising, in contrast to the previous year when the tramp was abandoned shortly after the trampers set off due to the gradually increasing rain and cold wind.

From the car park the 29 standards followed by the 14 alternates headed off across the playing fields to the Eastenders Track at the bottom of the hill.

The uphill wasn’t too arduous with plenty of zigzags, but around three quarters of the way up there was a feeling of deja vu as the first spots of rain were felt. Nothing to worry about though so both groups carried on until it did get worrisome, and a stop was made for everyone to put on wet weather gear. There was no choice but to continue on, in the by now persistent rain and strong wind, hoping the stand of pine trees at the usual morning stop on the summit road would allow a bit of cover.

The large trunks were a bit of a buffer from the wind and rain, so the trampers spread out looking for a suitable tree to shelter behind. There was a bit of discussion about what to do next, but it was felt the wild weather would pass over fairly quickly allowing the tramp to proceed as planned.

Sure enough as the standards emerged from the trees after tea, the rain petered out and blue sky could be seen on the horizon. The standards then crossed the road and continued upward to the radio masts on top of Mt pleasant, with a brief stop to take in the view over Lyttelton harbour, before heading down and reaching the Major Hornbrook Track which was carefully negotiated down into Lyttelton. The alternates meanwhile took the Summit Road option and had passed through Lyttelton earlier. Lunch by the Marina in Lyttelton was a lot more civilised with plenty of seating at large picnic tables, or low walls.

From there it was an easy walk along the pleasant coastal track to Corsair Bay, which was unusually quiet, and then around the point into Cass Bay. The standards arrived just as the alternates who had stopped there for lunch were preparing to move on. Rather than opting for the usual pick-up point at Cass Bay, the alternates carried on up to Pony Point, taking the shorter steeper direct route, while the standards took the longer route that zig zagged up the hill. While at Cass Bay there had been some discussion about how the striking copper clad house that featured on Grand Designs (along with some members of the tramping club) had weathered to a deep red from the original copper colour.

Reaching the top at Pony Point it was disappointing to see the carved Maori Pou Whenua (which was created as a “flute” to resonate in the easterly wind), which was often a target for vandals had disappeared altogether due to the latest destruction.

There was enough time for a stop before returning to Bishopdale and instead of the usual offerings in Heathcote Valley, the bus carried on into Lyttelton, where there were plenty of options for refreshments or browsing the shops.

Heading uphill towards shelter and morning tea as a NW squall catches up

Views from top of the ridgeline

Arrival at Lyttelton Marina for lunch

Admiring the view from Corsair Bay

Arrival at Pony Point Reserve to board the bus

Stats: distance 13km, ascent 260m, time 3hrs 50mins

We set off from Bishopdale Carpark at 8.30am. After picking up the rest of our fellow trampers at Princess Margaret Hospital we numbered 46, plus Victor who was our driver for the day.

We arrived at the Hoon Hay Reserve at 9.30am and the 27 trampers in the Standards set off at 9.40am followed by the 19 trampers in the Alternates. Our tramp for the day consisted of an undulating walk along the Crater Rim Walkway, then various tracks in the Omahu Bush with the Alternates following and doing a shorter loop in the Omahu Bush.

It was a stunning day with clear blue skies and a slight chill in the air. Stopping for morning tea at 10.10am, we basked in the sunshine while looking at the beautiful still harbour below.  We were protected from the cool southerly breeze which was more cutting in open areas. After morning tea, we continued on the Crater Rim Walkway arriving at Coopers Knob for lunch at 12 noon. Sitting under the rocky knob was very pleasant and the views were amazing. A touch of snow on the Southern Alps reminded us we were heading into the winter season.  Some of us climbed up the rocks to the top of the Knob which at 573m is the highest point of the Port Hills with amazing all-round views. It was nice to see all the lovely vegetation below which had grown well with the wetter than normal summer conditions.  Departing at 12.35pm we headed down the track passing the Alternates and continuing on until we came out on the Summit Road to enter Omahu Bush at 12.55pm.

Omahu Bush was formerly part of the Otahuna Estate owned by Sir Heaton Rhodes and was purchased by a charitable trust and opened to the public in 1997.   Omahu, meaning “running silently”, “escaping” and “a place of healing” was the Maori name given to the area following an escape through the bush by several of the followers of a Maori chief who had been killed in a skirmish on Coopers Knob. A feature of the Omahu Bush is the very many Kōtukutuku, apparently the world’s largest fuchsia, growing amongst the other trees.  They looked stunning with their trunks covered in thin flaky orange bark. The flowers are rich in nectar so are loved by birds such as bellbirds and silvereyes, and the dark purple berries are edible and taste like tamarillos.  There is also Mahoe, Kahikatea, Kanuka, silver tree-ferns and juvenile lancewoods growing in the Bush and all the plants were looking very green and healthy. We saw a lot of predator traps along the Crater Rim Walkway as well as in the Omahu Bush. We could hear quite a lot of birdsong so hopefully the traps are having the desired effect of keeping predators such as possums under control.  Possums are particularly fond of the Kōtukutuku (Tree Fuchsia).

We made our way down Kirk’s Track then on to Nelson’s Track arriving at Annie’s Waterfall. We exited the bush to make our way up Rhodes Track, a steep grass track, before entering the bush again and following the top of Kirk’s Track to arrive back at the Summit Road.  The cold wind was strengthening so it was nice to get on the warm bus parked in the Gibraltar Rock carpark.  We stopped for coffees and ice-creams at the Sign of the Kiwi and departed 3.45pm for home.  It was a great day out and we were very pleased that the cold southerly conditions predicted for some time in the afternoon did not eventuate while we were tramping. Txt by Judy

Morning tea on the trail

On the way to Cooper’s Knob for lunch

Onward & Upwards towards Cooper’s Knob

View across the plains to the snow-capped Alps

Annie’s Waterfall in Omahu Bush

Team observing Annie’s Waterfall

Stats: distance 15km, ascent 475m, time 4hrs 40mins

Today’s walk was fully subscribed with no visitors.  Many of the trampers were wearing gaiters in anticipation of muddy conditions, as advised by our president Bev. Thanks to Margaret who generously donated two pair of gaiters.

After setting off from Christchurch on a sunny, calm morning we arrived at the Washpen Falls walk where it was also sunny but with a rather strong northerly! The two groups set off about 10:00 am with a 34/16 split (Standards/Alternates).

The first part of the walk was steadily uphill through a few muddy patches, into a pine forest which was thankfully drier underfoot.

At 10:30am the Standards group stopped for morning tea in a cave situated beneath an overhanging bluff. They were joined for some of this time by the alternates, a great spot to share.

Upon leaving this cave there was a short climb up into the sunshine …. and wind. The first view across the plains was magnificent and the first of many to come. Both groups deviated from the Washpen Falls track onto farmland and walked to their respective lunch stops. For the standards the lunch setting was in the lee of the Snowy Peak below the summit to get some shelter. Clear views looked out over the braided Rakaia River towards the ocean.

After lunch we descended the same way. As soon as we passed through the Snowy Peak gate the Korimako/Bellbird could be clearly heard even above the wind.  Just before the view of the falls there was a deviation past the Do Not Enter sign to a wooden platform and for some, through the Strictly No Admittance sign onto the platform.  There were no keen bungy jumpers!

At Stone Lake today’s intrepid rower was Chris. He looked fairly handy with the oars. Beyond the lake on a lower level, Bill S was quite taken with the intricacies of the old Pelton Wheel, a legacy from the First World War. The wheel was driven by water from Stone Lake and connected to a vintage submarine generator [circa WW1].  This provided power for the farm for over 40 years! (Information courtesy the Washpen Falls brochure).

The final part of the walk back to the bus was also filled with Korimako/Bellbird birdsong.

A pleasant day’s walk for all. Txt by Joanne

Upwards through the forest

Morning tea in the cave

Onward and upward

Lunch with a view

On our way again

The Washpen Falls

Chris enjoys rowing across the green lake

Pelton Wheel

Stats: distance 14km

The Mt Vulcan tramp always seems to throw up some drama and this one was no exception.

As we cruised up into North Canterbury on a crisp and bright sunny day, newly anointed President, Bev, announced the leaders list for the tramp.   We had a full bus of 50 with no visitors and Dave B told us there were 3 waitlisters who didn’t make it, so we need to book early in future.

From the turn off into Reeces Road at Omihi, we enjoyed the verdant green of those undulating hills that provide protection from that beastly easterly and allow the vineyards of Waipara to flourish.

At the Mt Vulcan woolshed, 29 Standards were counted off the grid by our tailender Kate and strode up the limestone farm track leaving 21 Alternates in the capable hands of Leonie.

Somehow, the course of the Mt Vulcan tramp is one that many people seem unable to retain in their memories.  Many have done it (sometimes several times) but expressions of “I don’t remember this bit” were quite common as we passed the limestone quarry and continued the undulations towards the sea.

Even the morning tea site was greeted with “I don’t think we’ve stopped here before” but so beautiful was the day and so expansive the view, no one was complaining.

Soon the azure blue Pacific came into view and was our constant companion for most of the day along with the tiny (3ha) Motunau Island, just off the coast.  The Island is administered by DOC and is a refuge for many seabirds including many little blue penguins.

The farm tracks were muddy in places, crossed some small streams and necessitated the opening and closing of many gates, although there appeared to be few animals.  Small areas of regenerating bush, mainly manuka are providing valuable nectar for the bees in the hives sighted along the way.

As we were looking forward to our lunch spot, we were confidently sidling along a contour, knowing that we needed to head uphill to our left, but there was no obvious opening.  Eventually we reached a fence and we had to go up.  It was tough going……long grass (that brought back memories of that lost African tribe!), gorse, thistles and more.  The front people trod a track which others followed.  Fortunately, Dave R had his GPS and confirmed that we were going in the right direction.  At some point, one of our group decided to take a different course through the jungle and for 15 minutes or so we had a ‘lost tramper’.  He eventually emerged, chastened and scoured by the gorse.

The lunch spot on a grassy knoll in the sunshine was very welcome.

The post lunch tramp was less dramatic, following more farm tracks and passing beneath Mt Vulcan, which most of the group clambered up, to be rewarded with a magnificent 360-degree view, including Pegasus Bay and Banks Peninsula in the distance to the south.

The rest of the tramp across the farmland to meet the bus on Motunau Beach Road was uneventful, but the constancy of the sea views kept our spirits high.  The Alternate group had a shorter and more leisurely tramp and had patiently waited for nearly an hour for our arrival.

Text courtesy Selwyn 

Almost at the morning tea stop near the quarry.

Heading along the track after morning tea

Leader asks “Have we lost someone?”

Alternatives find a comfortable spot for lunch.

The very green paddock just below Mt Vulcan

The scramble up Mt Vulcan made easier with packs off.