Stats: distance 14km, vertical ascent 612m, time 4hrs

As we settled into our bus ride west to Craigieburn Ski Field, President Jan welcomed the 37 members and 3 visitors (Tony, Steve and Jackie) to today’s tramp. She acknowledged the uncertainty of future bus options with Leopard coach lines in liquidation and extended our best wishes to Viktor, today’s driver. Jan also advised that the Committee was considering options with the ongoing Omicron spread and have taken the option of carrying on tramps with strict mask wearing on the bus and no refreshment stops. The Committee will respond to other options as and when required.

On a lighter note, one of our lovely members was seen just getting to Yaldhurst on time for the pick-up and had to admit to sleeping in until 8.30 am after setting her alarm for 6.30 PM not 6.30 AM as she thought! Well done for just getting there maybe with not much food on board!

On a cloudy but calm day, the 23 strong standard group were dropped off at the Broken River ski field road and were ready to depart at 10.10 am. After the arduous tramp to Mt Oxford and Ryde Falls last week the enjoyable walk up through the bush was appreciated.  We had a morning tea stop at 10.40 am perched along the bush track and then on and upwards to the base of the ski field. We carefully crossed eight scree slopes with some members not wishing to look down at the long drop. We were rewarded with  lovely views of the mountains and bush and lichen covered trees and took a lunch break at 12.45 pm.

A short walk after lunch saw us reach the base of the Craigieburn Ski Field and we wondered about the very steep tow rope which took you up the mountain. With a quick toilet stop near the lodge, we joined the ski access road back down to the bus where the alternatives were waiting for us.

Craigieburn Forest Park is a 447 square km protected area adjacent to Arthur’s Pass National Park.  DoC carries out administration for conservation and regulates commercial activity. Broken River Ski Area and Craigieburn Valley Ski Area are within the borders

Not a lot of bird song, but lovely bush, lovely mountain views and not such an arduous walk this week.  Text by Janice

The 17 Alternatives led by Margaret S were dropped off at the Craigieburn Valley carpark in overcast, damp conditions but in ideal temperatures for the walk up the valley.

After a short walk up the ski access road they veered left up the valley in the shelter of the native forest. Morning tea was had on the narrow track before continuing on. The scree slopes were negotiated safely, and several remarked they didn’t seem as difficult as last year. Above the track on one of the scree crossings was a magnificent wild Spaniard (Aciphylla colensoi) in full bloom. Not something anybody wanted to get too close to.

Lunch was had at the skifield buildings and in the distance, Standards could be seen making their way across the scree. The group then headed down the road at a fast clip and were back at the bus just after 2.00pm. A great day in the mountains. Text by Ray B

Standards approach Lyndon Saddle

A pause at Lyndon Saddle

Beautiful bush surrounds us on Mt Oxford track.

Round the corner to another scree slope

A major scree slope to cross

Large wild Spaniard (Aciphylla colensoi) above the track

Marching down the Craigieburn Valley Road

Stats for the day: 13.7km, 903m elevation gain, total time 5hr 30min

Around 1880, the Ryde brothers started logging in this area.  They had 500 acres to work.  Totara, Black Beech, Matai, Kahikatea and Rimu were logged up till 1909. The timber was sold in Canterbury and used for roofing shingles, posts, rails, building timber and railway sleepers. Fire was the biggest hazard for the brothers and in 1889 fire gutted the whole valley.  The brothers were not the only ones to lose their mill.

Over 140 years later 52 trampers set off from the Coopers Creek starting point. A small confusion resulted in Glenys seeing the bus fly past her on Tram Road but a brief wait by Victor at Mandeville and we were all caught up. Jan noted that seven out of eight of the official roles were being undertaken by women.

A larger group of 31 set off to walk to Ryde Falls while an intrepid 21 opted for Mt Oxford.

A light southerly front accompanied us, making for agreeable temperatures; less enjoyable was the muddy track. Agility helped when crossing the quagmires. Before long, our leader called for a welcome morning tea stop, although we had received treats in celebration of Eric’s new OBE status. A hum of wasps was audible, and while not a significant problem, one of the alternates received a sting. Although a few were bothered by sandflies, an application of insect repellent and cooler day helped. Fortunately, there was not a plague of mice which occurs when there is a beech mast season, with an abundance of food for the birds, and too, the rodent population. (Not a pleasant experience years ago when walking with young children.)

As we moved along there was much discussion on breaks that members were proposing or had enjoyed. Milford and Queen Charlotte Tracks appear popular. Other chatter included honeymoons, stream crossing, boot cleaning, lace tying techniques, identifying clematis, horopito and rimu trees. The alternates lunched in sunshine near a hugely scoured confluence of Ryde Falls Creek/Cooper’s Creek west branch before returning along the same track. The standards were sighted from a rocky vantage point, as both groups neared the waiting bus.
Txt by Marie-Therese

Mt Oxford (Standards)
21 trampers set off to climb to the summit of Mt Oxford. After negotiating the mud in the early part of the track we started to climb and climb, with the occasional flatter spot giving short relief before heading up again. Despite the will, the constraint of time meant we stopped 170m short of the top. A rocky outcrop provided a good lunch spot with views over the Canterbury Plains. We then headed back down on the steep descent arriving back to the bus a few minutes before the Alternates arrived.
Txt by Jan Bbr

Alternates on the way to Ryde Falls

Branches galore in the river

Lunch spot near Ryde Falls

Ryde Falls – beautiful

Alternates admiring Ryde Falls

Pause for the standards during the climb

Standards admire the view of Canterbury Plains far below

Mt Oxford summit is just over there

Stats: distance 13km, ascent 560m, time 4hrs 40mins

We set off from Bishopdale with Viktor as our bus driver. It was a dull grey day and the forecast was for rain to arrive about 4pm. Once we had stopped at Halswell to pick up the rest of our trampers, we had a total of 44 enthusiastic trampers including five visitors.  Jan our President passed a bag of goodies around the bus as it was her birthday (and her partner Alan’s the week before!).  This was much appreciated by all.

The bus travelled through Tai Tapu and round the hills arriving at the top of Gebbies Pass at 9.30am.  Departing the bus, we were met with a cold wind and more grey skies.  With 22 trampers in each of the Standard and Alternate groups, we set off with the Standards leading off first on the forest track.

The landscape was rather desolate for the first part of the tramp as with the cloud cover there were no amazing views to take one’s eyes off the felled pine plantation debris which seemed to stretch over much of the hillsides. We did get glimpses of Lake Ellesmere and Lyttelton Harbour when the low-lying cloud temporarily cleared. All the logging had changed the landscape so much that the Alternates took a wrong turn at a forest track crossroads and had to walk quite an extra distance to get back on the right track once they realised.  Once off the forest tracks, we followed a fairly narrow, well-worn track which meandered through tall pine forest, grassy hillsides and pockets of native bush.  We stopped for morning tea at about 10.15am on a grassy hillside.

Continuing on, our Leader Warren paused beneath what is known as the Remarkable Dykes. These are a pair of rock walls that form the boundaries of a crack in the side of the Lyttelton Volcano. We noted it would not be a good place to be beneath in the event of an earthquake as the rocks looked rather large, weathered and crumbly in places. We carried on to the Packhorse Hut which was built in 1916 by Harry Ell as one of four rest houses for a proposed route from Christchurch to Akaroa.  The Hut sits on a low open saddle between Mt Bradley and the Remarkable Dykes.

From the Packhorse Hut we followed the track through the beautiful Packhorse Hut Reserve, noting the amazing lancewoods in particular, coming out into the open to the zig zag track which makes its way up the base of Mt Bradley. We made our way up the zig zag still surrounded by low cloud and at 12 noon on the dot we found a spot in the tussocks to have our lunch.  If we had wanted to climb to the top of Mt Bradley it would have taken at least another two hours to go up and down from where we stopped for lunch so that was not an option due to time constraints. It would also be a lot of effort for no view at the top due to the cloud cover.

At 12.20 pm we started back down the track the way we had come up, arriving back at the Packhorse Hut where we met up with the Alternates who were having their lunch there.  We could see down into Kaituna Valley where the bus was waiting for us in the distance. Climbing a style, we headed down the hill following a farm track through the trees arriving at the bus at 2pm.  The Alternates joined us, and the bus set off for home at 2.30pm.

Although we missed out on what would have been wonderful views on a sunny day, it was still a great day out on an excellent track, and we were lucky that the rain held off until we were back in Christchurch. Txt by Judy R

Felled forest gives a stark view

Standards pause for a breather

Morning tea stop

Standards head further into the mist

Alternates gathered at Packhorse Hut for lunch

Ready to descend to Kaituna Valley

Descent to Kaituna Valley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A spring in the step after leaving the bus.

Through grassy farmland

Just as well someone knows the way

Great spot for lunch with coastal views.

Cattle, a hazard of farm walks.

The sculptured limestone in the creek bed.

Rocky beach with towering cliffs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upwards on the Okuti Valle Track

Will the clouds clear for us?

In the mist for the Alternative group’s lunch

Lunch under trees for the standard group

The end of a good day

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

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

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

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

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

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

Text by Keith L

Morning tea on Mistletoe Track.

The Lyndon Saddle.

Making the descent of Helicopter Hill.

Standards on the summit of Helicopter Hill.

Crossing Manson Creek.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The turquoise water of the Rakaia River.

Morning tea, not very sunny.

No view of Mt Hutt today.

Striding to out on the Rakaia Gorge Walkway.

Over the stile.

For the Christmas lunch it was decided to have a change of venue from previous years, and instead of going to Hanmer, we would go for a short walk before having a buffet lunch for 56 trampers at the Otoromiro Hotel in Governors Bay.

There were three options available – people taking their own cars, taking the bus to Governors Bay and walking locally, or being dropped off at The Sign of the Bellbird and walking down to Governors Bay via the Crater Rim and Faulkner’s tracks.  With some taking cars, we set off with a full bus , including two visitors and our bus driver Alan who would join us for lunch.

We were advised beforehand the track down to Governors Bay could be a bit challenging, and that was reinforced on the way there.  Nevertheless 35 trampers alighted from the bus at The Sign of the Bellbird and walking as one group we set off on the Crater Rim track. The weather wasn’t the best at first, with low cloud and a cool wind, but we were soon stripping off when the cloud lifted and we were protected from the wind.

We chose a spot on the side of the track overlooking the city for morning tea, with plenty of dry rocks for people to sit on. After tea it was a short walk before branching off to the right on to Faulkner’s track and heading downhill.

Although the track was quite narrow and overgrown in places and there was a reasonably steep drop off on one side, there were spectacular views of the harbour and Governors Bay, and plenty of zig zags made the going easier. Fortunately, the rain of the previous two days hadn’t made the track too slippery, although there were a couple of areas that had to be negotiated with care.

At one stage we stopped to watch a bird gliding across the valley in front of us. Its movements were reminiscent of a hawk, but the colours on its wings gave it away, and when it landed we confirmed it was a kereru/wood pigeon.

On the lower slopes of the track, it didn’t look like there had been a lot of foot traffic, and although we had no trouble keeping to the narrow dirt track there was shoulder high long grass and bracken fern were brushing us as we descended.

With the sounds of power tools we reached the first of the houses on the hillside, and then it was a short walk down to the main road and then to the hotel.

The rest of the group walking locally had arrived  just before us and after a quick change of clothes we headed up to the bar for the cold beers and rosés some of us had been looking forward to.

With the sun shining we were able to sit outside and there was plenty of bench seating either in the sun or under the shade of umbrellas. Before we started eating, owner Jeremy Dyer gave us a brief history of the hotel which he has owned for 18 years.

Founded in 1870, the hotel went through a couple of names before becoming the Governors Bay hotel, named after a former governor of New Zealand, Sir George Grey.

Late last year it was decided to change the name to Otoromiro Hotel, to better reflect the Māori history of the area. The name translates to the place of Miro.  The Miro is a native tree that covers large areas of Banks peninsula, including Governors Bay and the site of the hotel. The berries of the tree are a favourite food of wood pigeons. The hotel also boasts a small, heated saltwater pool, complete with jets for endless swimming. Jeremy explained how they came across the old water tank and converted it into the pool.

The change of venue proved to be a success, and after an enjoyable lunch there was a bit of time to mingle before heading back to the bus for the trip home. For some it would be the last tramp, while others would meet in Akaroa for the final tramp of the year.

Morning tea beside the track

Faulkners Track.

Crossing the stile in Hoon Hay Reserve.

Long grass to negotiate on the narrow track

Enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Otoromiro Hotel.

Otoromiro’s endless pool

Enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Otoromiro Hotel.

Stats: Distance 11.5/7.6km, Ascent 519m, Time 4hrs.

With passes in hand a team of resilient trampers boarded the bus for a further walk in the Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands Park to end our second Covid-defined year. 

The warm bus and length of the ride up to Porters Pass can be sufficient to lull a keen tramper into a stupor, however that state was quickly gone on exiting the bus and feeling the nip in the air. The Alternates and Standards set out on their way. The Standards beginning with a scramble over a washed-out gulley. And soon the leaders and those who’d walked the track before conferring about the best route. Making choices about pathways (there is no marked track) was the order of much of the day. To go straight up or to zig zag up (or down) the levels of the terrain? Not unlike navigating a course living with Covid in 2021. 

It was the first day of summer and the walk was filled with flowering plants. Celmesia lyallii underfoot and delicate bright yellow spires of Bulbinella hookeri. Both pretty. The Bulbinella pretty enough for some trampers to entertain thoughts of it in their home gardens. Also, flowering was Disceria toumatou or matagouri and Aciphylla aurea commonly known as speargrass or Spaniard. While the golden Spaniard’s flower is handsome the plant is challenging to love given the havoc it can wreck on vulnerable bare flesh. Several of us fell into it, unbalanced by lumpy ground or were speared by it in passing. It appears to grow in clusters – or at least pairs  – where there’s a plant on one side of the path/track there’s at least one on the other side so that avoiding contact is difficult. 

Turns out that the Spaniard plant, like the flu pandemic of 1918, was ill-named. Sandra Simpson (Spiny Spaniards in New Zealand, 2013) writes that the only reference she can find suggests that the name is “jocular” and that Reverend William Colenso, writing in 1894, called the name “objectionable” preferring the Māori name, taramea (rough, spiny thing), or its botanical name. Its spiny-ness is an effective defence against browsing animals, and before the introduction of them, against moa. Māori ate its tender shoots and tap root which tastes something like a carrot. Which all adds up since it’s a member of the Umbelliferae or carrot family. 

The Standards found their way and ate morning tea looking down the valley to see the bus parked at the bottom. The walking was sometimes spongey underfoot, sometimes tussocky and consistently mentally engaging. And then we were walking the fault line and talking hypotheticals and which way would you jump if? 

We could see the Alternates ahead making their way up to the Coleridge Saddle and caught up with them as they lunched there in the sunshine. The Standards pushed on up to the top of Boundary Hill and lunched and marvelled at the spectacular landscape, Lake Coleridge and the Wilberforce and Rakaia valleys. 

As we readied ourselves to go, the comfort of food in bellies was quickly unsettled by a post lunch warning from our leader – going too far to the right could result in a broken neck, and on the left could result in a broken ankle. Sure enough there was a sharp drop off on the right and the walking on the left was pocked with hoof prints. In addition, there were the omnipresent Supercarrots to avoid.  Some of us didn’t. Part way down our descent was rewarded with the discovery of festive red ribbons marking a path. In the spirit of Christmas,  a team had done a recce quite a while ago and left seasonal cheer. Thank you very much.

The remainder of the Standards’ walk was relatively flat and straightforward. We followed a 4WD track most of the way to the Red Lakes (which are blue) with shoreline shaded by mountain beech. Then made our way to Lyndon Road and the waiting Alternates. The homeward trip was delightfully uneventful after an exhilarating last walk in the Canterbury foothills for the year. 

Morning tea amongst the matagouri.

The correct method for the group to cross a fence.

Taking a break before tackling Boundary Hill.

Trampers on the skyline.

Always good to get back to the bus.