Distance 13.18 km; total duration 4 hrs 57 min (walking time inc breaks); 626 m elevation gain

In the Chinese zodiac it is the first week of the Year of the Snake and on the local calendar it is the eve of our national Waitangi Day holiday. The day promises to be a hot one when 21 of us set out from Bishopdale. We’re delighted to have Mark from the UK – holidaying with family here – tramp with us again for the next few weeks. Our driver is Alan and he drops us at Barnett Park where we connect with Chris S and Pip who shares chocolates which we eat before they melt. Thank you Pip and congratulations on your mid-birthday.

We split into two groups and largely walking the same route, spend the next few hours parting and re-meeting. There are 12 in the Standard group, 6 women and 6 men – which produces some entertaining communication; and a solitary male among the 11 Alternates – there must be an apposite David Attenborough observation?

We stop for morning tea at the pine trees on Summit Road. Talk turns to flossing – the dental sort – and a recently published study in the American Heart Association Journals. The study asked 6,258 adults how they flossed and followed them for 25 years. The study suggests that flossing your teeth once a week reduces your risk of stroke by a fifth. Floss more often and you reduce the risk further. Want to know more? Go to https://doi.org/10.1161/str.56.suppl_1.19 . The Standards leave the shade of the pine trees to the arriving Alternates.

The Standards climb Mt Pleasant / Tauhinukorokio – site of a Ngāti Māmoe settlement in the late 1500s. Soon both groups meet again while encountering a bright orange hi viz clad group clambering out of vans. They’re fourth year UC geology students studying volcanic deposits – flossing and strokes far from their thoughts.

We stop for lunch at Te Ana Marina and enjoy the rare comfort of sitting on sleek bespoke seats with backs rather than on the ground. We eat and read distant boat names. Someone says It’s like going to the optometrists.  The Alternates arrive and it’s time to move on again.

It’s hot now and the water looks inviting. We walk around the bays. The school year has begun and there aren’t many people in the water.  On the Cass Bay shoreline the much-admired copper house is weathering well. We’ve one last small incline to climb through a stand of eucalypts. There’s the song of a bellbird to distract from the grind of the hill in the heat and we’ve arrived at Pony Point. The Alternates follow the coastal path with 51 trees planted by the families of the victims of the 2019 mosque attacks – the trees symbolizing their continued presence.

When we last did this tramp the sculpture on the Point had been vandalized.  Happily today at the tramps’s end there is a fabulous new sculpture high on a plinth and Alan with our stowed water bottles to rehydrate and the luxury of an air conditioned bus to drive us all home.

Text by Jen

Ascending towards the Summit Road

Morning tea stop under the pines

Mt Pleasant views

Crater rim trail from Mt Pleasant

Major Hornbrook Track

Alts enjoy a relaxing lunch

Lyttelton Marina carving

Lunch at the Marina

Alts group photo at Cass Bay

Restored Pony Point sculpture

Stats: distance 9km, vertical ascent 730m, time 4hrs 45mins.

Driver Peter and a smaller bus greeted us at Bishopdale as the larger bus had a faulty window frame needing repair. The early start had caught a couple of trampers out with one almost sleeping in and the other requiring a prompt from a timely phone call.

There were 31 including Jack from the Christchurch Star and 3 other community papers. Thank you, Graham, for arranging this initiative.  President Jen had cancelled with a sick green turtle Zorro at home needing some TLC. Not sure how you know when a turtle is sick but perhaps they turn even greener.

With no microphone DP Graham advised us of the roles for the day and welcomed Jack before we left Yaldhurst. For some it was their first New Year outing so the noise level in the smaller bus sounded like a student pub on a Friday night. The raging nor’west wind battered the bus as we headed towards the DOC car park for Mt Alford under threatening skies with an obvious nor’west arch and storm clouds of various shades of grey hanging over the mountains. I don’t think many were feeling optimistic for pleasant tramping conditions after encountering the wind force at the Rakaia toilet stop.

At 10am, 21 Standards followed closely by 10 Alternates set off up the farm track to enter the beech forest in what was now to our surprise just a gentle breeze. Magnificent beech, lush ferns, the always present muddy sections, an attractive stream and across a 4-wheel drive track before re- entering the bush which now headed more sharply uphill. At 10.45am morning tea now in bright sunshine in a clearing with grand views to the plains.

Now the tussock basin, up the steep fence line, through large deer gates but no sign of any deer underneath the observatory buildings at 900m. The day getting noticeably warmer and little wind to cool us. The poled track continues steadily uphill through sub alpine scrub with lots of daisies and spaniard grass in flower to be very wary of. We reach the ridge line at 12.15pm where we decide it is lunch time and make the decision we won’t go all the way to the summit at 1171m as time will not allow.  Disappointing as I know the faster ones could have made it but with drink stops and the odd wait, the right decision. Couldn’t complain about the view of plains, river and mountains with no snow in sight despite a fresh fall reported on Mt Hutt on Monday morning. Two chose to lunch a little further down the track and sort out all the world’s problems and rejoin us on the return journey.

Our return was uneventful until the final section in the bush when the men especially were beginning to notice masses of black seeds clinging tenaciously to the hairs on their legs. This is hook grass, or some trampers call it, bastard grass, where tiny barbed fish hook extensions on the seeds attach themselves to hair, wool and the feathers on birds that feed on the ground. When they scratch all the seeds off, the plant has done its purpose of redistribution. We may need a leg inspection next week! Back at the bus at 2.45pm where the others had been waiting since 2pm.

The Alternates enjoyed lunch at the now rickety picnic table at the start of the tussock basin. Their highlight appeared to be a strip show provided by a member who is not normally noted for stripping. This was a complex striptease involving multiple layers and re-organising of garments. Three had walked up the fence line returning the zig zag route, unlike the others lounging in the tussocks being entertained by the free strip show.

Jack had interacted well with many finding out how BTC operates and learning something of trampers’ personal stories and the part the club plays in enhancing their lifestyle. He freely shared his story through broadcasting and journalism school to his role today doing something he loves.

Congratulations to Marie-Therese featuring under Bright Lines in the Listener with her modern proverb on home gardens: “Absence makes the lawns grow longer”.

Text by Kate

On the Beech forest trail

Stds take a morning tea break

Stds negotiating the steep trail

Alts ascending to lunch spot

Alts enjoying lunch in the sun

Journalist Jack lunching with the Stds

Panoramic views of the Canterbury Plains

Stds on the afternoon descent

Distance 13.6 km; duration 5 hrs  20 min (walking time with breaks); 788 m elevation gain

A glorious sunny day greeted us at Bishopdale for our tramp from Hoon Hay Reserve to the Sign of the Bellbird. Our driver Callum got us to Princess Margaret Hospital in record time where we picked up a few more members and proceeded up to Dyers Pass and then right on Summit Road to be dropped off at Hoon Hay Reserve at around 9:30.

The trip reports do not show this as a tramp the Club has done before. While it starts the same as the Hoon Hay Reserve to Omahu Bush tramp (which we last did 27 May 2022), the Alternates return after lunch at Coopers Knob to the Sign of the Bellbird; the Standards do not explore the Omahu Bush but rather ascend Gibraltar Rock and then return to the Summit Road/Crater Rim Walkway to the Bellbird.

Hoon Hay Reserve did not have quite the glorious weather we experienced at Bishopdale – clouds hung over Lyttelton Harbour and the breeze was a little cooler than many had expected. The 24 Standards immediately took off while the 6 remaining Alternates proceeded at a somewhat more sedate pace.

It took the Alternates about an hour to get to the Sign of the Bellbird for morning tea. Our leader offered us the option of having tea in the bush as you start up Cass Peak/Ōrongomai or inside the shelter across the road. Shelter from the wind won out quite quickly.

After tea, the Alternates continued on the Crater Rim Walkway, through bush and brush and flax, over hill over dale, and up and down the rocky passages, all in typical BTC tramp fashion. The sun finally broke through about 30 minutes before lunch. The breeze had by this time turned into a steady wind from the East/Northeast making a lunch priority “where can we get out of the wind”.

As we began our return trip to the Bellbird, we could see the Standards across on Gibraltar Rock just below the ridgeline. I am told the group took a circuitous route to get to Gibraltar Rock and that our President had to plead with the Standards’ leader to stop for lunch. And while stop he did, he was the only Standard willing to brave the wind to have lunch at the top of Gibraltar, managing to lose the cheese out of his sandwich to the wind.

Both groups arrived at the Bellbird windblown but in good time, having walked the road part of the way. We were back on the bus to Bishopdale arriving around 3:30. Another good tramp with good friends.

Text by Michele

Stds negotiate Omahu Bush Track

Up Gibraltar Rock

Alts lunch spot Coopers Knob

Gibralatar Rock

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