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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Text by Shirls

Stds set off from bus drop-off

Stds on track

Stds enjoy trackside morning tea

Stds zig-zag towards summit

Alts lunch Mt Grey summit

Stds enjoy panoramic views

Stds group photo at trig

Stds begin descent after lunch

Alts relax at Lake Janet after tramp

Distance 14.5 km                   Ascent 462 m                 Duration 4:30 hours

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

Text by Sally

Stds muster at Halswell Quarry

Trampers negotiate first gate at start of tramp

Alts en route to Kennedy’s Bush Track

Stds break for morning tea

Alts @ Bellbird

Kererū

Stds reach Sign of the Kiwi

Stds line-up

Distance 8.7 km                    Ascent 564 m                 Duration 4:00 hours

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

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

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

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

Judy R

Trampers muster to begin walk

Alts progress up valley track

Leading Stds pause for the group to catch up

Morning tea in the cave

Alts tackle the stairway

Stds ascend towards the Bluff Lookout

Alts enjoy lunch in the sun

Native flora, running water & birdsong…

Keen rowers take to the lake

Distance 14 / 9 km                            Ascent 153 m                 Duration 4:30 hours

Once the Halswell contingent was aboard the bus, President Jen greeted 39 walkers including  visitor Hailey. Jen also noted the return of several trampers.

Bus driver Alan dropped us at Te Wharau / Charteris Bay. With just the one toilet available for the many, it was a case of patiently waiting to begin the walk at 1000 hrs.

The Alternates were promised “…a delightful tramp complete with morning tea and lunch views, toilets and refreshments available at the conclusion.” Such a goal had the right appeal to several of the regular standards who opted to take this shorter walk. It was a lovely spring day, with 17 alternates taking the coastal path around the cliff track on the southern side of Whakaraupo / Lyttelton Harbour, intent on reaching Purau Bay via Te Waipapa / Diamond Harbour.

Dwindled by a few – per above we didn’t have the same promising outlook of coffee & ice creams in Diamond Habour that the Alternatives were looking forward to – the Standards set out with Steve B leading in his familiar territory – the walk through to Purau seemed to go quickly and without the slippery conditions expected from the heavy rain two days earlier.

After making our way some distance along the Head to Head track, our morning tea stop was reached, opposite Otamahua / Quail Island, the location for the movie “We Were Dangerous”. There was time to view the lush plantings that lined the hillside, a theme of yellow and blue, succulents galore, a little micro climate in the sunshine. As we nimbly navigated the cliff edge we also pondered the prominent sculpture of a large fishing line?” at a property above us. So much to see that the “Kia Mataara / Warning was probably a good reminder of keeping to the straight and narrow, or in this case, the winding path, uphill and downhill.

The Standards lunch was at the head of Purau Bay and looking out across to Ripapa Island. (This island has played many roles over the years. Amongst these, it was: a Māori fortified pā in the early 19th century; a quarantine station in the 1870’s; Fort Jervois was built in 1886 as part of system of defences against a feared Russian invasion; the fort was then in military use until the end of World War I, and again during World War II.)

Alternates reached our lunch stop around 1215 hrs. We then continued onward towards Purau. A short steep track led back up to the road, just a brief distance back to the waiting bus. And our promised refreshment stop at the cafe. Alternates enjoyed a leisurely time in the sun while catching up with some Nor’West Hikers who had been former BTC members, also enjoying their day out.

The Standards followed the picturesque Coastal Cliffs Walkway around to Diamond Habour and around several boating enclaves, encountering unexpected succulents and flowering shrubs. We walked around Church Bay then Hays Bay and then over a small rise into Charteris Bay.

The day’s promise had certainly been filled, another delightful tramp successfully undertaken.

Marie-Therese (Alternates) and Brent (Standards)

Stds prepare to march from Bayview Rd

Stds muster to check all present

Boat moorings in Purau Bay

Stds negotiate the foreshore route

Local flora

Alts morn tea

Alts follow foreshore trail

Distance 12.5 km                   Ascent 500 m                                 Duration 4:15 hours

After a slow commute through the city, we picked up the rest of the day’s trampers at the Princess Margaret Hospital car park and were driven to the Tussock Vineyard car park area on Huntsbury Ave.  The 16 Standards took off to the left, over a stile and down the Huia Gilpin Track into the valley to visit the shelter before coming back up to the Summit Rd.  The 10 Alternatives went straight on up the 4-wheel track continuation of Huntsbury Ave.  And it was straight up – after 2 months of no tramping the author’s lungs and legs were really rebelling!  Fortunately, the gradient became more gentle as we made our way upwards.  Near the Summit Road, the alternatives had morning tea with a beautiful view to the west of the fresh, overnight snow-cap on the foothills.  During the break, a native Canterbury ground beetle was seen scrambling across the track – an unusual daytime sight because these beetles are normally nocturnally active, feeding on other insects and worms.  On being picked up, it demonstrated another feature of these beetles by spraying its foul-smelling defence chemical.  It was returned to the grassland before we left.

After the tea break, we crossed the Summit Road and followed the Crater Rim Track through the Scott Scenic Reserve and on to near Sugar Loaf where we took Mitchell’s Track and passed to the south of Sugar Loaf and across the road for a ‘pit stop’ at the Sign of the Kiwi.  On resumption of the tramp, we joined the Bowenvale Track.  Soon afterwards, we met the Standards coming down the Summit Rd.  Why the Alternatives circled Sugarloaf in a clockwise direction and the Standards in an anti-clockwise direction is something some psychologist may be able to answer.  One feature of this tramp was the number of places where planting had occurred over the winter, with signs bearing information about the plantings. The lush, green growth of previous years’ plantings was also very visible.

The Alternatives had lunch sitting in a nice, protected area below the mountain bike track before resuming the tramp in the direction of Mt Vernon.  At this point, they took the ‘low road’ (the Mt Vernon Mountain Bike Track) to the gate near the Archie Lilly Memorial and the Standards took the ‘high road’ to the Mt Vernon summit.  From the Summit Rd, it was then a long steady tramp down the Mt Vernon Farm Track to the bus waiting for us in Hillsborough Terrace.  The Alternatives arrived at the bus at 2.00 pm and the Standards about 20 minutes later.  Before dropping off the PMH passengers, we ended a lovely spring day’s outing with coffee at Zeroes.

Txt by Eric

Stds muster @ lookout

Alts Lunch

Alts Lunch

Distance 8.6 km                    Ascent 1,105m                               Duration 3:45 hours

After heavy rain overnight we woke to cool south westerly conditions with clearing skies. This tramp has been cancelled the last 3 years so it was 34 eager trampers including one visitor Chris V who joined bus driver Peter for the journey to Porters Pass. The plan this year was for the Alternates to walk the same route as the Standards, climbing Rabbit Hill.

At 10am just over the crest of Porters Pass under blue skies with calm conditions, 20 Standards set off followed closely by 14 Alternates heading steadily uphill on the 4WD farm track. This initial steep section is probably the most punishing as we have just left the comfort of the bus.

Fresh snow had fallen overnight creating “winter wonderland” conditions for our morning tea spot at 10.35am with views looking towards magnificent Foggy Peak minus fog which doesn’t happen often. The Alternates arrived ready for a breather not long afterwards with their Leader setting a good pace.

After morning tea, with the snow covered alpine tussocks sparkling in the sunshine, it was a satisfying sound to hear the crunch of our boots as we made our way up and along the ridge to reach TRIG M, 1251m at 11.30am.  Time was spent admiring the view, taking photos and some let off steam throwing a few snowballs.

This next section is spectacular with pockets of mountain beech looking even more so with branches laden with snow and some impressive rocky outcrops. A more scenic female peeing location would be hard to find. Thank you Warren.

Following the ridge towards Rabbit Hill there are many ups and downs with progress slowing markedly on the steeper descents as full focus was required in the very slippery snow. Brave alpine plants cling to the scree slopes and look right at home in the snowy environment. We were not looking forward to the boggy section where several streams cross, just before we begin climbing Rabbit Hill but, this year, perhaps with the snow it was easier to negotiate.

While enjoying refreshments after the Kate Valley tramp last week some were discussing the life of various animals. We had sympathy for sheep and how boring their life must be with grass all day long before we progressed to the breeding habits of rabbits.

I delved a bit deeper, frightening.

A doe can have more than 20 offspring in a year and can breed when only 4 months old. Can be pregnant again within minutes of giving birth as they are induced ovulators. If a doe is receptive she lifts her tale and the buck falls to the side or backwards. With an experienced buck this can take only seconds. Gestation period is 25 – 28 days.  Let’s move quickly on.

For the staff at Further Faster, Rabbit Hill is a favourite Mountain Dog Challenge. I can imagine the dogs would love the thrill of the chase but not so much the BTC trampers who are using all their energy just to get up the bloody hill.

Rabbit Hill, 1198m is quite cruel as just when you think you have reached the summit there is a higher point to come. Standards enjoyed lunch at 1pm after walking along the ridge from the summit to find a little more shelter. Magnificent views to take in of Lake Coleridge and the snow covered Southern Alps. Alternates tell me they sighted  a red admiral butterfly at the summit. No photographic record but I’ll believe them.

Full concentration was required after reaching the saddle and making the steep descent to meet the bus 5.2 km along the Lyndon Rd. It was treacherous with the slippery snow and some big drop offs but at the same time extremely entertaining.

Many different styles for the slips and slides, not always landing in soft snow only but with the addition of glorious mud. A tramper with a prominent role in the Alternate group was apparently the most spectacular of all with three different demonstrations of a rolling technique which he was obviously trying to perfect but never quite mastered.

The Standards were back at the bus by 2.40pm and joined just 30 mins later by the Alternates. The verdict, when asked if they want to follow this route next year, was they had proved they could climb Rabbit Hill so no need to do it again. A great achievement by all.

Thanks to both Leaders for leading us confidently through the snow for a stunning Spring tramp in perfect conditions.

We were home before 5pm after a wonderful day out.

(txt Kate)

The Alts on the ascending track

Alts morning tea stop

Alts lunch stop

Stds take a brief break

Stds group photo atop Trig M

Stds admire awesome snowy mountain views

Stds troop on…

Winter wonderland

Alts on return

Stds line-up on the level

Stats: distance 12.5km, ascent 250m, time 4hrs

Our bus left Christchurch with 41 on board including 3 visitors: Hailey, David and Chris. At Darfield we picked up farm owners Evan and Maureen, and 3 members of the local tramping club. With such a big group it was decided to split into the usual 2 groups but this didn’t last long as everyone enjoyed the rare opportunity to talk with members who are often in the other group. Fashion statement de jour was a member’s new knee high camo gaiters.

This tramp is interesting because it combines Matariki Forest, the former Bathurst Resources coal mine which was shut about 5 years ago, and a farm walk. Talking of mines, Farmer Evan was a mine of information all day, starting with an underground mine about 100m underneath the road that we walked on for the first km. It operated from the 1920s and closed in the ‘70s because of water. They delivered coal to local houses; one ton of coal was 1200 shovels full – hard work for the poor driver.

The former mine is undergoing remediation with extensive landscaping. A lot of natives will be planted to stabilise the hills and the water drains into a lake which was the ideal place for morning tea. Then began several climbs and descents across the rolling hills until we holed up in a gully where we could have lunch out of the cool westerly wind with great views east. On the way, Evan pointed out the one hectare area which will be fenced off to protect native lizards (at his cost), and another where he planted natives around 20 years ago to smother gorse.

The walk out to Whitecliffs was uneventful until the bus was not where we expected it be. Oops, we came out on a different track and the bus was where it should have been, just around the corner.

Peter M

Bus drop-off Bush Gully Rd

Entering Coalgate Forest Farm

Morning tea stop by lake

Up, up, and away…

Heading off after lunch

Admiring the views

Trampers striding out

Feisty horses

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

Shortly after bus driver, Alan, left Bishopdale there was mutual excitement as we passed two club members waiting for their airport bus, bound for different adventures. There were 38 trampers including visitor David C, and Jim, a guest of Joanne.

Mystery surrounds some names on today’s walk in North Canterbury. Who were Barbara, Ella and Kate, of Lookout, Peak, and Pond fame? Research has failed to identify the trio, enquiries with Transwaste are ongoing.

After a seemingly brief walk downhill, the 17 Alternates caught up with the 21 Standards who had stopped for morning tea. Belatedly the few Alternates stragglers realised that they were, in fact, continuing on a further distance.

The track descended to the wetland area, bypassing Kate Pond. Very soon Alternates spotted a pile of abandoned packs, guarded by a pair of reclining minders. From the junction Standards had begun their extra 3 km return to Ella Peak sans packs.

Everyone trooped on, enjoying the spectacular views of Pegasus Bay, Motunau Island and Banks Peninsula. One of the Alternates offered a credible explanation of the “kissing gate” through which we individually squeezed, like sheep being drafted. A member then disclosed that it was her 53^rd wedding anniversary, with resultant questioning as to who might have sustained a longer marriage. Well done those with the big numbers!

Some 20 minutes after the Alternates, the Standards arrived at the beach lunch stop at 1220 hrs. From there it was a steady uphill return in the sunshine, through plantation forest and on road to the bus. Both groups arrived back simultaneously at 1410 hrs.

Sights seen during the day – a diminutive mermaid (Amberley toilets), two honking geese (Kate Stream), an amorous couple (on a ridge above the beach) and a snowman – ah, seen closer, it’s not a snowman, it’s the trig on Ella Peak.

In the fashion stakes the Standard’s leader’s peaked cap drew admiration, a purchase from somewhere along the Rhine. Therein lay another story. With the 1410hr arrival at the bus, time allowed for a refreshment stop at Amberley, continuing the day’s companionship and laughter.

Text by Marie-Therese

The tramp begins…

Stds enjoy views from trig station

Stds descend hill

Alts near beach

Awesome coastline views from beach

Alts return

Duration 4 hrs 20 mins

We had a fine, clear, frosty morning with little wind for our tramp.  Bus driver Peter transported 41 trampers (including 3 visitors) to the township of Little River on Banks Peninsula for the walk from there to Birdlings Flat some 16 km away.

The walk began (for the Standard group) at the entrance gate to Kinloch Homestead about 2km up Kinloch Rd from the Akaroa Highway.  From there it’s a 6km climb with a 560 m height gain up a well-graded and sealed road to the intersection with Bossu Rd.  The weather was fine and sunny as we climbed, and layers of warm clothing were soon removed.  The views back down to Lake Forsyth, Little River and the hills beyond were a suitable reward for the hard work.

Directly opposite us across the valley, and above Little River township, we identified High Bare Peak where new owners are de-stocking, removing exotic trees, planting native trees and encouraging the land to revert to its original bush covering.  The owners also plan to develop walking tracks and to open the area for recreational walking.

Kinloch Rd was a bit busier than usual owing to recent logging activity and on the way up we encountered several trucks transporting logs from an area that once contained a pine plantation.  At the Bossu Rd intersection (the starting point for the Alternates group) we also had a chance encounter with a group of trampers from the Over Forties Tramping Club.

Bossu Road is so named because it leads to Mount Bossu, a rocky peak overlooking Akaroa Harbour some 10km away to the east. French settlers named it Mt Bossu, presumably after the 18^th century French explorer Jean Bernard Bossu.  Maori call this mountain Tuhiraki.  According to legend, Tuhiraki was formed when the ancestor Rakaihautu used his digging stick to create the great lakes of the South Island. After completing his task, he planted his stick in the ground, where it eventually grew into the mountain.

The second part of the walk took us eastwards along Bossu Road and with a slow descent to sea level again at Birdlings Flat – a distance of about 10 km.  The views from this road include the eastern bays of Banks Peninsula (Oashore, Tokoroa, Tumbledown etc) to the left, the Kaitorete Spit ahead and in the distance, the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps.

Following a tiring few hundred metres over the soft shingle, the walk finished at Birdlings Flat settlement where Peter and his bus were waiting to transport us back to Christchurch after a very pleasant day out.

Text by Warren

Stds ascend Kinloch Rd

Stds make headway on Bossu Rd

Alts morning tea Stop

View towards Kaitorete Spit

Alts en route

Views galore

Descent to Birdlings Flat

Distance 14 km                                                                     Duration 4 ½ hours

After last week’s awful weather and the ensuing cancellation, 42 eager trampers were keen to enjoy the fine conditions and workout that lay ahead.

Jen welcomed our visitors, Stuart and Hailey, and our driver, Tony. Despite Stuart travelling by car and meeting us at Sumner, I’m sure he felt the good vibes.  A different sort of treat was handed around the bus – a bag of One Square Meals. Graham was duly thanked and his warning that they were quite hard and might need a soften up before we risked dental failure on our first bite, was noted. One member was particularly delighted – taking the product name at face value and deciding that Wednesday night’s dinner was sorted!!

We soon arrived at Sumner where the 31 walking with the Standards alighted and headed off up Whitewash Head Road for the start of the Flowers track. The Alternate group remained on the bus to be deposited at Evans Pass.

The Standards were enjoying the stunning coastal views while negotiating the somewhat slippery conditions underfoot. An early morning tea was called so that we could watch a paraglider launch himself from the clifftop. Our leader seemed to be kept quite busy helping untangle and move gear for the would-be flier which begs the question, “How would he have managed if we weren’t there?” We were very pleased to see him safely launched and staying aloft, at least while we were watching. It seemed like a perfect day for this leisure activity also. We soon heard the two-minute warning, quickly followed by the one-minute and then the five-second, so no excuses for not being ready to move on.

We descended to Taylor’s Mistake via the switchbacks which reminded me that the year before, walking with the Alternates, they had to be conquered coming uphill at the end of the day. A bit of a challenge when the legs are tired. In response to one member’s query how the bay got its name, Google confirms the commonly held belief that it was named after a ship’s captain who mistook it for Lyttelton Harbour. Surely Captain Taylor was navigating in extremely challenging conditions, or had he exceeded the daily ration of rum? However, it has been known as such since at least 1853, so a mistake that has become part of our local lore.

Arriving at the turn off for the short descent to Boulder Bay quite a few of the Standards opted not to visit this quaint beach with the remnants of times past, but continued up to Scott’s Hut where we waited for the others to join us.  “The Cabin” is one of four prefabricated huts sent to Antarctica on Robert Falcon Scott’s second polar expedition, 1910 – 1913. It was intended for meteorological observations but none of the party could be spared for these tasks, so was never erected. After its return to Lyttelton it was utilised as a garden shed on a Clifton property before being gifted and moved to its present location after the 2010/11 earthquakes. It must have the most sublime views in the region.

Just before we reached our lunch spot at Godley Head we encountered another group of hikers descending.  “Oh, it’s the Alternates” we exclaimed, thinking what good time they had made. On reaching the rest area we found a group from the Kaiapoi Walking Club in residence but there was plenty of room for all.

After lunch the single lane track winds its way around the Lyttelton side of the Summit Road with gorgeous views of the water to Purau and Diamond Harbour. We appeared to be moving along at a good pace and sure enough we reached the bus at the top of Evans Pass shortly after 2.00pm. Arriving back in Sumner we were assured there was time for an ice cream or coffee and on the way to the beachfront shop we once again met our Alternates. They were quick to shed their packs, change footwear and join us for a quick refreshment. Keen to include news of their day, I approached several for comment but received very conflicting information. One said the 190+ steps were quite a challenge.  Another said, “What steps?”  Let’s leave it that they too had a fabulous day in a special place close to our city.

Text by Jan Bw

Coastal trail switchbacks from Sumner

Paraglider in flight

Taylor’s Mistake beach

Boulder Bay

Stds muster at Boulder Bay

Alts mornng tea

Harbour views