OTAGO SUMMER TRAMPS 2024-25
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DUNEDIN DAY WALKS
29 Dec - 2 Jan
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A variety of day walks and other activities in Dunedin was enjoyed as the first part of the Summer Tramps,
based at the St Kilda holiday park. On 29 December a group did the Carey Creek Track, a scenic 9.2 km
trail offering a mix of adventure and natural beauty. The trail was rather muddy, with numerous river
crossings and overgrown bushes adding to the challenge. Despite the conditions, the journey through the
relaxing forest was worth every step. The same day seven members enjoyed a trip to Orokanui Eco sanctuary,
where they saw Takahe parents and Chick, an Otago skink and some really ancient forest - 300 years old.
On New Year's Day a group hired bikes to cycle the Otago Harbour Loop. From St Kilda they cycled along
the northwest side of the harbour to Port Chalmers, catch a ferry to Portobello, then return along the
southeast harbour coastline. Other places visited included Flagstaff Hill, the Botanic Gardens, Larnach
Castle, Ross Creek, and Baldwin Ave the steepest street in NZ.
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SILVER PEAKS
30 Dec - 1 Jan
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Nine members tackled three days of challenging tramping, but too misty for any good views. The track
is 25 kilometres, and the highest point is 777 metres. It climbs up onto the tussock and then comes back
down through the forest. Our overnights included Jubilee Hut (10 bunks) and Phil J Cox Memorial Hut (4
bunks + 4 on the floor + Ian's tent). The most memorable part was the steep downhill "devil's staircase".
The tussock ridges did have a golden sheen as well as a cold wind and our last day on the River Track
was a mixture of tall manuka and beech forest.
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Naseby is a charming historic village that offers a unique blend of rich history, outdoor adventure,
and tranquility. This provided an interesting range of walks and activities, staying at the holiday park.
A group did the Little Keyburn Track. This turned out to be overgrown and we almost decided to turn back
no longer able to see the orange markers. However we carried on and found the track again, and did the
steep climb to Buster Hut arriving 3pm. Fortunately we were able to return along a 4whd track after a
30min break, and got back to our van at 7pm. Some of us went to a rink to have a go at curling, the Great
ABTC Curling Competition, earning us a celebratory coffee afterwards. A group hired bikes to ride part
of the Central Otago Rail Trail braving a cold drizzle to begin with, and welcome a warm sunshine for
lunch at Omakau, before com-p0leting the 42km at Chatto Creek. We also had a look at the spectacular
St Bathans lake gold mining area with its white shores and blue waters.
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OTEAKE CONSERVATION PARK
4-6 Jan
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Eight trampers set out to do the Tableland Circuit overnighter. The intention was to do the complete
circuit, but the weather forced us to return the same way from the Salisbury Lodge hut. We had a quick
stop at Flora Hut, then went on to the Upper Grid Iron Shelter. This was very unusual, being a clamber
up a long ladder. The shelter had mattresses, and is under a giant rock overhang. We crossed a stream
over a swing bridge then carried on the uphill grunt through the beech forest to Salisbury Lodge. The
kitchen dining area was at the front, then the sleeping accommodation. What looked like a warden's hut
was really the loo.
We could see Gordon's Pyramid, our intention was to follow the Gordon's Pyramid
route over this and on via Arthur Range to the finish. Unfortunately the cloudy weather forced us to
change our minds and retrace our footsteps instead. We saw a native snail on the way back. The Kahurangi
NP-Nelson-West Coast is a major base for about 20 species of Powelliphanta snails, and DOC has been setting
up protection places to ensure that the species are not lost. We took a break at Growler Rock Shelter.
From there we carried on down and over the stream swingbridge, where Jeff reloaded his water bottle,
and went on out to the finish at our starting point.
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ALEXANDRA DAY WALKS
8-11 Jan
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To cap off our Summer Tramps we spent a few days in Alexandra, staying at the holiday park for our last
time there in 2012. There was an interesting 4km walk though the Bannockburn Sluicings Historic Reserve.
the scarred landscapes of a short-lived goldmining era. We enjoyed Don's 'Home on the Range" accompaniment
under the apricot trees at Stewart Town and we're amazed at both the change brought about to the landscape
and the contrast with the vineyards surrounding the site. Some of us did a jet boat cruise on the river
at Alexandra, as well as go up to the distinctive clock on the hill. Our last Summer Tramp expedition
was in the Flat Top Hills Conservation Park - a true Otago Tussock Track!! An 8.3 km loop hike taking
about 4 hours, including a lunch break. Starting at the car park, Great views of Butchers Dam, the Roxburg
Gorge and Alexandra and spectacular rock formations. A perfect mix of rugged landscapes, geology, and
breathtaking vistas.
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