Previous Tramps (2016-17)

Saturday 1 October

East Hawdon Day Trip

Grade: Moderate

We drive to the Hawdon River car park in APNP. Tramp upstream and the take the East Hawdon branch to a small biv for lunch. A really interesting gorge of river scenery and beech trees. Expect to get wet feet.

NOTE: Saturday Tramp

Sat8 to Sun 8 October

Cass - Lagoon Saddle

Grade: Moderate

A classic weekend trip from Cass via Cass Saddle to Hamilton Hut (Season Pass or Hut Tickets required) and out the next day via Lagoon Saddle to Cora Lynn. Either a hitchhike at the end or car shuttle before we start completes the round trip.

Sunday 16 October

Ghost Creek

Grade: Easy- Moderate

Starting from the Porter river bridge (near castle hill) we will follow Ghost Creek up into the valley as far as we decide to go. Return the same way. Not much uphill but off track for most of the way it should be an interesting day.

Fri 21 to Mon 24 October (Labour Weekend)

Lake Minchen Biv, APNP

Grade: Moderate

We'll tramp to the old Trust Poulter hut for Friday night. Saturday we'll walk to Lake Minchin and up to the Bivvy. Sunday back out to either Trust Poulter hut or Worsley biv. Monday back out over Casey Saddle to cars.

Sunday 30 October

Purple Peak and Curry Tracks

Grade: Moderate

A round trip on the new reserve behind Akaroa gifted to the Native Forest Restoration Trust. Woodhills Track to Heritage Park, then the new Curry Track to Purple Peak Track (a climb of 590m) and return to Akaroa.

Sunday 6 November

Greta valley Farm Walk

Grade: Easy

A pleasant walk on private farms in the Greta Valley area. A very hilly area so be prepared an up and down day.

Please ring Glenda on Saturday or before to advise you are coming. Glenda will give instructions on where to meet in Greta Valley.

Fri 11 to Sun 13 November (Show Weekend)

Cameron hut, Arrowsmith Range

Grade: Moderate

From near Lake Heron we follow a trail up the grassy terraces and rocky river bed of the Cameron River to Cameron hut built on the glacial moraine in the upper valley (5-6 hours / 600m climb). On Saturday we explore the head of the valley and up the moraine wall of the Cameron glacier for spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers and mountains.

Sunday 20 November

Mt Oxford - Round trip

Grade: Moderate Plus

Start at Coopers Creek for a long steady climb to the summit of Mt Oxford (1364m) with a possible side trip to the summit of Oxford Hill (1340m). Lunch at the top then return down the Wharfdale and back by the loop track bypassing Ryde Falls. A long day 7-8 hrs with a big morning of solid uphill.

Sunday 27 November

Godley Peak (2087m)

Grade: Moderate Plus

Godley Peak is on the south side of the Rakaia River. We tramp over an easement up Homestead Hill to the main Palmer Range and pass Mother Millers Spring to the summit of Godley Peak. Big views over the Rakaia and into the Southern Alps. Map BW19

Sunday 4 December

Tuhaitara Coastal Trail

Grade: Easy

Drive to Woodend Beach to take the walkway along behind the beach past Pegasus to Waikuku Beach and return 10km on well maintained flat walkway. If everyone is keen we could then head the other way towards Pines Beach which would add a similar distance. If time allows a coffee stop at Woodend or Kaiapoi on the way home.

Sunday 15 January

Craigieburn Day walk and Cave Stream

Grade: Easy Moderate

The plan is to drive to the the Craigieburn area for a short half day walk and lunch. Exactly what the walk will be depends on the day and the trampers. In the afternoon we will be tackling the climb through Cave Stream. Expect to get wet and cold. Bring headlight torch, towel, change of clothes & footwear.

Sat 21 to Sun 22 January

Cow Stream Camping Trip

Grade: Moderate

Drive through Hanmer and over Jacks Pass to the Clarence River. From St James Station, over Peters Pass and down the Edwards River to the Cow Stream “hot” spring. (The last couple of times we have been there the “hot” has been less than luke warm!) Tent, togs and towel required. 3-4hrs walk each way. Just a sharp climb on the way out (100m) but otherwise mostly flat.

Sunday 29 January

Anticrow Hut

Grade: Easy

A day trip to Anticrow Hut and and return. We will drive to the carpark just before the Waimak Bridge at Bealey and take the track to Anticrow Hut for lunch. A really great walk through beech forest and river tussocks. Return the same way with a stop at Springfield for icecream or coffee.

Sat 4 to Mon 6 February (Waitangi Weekend)

Lake Matiri

Grade: Moderate

We will travel to Murchison and walk into Lake Matiri for lunch. Then we will walk up the side of the lake and explore the river valley track. We'll camp out in the valley and the next day tramp up river to McConchies Hut . A long trip out on Monday and cruise home. A coffee stop somewhere if time permits.

Sunday 12 February

Mt Vernon

Grade: Easy

Easy walk up to Mt Vernon, leaving Albert terrace opposite St Martin's Primary, starting 10am. A variation of the walk up Huntsbury Track; returning a different way for coffee or tea at your pleasure. . I look forward to a hot fine day and your company. Boots are optional, steady initial climb, good way to build up your appetite. Please note this trip, won’t run if wet.

Saturday 18 February

Ashburton River Bike Trip

Grade: NA

The exact plan for this bike trip is flexible. We will drive to Ashburton and to the upstream end of the Ashburton River mountain bike track, inland from the SH1 bridge. Cycle to Ashburton. A choice then of the longer option of cycling to the sea on the river track and return, or a shorter option of crossing over the river and cycling to Lake Hood and return. (We could split the group and do both options) Bring your own bike! (Not suitable for road bikes)

Sat 25 to Sun 26 February

Bull Creek Hut

Grade: Moderate Plus

We will drive to Jolliebrook Swing bridge near Lake Sumner. Walk to cold stream hut for the night and return the same way. Wet boots on this trip as some 30 river crossings - well a shallow creek really! A beautiful valley to enjoy.

Sunday 5 March

Pinnacles Hut

Grade: Moderate

A day trip to Pinnacles hut behind Mt Somers. We drive to the Staveley end of Mt Somers walkway and tramp into the hut for lunch. Return the same way. A nice forest trip with interesting rock formations to see from the hut.

Sat 11 to Sun 12 March

Cold Stream Hut

Grade: Easy Overnight

We will drive to Jolliebrook Swing bridge near Lake Sumner. Walk to cold stream hut for the night and return the same way. Wet boots on this trip as some 30 river crossings - well a shallow creek really! A beautiful valley to enjoy.

Sunday 19 March

Greta Valley Mystery Farm trip

Grade: Easy

A day trip with Glenda in the region of Greta Valley. Glenda is able to arrange permissions onto farms which otherwise restrict public access. Her trips are always interesting – come and enjoy a good day out.

Sunday 26 March

Pinchgut Hut Day Trip

Grade: Moderate

We will drive to Fox Creek, leave the cars and cross the Okuku River to follow the track to Pinchgut Hut. Return the same way unless it’s a lovely day then bring a change of clothes and we follow Whare or Gorge Stream back to the main track.

Sat 1 to Sun 2 April

Mt Norma, Lewis Pass

Grade: Moderate plus

Drive to Palmer Lodge and tramp up Easy Spur to tent by the tarn below Mt Norma. Climb Mt Norma (1722m) on Sunday morning and home the same way.

Sunday 9 April

Mt Bruce, Craigieburn

Grade: Moderate

Starting from the Cora Lynn car park we take the track towards Lagoon Saddle but branch off to climb Mt Bruce. A great shingle slide on the south side of Mt Bruce drops us into Broad Stream where there is a good track back to the cars.

Fri 14 to Mon 17 April (Easter)

Poulter River Mountain Bike and Tramp

Grade: Moderate

We will mountain bike up the Poulter to the Trust Poulter hut and camp. Then next day cross the Poulter and explore the Thompson Stream valley. Tent 2nd night up the Thompson then return to the Trust hut and bike down to the Bull Stream confuence and camp. Then tramp up to the Bull stream hut and camp the night there. Last day walk back to MTBs and ride back to car.

Sat 22 to Sun 23 April

Comyns Hut, Hakatere

Grade: Moderate

Comyns Hut is an old musterer’s refuge now incorporated into Hakatere Conservation Park in the Rakaia River catchment. The hut, along with some others nearby, is also now part of the Te Araroa Trail.

About 5 hours each way on 4wd track.

Sunday 30 April

Mt Lyndon

Grade: Moderate

Mt Lyndon is adjacent to Lake Lyndon. It is easily accessible from the West Coast Rd with a good climb up its North East slopes. Great views from the top.

From the top we can return either the way or came or down the easy south ridge and low saddle behind the lodge and return along the lake to the cars

Sunday 7 May

Mt Cloudsley, Craigieburn

Grade: Moderate Plus

From Castle Hill Village we climb through beech forest and up Long Spur to the summit of Mt Cloudsley. Long hard climb of 1300m.

Return by the same route.

Sunday 14 May

Mt Thomas

Grade: Easy Moderate

The plan is a round trip up Ridge Track to Summit Track and return via Wooded Gully. Great views of the Canterbury Plains from the summit and Wooded Gully is always a nice forest walk. (1023m)

Sunday 21 May

Mt Winterslow

Grade: Moderate Plus

Drive to Sharplin Falls. We will tramp through the bush and follow easy tops to the summit of Mt Winterslow. Return the same way.

Sunday 28 May

Tribulation Hut

Grade: Moderate

Tribulation Hut is on the Redcliffe Stream which flows in the upper reaches of the Rakaia River. The track to the hut is 3.5 hours (10km) and passes through the Redcliffe Scenic reserve, across a flat valley and around the base of Rat hill. We will have lunch at the hut and return the same way.

Sunday 11 June

Purau Waterfall via Mt Herbert Track

Grade: Easy Moderate

We will start our tramp on farmland at 100 Purau Port Levy Road by following a track up the valley. We then branch off and climb to the ridgeline and join the Mt Herbert Walkway. We stay on the Walkway until we again branch off and join up with a track that takes us down to the waterfall and on via the farm to our cars.

Sunday 18 June

Flagpole

Grade: Moderate

Flagpole is in the Lady Barker Range in the upper reaches of the Selwyn River. It is on private land, permission required to access.

A steady 2.5 hr climb on a 4wd track to the summit for lunch and return the same way. Great views especially if there has been some snow.

Sunday 25 June

Mt Bradley Circuit

Grade: Easy Moderate

A steady climb to the Packhorse Hut via the Tableland Track from Orton Bradley.

Around the South side of the mountain with great views of Kaituna valley. Along a short spur and return down the valley via Mt Herbert Walkway track.

Sunday 2 July

Bealey Spur

Grade: Moderate

A gentle climb in the Arthur's Pass Range, starting at the end of Cloudesley Rd off the Highway. The walk takes us through beech forest and elevates gently to open tussocks with generous views of the Waimakariri River and Arthur's Pass before reaching a boardwalk and then onto the hut. Return the same way.

Sat 8 to Sun 9 July

MidWinter Christmas - Lake Clearwater Base Camp

Grade: All Grades

Dig out your Hawaiian Shirts, sarongs and Leis as this year we will celebrate a hot midwinter Christmas with a Pacific Island theme. Tramping options for every level in this area.

Sunday 16 July

No Trip Scheduled

Grade:

Unfortunately we do not have a leader available for a trip this weekend. Please contact a committee member if you can help.

Any updates will be advised via e-mail and this website.

Sunday 26 July

Weka Pass Old Coach Rd

Grade: Easy

A mid winter pre-lambing farm walk along the route of the original Weka Pass road. Starting at Weka Pass, we walk across private farmland through some interesting limestone formations to the back of Waikari. Return to cars the same way.

Sat 29 to Sun 30 July

Moa Stream Hut

Grade: Moderate

Moa Stream Hut is a four bunk hut up Moa Stream, off the Wilberforce River. This is a big river valley right in the Southern Alps.

Sunday 6 August

Stony Bay Peak, Akaroa

Grade: Esay Moderate

A longish round day trip from the township to Stony Bay peak overlooking Akaroa and return. Stony Bay Peak is 806m so it’s a good climb from sea level but worth is for the views.

Sunday 13 August

Postponed

Mt Lyndon Circuit postponed until October 15

Grade: Moderate

Mt Lyndon is adjacent to Lake Lyndon. It is easily accessible from the West Coast Rd with a good climb up it's North East slopes. Great views from the top. From the top we can return either the same way or down the east South ridge and low saddle behind the lodge and return along the lake to the cars.

Sunday 20 August

Hogs Back Traverse

Grade: Easy Moderate

Starting from Castle Hill Village we will follow the Hogs Back track up (only 200m) onto Hogs back then drop down to the Cheeseman Rd. From here we follow the Dracophyllum flat track across to the Broken river Rd. Two options to reach Craigieburn rd.

Sat 26 to Mon 28 August

Elizabeth Hut

Grade: Moderate Plus

Saturday early start to drive to Gloriavale Christian Community on the coast. Tramp is up the Haupiri River in West Coast tramping conditions. Sunday plan to tramp over Trent Saddle to the top Trent Hut and back to Elizabeth Hut for a day tramp. Monday back to cars down the Haupiri River, will stop at Haupiri Hot pool.

Sunday 3 September

Ohinetahi Bush

Grade: Easy Moderate

A day trip from the Sign of the Bellbird to Teddington. We will stop for coffee in Governors Bay and lunch in Teddington. Return via different tracks to Sign of the Bellbird. Downhill in the morning then a good climb in the afternoon.

Sunday 10 September

Crater Rim Walkway

Grade: Easy

The Crater Rim Walkway extends along the curve of the Port Hills between Coopers Knob in the south and Evans Pass in the northeast, roughly following the course of the Summit Road. Also part of the walkway is the track leading from the hill suburb of Cashmere onto the summit ridge at the Sign of the Kiwi.

Sunday 17 September

Mt Richardson

Grade: Easy Moderate

Drive to the Glentui Picnic Area and take the Richardson Track onto the Blowhard track and then down the bypass track giving us a round trip back to the cars. Trip will take approximately 5 hours.

Wed 19 to Sun 24 September

St James Walkway

Grade: Moderate

A classic five day tramp in the Lewis Pass. Depart either Tuesday 19th or Wednesday 20th, returning either the following Saturday or Sunday. (Final option to be confirmed)

There may also be a day Sunday tramp to Magdalen Flats to meet up with round trip party. Please contact Dennis.