Hagley Tramping Club Published by Hagley Tramping Club P.O Box 852, Christchurch 8140, NZ

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1 Newsletter Hagley Tramping Club Published by Hagley Tramping Club P.O Box 852, Christchurch 8140, NZ Affiliated to the Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ Inc. JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER 2008 Chairperson Sandra Fitness Ph Club Captain Bill Nossiter Ph (03) Secretary & Membership Wendy Templeton Ph Treasurer Helen McCurdy Ph Newsletter Dennis Wilkes Ph Welcome to the Hagley Tramping Club Newsletter. The Hagley Tramping Club was formerly named the Hospital Tramping Club. The Club name was changed in 2007 to better promote the Club as open to all members of the public. The Hospital Tramping Club was established in 1974 with the aim of making the back country experience more accessible to the average person and to foster a respect for the wilderness. The Club organises a variety of trips to suit all ages and levels of fitness. We encourage prospective new members to experience 2 or 3 trips to see if we suit their style for joining. Contents Calendar of Trips and Social Events Trip Reports & Pictures For information about Meeting dates & location, Trip Gradings, Checklist for Day Trip, Overnight Trips, Departure Point, & Membership, refer Pages 18 & 19

2 Calendar of Trips and Social Events Saturday 31 st, Sunday 1 & Monday 2 nd June. (Queens Birthday) 2 Julia Hot Pools Leader Mike R Ph Grade B Transport $35 Please book with Mike by Sunday 25 th May Depart 7pm Friday night from the Yaldhurst Hotel Car Park Drive past Jacksons and turn onto the 4WD track which heads up the Taipo River. Drive as near as possible to Seven Mile Hut, walk the remaining distance and stay the night. On Saturday a long forest & river walk to Julia Hut and hot pools. Sunday either continue up Julia Creek to Popes Pass (1585m) which looks down into the Wilberforce & return, or a day at Julia Hut. Return trip on Monday. Sunday 8 June Duncan Park to Mt Pleasant Reserve & return Leader Diane W Ph Grade A Transport No cost Depart from St Asaph St Meeting Place at 9am Duncan Park is on Port Hills Rd, most people drive past it but today we ll climb the hill before carrying on to Bridle Path Rd. We leave the cars and go up to Kenton Track and on through John Britten reserve. Mt Pleasant is our place for lunch. The return trip will be much the same way. Sunday 15 June Packhorse Hut Leader Sandra F Ph Grade A+ Transport $5 Depart from Tai Tapu School (on Main Road) 9 am A short winter tramp from Kaituna Valley to the Packhouse Hut. We can have an early lunch and stroll back to the cars, stopping off on the way for coffee at the Blue Duck Café. Please ring Sandra if you will require transport to Tai Tapu. Sunday 22 June A Frame Hut Leaders Bill & Wendy Ph Grade B Transport $20 Depart from Yaldhurst Hotel at 8am Drive to Rakaia Gorge & up the south side of the Rakaia River. We walk beside Glenrock Stream and on farm tracks to the cute wee A Frame Hut. (700m climb) This is part of the new Hakatere Conservation Park. Map K35

3 Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June Magdalen Hut Leader Bill N Ph (03) Grade B Transport $30 Depart from Belfast Hotel at 7.45am A pleasant walk up the Magdalen Valley to the new Magdalen Hut, 6 bunk. If our group is larger and we don t use the old Magdalen Hut we shall go on a bit further to the Boyle Flats Hut. Again it will be our mid- Winter Xmas Dinner with the theme of red. Please book with Bill by Sunday 22 June. Sunday 6 July Bealey Spur Wander Leader Sandra F Ph Grade B Transport $20 Depart from Yaldhurst Hotel Car Park at 8am We will drive to the Bealey settlement and walk up the relatively gentle Bealey Spur to reach the old tin hut for lunch. Returning the same way. Sunday 13 July Korowai Torlesse Tussock Park Leader Dennis W Ph Grade B Transport $15 Depart from Yaldhurst Hotel Car Park at 8.30am Drive to the bottom of Porters Pass where we leave the cars. A new track that follows up Coach Stream and winds its way up spurs to Trig M. Round trip from there along the ridge and return to cars. (600m climb) Sunday 20 July Kate Valley Tiromoana Bush Leader Diane W Ph Grade A Transport $15 Depart from St Asaph St Meeting Place at 9am Drive to Waipara and on to Kate Valley where the loop track has been completed. Takes approx 5 hours. After lunch we ll go down to the beach then return along the farm track. A detour to the lookout for a photo shoot may occur. 3

4 WEDNESDAY 23 July CLUB SOCIAL NIGHT 7.30pm meeting in the Trade Union Centre AGENDA Come along and hear Glenda F tell us first hand about her travel adventures on Mount Blanc (France) and Ben Nevis (Scotland). Glenda will have pictures to show us too. This will be a really interesting night. Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 July Leaders Glenda F & Kathy Ph & Contact Leaders for departure details Crow Hut, Arthurs Pass Grade B Transport $20 Depart 8.30am Saturday morning for Klondyke Corner where we leave the cars. Follow up the Waimak & Crow Rivers to Crow Hut. Settle in at the hut then continue up the river to view the Crow Glacier & return to hut. On Sunday return to cars the same way. Please book with Glenda & Kathy by Sunday 20 July. Sunday 3 August Port Levy Saddle to Mt Sinclair Leader Heather M Ph Grade A+ Transport $15 Depart from Halswell School at 8.30am We will drive to the Port Levy Little River Saddle then follow the paper road along the crest of the range to Mt Fitzgerald then on to Mt Sinclair. After investigating the wood Graveyard we may have time to continue to the Whatarangi Totara Reserve before returning the same way. Sunday 10 August Waimak Bridge to Pines Beach Leader Michael B Ph Grade A Transport No cost Depart from Belfast Hotel at 9am Drive to the old Waimak Bridge and park the cars. Walk into Kaiapoi and take the Pegasus Bay Walkway to Pines Beach. Return the same way. 4

5 Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 August Museum Hut Hope Valley Leader Bill N Ph (03) Grade B Transport $30 Contact Bill for departure arrangements. A straight forward tramp up the Hope River on an easy graded track to the private Museum Hut. A river crossing just prior to reaching the hut. Dick Morris lived in this hut for many years. Dick was a radio personality, shooter and notoriety. Dick s story is recorded in the book A Sock in my Stew. Please book with Bill by Sunday 10 August Sunday 24 August Peak Hill, Lake Coleridge Leader Dennis W Ph Grade B Transport $20 Depart from Yaldhurst Hotel Car Park at 8.00am Drive to the south-west side of Lake Coleridge on Algidus Rd. Park at the start of the track and climb to the summit and return. Fantastic views of Lake Coleridge and the big mountain ranges in this area. Climb is about 650m and trip 6 hours return. WEDNESDAY 27 August Mayur Restaurant 105c Riccarton Rd (Ph ) CLUB ACTIVITY NIGHT Please phone Sandra (Ph ) with your reservation, by Monday 25 th August. Come and join us for a taste of India. We plan to be seated about 7.30pm. Sunday 31 August Mid Canterbury Bike Ride Leaders Pauline & Barry Ph Grade All Transport TBA Depart from St Asaph St Meeting Place at 9am Winter bike ride. We will drive south to the mid canterbury area where we plan an approx 50-60km ride on mainly sealed roads. Please ring Pauline and Barry if you would like more information. 5

6 Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 September Macaulay Hut Leaders Bill & Wendy Ph Grade C Transport $50 Depart 6am Saturday morning Drive to the top end of Lake Tekapo. This is a long walk up the Macaulay River on a 4WD track to the comfortable McCauley Hut. No charge. Great views of the surrounding snowy peaks. Map I36 Please book with Bill & Wendy by Monday 1 September. Sunday 14 September Mt Grey Leader Heather M Ph Grade B Transport $15 Depart from Belfast Hotel at 8.30am From the Mt Grey Picnic area we will follow the Mt Grey track up to the summit then return by the Red Beech track to complete the circuit. We will be walking alongside the Grey River, through Beech forest and along an open spur, where we will hopefully enjoy great views. Sunday 21 September Pentonville Close Sign of Kiwi Leader Diane W Ph Grade A Transport No Cost Depart from St Asaph St Meeting Place at 9am Starting at Lower Westmoreland we ll go up a new track which joins onto Worsley Rd. Continuing up the spur heading toward the Sign of the Kiwi. After lunch we ll go down the spur until another track takes us to the hidden stteps and Sedgwick Park and back to the cars. WEDNESDAY 24 September Antiques Road Show Trade Union Centre at 7.30pm CLUB ACTIVITY NIGHT Bring along an antique of special interest to you, with a little write-up of its history. 6

7 Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 September Pinch Gut Hut Overnighter Leader Sandra F Ph Grade B Transport $15 Departure: Contact Trip Leader We will drive to Fox Creek, leave the cars, cross the Okuku River and follow the track to Pinchgut Hut. Return the same way. Bring a change of footwear for the journey home. Please book with Sandra by Tuesday 23 September. Sunday 5 October Bike ride Sign of Takahe to Motukarara & return Leader Bill T Ph Grade All Transport No cost Depart from Sign of the Takahe at 9.00am Start at the Sign of the Takahe, bike up to the Summit Rd and down to Motukarara. Return around the bottom of the hills via Taitapu. Total ride approx 60km. WEDNESDAY 8 October Trip Leaders Planning Meeting If you would like to lead a trip or have some ideas for a trip please attend this meeting or contact one of the trip leaders in this newsletter. The meeting will be held at Heathers Ph Sunday 12 October 7 Little Mt Peel Leader Dennis W Ph Grade B Transport $20 Depart from St Asaph St Meeting Place at 8.00am Drive to Blandswood where we leave the cars. Climb Little Mt Peel via Deer Spur and return via South Ridge route. Approx 1000m climb. Sunday 19 October Awa Awa Rata Reserve Leader Diane W Ph Grade A+ Transport $17 Depart from St Asaph St Meeting Place at 8.30am The Awa Awa Rata Reserve is adjacent to the Mt Hutt Ski Road. We drive there via Rakaia Gorge, park the car and do a round trip through the bush. There is a steady climb at the start of this trip. A shorter route is possible as an alternative to the full climb.

8 WEDNESDAY 22 October Club Social Night Detail of this event will be published in the next Newsletter (October). Labour Weekend Saturday 25 to Monday 27 October Mt Owen (1876m) Leader Mike R Ph Grade C Transport $60 Contact Mike for departure details Drive to Murchison on Friday night and stay in tents or cabins. Saturday drive to end of Wangapeka Rd to the start of the track to Granity Hut. Climb Mt Owen on Sunday and return to Granity Hut. Home Monday. Tents required. Please book with Mike by Sunday 19 October. Trip Reports Kate Valley Tiromoana Bush Mt Cass 3 rd Feb. Due to high fire risk we didn t walk the Tiromoana Bush walk but we did stay in the Kate Valley region. Seven very trusting trampers, happily set off to Mt Cass walkway. Of course the ground was drier than you might imagine but fear not the wine supply to our leader is at no risk as the leaves of the vines at local wineries are still evergreen. We casually hiked over the many styles, pausing very briefly in the shade of any rock or plant on route to the challenge, Mt Cass. Early lunch was called for as the mountain teased us on the horizon. One member of our expedition who will remain nameless demonstrated his ballet skills prior to lunch. Crampons and ropes were not required as fearlessly we conquered the Mountain. We followed the remainder of the loop track back to our cars. The ultimate challenge was to be had at the coffee stop on the way home. Michael B Hawdon Hut 9 th & 10 th Feb Bit of a giggle really, as I, the tramp leader, didn t take into account that the Speights Coast to Coast Kayaking stage was to start at the same time and place we were. After a small wait, we headed down the road to our starting point. We had an overcast day which always helps when you are in the open. A couple of small river crossings and away we went. When we reached the new hut, what a great sight, it was. Brand new, with a full deck across the front and a fantastic view up the river. Saturday evening and Sunday morning it rained, but once we had packed up and got going it had reduced to a drizzle. By the time we got back 8

9 to the cars we were damp and ready for the dry clothes. Thank you to all who came along. Sandra. Not at All Doubtful 1 st & 2 nd March On Friday night it was raining heavily and the weekend s forecast was undoubtedly awful. The track to Doubtful hut begins with a crossing of the Boyle River which would no doubt be raised - an alternative plan was needed. Careful scrutiny of the Met service web site suggested that it might be best to avoid the Lewis pass altogether and to try to stay further east. In a round of phone calls between myself, Kathy and Sergi, Kathy suggested Mt Somers, I recommended the Pinnacles Hut and after checking that Sergi hadn t been there we had a new destination. With only a short drive, a short walk in and the weather expecting to clear later in the day, we agreed to a late start. We left Christchurch at 10.30am and it was overcast but fine when we started walking. The track, in the bush until just before the hut, was a lot more uphill than I d remembered from 10 years ago (I must have suppressed the memory). The highlight of the walk is when the track reaches a waterfall and continues underneath between a high rock face and the cascading water. There was low cloud all day and as we gained altitude we found ourselves within the cloud so no view, but the sight of steep cliffs looming out of the cloud was just as interesting. At the hut the cloud was closed in all around us so only Sergi decided to proceed with our plan of exploring further up the track. Kathy and I opted to relax in the hut which we had all to ourselves because the cliffs were too wet for the rock climbers that usually stay there. Sergi did manage to get above the clouds but he also got caught in the rain. Undeterred he headed out a second time to investigate the cliffs behind the hut while Kathy and I were happy to watch the clouds moving up the valley, occasionally clearing enough for a view of the Pinnacles. That night we all enjoyed some games of cards I don t remember who won but it definitely wasn t me. The next day, contrary to all expectations, was fine and sunny. We headed up the track towards Woolshed Creek where we enjoyed the fine weather and the views. I d heard there was a route to the summit from the Pinnacles and I think we worked out where it must be (watch this space). We clambered up a small waterfall to discover the deep, perfectly rectangular catch basin that it had formed in the rock. Heading back to the hut for morning tea we noticed a few menacing clouds heading over from the west. It clouded over as we walked out but it was while we were stopped for lunch that it suddenly got very dark. We left quickly but were soon caught in a heavy downpour that continued (with thunder) for the rest of the walk. Despite the rain we proceeded with our plan to take the loop track via the Sharplin falls on the way out. We all agreed that our Sunday morning exploration was well worth getting caught in the rain for and that the tramp had undoubtedly exceeded our expectations from Friday night. Heather 9

10 Mt Alexander Easter Weekend Although the forecast wasn t brilliant, we set off for the West Coast, knowing that we had time on our side over this four day Easter Weekend. We met up with Mark & Sheryl at Springfield and continued on our way, passing Lake Poerua and up Camp Creek Road where the cars were left. After a spell of boulder hopping the track begins it s climb. Bill was stung by one of the swarming wasps at the research station and the decision was made to go on for the tops to pitch our tents. Remnants of rata flowers were apparent up to the spur. This steep section gave all six of us a good work out. A wonderful camping spot can be found amid the large rocks and tarns. (Our home for the next three nights.) We were treated to the bobbing display of the little rock wren which was unperturbed by our presence. Early evening and the weather was beginning to clag in. Then as predicted the rains came during the night, with no sign of letting up I was able to experience my first hut day albeit in a tent. The day passed surprisingly quickly as I slept away most of the morning. Sunday and our chance to try for the 1958m summit. Mike said we would give it a go if it cleared before lunch and on cue it did. Two hours of steady climbing found us all sat perched on the large slab of rock of the lower peak (1795m), snatching views down to Jacksons as windows appeared in the clouds. This had been the turn around point the last time the club attempted this mountain. From here the terrain is much more rugged. We peeled off as we no longer felt comfortable tackling the climb in misty conditions which made the rocks slippery and careful navigation was required. Ross & Mike however kept going to the top. (1958m) Just as the tent site came into view on the descent, an amazing beautiful golden glow bathed the landscape. This preceded a magnificent sunset. We looked across to Te Kinga, rising above the cloud carpet and the colours lingered on as we had our evening meal. The steep descent out had its toll on Sheryl s knee, but she and Mark did exceptionally well, taking on this ambitious tramp as a first over nighter. Thanks Mike for leading this great tramp enjoyed by Sheryl, Mark, Ross, Bill & Wendy (Reporter) Upper Otira Valley After a long drive, a beautifully fine day saw four of us finally leaving the car at a small lay-by just before Peg Leg flat on the West Coast side of Arthur s Pass. The rocky track meanders up through high tussocks, hebes & Mt Cook lilies following the ever diminishing Otira River to it s source. Upstream the vegetation diminishes and rock hopping the only way to go. Eventually the river disappears beneath the shingle and we end our jaunt on a small snow field surrounded by a towering cirque of vertical bedrock. An easy track to get up close to one of the climbing routes to Mt Rolleston. 10

11 Archery Night What a great night and a great turn out. 14 Robin Hood & Maid Marion, turned up to try their hand at this medieval sport. Our instructor, Cheryl, was there all the time to cheer us on and give us pointers about our technique. Several club members had memorable shots, a bulls eye by Bill Templeton, a perfect pop shot by Diane Woodhouse and Dennis, shooting across the targets to pop the opponent s balloon. Everybody left with a smile on their face, so thank you Heather for a great evening. Taipo River Kelly Range - Otira Anzac Weekend was a bonus for trampers this year with Anzac Day falling on a Friday offering the opportunity of a long weekend. Coincidentally the western mountains forecast was favourable too so all was set for a good trip. Friday morning saw most of the group in Heather s Subaru clawing it s way up a very rough (for a street vehicle) 4WD track from SH 73 to the upper Taipo River. We abandoned the car on the high point of the 4WD track we are a tramping club after all and there was concern if we went too far we d get stuck, especially with few opportunities to turn. A pleasant stroll down through the bush dropped us into the Taipo River and a nice spot for lunch. Consulting the map led to two opinions, either the hut was very near or we were completely misled by the terrain and it was a long way to go. 30 min after lunch the hut appeared so we claimed some bunks as first trampers to arrive. An early arrival gave us time to hike upstream to check out the cableway. It wasn t hard to see why a cable way was installed. The Taipo is a big river. In fact at least three times more water than the Waimak which we d crossed at Bealey earlier in the day. A good river for trout too as we watched a big one holding station to feed. Just before nightfall, Bill & Wendy arrived, having been delayed in ChCh until early pm. That night we shared the hut with the Avon Tramping Club, & there were other trampers in the old restored homestead hut not far away. Saturday morning dawned fine and we headed up Seven Mile Stream to pick up the ridge climb to the Kelly Range. A good stiff climb it was too, with rewarding views on the top, the Tasman Sea clearly visible down the Taramakau. The top of the Kelly Range is a jumble of big humps and hollows, fault line rents and rocky tarns, fortunately now a poled route. It was easy to see how difficult it would be to find the route to Kelly Pass in cloudy conditions. We made the hut by mid afternoon, refreshed ourselves and half the team set off to climb Kelly Hill (1394m) while the remainder a nearby ridge line. Great views to all points. 11

12 The temp dropped rapidly once the sun went down and we needed to wrap up as Carroll Hut is well above the bush line and has no heating. However during the night the cloud rolled in and kept the frost from forming. In the morning it was ready to rain and it did so about 5 minutes after we left the hut. It s a sharp descent into Kelly Stream on SH73, took us 2 hours exactly. By this time the rain had really set in and the shuttle vehicle was at the Otira Hotel 3-4kms away. Not much choice except to trudge along the main road in the rain, keeping as far off the road as possible. A quick change to dry clothes at the hotel Otira I took the drivers back to pick up the vehicles on the 4WD track, an hour for the round trip. Heather another one of your excellent trips thanks. The trampers: Heather (leader), Kathy, Glenda, George, Bill, Wendy & Dennis (Reporter!) Hinewai 12th May Despite a less than encouraging weather forecast a hardy 5 set off for Akaroa. While fine in Christchurch, the rain hit before we reached Little River and its near horizontal nature prompted the idea of a pre tramp coffee. However, it cleared as we reached the turnoff so we continued on, only to have the rain restart at the car park. We decamped to the Hinewai Lodge with thermos of coffee to come up with a plan C (a short circuit and a return to the lodge for lunch with an afternoon walk if the rain cleared). We followed the West track and visited the Fuchsia falls, Big Totara (diameter of 4 trampers arm spans) and Big Beech. We were amazed by the large number of different types of ferns we saw in the bush. The highlight of the day was the pigsty lookout as the rain and cloud briefly cleared. Our afternoon plans were scotched by the arrival of the southerly front with more rain and very strong, bitterly cold winds. We walked for less than 2 hours but our discovery of the Hinewai lodge was worthwhile. A great base to stay the night and explore the tracks of the reserve watch this space. Hot drinks in Little River were enjoyed by all except Kathy who stuck to her eagerly anticipated iced coffee stated to be her main reason for coming on the tramp! Thanks Glenda, we ll try again. Heather. (also Kathy, Lynda and Nigel) [Contributions to Trip Reports and Pics are always welcome. If you ve had a great trip out, let others in the club enjoy it too. to Dennis at Dennis.Daphne@xtra.co.nz] 12

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18 Meeting dates & locations Our General Meetings are generally held on the 4 th Wednesday of every month. As this may vary, please check program for confirmation. The Trade Union Centre is on the corner of Armagh St and Madras St with the entrance at 199 Armagh St. Please be on time for meetings as access is restricted and we have someone on the door to let people in until 5 minutes after the meeting starts. Trip Gradings Grade Description A An easy day walk suitable for almost anyone who can walk for 5-6 hours. Possibly some short gentle slopes. B As a day walk - Longer & harder, requiring a reasonable level of fitness and involving some uphill work. As a weekend - A fairly flat trip but requiring sufficient fitness to carry an overnight pack for 4 to 6 hours C As a day walk: A very hard trip and a very long day, requiring excellent fitness. As a weekend: A fairly substantial trip requiring sufficient fitness to carry an overnight pack for 6-8 hours and probably climbing for most of the first day. D A very hard trip requiring excellent fitness, equipment and experience. Solid uphill work on difficult routes. The Trip Leader is responsible for the safety and well being of everyone on the trip. Therefore the Trip Leader has the right to refuse to take anyone, who, in his or her opinion, is not equipped, or fit for the trip in any way. Checklist for a Day Trip Essential Essential (Cont) Optional Day pack Warm hat Walking pole *Parka (Essential) Gloves Camera *Warm clothes (Essential) Binoculars Strong walking shoes or boots Seasonal Food & drink Sun glasses Sun screen Sun hat *Due to changeable and often unpredictable nature of the weather in Canterbury, a good waterproof parka and warm clothing must be carried for all trips. 18

19 Overnight Trips If you are planning to go on an overnight trip, please contact Trip Leader for information about food and equipment requirements. Departure Point As departure points can differ by trip, always check the Trip Schedule for correct departure location. This map shows the location of the St Asaph Street departure place, outside the Christchurch Hospital Eye Department. Please arrive at the meeting place at least 5 minutes before the departure time. Car pooling is organised when the group meets. Cars remaining in Christchurch are parked in nearby Stewart St. About our trips Typical numbers on our trips are 4 10 people. For safety reasons, the minimum of people on a Club trip is four. However if there are fewer than four, the trip can still go ahead but becomes a private and not an official Club trip. Club Membership Our annual membership subscription is $20 single or $25 family. Our financial year commences 1 April. We encourage prospective new members to experience 2 or 3 trips to see if we suit their style for joining. 19