Trip Reports, May/June 2009

3 May 2009 - Kaituna Track
Organiser: Barry Pont

With perfect weather, we left Nelson around 7.30am and travelled to
Collingwood. On the way we stopped at Milnthorpe Park and walked to the
Lookout at Bells Hill. A return trip of one hour, where we had great
views of Golden Bay. We then proceeded to the Naked Possum, the start
of the Kaituna Track. We walked three kilometres on an easy track to
the Kaituna Forks for lunch. On our return it was decided to stop at
the Mussel Inn for refreshments. A good day was had by all. Our group
included Gillian Arbuthnott, Brenda Griffin, Beverley Muirhead, David
Blunt, Dion and Barry Pont and visitor Liam Pont.

3 May 2009 - Kings Hut
Organiser: Brian Renwick 
Cancelled due to lack of interest.

 9-16 May 2009 - Milford Track
Organiser: Mike Drake 

Four days of rain, and thunderstorms in the evening might suggest
that the trip was rather tiresome, and a Star Trek beam-me-up device
would have been very much appreciated. But you would be very wrong.
Rivers, waterfalls and lichen-covered vegetation are the key features
of the Milford Track, and what is the best way to bring these features
out? Yes – rain, and preferably lots of it. We arranged the heaviest
during the evening and night, and lighter rain during the day to keep
things moving along.

The official date was moved forward three days giving a high in the
Tasman time to assert itself. Aha! Instead, a more severe weather
system developed, causing a last minute decision (whilst cruising to
the drop-off point) to head straight for Mintaro Hut. So instead of a
1.5 hour tramp on the first day, it turned out to be 6.5 hours. We knew
the Buller Tramping Club (BTC) members were heading towards Mintaro,
and that a fire might greet us, and the next day we would be over
Mackinnon Pass ahead of the severe weather.

We were advised that a swollen creek had taken out a bridge by the
Bus Stop (shelter). However, on arriving at the creek not a drop of
water was flowing! Flattened grass and debris along parts of the track
were indications of a recent flood. We were to understand later that it
takes a lot of heavy rain to stretch the carrying capacity of the
Clinton and Arthur Rivers. Just on dark eight rather wet trampers
arrived at Mintaro Hut. The BTC had duly lit a fire with wet wood in a
recalcitrant stove. Dry clothes, several mugs of tea followed by mulled
wine and dinner had the team in full flow. This first day was our
Fiordland weather baptism, and prepared us well for the rest of the
trip. During the night thunder reverberated around the valley walls, an
indication that the weather was far from settled. Having arrived late
at the hut, it seemed appropriate to let the BTC have a head start the
following day. 

Perhaps, subconsciously thinking that a warm hut would again greet
us, and that a trampled snow track would snake over the pass. Our late
departure also had another benefit - the weather “cleared” as we
skirted over the far side of Mackinnon Pass, providing views and even
some patches of blue sky. A stop at the Mackinnon Pass Shelter for a
brew was followed by a further break at Quintin Huts. An excursion to
Sutherland Falls was left until the next day – nearly a mistake. An
hour later we were at Dumpling Hut. Again, out of wet clothes, brews
and a warm-up by the fire. More heavy rain overnight, thunder and wind
gusts; the latter causing a scurry of goblins, collecting wind-swept
clothes from the ground.

The following morning - Sutherland Falls day, and still raining.
Heavy rain overnight had submerged a section of the track close to the
hut. By late afternoon it was possible to wade through and head towards
Sutherland Falls. This was the highlight of the trip for me. The heavy
rain overnight followed by steady rain had opened all waterfall taps to
an impressive fury. Threads of water jostled each other in their haste
to plummet down the valley walls. Sutherland Falls was equally
spectacular, the torrential flow keeping us well away from the base.
The best view was 300 – 400 metres away back down the track.

By day four we had the hang of the weather – rain and waterproofs.
Apart from Mackay Falls the Arthur Valley seemed less spectacular than
the Clinton, or perhaps we were waterfalled out by this time. Perhaps
our minds were more on hot showers and real food. At Sandfly Point Hut
we had our last change into dry clothes and a brew, waiting for the
14.30 boat. What we didn't expect was an inflatable boat, followed by
calls to don wet weather gear! It wasn't all bad. A tent with a huge
gas blower was waiting for us; any chills were very quickly blasted
away.

So, is the Milford Track the Greatest Walk in the World? Quoting a
wise middle ascent party member “if you haven't done all the walks in
the world how can you answer the question”. If you want waterfalls,
greenery and steep valley walls, then it is spectacular, and a good
dose of rain certainly turns on the waterworks. And Winter Season? – No
tourists, few sandflies and not too much sweating. So, when a tourist
(or anyone) asks me whether I have done the Milford Track, I can now
say a resounding YES!

Yes, we finally got the hot shower, then a pleasant evening starting
with a 32 minute film of a helicopter view of Fiordland, and then a
fine meal. So perhaps a Winter crossing of the Dusky Track might be a
good follow-up! Thanks to Mark Stevens, Dion Pont, Barry Pont, Ray
Caird, Ken Ridley, René Visser and visitor Gina Andrews (Hamilton) for
a very enjoyable trip.

10 May 2009 - Fringed Hill 
Organiser: Alison Nicoll 

Participants: David and Alison Nicoll, Brenda Griffin, Gillian Arbuthnott, Mary Honey, Christine Hoy and visitor, Bel Paine.

Martin Cleland, the NCC track supervisor informed me that the track
was now cleared from the July storm damage but it was very impressive
in the destruction of the beech forest. We found the track from Third
House to Fringed Hill was passable and through masses of uprooted huge
trees. Their roots, supporting clay and stones, like huge newly erected
circular walls, were impressive by their size and number, making the
walk a bit like a labyrinth to pick our way through. The mass of
tangled branches, already showing borer holes, had been chained sawed
through enough to let us pass. We were lucky with the day as the
forecast had not been good but we tramped in near perfect conditions,
the cloud providing cover from a still hot sun. Views over Nelson were
enjoyed from the top.

17 May 2009 - Takaka Hill Walkway. 
Organiser: Ross Price 

Beverley Muirhead and Ross Price were the only two remaining from an
original group of six, so, after reviewing their options decided to try
to find the track to Mount Evans (GPS PLB in hand). The amount of water
around made the track more of a mud hole than a walking track, and with
water up to their calves over an extended area of track, decided to
retrace their steps. So, what started off as a trip to the Takaka
Walkway ended up as a guided walk through the Ngarua Caves, which
proved to be very interesting and enjoyable, both vowing to return for
a repeat look at the caves in the future.

23 May 2009 - Cullen’s Creek 
Organiser: Uta Purcell 

The weather forecast for Blenheim and the east was dismal but the
Western Ranges were fine apart from strong winds. So the Takaka Walkway
became the easy option B. The original six interested trampers dwindled
to three, Jim Maxwell, Ruth Henry, and organiser Uta Purcell. Jim was
keen to explore the karst landscape, looking for a future possibility
of reaching Hailes Knob from the Walkway. When he could see the rugged
route to the destination, it did not encourage him. But if anyone has
ever gone that way successfully, I am sure, he would like to hear about
it. We enjoyed the best part of the day during the early stage of the
Walkway, which also had the best views to the snowy tops of the Cobb,
Mt Snowden and Devil River Peak. The bush generally provided shelter
from the southerlies. It was a short but enjoyable outing.

24 May 2009 - Wooded Peak 
Organiser: Dan McGuire 

Five members showed up at 8.00am. for the trip up Wooded Peak from
the Brook Sanctuary. We made very good time and despite an overcast sky
and some wind the views were excellent from Wooded Peak. We dropped to
Windy Point and came back along the Dun Line. Participants: Dan
McGuire, Gretchen Williams, Mark and Noleen Tullett, and Ron Mailer.

31 May 2009 - Urban Hills 
Organiser: Gillian Arbuthnott 

The gentle stroll along Hardy Street from The Botanics belied the
steep ascent of upper Collingwood Street to the northern slopes of The
Grampians, but the Liquid Amber in its autumn glory of red and orange
and the expansive view of the silvery waters of Tasman Bay soon calmed
the pounding heartbeats. A rapid descent via a service road brought us
to Brook Street from where we wound along the Old Codgers Track in the
company of mountain bikers, over the Tantragee Saddle and downhill to
the Maitai River Walkway. Like ten green bottles hanging on the wall,
hungry walkers perched on a fallen tree trunk to eat lunch and then
wended their way past the golf course and alongside the river to
Branford Park, where a three-way split saw some return to the cars and
the remainder headed for the Centre of New Zealand via two different
tracks. The walk along the western spur to Sir Stanley Whitehead Park
gave ample opportunity to enjoy the city and sea views and after
comparing the same with the photos on the information board, we
descended through the eucalyptus forest to Milton Street, accompanied
by Maurice Cloughley for the final 50 metres. Highly recommended is the
ambience and coffee of The Sprig and Fern on a chilly Winter’s
afternoon, and only a short amount of pavement pounding was required to
get back to the day’s starting point at The Botanics. Thank you for
your congenial company and enthusiasm: David Blunt, Gillian Arbuthnott,
Jane Dewar, Mary Honey, Merrick Mitchell and visitors David Wratt,
Fiona Nisbet, Natalie and Beverley.

30 May - 1 June 2009 - Robinson River / L. Christabel 
Organiser: Dion Pont 

Saturday morning from Grey River back road to Robinson Hut took six
hours in fair conditions but with travel from Nelson meant arriving at
the hut after dark. On Sunday it began snowing and we went three hours
towards the saddle in deteriorating conditions. Retreated to Robinson
Hut. On Monday we walked back out through snow for the first few hours
but the weather fined up and it is a very pretty valley with
alternating flats and mossy forest. Well worth another visit. 

Participants: Carole Crocker, Dion Pont and visitors Raymond Salisbury, Paul Richardson and Georgina.

6-7 June 2009 - Maitai/Captain Creek Hut/Dew Lakes 
Organiser: Ian Pavitt 

We left the Maitai carpark at 8.30am and followed the
straightforward track to Rocks Hut where we stopped for a leisurely
lunch. Two hours further tramping and we were opening the door of Middy
Hut, where we overnighted. At 8.00am the following morning we closed
the door of Middy Hut and at 10.00am we opened the door of Captain
Creek Hut. (A few windfalls were experienced on this section of the
track.) Closing the door of Captain Creek Hut, we headed north up an
unmarked spur to Point 992, which is the highest point on this ridge.
Initially it was a bit of a bush bash but then the vegetation opened
out to mature and open bush. From Point 992 we dropped down a couple of
hundred metres to a little saddle before the final 200m climb to the
Dew Lakes. This last section, like the first, is scrubby. The climb
from Captain Creek Hut to Dew Lakes had taken us four hours, including
our lunch break. At Dew Lakes we got on to the main track back to the
Maitai, arriving at the car just on dusk, about 4.30pm. Many thanks to
Dion Pont for accompanying me on this enjoyable tramp, in pleasant
weather. 

PS. Dion damaged his knee doing heroic acts in shifting substantial wind-throw.(Ed)

7 June 2009 - Cable Bay Circuit 
Organiser: David Blunt 

There was a good turnout for this trip which started at The Glen and
saw half of the group going up the Walkway and the other half following
up the farm access road to the airstrip where both groups joined up for
morning tea on the lookout seat. The Walkway was followed from there to
the saddle below Sentinel Hill where a short detour was made off the
track to a grassy terrace overlooking Tasman Bay. After having lunch
here the group split up again with some returning via the walkway and
those with a head for heights climbing down the 45 degree slope to the
beach below. This took about twenty minutes with Tony managing to pick
up a baby goat on the way down. This was the only part of the trip
which couldn't be described as easy. With the tide going out it was
straight forward going over the stones and boulders back around the
coastline under Mackay Bluff to the carpark at The Glen where Margot
had been patiently waiting after doing her own sightseeing tour of The
Glen on her two walking sticks.

Participants were: Gillian Arbuthnott, Jim Maxwell, Dan McGuire,
Peter and Margot Syms, Beverley Muirhead, Uta Purcell, Sue and Mike
Locke, Gretchen Williams, Tony Haddon, Merrick Mitchell, David Blunt
and visitors Beverley and Tom, Marion, Trevor and Annie.

14 June 2009 - Cloustons Mine / Gordons Pyramid
Organiser: Pat Holland 

This 7.5 hour day trip was fitted in between a turn to southerly
gales after a week of NE rain. Missed the rain but caught the gales.
Flora carpark rather empty in mid-Winter (do others know something we
do not?). However, weak sunshine and only a slip of wind as we head
through the ever beautiful Flora Valley. Rather brisk but still sunny
at Cloustons where lunch was speedily taken on the grass rather than in
the mine shaft which was very wet and dark. Up and straight out of the
bush onto the bare ridge leading to Gordons Pyramid. Swiftly into mist
and steadily rising wind. By the time we reach the high point the wind
has reached gale force, visibility is down to 50m and it is bitterly
cold. The wind causes us to stagger and groan like drunken sailors. But
we are thankful to see the main track snow stakes. On we continue,
doing a virtually non-stop traverse of the ridge and across the karst
basin to the main Mt Arthur Track. Here the gale was even stronger and
mixed with horizontal drizzle turning towards sleet. So we plunge down
the ridge and are relieved to reach the shelter of Mt Arthur Hut. Under
the cloud on the track back to Flora Saddle we see across the Bay that
it has been a fine, calm day in Nelson. But no regrets, even from
Alison who has put her knee to a severe test (Two years since the
injury and reconstruction - yeah!). 

Participants: Alison Nicoll, Barry James, Jane Dewar, Uta Purcell, Patrick Holland.

13-14 June 2009 - Marlborough Mix
Organiser: Marguerite Verheul 

10.00am rendezvous at the Spring Creek Junction before heading off
to Monkey Bay. New country for all but two, the ten minutes walk up the
grand steps and down the path to the bay under a halo of swallows was
an unexpected delight. Next a quick visit to a narrow cave beside the
car park required high gumboots and strong torches for further
exploration. A notice at the entrance suggested the cave was the result
of a character in days gone by who tried to tunnel his way to Whites
Bay!! Next trip was up and over the hill, with cloudy views from Cape
Campbell to the south coast of the North Island, before dropping down
through plantation to Whites Bay. For several party members taking
photos was more interesting than walking, so four headed back to the
cars and returned for a late lunch on the balcony of the historic
Whites Bay Cottage. 

Post lunch: Robin Hood Bay “stud & mud” Cottage for a close
inspection of print used as wallpaper dating back to very early 1900s,
followed by a walk along the stony banks of the beach under darker
skies and the promising rain. After a side trip to the north end of the
Wairau outlet Sara, Sandra and Brenda headed back to Nelson, and the
rest of the party headed to wonderful accommodation in Blenheim.
Compliments of Lynne – Thanks Lynne. Sunday morning started very
leisurely and the weather much improved. The flooded track across the
Wairau Lagoon, meant water logged feet but good photos of reflections,
ship wrecks, Wither Hills and White Cliffs. 

Participants: Sandra Lawn, Peter Wise, Ruth Hesselyn, Beverley Muirhead, Brenda Griffin, and visitors Sara Vickerman and Pete.

20 June 2009 - Appletree Bay
Organiser: Ruth Hesselyn)

Clear blue skies and no wind, though a little cool. A perfect day
for a picnic and a great way to celebrate the shortest (almost) day.

10.30am saw six of us crunching across frosty ground and onto the
Abel Tasman Track. An easy walk of 5.5km through dappled sunlit bush
soon saw us at the picturesque Appletree Bay. A picnic table was
spotted then occupied, communal nibbles and drinks consumed, the views
admired, photos taken and while conversation continued, we wandered
back to the cars. This time taking the shorter and sunnier route across
the sand flats.

Fellow picnickers were: David Wratt, Marguerite Verheul, Uta Purcell and visitors Fiona Nisbett and Louise Gould.

21 June 2009 - Mt Duppa
Organiser: Gretchen Williams 

Party: Dan McGuire, Katie and Maurice Cloughley, Jim Maxwell,
Beverley Muirhead, Sue and Mike Locke, Brenda Griffin, Jane Dewar, Mark
Stevens, Ken Ridley, Gretchen Williams. Visitors: Annie, Betty Reber
and Jacqui Gough.

Despite the short daylight hours on this day we all managed to make
it up this lovely little mountain through the limestone rock formations
and lichen-draped bush to the top. There was snow up there, fantastic
views for miles and a very nice sun-drenched lunch spot. Our departure
point had been Millers Acre and the café was still open when we got
back so quite a few of us capped off the day there nicely with coffee
and debrief.

28 June 2009 - Richmond Hills 
Organiser: Jo Kay 

Easby Park was our starting point to explore a new area of the
Richmond Hills. We walked up a farm track to the old reservoir built in
the 1890s to supply water to the Richmond Township. Beyond the
reservoir is a lovely bush track which follows the stream to a 500 year
old Kahikatea, at least a four person huggable girth. We then retraced
our steps to the head of the reservoir and climbed up to the cell phone
tower and forestry road which led us back onto the track to the top of
Queen Street and on to Lodestone Gully. At the top of Valhalla we
lunched then walked down Cypress Road into the Jimmy Lee Creek Walkway
and continued up to the saddle that leads down to Hart Valley Walkway.
A quick return along the streets to Barrington Place where another
track leads back up to a lookout and Keith’s Walkway, back to Easby
Park. We met a couple of the wonderful workers who spend their
retirement days quietly maintaining and enhancing the tracks with new
plantings and trapping pests (390 rats caught in Jimmy Lee Creek) etc
to provide us with a delightful playground to enjoy our walks. They are
the unsung heroes in our community. 

Thanks to my companions, Gillian Arbuthnott, Mary Wu, Beverly Muirhead and Susan Sinclair for sharing the day with me.