2025-03-19 < Weekly activities > 2025-04-02
Activity summary: Wednesday 2025 March 26 to Tuesday 2025 April 01
Zealandia/Ōtari to Skyline Loop/Karapoti Gorge and beyond/Belmont Park, Puke Ariki Traverse – Dry Creek to Oakleigh Street/Motatapu Track/Tararua Lodge
Wednesday
R ‘Zealandia’, led by Margaret Foden, Wed 26/03 7M
Our group ambled up to the Discovery area before descending to the kaka feeding station. We heard urgent loud clicking like a musical instrument – where did that bird learn to do it? It was lovely to walk slowly and enjoy the bush, birdsong and sunshine.
E Trip ‘Zealandia’, led by Liz Martin, Wed 26/03 8M
Our group met at 10am to explore and enjoy the environs of Zealandia. We chose to venture around the upper lake when the plan to explore the Fantail Track had to be abandoned, owing to part of the Valley View Track being closed (in spite of there being virtually no wind.) Particular highlights were a close up view of a bell bird and two robins, spotted near in the Discovery Area and the numerous tuataras that we saw.
EM Trip ‘Ōtari to Skyline Loop’, led by Don O’Neill, Wed 26/03 8M
There were 8 of us who set off at 10am from the lower carpark at Ōtari Bush . After spotting a couple of eels in the Kaiwharawhara stream, we turned right to climb the red track up to the Chartwell exit. From there we continued up past the electricity substation and on up to the skyline ridge. Conditions were almost perfect for a skyline walk with just light winds.
We stopped for lunch at about 12.45 at a bench just off the track, a few minutes before the summit of Johnston Hill. Then it was a steep plunge down wooden steps towards Karori before a sharp left turn took us into the bush, where we remained for the rest of the trip. It was quite varied though, alternating between regrown bush, very tall pine forest, and of course magnificent mature forest in Otari bush itself. The track rises over ridges and drops down into gullies, with a little footbridge at the bottom of each.
We took the side trip up to see Moko, the 800year old rimu, now honoured with a proper viewing platform. A little further a T junction offers a choice between a knee-torturing steep staircase down to the Troup picnic ground, or a gentle stroll down through perhaps the most beautiful little gorge in the whole reserve. Then it was back to the carpark at 3pm, meaning a relaxed and chatty 5 hours for the whole circuit.
M Trip ‘Karapoti Gorge & Beyond, led by Alistair Beckett, Wed 26/03 13M
This Medium tramp took place in the Akatarawa Forest on a beautiful Wellington day.
Thirteen of us set out from the Karapoti Road carpark at 8.30am, tramping through the
scenic native bush-clad Karapoti Gorge to McGhie’s Bridge. With the fast-flowing Akatarawa River West in one side and steep foliage-clad rockfaces on the other, the gorge is very beautiful. We were enveloped with mature trees, dappled in sunlight and birdsong. The route was variously rocky and gravelly but otherwise we trod on firm tracks. It took us just over an hour to reach the bridge and from there we tramped up Hukinga Road, through an area of a regenerating pine plantation, to the point where the road forked with Pram Track. At this point we crossed the Akatarawa River West where we had morning tea by the lazily flowing river.
Afterwards, we climbed steadily for an hour and a half through native bush to our lunch spot on the other side of hill 547. We felt like tree-gnomes when we took up positions amongst the magical foliage and spongey tree litter. After lunch we retraced our path which afforded us a second immersion in the glorious gorge.
The tramp took a little over 6.75 hours, and we tramped approx. 22kms.
Brian Hasell, Jane-Pyar Mautner, Chris Ward, Andy Leslie, Ann Walker, Rob Handyside, Linda Beckett and Alistair Beckett (leader/scribe).
SF Trip ‘Belmont Park, Puke Ariki Traverse – Dry Creek to Oakleigh Street’, led by Sam Kenny, Wed 26/03 5M
5 walkers took the train to Manor Park, to start our walk from Dry Creek. The day started misty but cleared to great walking weather. Peter collected mushrooms and Tim treated us to a few songs.
We walked towards Cannons Head and up to Belmont Trig, with stunning views of Kapiti and Mana Islands, and south down the Hutt Valley across Wellington Harbour. With 6 or so hours of walking not enough we verged off the main track down Bills Track…which turned out to not be Bills Track…after a very healthy diversion we arrived back on the main track not that far from where we left it!
Due to the temporary closure of the Cornish Street entrance to Korokoro Forks (due to the installation of a new bridge),…thanks to the people who notified me of that on Monday!...we had to adjust our route and walked out via the Oakleigh Street entrance. A little tired by this time we trudged off down through the Maungaraki streets on a beautiful calm evening to Petone Station where David and Peter had left their cars – thank goodness!
Five walkers covered 30.7 kms, with 1300 metres of elevation gain, taking 10 ½ hours. A great day out, with some unexpected moments, but well worth it for the stunning views, the fun, and the shared experience. Samantha Kenny (leader), Joan Basher, Tim Stone, Peter Smith , David McNabb
Multi Day
MF Trip ‘Motatapu Track’, led by Lynne White, 24 – 28/03 3M
Last week Lynne White, Rachel Fry and Susan Guscott had a wonderful time walking the Motatapu Track between Arrowtown and Wanaka. We had a short day on Monday and spent the night camping at historic Macetown, listening to possums rampaging around the campsite in search of leftovers and hoping they wouldn’t try to get into our tents. This was followed by three strenuous but rewarding days, enjoying the dramatic mountain scenery and beautiful autumn weather, finally arriving at the Fern Burn Road end where we were met by Peter Morten who drove us back to Wanaka.
Weekend
Tararua Lodge Work Party, led by Vivienne Radcliffe, 29 – 30/3 8M
Just to report that an enjoyable and productive working party was held up at TTC Lodge last weekend. 8 members and 1 helpful toddler carried the bulk food and much toilet paper in 12 loads - some extremely heavy - up to the lodge. Tasks completed: painting of walls and the front door, much cleaning, sorting and washing and multiple maintenance items. Great weekend in a fantastic place with good company.
Total 52 members and 0 non-members