Waimea Tramping Club Inc.

72 Chelsea Ave, Richmond 7020

www.waimeatrampingclub.org.nz

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Newsletter

Vol 47, No 1, March 2019

Editor’s Report We have had the driest January and February on record in Nelson, a complete contrast to last summer which was very wet. Some track closures due to the high fire danger have affected or may affect some planned trips.

January’s Club Night was a late change to the programme with a good presentation by Jake Harris, Dylan Lester and Matthew Fox from Nelson College on a 20-day traverse through the Wilderness in . The students were worthy recipients of a FMC Youth Scholarship. To view photos of the expedition, just search for “Tasman Wilderness Expedition” on Facebook. The Club Night on tramping gadgets is rescheduled to April. Keep on tramping. Robert Wopereis

Top Shot

The beautiful alpine tops on Robinson Saddle on the Lake Christabel circuit Photo: Robert Club Nights Wednesday 3 April: Gadget information Share your ideas on new technology for tramping such as apps used for tracking, maps and GPS.

Wednesday 1 May: AGM and Africa by Joy Bryant The election of the Waimea Tramping Club executive, the presentation of the annual accounts and minutes. Then a presentation by Joy Bryant about her recent trip to Africa, including a climb of Mt Kilimanjaro.

Wednesday 5 June: Show and tell Club members will show photos of their recent NZ tramping trips.

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Hut and Track News Kahurangi National Park The Cobb Dam Road re-opened in December after being closed since February 2018 because of damage from ex-tropical cyclone Gita. Slips were cleared and the road is now much improved with extra work carried out widened corners in several places between the power station and the ridge top. Council in conjunction with Trustpower and DOC maintain the road.

Abel Tasman National Park Extremely dry conditions have forced some temporary closures to huts on the Inland Track. The hut closures are Awapoto Hut, Wainui Hut (including access through Wainui Saddle and Birds Clearing), Moa Park Shelter, Castle Rock Hut and Holyoake Clearing Shelter. The Inland Track is closed but Rameka Track, Track and Track remain open.

Mt Richmond Forest Park Due to high fire danger all access to tracks in Mt Richmond Forest Park through forestry land is closed until further notice. The only entry possible is by the Pelorus Track from SH6 at Pelorus Bridge via the Maungatapu Road, or at the southern end of the Alpine Route through the Red Hills near St Arnaud.

Enjoyable Plan B tramping Mt Arthur – Sunday 25 November 2018 The long range forecast for Sunday was miserable-bordering-on-terrible all week, which didn’t bode well for our planned Mt Arthur summit bid. But not to worry - there is a Plan B lurking patiently in the wings. Things started improving, and by the time Sunday morning rolled around, it was actually looking rather promising, and nine people fronted up for the walk. From the Flora Saddle carpark we set off up the wheel-chair-grade track through the forest to Mt Arthur Hut for morning tea, before optimistically heading higher. However a cold wind stripped us of warmth and thick cloud afforded no views, so we took the sensible option and scuttled lower, taking the track through the tussock and dracophyllum and thus down to the historic Flora Hut. After an early lunch (carefully guarding our food from the patrolling eagle-eyed weka waiting to pounce on unsecured morsels), we headed further into the park and out to the rock bivvies - our View photos of trips at: alternative offering. facebook.com/waimeatrampingclub

Upper Gridiron, a cosy wee hut built into the small rock overhang, with its gorgeous stained glass window, and outside hearth and swing seat. Lower Gridiron, a rock overhang on a grander scale, with its upper storey sleeping platform and spacious sheltered outdoor living area. The rock bivvies are definitely pretty special, and one of the highlights of Kahurangi NP.

Instead of continuing on to the Tablelands, we turned around and retraced our steps to Flora Hut, then completed the earlier Arthur loop back to the Flora Saddle carpark. It was a very enjoyable day of Plan B tramping ... the predicted rain didn’t eventuate; in fact there was not a drop of precipitation to be seen. We were: Diane (leader), Pete, Robyn, Joy, Odette and newcomers Daniel, Dave, Beth, and Moshe. Diane

A magnificent sunrise Angelus Hut – 8-9 December 2018 Everyone who was busy with Xmas busy-ness missed out on an awesome weekend to Angelus Hut. For a start, it was The Best weekend weather for quite some time. A small amount of high cloud on Saturday produced some amazing formations, including impressive flying saucers, whereas Sunday was almost cloudless. After initial beech forest from the carpark up the Pinchgut Track to Relax Shelter, the track then follows the Robert Ridge far above the bushline. Your feet follow the well-trodden route through both stark open expanses and towering rocky pillars, with views of mountains marching far off into the distance. An early-summer dump of snow two days previously had almost melted away, but a few residual smatterings in sheltered spots added to the beauty of the vistas. 2

As always, the view from the ridgeline looking down into the basin containing Lake Angelus and Angelus Hut was breath-taking. Later a walk towards Sunset Saddle meandered through beautiful alpine meadows, and this was followed by relaxation time on the large sun-soaked deck of the fully-booked-out hut. The highlight of the weekend was getting up super-early on Sunday to catch the magnificent 5.45am sunrise over the lake. It’s times like this that epitomise why we head into the mountains, and why Angelus is one of the most popular huts in the Nelson Lake Angelus Photo: Diane Lakes National Park.

We were (quality not quantity!) a party of two: Diane (leader and scribe) and Deb. Saturday - 5.5 hours Mt Robert Carpark to Angelus Hut. Sunday - return trip 4.5 hours.

A very pleasant pre-Christmas tramp Easby Park - Marsden Valley crossover – Saturday 15 December 2018 Although on the day unable to come Alison’s clear planning helped ever-y-one. She’d dotted the i-s and crossed the t-s A short local crossover trip it must be Leaving most of the afternoon free.

From Easby Park five climbed a steady incline To rest at the Forest Lookout with view sublime To chat with the ranger keen to share the news Three runners 14 circuits were attempting to run The height of Mt Everest from here in the sun.

From Marsden Valley four trampers chugged up Enjoying estuarine views and a brew in a cup From a paraglider pilot they heard the news GPS transponders had altered the game Higher and longer flights now in the frame.

Nine trampers now traversed Barnicoat Range Undulating forest road – or flat for a change They thought and they talked in the hot sun To meet in the middle, enjoy a chat and a laugh Swap car keys, continue on – and then home for a bath!

Times: About 1 hour 15 minutes up or down and 2 hours along the top. About 5 hours overall. Colin

West walks Westport – 29 December 2018 - 2 January 2019 Four keen trampers left sunny Nelson over New Year to explore some of the walks and tracks in the Westport area. We arrived on the Saturday afternoon at the Westport Holiday Park and quickly settled into our comfortable chalet accommodation. Then, it was off to view the lighthouse and seal colony at Cape Foulwind, 16km west of Westport. This was easy walking along a 3.5km cliff track from the lighthouse car park and down to the beach at Tauranga Bay. The walk there and back took three hours, including time to read the informative signs along the way and (despite the smell) viewing the rare NZ Fur seal breeding colony on the

3 rocks below. With an ominous looking rain front coming up from the south it was then time to drive back to Westport.

Sunday morning dawned misty with low cloud after overnight rain, and so we had an uncertain weather forecast for our planned trip up Mt William, a high spot above the Denniston Plateau. Instead we opted for a five hour, 14km return walk along the historic Charming Creek Walkway. We started at the Ngakawau end, 35km north of Westport. The well-formed and maintained route followed a historic bush tramway, with many interesting relics relating to past coal mining and transportation activity. Of note during the walk was the narrow boulder strewn Ngakawau Gorge and then, after one hour, impressive views of the Mangatini Falls including from a very long Mangatini Falls, Charming Creek Walkway Photo: Ron suspension bridge. Once through a long and very dark tunnel, the walkway continued through bush that became more open due to past logging and sawmilling activity. After passing Mumm’s sawmill, we stopped for lunch at the Charming Creek coal mine site, which is close to the car park at the Seddonville end of the walkway. Returning back to Ngakawau the same way, we recuperated with ice cream and then on our return to Westport we had time for a detour up the winding road up onto the Denniston plateau. We had ample time to view the historical artefacts with their excellent information panels, and take in the magnificent vista out to the coast from the Denniston Incline Brakehead lookout.

On Monday morning, a humid westerly airflow continued to maintain a low cloud base so we decided to visit the Westport i-Site for advice on the local weather and our best walk options for the day. We were also concerned by a warning sign we saw that said the Denniston Bridle Path track was closed and too dangerous due to slips. However, we were reassured by the helpful lady at the i-Site that the Bridle Path, although challenging, was still doable if we were brave. She also recommended that we walk the Argyle Track near Charleston. So after a stop for a beach walk and coffee at Tauranga Bay, we headed south. We found the hard-to-spot sign for the Argyle Track 1.5km out of Argyle Track, Charleston Photo: Ron Charleston and just past the start of the unsealed portion of Darkies Terrace Road. The tramping track took us six hours return and was mainly in the bush. It initially followed the old water races from Argyle Creek that were built for gold mining but still in a good state. There were also some very deep and exposed mine workings, before the track eventually climbed up and through country with interesting views of the coast and various limestone outcrops. Overall, the track was well marked but looked to be infrequently maintained with some areas becoming overgrown with gorse and manuka. However, we saw lots of the mauve sun orchid Thelymitra flowering on the edge of the track we spotted a beautiful 40cm high Orthoceras with its reddish-brown flowers. Towards the end, the track went through three long and muddy 4 tunnels with low headroom, so a torch app on the mobile phone proved useful. Also, in some places the track was steep and slippery, and DOC warning signs suggested people may have had problems in the past. Nevertheless overall, it was an enjoyable if rather tiring tramp.

On Tuesday morning, the sun shone early despite light night-time rain. Unfortunately though, the sun faded and mist soon descended, so we decided to finally forgo any Mt William ascent into the clouds and instead tackled the 4.2km Denniston Bridle Path track. So we drove to Waimangaroa, 18km north of Westport, and started walking from the Conns Creek Road car park. It took two and a half hours to reach the Brakehead viewpoint that we had driven up to on the Sunday. The upper section of the track had certainly suffered extensive damage from slips in November, and the largest slip needed quite an effort and some stretching to get over. But after lunch at the top, it took us just over two hours to come down. This was despite a short ten minute side trip to visit the Middle Brakehead lookout. Once back at the cars, we drove up to the end of Conns Creek Road for our final view of the Denniston Incline, this time from the very bottom. Just like at the top of the Incline, some of the original equipment was well preserved since operations closed in 1967. And then, it was back to the campground to get ready for a last night dinner at the aptly named “Denniston Dog”.

On Wednesday morning, we left Westport in sunshine, stopping for lunch in a very hot Murchison, but with time to take in the views from the Skyline Walkway lookout. Thanks to all the ladies (Lesley G, Julie and Val) for the organisation, the company and the adventure. Ron (the driver and scribe).

A perfect day circuit a.k.a. Loop-The-Lake – Sunday 6 January 2019 The first Sunday tramp for 2019 attracted 14 starters keen to burn off some excess calories from their Xmas and New Year indulgences.

We left Richmond early and motored up to St Arnaud where a car was strategically deposited at Kerr Bay. We then headed around to West Bay and up the Mt Robert Road to start the day through the lush beech forest of the Lakeside Track.

First stop was morning tea at Whisky Falls, a sparkling 40m cascade surrounded by moss and ferns. We then continued hugging the lake and moseyed along to Coldwater Hut, superbly situated with the jetty right at its front door step. Next it was out of the trees and into expansive river flats with great views up the Travers Valley. It was compulsory wet feet for all as we crossed the wide but shallow , forsaking the winter alternative of an additional hour-plus detour up to the swingbridge.

A short jaunt across the flats and it was now fortuitously lunchtime, enjoyed on the deck of Lakehead Hut. Time to change direction, and the afternoon’s walk was along the other side of the lake on the Lakehead Track. Even the non-botanists were impressed by the abundance of red mistletoe dripping from the beech forest. Afternoon tea time coincided nicely with a sunny shingle beach, where a hardy few were tempted to take a dip.

Seven hours from starting walking, and we popped out at Kerr Bay. The cars had been shuttled there from West Bay by the drivers who had forged ahead of the main group. This saved us the somewhat tedious link walk back to the start. A very enjoyable day was then rounded out perfectly by an ice cream from the St Arnaud shop. We were: Diane (leader and scribe), Pete, Maria, Rob, Julian, Julie, Marian, Mike, Robyn, Grant and newcomers Penny, Donna, Andrew and Vania.

Tarn tenting Klondyke circuit, Victoria Forest Park – 12-13 January 2019 Eight keen trampers met in Wakefield at 8.15am on Saturday morning and travelled down to Rahu Saddle by 10.30am. We were surprised at the number of cars in the carpark but at least we knew we would not be competing for bunks and there was plenty of room to park. In very pleasant warm weather we headed up the Klondyke Spur Track, having decided that we would prefer to hike along the exposed ridge in good weather and knowing that later on Sunday it was likely to deteriorate. It was good going up the spur and not as steep as expected. By lunchtime we were at the bushline with great views to the south, east and west. From the bushline the track is not marked but it is a reasonably popular walk and it was not hard to follow a track. The 5

track climbs up to 1541m sticking to the ridge crest most of the way. We passed a group of much younger trampers which helped the ego. From the ridge above the upper tarn we chose to drop down a gut with a rocky bluff to the north. Except for pushing through the tall grasses in full flower and being a bit steep in places it was a reasonable route down to our campsite. We set up camp near the stream feeding into the upper tarn. Other tents were scattered around the area. The water was surprisingly warm for an alpine tarn and Looking north along the Klondyke Spur Photo: Chris two of the hardier members of our group couldn’t resist a swim. With a rocky area for our cooking we made ourselves at home in very pleasant surroundings. For an evening walk most of us did a circuit of the tarn and later one even walked back up to the ridge top.

Next morning we were packed up and away by 7.30am and headed down the creek on the northern side of the tarn. On the way down we were met by a father with his five year old son doing the same circuit as us but in reverse. Campsite at the upper tarn on Klondyke Spur Photo: Chris The descent to the lower tarn was a bit steep in places but not difficult. We found the start of the track near the lower tarn and had a very pleasant walk down the Klondyke Valley Track photographing a few more plants and birds along the way. We heard kaka and long-tailed cuckoo and saw riflemen, robins, tomtits and fantails. We were back at the cars by around 11am and decided to head to Reefton for a pleasant lunch at a café and then enjoyed a different route for at least some of the way home.

It was a very pleasant trip which should perhaps be graded “mod-hard”. Those on the trip were: Maria, Rob, Chris, Jo, Eric, Esther, Joy and David S. Chris

Pretty plateau Red Hills Hut & plateau – Sunday 13 January 2019 We assembled in Richmond at 8am and made our way to Red Hills carpark. There was some parking difficulty because of some thoughtless parking but we managed to squeeze in. Then we began with careful negotiation of the creek for those who did not want to continue with wet footwear for the rest of the journey.

We quickly came onto a newly constructed bike track which we followed with some interest. It had better grades with more zigzags and although slightly longer, got us to the old cob two-roomed cottage and the rapidly deteriorating old weatherboard house we understand was the original homestead of the Rainbow Run. We visited the cob cottage to marvel at the pioneering spirit of those times. The cottage is fenced off, but vegetation is now up to window sills, however the building itself is in remarkable shape. We did visit the weatherboard house which is declining much more rapidly, perhaps because stock have been using it as a shelter. A huge number of beehives were in this location but they were no trouble.

From there we began the ascent up the old four wheel drive track to the Red Hills Hut. It is a steady climb of about 400 metres through quite tall regeneration with odd patches of bush and excellent views out to the Wairau Valley. We arrived at the hut and decided to push on up to the summit of the plateau at 1160 metres. There is only vague track markings with the odd cairn. Underfoot it’s quite difficult going, through small scrub, rocks and very uneven ground, but most of us made the top for lunch and the magnificent views northwards. 6

We were lucky that it was quite dry which did make it a bit easier. From there it was all downhill to the hut, with a bit of difficulty following the track down. Manuka was in full bloom everywhere and was quite a sight. From the hut we came down the track and arrived at the carpark close to 4pm. Some of the party followed the old track to compare the time with the new cycleway track. The difference in time was only a couple of minutes with the old walking track being shorter but a lot steeper. Red Hills plateau Photo: Robert

Participants Julian (leader) Robyn, Anne, Odette, Lesley, Julie, Robert, Donell and newcomers Greg, Andrew and Vania. Julian

A pleasing combo Doom Creek & Devils Creek Hut – Sunday 20 January 2019 Gold was discovered in the Wakamarina Valley in 1860 and was one of NZ’s richest goldfields with about 2800 miners working in the area until the boom ended in 1865. An interesting history for 14 trampers to contemplate who left the end of the Wakamarina Road on a fine warm day, but with a strong south-west wind. After 30 minutes on a wide track we turned off onto the Doom Creek side track. We enjoyed a good track through bush on the shady side of the valley before we crossed Doom Creek and sidled down to cross Fosters Creek. The mossy rocks were a trap for two people who slipped in, getting a bit wet. Then it was down the other side of the valley back onto the main track after the detour of 1½ hours. We continued on towards Devils Creek Hut, soon entering mature forest on a nice track but with some undulations, reaching the hut in a large clearing after 3¼ hours. We also explored the derelict slab hut in the bush just behind the DOC hut.

After our lunch we returned along the main track back to the carpark taking only two hours. We all agreed it was very worthwhile doing the Doom Creek Track and especially doing it first, rather than last.

Overall, a pleasing combination of tracks for the group of Robert, Robyn, Odette, Anne, Donell, Grant, Diane, Lesley G, Arif, Marian, Julian and newcomers Greg, Andrew and Vania. - Robert

Crossing Doom Creek Photo: Robert

Swims for six Browning Hut – Saturday 26 January 2019 Six of us chose the correct weekend day for this tramp considering the heatwave Nelson was experiencing at the time. Most likely we had a mid-20’s day. We all knew that the following couple of days were forecast to be over 30 degrees and that’s indeed what happened. The highlight for all of us was not the tramp itself rather the swim afterwards at the Busch Reserve further back along the Aniseed Valley Road. There we met up with two more WTC members, the David’s’ Mountfort and Wheeler, both of whom had needed to pass on coming on the tramp itself for work reasons. We met trampers coming from Browning Hut south on their way to Mt Starveall as that part of the track is also part of the Te Araroa Trail. Between the road end and Hacket we met a few families out with their young children - very intrepid considering the heat.

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We were away from the cars for seven hours which included a leisurely hour long lunch stop in the dry shade that we managed to find near Browning Hut.

Club members Merrick, Odette and Alison (leader & scribe), potential members who we hope to see out on many more trips Trace and Belinda along with photographer and American visitor Kyra came for a pleasant day out with great company.

On the track to Browning Hut Photo: Alison

Wind worries Lake Lockett – 26-27 January 2019 Ten keen trampers set off early on Saturday, on the planned trip from the Cobb Dam over Iron Hill to camp by Ruby Lake, but a gale above the bushline made us change the plan. Instead we followed cairns down a tussock lead through stunted beech to Iron Lake Stream. We left the cairns and went down on the true left side of the stream through scrub, tussock and bush to Diamond Lake Stream, which we crossed to pick up the trappers' track to Lake Lockett. We found sheltered tent sites and a very well set up toilet near the lake, as the wind howled through the treetops. A stroll along the track to Diamond Lake and back filled in the rest of the afternoon, but the wind kept us from going up Mt Lockett.

This change of plan shortened Sunday's walk out on an equally windy day. We followed the track back down Diamond Lake Stream and reached the old quarry below the Cobb Dam in under four hours, giving us time on the return journey to cool off with a swim in the Takaka River and for a coffee break on the Takaka Hill.

The group was Rob, Maria, Robert, Jeannie, Pete, Diane, Eric, Esther, Mary and David S (scribe). The lovely Lake Lockett Photo: Diane

Rugged but rewarding Robinson - Christabel circuit, Victoria Forest Park – 2-5 February 2019 Fine weather was on order for eight trampers as we travelled 3kms west of Springs Junction on SH7 then 17km to the end of Palmers Road. On our way we left one vehicle at the start of Lake Christabel Track for a car shuttle. The Robinson River Track skirts left around the farm at the end of the road, following a fence line for 40 minutes then follows a muddy track for ten minutes to reach the river. We continued up the valley, often on grassy river flats but with a few large windfalls to scramble over, before we crossed a swingbridge over the river. Further up the valley, the water level was fairly low after no recent rain, so we opted to cross the river on the flats several times rather than unnecessarily taking a longer way on the terraces. But soon the valley narrowed and the going became more rugged with a choice between a rough riverbed or the track on the riverbank, often thick with hook grass and some large logs to negotiate. Eventually we reached a swingbridge crossing back over the river to the six-bunk Mid-Robinson Hut in a sizeable clearing, 5½ hours from the start.

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It was fine again on Sunday as we continued up the Robinson Valley. The track stayed on the left of the river and was easier going, but still not easy, with lots of scrambling needed and still with unrelenting hook grass. The highlight of the day was a kea sighting, with it following us for ten minutes in the tree tops. The crossing of the first three-wire bridge wasn’t as scary as expected, because of netting halfway up each side making it much safer. From here it was only 15 minutes to the ten-bunk Top Robinson Hut in a small clearing The flats of Robinson River Photo: Robert surrounded by mature red beech. This was another 5½ hour day.

Monday was cloudy as we set off at 7.30am, crossing a three-wire bridge after ten minutes. Then we steadily climbed a spur, which became very steep for a while, before we emerged from the bush with good views back down the Robinson Valley. Then it was a much easier gradient on grassy slopes and we soon reached the saddle, 2½ hours from the hut, just as the cloud cleared. We enjoyed exquisite views of the tussock tops of the Main Divide before sidling across the slopes Crossing the Robinson River Photo: Robert to the edge of upper Blue Grey River. Then it was a 45 minute steep descent to the first pocket of bush close to the river. We found this section quite tricky, not being able to see our footing because of the undergrowth of flax and ferns. Because of avalanche debris, the track descended into the riverbed, then climbed up again into the bush. Then it was a steady descent to cross another three-wire bridge, this one with a ladder at each end. After this it was a further 1¼ hours to the ten-bunk Lake Christabel Hut beside the right branch of the river. After a long 7½ hour day we felt hot and tired, so a few of us cooled Arriving at Top Robinson Hut Photo: Robert off with a quick bath in the shallow river.

Tuesday was cloudy as we left the hut at 7.30am, taking 30 minutes to reach Lake Christabel. Then it took 2¼ hours to walk to the lower end of the lake, with the track only coming down to lake edge in a few places. The going was tricky in a few places where there were steep lake-side slopes. From the end of the lake it was a 100m climb up a hill, the debris from an ancient earthquake landslide that formed the 90m deep lake. The track gradually descended, eventually coming within sight of the river, then the last 20 minutes were on river flats, before we reached the end of the track. The car drivers had rushed ahead, so there was no waiting for our transport to arrive. This completed another long 7½ hour day.

This track has a low number of users, particularly the Robinson Valley, which has less than 100 visitors per year. The hut book at Mid-Robinson Hut dates back to 1993 and is still only half-full. Likewise the Top 9

Robinson Hut has a hut book that started in 1994 and is still not full, but has been replaced with a new book. We were surprised that we met only two other people on the entire trip, who were a couple from Nelson, tramping the same days as us.

The trip was not all smooth sailing, with two people feeling unwell at times, one person getting a slight burn and two people suffering some wasp stings. Despite these events we still enjoyed a rugged but rewarding trip, especially the majestic alpine tops. The trampers were Robert, Joy, Esther, Eric, Maria, Rob, Diane and Pete. Robert

A hot walk Trig K – Sunday 3 February 2019 After a month with little rain it was at least possible to go to the Pelorus Scenic Reserve. It was a hot day and we made our way around the lower track. Fortunately we had Julie with us who has had a long interest in the bat work in this area and was able to fill us all in on these incredible mammals and show us the location of some of the roost trees. After completing the Circle Loop Track we set off to climb up to Trig K. Recent forestry harvesting enabled us to have great views out to Havelock and beyond.

The views from the now crushed Trig K have largely been obscured by steady scrub growth. We descended down towards the waterfall to find shade and have our lunch. From there we visited a barely functioning waterfall. One of our party had a fall so it was a case of a slow limp back to the cars and a waiting ice cream. No one fancied a View from the summit of Trig K, Pelorus Bridge swim as the water levels were very low and the surface had a great deal of leaf litter dropped from stressed trees.

The participants were Julian, Jocelyn, Odette, Julie, Ken, Robyn, Grant, Christine, Val and newcomers Andrew, Vania, Rochelle, Greg, Penny, Donna and Rito (a visiting student from Japan). Julian

Pearse Resurgence – Sunday 10 February 2019 Cancelled (due to forest closure)

A birdwatching walk Sandspit – Saturday 16 February 2019 Nine trampers met at Richmond Badminton Hall at 10am; soon sorted into two cars and off to Motueka Saltwater Baths to park and meet our tenth member. Low tide today was about 2pm. It was a very warm sunny day with a morning southerly breeze, changing to a northerly breeze before midday and then to a very strong, blustery northerly headwind.

We started walking by 10:40am, heading north along the coastal track Lunch stop on the Motueka Sandspit with an 11:40am morning tea stop in bushy shade near the Staples Street 10 carpark. The walking distance so far was about 4.5 km. We then backtracked along the coastal track a short way to a boardwalk onto the Motueka Spit and then walked in a southerly direction along the seaward edge of the spit for about 2km. A sudden rise of wind, thoughts of lunch and no real need to go much further encouraged movement up to a bit of shelter from the rising northerly wind amongst ‘ridgetop’ scrub. Total walking distance so far since we started was now 8km. We had a brief 20-minute lunch about 1pm, brief because the blustery strong wind was not pleasant.

By 1:20 we were walking back north again eventually to a spot 30 minutes later where we could cross a tidal lagoon back to the mainland coastal track without having to go all the way back to the original boardwalk. Then with a good brisk tailwind, and another 3km walk, we were back at the cars by 2:30pm.

During the day, we sighted a few oystercatchers, gulls (mature and young) and herons … but no ‘promised’ godwits or banded dotterels. Finally a pleasant stop at TOAD Hall for a well-deserved ice-cream/sorbet/gelato and home to Richmond. Total time from walk start to finish was four hours and the total estimated walking distance was 13km. We were – Ian, Lesley, Val, Odette, Grant, Robyn, Rochelle (almost new), Paul (new), Gail (guest) and Ken (scribe).

Rainbow ski field & beyond – Sunday 24 February 2019 Cancelled (weather)

Topographic maps online: NZ Topo Map: www.topomap.co.nz NZ Topo Maps: www.nztopomaps.com Maps Past: www.mapspast.org.nz

Nelson/Tasman Alerts: www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/alerts

Mt Richmond Forest Park access: www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/marlborough/places/mount-richmond-forest-park/park- access

Club Meetings Committee Meeting: 7.00pm Fish & Game Council Rooms, Champion Road, Richmond Monday 11 March, Monday 8 April, Monday 6 May, Monday 10 June

Trip Planning Meeting: 7.30pm Fish & Game Council Rooms, Champion Road, Richmond Monday 6 May

Hut ticket prices Adult Hut Tickets: Serviced Huts $15, Standard Huts $5 Youth Hut Tickets: Serviced Huts $7.50, Standard Huts $2.50 (11-17 years) 12 Month Hut Pass (with your FMC card) $85 (normally $122), 6 Month Hut Pass $92

Tramping Grades Gradings are a combination of gradient, distance and roughness of track Easy – up to 4 hours on a good track, easy gradient Easy/moderate – up to 6 hours on a good track, mostly easy gradient Moderate – 6 hours plus, on a rougher track, some climbing Moderate/hard – Up to 8 hours on rougher track, often climbing Hard – 8 hours plus on a rough track, often steep

Club Contacts Secretary: Jo Ecroyd 544 7038 Email: [email protected] Editor: Robert Wopereis 544 0142 Email: [email protected]

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Waimea Tramping Club Programme – March-June 2019 When planning to go on any trips please contact the leader by Monday night for an overnight trip and by Thursday night for a day trip. Make phone calls before 9pm please. If you are staying in a hut, remember your hut tickets! You, NOT THE CLUB, are responsible for your safety and well-being on trips. Date Trip Map Grade & Cost Contact Fri-Sat-Sun Mt Fishtail (Note: possible track O28 Hard Esther 265 6041 8-9-10 March closure because of high fire risk) BR27 BQ27 $37 or 027 656 8228 Go late Friday afternoon and camp at Mill Flat on Pine Valley off Northbank Road. On Saturday climb a steep track up a bush ridge to the bushline then across scree slopes and the NW ridge to the top of this distinctive 1643m peak. About 10 hours return. Stay a second night at the campground and travel home Sunday. Saturday Rotoiti walks N29 Easy Colin 547 7511 9 March Nelson Lakes National Park BR24 $21 Maria 541 8598 A variety of short walks centred on the DOC visitors centre, including Black Valley Walk, Brunner Peninsula Nature Walk, Loop Walk and Black Hill Track. About 5 hours in all. Saturday Rivercraft skills - Hacket Creek N28 Easy/moderate Pete W. 021 798 106 16 March Mt Richmond Forest Park BQ26 $4 Interested in learning a bit more about the best techniques to use when crossing rivers? Peter W will give you the opportunity to learn and practise these techniques on the way to Hacket Hut. Sat-Sun Parapara Peak M25 Moderate/hard David W. 021 201 5682 16-17 March Kahurangi National Park BN24 $25 From Ward Holmes Road, 11km from Takaka, a 4-5 hour steady or steep ascent to this 1249m peak (about 9 hours return). Either an early start for a day trip or the option of staying in Takaka the night before. Fri-Sat-Sun Base camp at D’Urville Hut M29 M30 Moderate Alison 545 8399 22-24 March BS24 $24 Di 021 144 3471 Take the water taxi to D’Urville Hut (10 bunks, $5 hut ticket) on Friday morning. On Saturday a day trip to Mt Misery Hut (4 hours) and return. During spare time Friday and/or Sunday explore partway up D’Urville Track or Tiraumea Track. Water taxi cost dependent on numbers. Return on Sunday. Sunday Sclanders Creek, Maitai Valley O27 Moderate/hard David S. 544 1573 31 March Nelson BQ26 $5 From Maitai Dam walk up the Sclanders Creek track, past Maitai Caves, then head off track up a spur to Pt753, then back on a shared bike track from Junction Saddle, via Pt812, Sunrise Ridge and Peaking Ridge. Wednesday CLUB NIGHT: 7.30 pm, Fish & Game Council Rooms 3 April Gadget information Champion Road, Richmond Gold coin donation Share your ideas on new technology for tramping such as apps used for tracking, maps and GPS. Sat-Sun Kiwi Saddle Hut & Gibbs Track M28 Moderate/hard Maria 541 8598 6-7 April Kahurangi National Park BQ23 $22 From Rolling River, walk along the Wangapeka Track then up Kiwi Stream, climbing steadily to Kiwi Saddle Hut (6 bunks, $5 hut ticket) taking about 7 hours. Possibly return via Gibbs Track, depending on river levels. Sunday Editor Hill P27 O27 Moderate/hard Robert 544 0142 14 April Marlborough Sounds BP28 BP27 $16 before 1pm From Opouri Saddle ascend a bush ridge, past a locked hut to a highpoint at 1040m then a further half-hour to the summit at 1032m, taking about four hours. Return the same way for a full day of about 7½ hours altogether. Easter Boyle River Lodge M31 M32 All grades Robert 544 0142 by 19-22 April Lewis Pass BU23 BT23 $56 Saturday 13th April Stay three nights at the 65-bunk Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre. Cost $35 per person, per night. Planned trips: Lewis Tops, Nina Hut, Klondyke Valley. Other options: Mt Faust, Travers Peak or Lake Daniell. Sunday Canaan/Moa Park/Mt Evans N26 Moderate David S. 544 1573 28 April Abel Tasman National Park BP25 $18 From Harwoods Hole carpark at Canaan, walk over Wainui Saddle to Moa Park Shelter. Follow old track markers back up onto Evans Ridge and south to the farmland. Then walk the Gold Creek Loop family mountain bike track back to the carpark. About 6 hours plus breaks. 12

Date Trip Map Grade & Cost Contact Wednesday CLUB NIGHT: 7.30 pm, Fish & Game Council Rooms 1 May AGM and Africa by Joy Bryant Champion Road, Richmond Gold coin donation The election of the Waimea Tramping Club executive, the presentation of the annual accounts and minutes. Then a presentation by Joy Bryant about her recent trip to Africa, including a climb of Mt Kilimanjaro. Sunday Red Hills - Maitland Track circuit N29 Moderate Chris and Jo 544 7038 5 May Mt Richmond Forest Park BR25 $21 From the locked gate on Road, climb up the four wheel drive track towards Beebys Knob. Turn off onto the Maitland Ridge Track to Red Hills Hut and descend through native bush via the Red Hills Hut to the carpark on SH63. About 7 hours. A minor car shuffle required. Sunday Lodestone & Mt Hodder M27 N27 Moderate Esther 265 6041 12 May Kahurangi National Park BQ24 BP24 $17 or 027 656 8228 From Flora carpark a steady 400m climb to Lodestone then down and up a ridgeline to Mt Hodder and return. Some steep sections. About 8 hours return. Sat-Sun Coastal Corners P27 P28 Easy/moderate David W. 021 201 5682 18-19 May Marlborough BQ28 BR28 $29 Leave Saturday morning and walk part of the Link Pathway (section closest to Picton). Sunday drive to Rarangi and walk tracks to Whites Bay, Black Jack Track and the Loop Track. Some road bashing but not much along the Port Underwood Road. Stay at Top 10 Holiday Park. Let leader know by Tuesday. Saturday Parachute Rocks N29 BR24 Easy/moderate Di 021 144 3471 25 May Nelson Lakes National Park BR25 BS25 $21 From Kerr Bay follow a zigzag track to get great views below the St Arnaud Range and return the same way, taking about 5 hours altogether. Sat-Sun-Mon D’Urville Island P26 All grades Jeff 522 4994 1-3 June Marlborough Sounds BP28 BN28 $41 Maria 541 8598 Take 4WD vehicles on a barge from French Pass to Kapowai and stay at the D’Urville Island Community Hall for day trips. The cost for barge is about $300 return per vehicle and the cost for accommodation for the whole group is about $60 per night. Wednesday CLUB NIGHT: 7.30 pm, Fish & Game Council Rooms 5 June Show and tell Champion Road, Richmond Gold coin donation Club members will show photos of their recent NZ tramping trips. Sunday Cable Bay Walkway - O27 Easy Julian 542 3147 9 June The Glen to Sentinel Hill BQ26 $3 Esther 265 6041 or 027 656 8228 From The Glen walk to a highpoint above Cable Bay taking about 2½ hours then return. Great coastal scenery. Saturday Bushline Hut circuit N22 Moderate Colin 547 7511 15 June Nelson Lakes National Park BS24 $24 A day trip from Mt Robert carpark climbing the Pinchgut Track to Bushline Hut and then descending via Paddy’s Track, taking about 5 hours altogether. Sat-Sun Mid-Winter at Mataki Lodge M30 All grades Maria and Rob 541 8598 22-23 June Matakitaki Valley, Murchison BS23 BS24 $41 Stay Friday and Saturday nights at the spacious Mataki Lodge. Cost $30 or $35 per person, per night depending on numbers. Trips to Mole Saddle (3½-4 hours) via Jamieson Ridge Track and return, or the option of returning down Mole Creek. Another trip up Watson Creek Track as far as time allows and returning the same way. Saturday Mid-Winter Mystery Tour O27 Easy Alison 545 8399 29 June BQ26 Lunch $$ only Morning & afternoon options prepared for you. Walk one, the other or both. Lunch at the café in Founders Park.

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