Trip Reports

On Sunday we ventured from Holdsworth Carpark, past Donnelly Flat to almost the junction of Atiwhakatu Track and Mountain House track. A Southeast ascending ridge often referred to as Murray’s Track is well padded and comfortable underfoot and leads toward high point 801. The party of six took an hours to complete this section of unmarked track which crosses the current Gentle Annie track at about the 700m contour.

On 801 we had our customary group photo at the junction of the original track leading to Mount Holdsworth & Carrington Ridge. Following the track downhill in the Easterly direction the party made its way toward Rocky Lookout (the one shown on the topo maps). Care was taken walking through the steeply guttered sections before breaking out into the Turpentine scrub and making our way to the rock for lunch.

Great trip with Mike, Laura, Miriam and Julie.

We left the road end at around 11am and had lunch just beyond the sign post. It was a bit chilly up there and along the ridge to the spur which takes you down to Cow Creek.

We arrived at the swingbridge just on dark- the slip still causes a bit of a challenge about 10 min from the hut. We had a good fire crackling away and shared a fine dessert of squiggle tops and speciality chocolate.

In 1979 a light aircraft crashed in the Mt Bruce forest, the pilot survived, possibly aided by the dense bush slowing his fall. The wreck was rediscovered while setting up tracks for the current pest trapping operations. A short walk, on difficult uneven terrain, not to be recommended if it has been wet. There are parts of the fuselage still on the site, but not a lot to look at. Six members recently went in for a mornings walk.

Five club members had an enjoyable day walking along SH1 trap line to Braddicks track and back to the visitor center. A little damp but an enjoyable day had by all.

 

This trip went to Sayers Hut. A nice stop at the hut for a brew before heading back to the carpark at Mangatarere. A good day enjoyed by Mirian, Megan, Terry & Jason.

A non scheduled Club trip today to the Atiwhakatu valley saw six members having lunch at Atiwhakatu Hut, after first having been up as far as the swing bridge to Mitre Flats. On the way we saw some colourful fungi, and on arrival at the swing bridge a Gecko which fell out of a tree narrowly missing Terry. Also on the walk Denise, Sheila, Sinead, Devan and Nigel.

A party of nine members descended on Pigeon Bush Reserve, just south an west of Featherston this Sunday to see what progress the Native Forest Restoration Trust were making with tracks and forest restoration.

While tracks are still fairly rough, great views can be had of lake Wairarapa and valley one side and regenerating bush on the other.

Ten Club members had a wonderful weekend at Bushy Park, a Forest and Bird facility near Whanganui. The 98 hectare property is surrounded by a predator proof fence. Common native birds such as Tui and Fantail are found but also endangered species such as Saddleback and Stitchbird have been released and are readily heard. Photographing them is much more difficult as they seem adept at hiding behind branches.

The accommodation had two bunkrooms with a well equipped kitchen. More information at: http://www.bushyparksanctuary.org.nz/

The day started at 8.30 am at the car park in Masterton, then an hour and half drive to get to the car park at Coppermine Creek. Started walking at 10 am at a gentle pace to match the group. We stopped to read the information on the way.
When we got to the magazine shaft all but two went in for a look at the cave weta. At first it didn’t look like there were many and after a closer look there were lot of them. From there we went to the mine site and stopped there for an early lunch. There is a pile of rail irons there. Then back out the group chose not do the loop track this day and have an easy walk back out. The club trip was enjoyed by five members and Leader Stan.