Monday 10 November 2025

The annual WWG camp away takes place this week in the Catlins.  I recommend that anyone wishing to walk on 10 November at Wanaka gather as usual at the southern Roys Bay car park.  A destination can be decided amongst the attendees. Enjoy! 

Normal programming will resume on Monday 17 November.  Weather permitting, the intention is to walk the East Ridge/Long Gully track then.

Paul Knox

Monday 3 November 2025

 Monday's walk 3 November 2025:

Alfern Reserve:  A  there & back walk on the Queensbury Hills with spectacular views of the Upper Clutha Basin

• We will start at DOC Queensberry car park and climb towards the Pisa Range Ridge Track. This is a steady climb through farmland, up past the Alfern Conservation Area and its small remnant grove of kānuka and Hall's tōtara.
  We climb over the stile into the Pisa Conservation Area and follow the farm track towards a suitable & lunch spot amongst the rocks.  We can take in the panoramic view over the Upper Clutha basin from Lake Hāwea to the southern end of Grandview Ridge.
  This is  about a 4km one way with a 450 height gain. We will simply return downhill the way we have come.
  Getting there:  Drive 20 km south of Wānaka along SH6. Turn right into Pukekowhai Drive and drive up to the T junction at the top. Turn left into Wailana Heights Drive until you reach the DOC Queensberry car park on your right.
  Meet at 0930 at the usual spot by the lakeside, to sort out carpooling. The weather forecast looks friendly.  Coffee at the Luggate Hotel afterwards.

November Week Away - Catlins

Reminder

Our week in the Catlins is only 10 days away. It's not too late to decide to come.

Walk information has been added to the Week away Tab on the blog.

If you are coming or thinking of coming, could you please email Stephen so he has numbers for the thursday night meal.

mathesonsjrf@gmail.com or text 0272450232.

Also, could you also please let him know if you are interested in carpooling, either as a driver or passenger, from Wanaka to Owaka and return.

Monday's walk - 27 October 2025

Newcastle Track

We'll see what weather the morning brings. The Upper Clutha River Track may be an option if the wind is too bad and coffee is always an option if rain demands it. Please be at the meeting point at the lake front carpark opposite McDougall Street ready for a 9.30 departure, and bring $5 for your driver.

Leader: Jan Scown

Mobile 022 350 6605

Monday's walk - 20 October 2025 -addendum

Hello Ranger 

We ended up going for coffee. A good choice as heavy rain and thunder set in for Wanaka. The Clyde to Alexandra Millenium River Track was a 'no go' as a slip at the Clyde end had closed the track and it was under water at the Alexandra end.

Leader: Jan Scown

Mobile 022 350 6605

Monday's walk - 20 October 2025

It could be Clyde-Alexandra River Track or a loop from Eely point to Sticky Forest, Rob Robertson Memorial, Beacon Point Rd and back along the lake

The weather forecast isn't looking good anywhere I consider, and it keeps changing, so plans may well change depending on what my local weather scout's say tomorrow morning. Initially Clyde-Alexandra area was looking good and Wanaka not, but that may have reversed. We'll see what the morning brings. 

Either way, I'll be at the meeting point at the waterfront carpark opposite McDougall Street, ready for a 9.30 departure. We can always go for coffee ☕️ Please bring $15 for your driver (in case we do go to Clyde).

Leader: Jan Scown

Mobile 022 350 6605

Monday's walk - 13 October 2025

Twin Rivers Trail

Meet 9.30 am at the waterfront carpark opposite McDougall Street. 

We will drive to Lake Hayes and stop at the Hayes Creek Rd carpark and walk along the trail (dual bike and walking) toward Morven Ferry Rd. After lunch we will return the way we came. There may be a shower mid morning but the winds aren't predicted to get strong until mid afternoon by which time we'll be on our way home. Please bring $15 for your driver.

Twin Rivers Trail queenstowntrails.org.nz

Leader: Jan Scown

Mobile 022 350 6605