Monday's Walk - 13th December 2021

Damper Bay - AGM

Meet at the usual car park on the lake front, west end of Roy's Bay at 0930.

Proceed to the boat ramp reserve at the north end of Glendhu Bay.  Walk from there around the lake to Damper Bay and return. This is a total distance of roughly 12kms so whether we go the whole way will be negotiable on the day!  Also, given the forecast it may be a speed walk depending on how quickly the weather changes!  The plan is for all who attend to take food for a shared lunch following which we will have the AGM.  This should not take long as the main office bearers have indicated that they will stand again for the next 12 months!

Weather:  forecast 25C. Mostly cloudy. A few showers from late morning, some heavy, clearing in the evening. Light winds.

Leader: Paul Knox

Monday 6 December 2021

Upper Clutha Walking Track

Meet at the Roy's Bay car park, west end at 0930

From the car park near Pawson's Crossing at Albert Town (by the Cardrona River via Kinneberg Street)) to a couple of kms or so past Stevenson's Road, lunch, then return. The weather forecast is for cloudy weather, southeasterlies, and a high of 15C so we'll be walking into the wind at first with a tailwind on the return.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  the AGM was to take place this day but has had to be postponed to next Monday, 13 December.  The venue for that will be the public boat ramp reserve at the northern end of Glendhu Bay.  The intention is to walk the Millenium Track from there to Damper Bay and return for a shared lunch before the meeting.  Naturally the plan is weather-dependant and confirmation of the venue will be via this blog site next Sunday.

Leader: Paul Knox

Monday 29 November 2021

Deep Gully-East Ridge

Meet as usual at the lakefront, west end at 0930.  The weather forecast is for some morning cloud, otherwise fine, light wind, reaching a high of 28C.

The track starts across the road from the Sandy Point car park. A poled route follows the toe of the hill before climbing up Deep Gully and up onto the Grandview Ridge. Turn right to follow the Grandview Ridge track for 500 m before branching off and descending down the Eastern Hills track back to the starting point. 10.5 kms.

Usually we go anti-clockwise but it's time for some variation. The uphill section this time is a little more gradual (than going the other way!)  There is no water so ensure you have enough and poles if downhill grades test your knees! It's possible the recent heavy rain will have rutted the track so wear sturdy footwear.  It should be a good day.

After-drinks/ice-creams at the airport cafe.

Leader:

Paul Knox

Monday 22 November 2021

There will be no organised walk this day owing to the fact that the Group will be journeying to Fox for the annual week-long adventure.  To those remaining at Wanaka, and visitors, who wish to have a group walk, it is suggested you meet at the usual lakeside car park, west end of the lake at 9.30 a.m. and there agree on a walk destination.

Paul Knox
El Presidente

Monday's walk - 15 Nov 2021

FERNBURN

Meet at the usual waterfront carpark at 0930, west end.

We travel west on the Wanaka Mt Aspiring Rd  and turn left onto Motatapu Rd at Glendhu Bay.  After about 3 kms we park at the carpark at the ford then walk for about two hours upstream, lunch, then return the same way.  Coffee or ice cream, etc at the Glendhu Bike Trail base on Motatapu Rd afterwards.

Forecast for Wanaka: A fine morning. Cloudy with rain at times from afternoon. Northwesterlies developing in the afternoon. 18C.

Leader: Paul Knox

Monday 8th November

Marjon & Brian are walking from Waterfall Creek to Damper Bay, where Brian will eat lunch and Marjon will go swimming. In case there is no other walk arranged, you are welcome to join us (the group did this walk only a month ago). Brian

Monday's walk - 1 November 2021

There and back to Dublin Bay, starting and finishing at the Dean's Bank bike track car parking area. The forecast is for partly overcast, nor'westerly, 20C.

Meeting first at the Roy's Bay carpark, southern end 0930.

Leader: Paul Knox

Monday's Walk - 25th October 2021

Rocky Mountain Walk

Meet at 9.30 Waterfront car park opposite McDougal St

We will drive to the beginning of the Diamond Lake track and then walk up Rocky Mountain in a clockwise direction.

The weather forecast looks ok for tomorrow. Bring your sticks and good balance. The track may be slippery in places.

Leader: Stephen Matheson

Monday 18th October

Jacks Point to Jardine Park return. Expecting that any last rain will have passed through by the time we drive over to Queenstown and we should have a clear day.
We walk around the peninsula to lunch at Jardine Park and return to the Jacks Point Clubhouse and potentially coffee.
Leader: Ruth Harrison

Ruth Harrison

Monday 11th October


Rainy weather is coming but the question will be how fast. Based on current forecast we should be ok until afternoon.We will make final decisions tomorrow morning.
Plan A Jacks Point to Jardine Park return. Drive over to Queenstown past the airport and across to Jacks Point to park at the beginning of the trail. Walk around the Pennisula to Jardine Park which has toilets etc. Return same way with coffee stop at the Jacks Point clubhouse.
Plan B Local walk using both Scurr track and the Lakefront tracks.
Leader: Ruth Harrison
Ruth Harrison

Monday’s Walk 4 October 2021

MILLENIUM TRACK FROM CARPARK TO DAMPER BAY & RETURN

Meet at 9.30 am at the usual lakeside carpark. With the weather not looking all that flash we'll be doing a walk close to home.
Our walk to Damper Bay is a 16 km return trip along the undulating lakeside track with great lake and mountain views.
If weather conditions are really poor we can return back earlier and add in a coffee stop at Edgewater Resort. (Please bring a mask!)

Leader: Ron de Kraker

Monday's Walk - 27th September 2021



Gladstone Track at Lake Hawea

Meet at 9.30 am at the waterfront car park opposite McDougall Street.

Drive to Hawea and park near the carpark on Flora Dora Parade. We will walk along the lakeside track through to Johns Creek and then continue on the Timaru Creek road to the Brest Hill Track.

Then follow this track up the hill for a 100m or so to an elevated spot for lunch. Return via the same route.

Leader: Stephen Matheson

Take a look at the November trip page on this blog. There are details of offers from Fox and Franz businesses that may be of interest and tempt you to extend your stay.

Monday's Walk - 20th September 2021

Aurora Loop at Bendigo and Quartz Reel gold mining area

Meet at 9.30 am at the waterfront car park opposite McDougall Street.
We will explore the Aurora mining area at a slow pace. This is an easy 5.6K.
After lunch at the Pengelly Hotel (BYO lunch) we will return to the car park and drive 15 minutes south towards Cromwell and take take a quick look at Quartz Reef.

Total walk for the day about 8K. 

Stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities.

Leader: Robyn Matheson

Monday's Walk 13th September

Plan A - Rocky Mountain:

If it looks like there is an improvement in the weather with rain dissipating early, Plan A is a local climb up Rocky Mountain (775m), 18.5km west of Wanaka, to clear away the Lockdown blues. It is a 7km , 3 hours return walk, and sections of the track could be slippery.

 

Plan B – Upper Clutha River Track:

If it is still wet and windy we could seek the shelter of the Clutha River, walking down from the Albert Town swing bridge ,via the Cardrona River, to about the Stevenson Road exit (7.5km, 2.5 hr  - one way), then return back the same route.

 

Leader: Chris Kjelgaard

Monday Walks and Covid

At Levels 3 and 4 people are required to stay at home, so there will not be any advertised walks while we are at these covid alert levels.
Check this blog again when the alert level is reduced.
In the meantime stay safe and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Stephen Matheson

Monday's Walk - 16th August 2021

Sticky Forest Ramble

With a difficult weather forecast it is a Plan A, Plan B Day.

Meet 9.30 am at the waterfront car park opposite McDougall Street.

Please wear sturdy footwear and warm layers of clothing.

PLAN A: Drive to the end of Beacon Point Road turn left and park down at the beach.

We will walk along the lake side track then up into sticky Forest. We will walk the length of Sticky Forest to lookout over Wanaka and then back to the lookout north over the lake. 

From here, down to the outlet track for lunch at the camp. 

And thence back to the cars.

PLAN B: coffee

Leader: Robyn Matheson

Monday's Walk - 9th August 2021

Albert Town New Castle Track Ramble

Meet at 9.30 at the waterfront car park opposite McDougall Street.

Then drive to the Upper Clutha River Track Car Park, Albert Town off Kinnibeg Street.

We will walk round to the Albert Town bridge and thence by new tracks to the Swingbridge over the Hawea River.

We will ramble the Butterfield wetlands ending up on the banks of the Clutha.

Then up the hill following the cliff edge to the Newcastle Track.

At this point we drop down to the beehives on the river flat below,and out to the Clutha River edge for lunch.

Return much the same way.

Great views. Some "off" track walking and the forecast is for bitterly cold temperatures so please wear study foot wear and layers of warm clothing! 

Approx 12 to 13 km and 4 hours walking time. 

Monday's Walk - 2nd August 2021

Deans Bank and Dublin Bay Tracks

Meet 9.30am at the waterfront car park opposite McDougall Street (note Ardmore St the length of Pembroke Park is closed this week)

We will drive to the Albert Town Campsite and park by the entrance to Deans Bank. Albert Towners can meet us here.We will walk to Dublin Bay and return the same way.

Approx. 15k and 4 hours return.

Rain is forecast later and the track could be muddy and slippery so bring sturdy footwear and raincoats!

Leader: Robyn Matheson

Monday Walk 26th July, 2021.

Hi everyone, usual meeting place and time, where we decide on Plan A or B depending on what the weather is up to.  Plan A .  Travel to Bendigo via Tarras, and walk the Aurora Loop, plus another shorter loop. Plan B   Park at Bremner Bay, walk up through Sticky Forest, then loop back around to cars via Aubrey Rd.  Rain is forecast, so suitable attire required.

Leader,   Ian Algie.

Monday Walk 19th July, 2021.

Hi everyone,

Meet at usual place and time, travel over to Arrowtown, park near to Chinese Village, walk the Sawpit Gully track loop.  Track is muddy in places so good grippy shoes / boots required.  Patagonia for refreshments afterwards.

Leader   Ian Algie.

Monday Walk 12th July 2021

Hi everyone, meet at usual time / place,    travel to Clyde Dam, park at Dunstan Rowing Club.

Walk up the new Clyde to Cromwell track until we find a suitable lunch spot, hopefully warm and sunny, then return via same track.

Leader, Ian Algie.

Monday Walk 5th July 2021

Lowburn Loop

Hi everyone, meet at usual time, travel to Lowburn, near Cromwell.

Park in Campervan parking area and walk up the Lowburn Valley, and on to a back country road loop. emerging back out onto the main road near the fruit ice cream stall.

return to cars via lakeside track.  Approx 6.5k.

Leader, Ian Algie.

Monday's Walk 28 June

Plan A: Lake and Outlet Track

With a forecast for rain showers, turning to snow showers in the morning plus a strong wind watch for Southern lakes, I propose we do an easy local walk, protected somewhat from southwesterlies(?),  from the Beacon Point carpark, around the lake to the Outlet Track (30min.). Then if we wish we can continue on to Hikuwai Conservation Area in Albert town (1 hour/3km) and return back to Beacon Point car park. (Total time about 3 hours)

 

Plan B: If weather is too bad, we can retreat to the local café!

 

Walk leader: Chris Kjelgaard

Mondays Walk - 21st June 2021

Motatapu River Track

Walk from the Motatapu River bridge on the Wanaka - Mt Aspiring Road up to the swimming hole and return. About a 10km walk over mostly flat farm land. Bring walking sticks as the steps at the start of the walk can be slippery if there is a frost.

Walk Leader: Stephen Matheson

Monday’s Walk 14 June 2021

Plan A: Upper Clutha River track: Reko Point to Luggate Rocks

 

It looks like the rain will have cleared with a cloudy day. We will drive to the DOC Reko Conservation Area car park, off Shortcut Rd (about halfway along the road on the river side from the Luggate hill intersection), Luggate.

We will walk from Reko Point, turning right and continuing downstream above the river (about 12-13 kms)  to the Luggate Rocks car park (a couple of km's south of Luggate township)

 

Plan B is to shorten the walk by turning off at the Luggate Creek track, to the Luggate Pub.

 

Vehicle drop-offs will be arranged when we meet at the lakefront.

 

Leader: Chris Kjelgaard

 

 

 

Monday’s Walk 7th June

 

 Millennium Walk

 

The forecast is for low cloud in the morning. We will leave a car at the Glendhu Bay end. It's an easy track from Waterfall Creek carpark, via Damper Bay to Glendhu Bay carpark, with views up the lake, and maybe also the peaks of lower Matukituki Valley by afternoon. It is about 13km (3.5hrs). There shouldn't be too many cyclists at this time of the year.

Walk leader: Chris Kjelgaard

 

Monday 31st May

Cromwell to Clyde track
Meet at the usual spot on the lakefront at 9.30am.
I'm really keen to try the new biking/walking track from Cromwell to Clyde. It's been a really busy track with everyone impatient to get out there so hopefully a few weeks after opening and on a Monday it will be a bit quieter.
The new track follows the Cromwell gorge along Lake Dunstan.
We will drive to Cornish Point on the far side of the Bannockburn bridge to start and plan to walk to a high spot for lunch. Note we won't be trying to walk the whole track.
If the weather really looks as though it won't co-operate we will have a local alternative.
Leader: Ruth Harrison

Ruth Harrison

Monday’s Walk - 24 May 2021

Dingleburn Track, eastern shore of Lake Hawea

We will meet at the lakefront as usual at 9.30 am.

On the main road to Lake Hawea take Camp Hill Rd to the right, go to the end and turn left into Gladstone Rd. Follow to John's Creek.
We follow the dirt road along the eastern shore of Lake Hawea to the D.O.C. carpark ......
40 kms from Wanaka, 8 kms north of Timaru Creek. There's a toilet and info board at the carpark on the right hand side of the road which is where our walk will start.

This is an easy lakeside walk on a 4WD track to Silver Island Bay, about 13 km return.
The topography is mostly flat with a few minor hills, with fabulous views of Lake and mountains. We will have lunch at Silver Island Bay.

FORDS .........there are several fords so take extra care if you are in an ordinary car, preferably we will use 4WD's.

Forecast is looking good.

Trip Leader: Graham Walmsley

Monday 17th May

Meet at usual place on the waterfront at 9.30am. The walk is Pisa Moorings to Old Cromwell precinct.
We will need to do a car shuttle so we will drop passengers off at Pisa Moorings and drive to Cromwell. Then 1 car will bring drivers back to Pisa Moorings.
The track is a shared walking/ bike track almost flat. Much of it runs alongside Lake Dunstan and bypasses roads.
The walk is approx 12k and we will pick a lunch spot at about the half way mark.
Coffee at Cromwell is obviously an option at the end.
Leader: Ruth Harrison
Ruth Harrison

Monday 10th May

Meet at Wanaka lakefront 9.30an as usual
Option 1: Rob Roy glacier. The walk goes from Raspberry Creek carpark up the Matukituki crossing at the swing bridge.
It's about 1.45hrs to the upper Glacier viewpoint where we will have lunch.

The newly repaired track now contains a number of steep steps which do feel as they go on for a bit so expect a bit of a puff.

This walk will depend on having sufficient 4 WD cars for transport.

Option 2: Pisa Moorings to Old Cromwell town.

Walk out on the mainly flat bike/walking well benched trail with views of Lake Dunstan.

The walk is 12km and is expected to take 3-3/12 hrs. Coffee is definitely an option in Cromwell Old Town.

We will need to do a car shuttle at the beginning of the walk.

Leader - Ruth Harrison

Monday's Walk - 3rd May 2021

Lindis Hotel

Meet at the usual spot before driving to the start of Old Faithful Road.  We’ll walk to the old Lindis Hotel ruins.  Returning the same way, with the possibility of coffee at the Tarras Country Café.

Dress warmly.

Walk Leader: Linda Worth

 

Monday's Walk - 26th April

Destination: Lake Hayes

Meet at 9.30am, waterfront car park opposite McDougall St. 

We will drive over to Arrowtown & park at Lake Hayes Pavilion. The circuit around the lake is 8km & we will find a suitable place to stop for lunch.

The forecast is for rain around midday so bring raincoats & warm clothes, as it will be chilly. 

Trip Leader: Jane James

Monday's Walk - 19th April

Bridle Track/Haast Pass Lookout

Meet at Wanaka lakefront at 9.30am as usual. 

We will drive to Davis Flat beyond Makarora, where we will follow the Bridle Track to the top of the Haast Pass. We will then go up the track to the Haast Pass Lookout where we will have lunch before returning the same way. 

Trip Leader: Jane James

Monday's Walk - 12 April 2021

Upper Clutha Track

From the Hook, we will take the pathway to Pawsons Crossing and onto the Upper Clutha Track, enjoying the autumn colours and river views . 

We will find a nice lunch spot and return the same way.

Trip Leader: Pam Vaughan

Monday's Walk - 5th April 2021

Motatapu River Trail

Walk up the river from the Glendhu Bay - Mt Aspiring road to a suitable lunch spot and return the same way.

Attractive river views. About 5km each way.

Trip Leader: Stephen Matheson

Monday's Walk 31st March 2021

Destination: McPhies Ridge

Description: With the prospect of showers in the mountains we'll keep to the east with a walk up to an old top-dressing airstrip on McPhies Ridge at Cluden Hill. This is a 370 m climb over 6 km, initially alongside the Lindis River and then up a good 4WD track. Driving time from Wanaka to the Cluden Stream car park is about 45 minutes so we should have plenty of time for a visit to the Country Cafe at Tarras on our way home.

Walk Leader: Martin Unwin

Monday's Walk 22 March 2021

Destination: Old Woman Hut

An equinoctal walk taking advantage of the anticyclone still squatting over southern New Zealand, from the top of the Nevis Road near Duffers Saddle to the Old Woman Hut. A 300 m climb following a 4WD track for 6 km, mostly at lenient grades. Great views into the lower Nevis Valley from our lunch spot on the hillside behind the hut. Return the same way. The forecast is for little if any wind but with a high point of 1,450 m make sure you have adequate windproofing as we can expect cooler conditions at altitude.   

Walk Leader: Martin Unwin

Monday's walk 15 March 2021

Destination: Lake Roxburgh Walkway

Description: With strong nor'westers and a prospect of afternoon rain for the Wanaka area we'll drive down to Alexandra in search of more sheltered conditions. The Lake Roxburgh Walkway starts from the end of Graveyard Gully Road directly across the Manuherikia River from Alexandra and follows the eastern shore of the lake opposite the Roxburgh Gorge Cycle Trail. We'll pick for a suitable lunch/turnaround point at about the 7 km mark and return the way we've come.

Walk leader: Martin Unwin

 

Monday's Walk 8th March 2021

Alfern Reserve / Poison Creek Sculpture Project

A short walk on the Queensbury Hills followed by an afternoon visit to the nearby Poison Creek Sculpture Project. 

Walk: From the DoC car park on Wailana Heights Drive we will follow a good 4WD track up to and beyond the Alfern Reserve to a well-sited lunch rock with panoramic views over the Upper Clutha Valley and the St Bathans Range. 4 km one way with a 450 m height gain.

Sculpture Project: We will return to the car park at about 1:30 p.m. from where we will drive to the Poison Creek Project. This includes a sculpture trail where pieces from their permanent collection are displayed in a natural Central Otago setting, and a gallery displaying smaller works. Koha entry.  

Walk Leader: Martin Unwin

Monday's walk 1st March 2021

With the prospect of a few light showers from early afternoon we'll keep it short and local, walking the Newcastle Track from the Red Bridge to Albert Town. Will require a car shuttle, with walkers not involved in the shuttle having the option of walking the extra 2 km from the Hawea River bridge to the Patisserie in Albert Town to await the return of the drivers.

Walk Leader: Martin Unwin

Monday's walk 22nd February

 Wilkin Valley. We drive to Makarora and turn left immediately after the cafe on the left, down to a parking area near the river. The Makarora River crossing should be reasonably low after the dry period. On the far side we have a flat walk for 2km. Then we have a choice between crossing the Wilkin for a 5km flat walk on the true right - or a more up and down track through bush on the true left, with lunch on Dan's Flat. Either way we return the same way. It will be warm so we will be glad for the river crossings to cool down.

Leader: Brian Gilbert

Monday's walk 15th February

 We drive to Arrowtown (15min delays at road works) and park by the Chinese Village. Then follow the Arrow River for lunch by the Soho Stream. Returning the same way we may get a little rain.

At level 2 we are a small enough gathering to go ahead. You may consider wearing a mask during the car sharing. This should not be necessary during the walk in the open air. Obviously you should stay away if you have any symptoms.

Leader: Brian Gilbert

Monday's walk 8th February

 Young Australian Mine - drive through Bannockburn and after 3km turn right onto Nevis Road and park on the top of the ridge near Duffers Saddle and Watts Rock. The 5km track follows the ridge of the Carrick Range before dropping down to the waterwheel where we have lunch. We return via the water race, with an optional scramble up via the remains of a battery. At the carefully chosen point we leave the water race and head for the cars.

Leader: Brian Gilbert

Monday's walk - 1st February 2021

Crown Peak via Brackens Saddle. We drive to Glencoe Road (right turn where the Crown Range Road has a sharp left turn) and after 2.5k park on the verge (650m). At Brackens Saddle (860m) we have a drinks stop, then turn right up the hill on a 4WD track. The saddle on the Crown Range (1700m) lies between Crown Peak (1735m) and No.2 (1731m).

No doubt many will opt to stop for lunch before the top (e.g. at 1331m) and turn back. We all return the same way so we can be spread out - but for safety we will gather at Brackens Saddle on the way down.

Leader: Brian Gilbert

Monday 25th January

 Meet Brian & Marjon at 9:30 for a walk up the Matukituki Valley to Aspiring Hut with lunch at Shovel Flat.

Monday 18th January

 Brian & Marjon are staying at home because of the weather.

Monday 11th January

 Brian & Marjon are planning to walk on the Moonlight Track - to join them meet at 9:30. If there are enough people we will split in two to do the full Moonlight Track to Moke Lake (or vice versa) trip, meeting up midway for lunch and to swap car keys. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

Monday 4th January 2021

Brian & Marjon are going for a walk to the Chain Hills. If you want to join us, meet at the normal meeting spot at 9:30. We drive towards Lindis, then turn right on Goodger Road for about 12km of gravel road to Tim Burn car park. We may arrange to drop a car off at Pleasant Valley car park.

We follow the Shirmar Track 5km onto the ridge, follow the Chain Hills Track 5km along the ridge, then descend the steep Long Acre Track for another 5km. The car shuffle saves us the 2km walk up the road. This is a longish day - bring plenty of water.