Monday 24 November 2025

ROB ROY GLACIER, return:

Meeting at the waterfront car park opposite McDougall Street, ready to depart at 9.30 a.m. 

Description: A 10 km (return) trip from the Raspberry Creek car park, taking 3-4 hours. About 15 minutes from the carpark we cross the Matukituki River (west branch) via a swing bridge and then climb through a small gorge into beech forest and then alpine vegetation at the head of the valley where there are good views of the glacier.

Travel: Approximately 1 hour each way. Given the recent rain and continuing snow melt, SUVs would be best to deal with the fords. Currently the road is described as open and clear.

Weather forecast: Fine (20°). Light winds.

Walk leader: Paul Knox

Petrol donation: $15.00 pp

Monday 17th November: Dean's Bank to Dublin Bay & return

Meet at the usual place, ready to leave at 9:30am. 

(Wanaka lakefront carpark, on Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road, just along from intersection of McDougall & Ardmore Streets) 

We will travel to the Albert Town campsite and park at the start of the Dean's Bank track. 

Our walk will follow this track and then the Dublin Bay track to Dublin Bay.

We will have lunch, sheltered from the wind, before retracing our route back to the car. 12km approx in total with some small undulations.  

Forecast is for a mostly cloudy day with Northerlies becoming strong from morning. As this is a 'there & back' we have the option of turning around if wind becomes unpleasant, & heading for coffee at the Pembroke Patisserie. Closes at 2:00pm.  

Heather Knox

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