Monday 30th December 2024

Brian is recovering from Earnslaw Burn = also there is some rain forecast - so no walk planned.

Monday 23rd Dec

Luggate creek to Devils Nook and beyond.

Meet at the usual Place Waterfront carpark at 9.30

The walk….Starting from the carpark opposite  the Luggate Hotel we'll walk through the houses down to the Clutha River and head downriver as far as we like for a suitable lunch spot and then return.

Weather forecast is saying showers in the afternoon so we should be good.

Travel costs $5.

Leader: Charlotte Schwartzentruber-Holmes.

Merry Christmas everyone.

In January there may be the occasional walk lead by Brian Gilbert so watch this space.

President's report for 2024 AGM

WANAKA WALKERS

2024

President's Report

My participation on walks for the last year has been spasmodic for a variety of reasons.

That said, it is obvious that no one person is essential to the gathering of interested walkers on Mondays.  That reflects the casual and social nature of Wanaka Walkers and is one of its attractions to those wanting to get out for some regular exercise in the company of like-minded individuals.  The numbers vary from week to week, as do the destinations, but the walks continue to take place.

As before, the faces change over time for any number of reasons and sometimes it seems like celestial events as people disappear without notice, perhaps to return later.

This leads me to the perennial and weekly issue of walk leaders.  The name 'leader' carries connotations of responsibility and duty, which in the context of Wanaka Walkers is true to some extent, but for our purposes is really just someone putting their hand up to nominate a walk destination, describe how to get there, and posting it on the group's blog on Sunday evening.  Being a leader is not an office in the organisation of the Wanaka Walker's Group.  You are not responsible for the health and well-being of paying members of the group, because there are none.  If many people take turn it is a load shared and widens the pool to cover those occasions when for whatever reason the nominated leader for the day is unable to do the job.  Just put your hand up and say you'll do a day, or two days, or whatever suits you.  Those who have done it before will be more than happy to help.

The issue of de-incorporatising the WWG has been addressed by the committee.  It has been decided that WWG will make no formal moves in this regard which means that come April 2026 WWG will automatically be de-incorporated.  There are no costs or penalties involved in this course; it just means there are no formal requirements for the group to continue functioning.  Having said that, the views of others that there should continue to be a formal structure to co-ordinate the group's activities are accepted.  To that end there will continue to be a committee with a president and secretary.  At most it meets two or three times a year, usually to organise the end of year 'camp'.

The week away this year was to Te Anau (between 18-22 November), with the base of operations being the Top Ten Holiday Park in the centre of town.  The number of participants was down on previous years (15-16) but it was a happy group and easily catered for.  The walks included to Shallow Bay, Manapouri, from Rainbow Reach return; the Circle Track (Manapouri), and to Lake Marian in the Hollyford.  Planning involved playing dodgem with the weather but fortunately the forecasted wind and rain was avoided.  The dinner finale at the Redcliffe Restaurant on Thursday night was excellent and enjoyable with the consensus being it had been a great week.

As in previous reports I end this one with grateful thanks to Stephen Matheson  for his quiet and capable diligence as our secretary.  It is he who does the lion share of the organising for the group.

I also wish to thank Brian Gilbert for his contributions as an experienced mentor and general fall-back guy when gaps need to be filled.

Finally, thanks also to the other members of the committee for their time and contribution to the affairs of the group, and to all those who took up the mantle of leader over the past year.

Merry Christmas to all.  Have a happy and safe New Year.

Paul Knox

President

Monday 16th Walk. AGM and Shared Christmas Lunch

Weather forecast is for showers developing in the morning so …..

Plan A. Damper Bay Walk.

If the weather looks good drive to Mt Aspiring view point and walk to Damper Bay and return (approx 10 kms). Then drive to the park on the Western side of Glendhu Bay for our Lunch and AGM.

Travel time 20 mins $5

Plan B. Poor weather option. Meet as usual and have a more sheltered walk form the car park along the Millenium Track to Waterfall creek and return. Then adjourn to the Croquet Club rooms (211 Warren St) for the AGM and shared lunch.

Plan C. If it'a already wet at 9.30, meet at the Croquet clubrooms at 11.00 for AGM followed by Christmas shared lunch. 

Leader:Jane Hudson. 027 2929774

President’s report for 2024 AGM

The following is my report for the AGM on Monday 16 December:

Sent from my iPhone

Christmas Shared Lunch and AGM

On Monday Dec 16th we will be having our Christmas shared Lunch and AGM. This is a more informal meeting but we need to get together to celebrate the Year that's been and plan our adventures for 2025. This includes sorting the leaders for the walks over the year. If you can just do a couple of weeks and share the month with someone else that is fine. All input is appreciated. 

Also think about where you would like to go for the November week away next year.

The committee would also like some fresh faces to look at! Please think about joining the committee to hep with planning the trip away and keeping a track of the leaders for the year. It's not onerous with about 3 meetings a year.

Look forward to seeing you on the 16th if not before.

Thanks,

Jane Hudson.

Walk for Monday Dec 9th.

Luggate Creek to Devils Nook Track

Meet at the Waterfront Carpark opposite McDougall street by 9.30.

Weather Forecast There are showers forecast and increasing over the morning with northwesterlies at 28 knots so it's not looking particularly pleasant.

The walk. Given the forecast we will stay low and by the river hopefully offering some shelter from the wind. Starting from the carpark opposite the Luggate Hotel we'll walk through the houses down to the River and then head downriver as far as we like for a suitable lunch spot. Then return the same way, giving us the option of turning back if it's too wet!

Travel costs $5.

And if it's already raining at 9.30 then we can make plan B….coffee somewhere inside and dry.

Leader Jane Hudson.

Walk on Monday Dec 2nd

Eastern Hills Deep gully loop

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

The weather is looking fine with a bit of cloud and warm temps so bring plenty of water.

Description. It's a 5 km uphill walk to the towers (1130m) on the Eastern Hills track ( formed 4WD) and then return on the deep Gully Track. 

Total of 11km.

Parking at Sandy Point carpark. Petrol contribution $5

Leader Jane Hudson. 027 2929774

Monday’s walk 25 November 2024

Rob Roy Glacier Track

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. The road has been recently graded and the fords are lower. However, we will still need 4WD vehicles. (The road is going to be closed from Monday 2 December for 2 weeks for repairs to a section.)

Weather forecast: Fine (25°). Northerlies developing in the afternoon.

Walk leader: Jan Scown (0223 506 605)

Petrol donation: 15 $p.p.

Monday’s walk 18 November 2024

Carricktown, Bannockburn 

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

Description: This walk goes up the Caledonian Spur (380 m) on a 4-wheel drive track through a belt of quartz reefs. The area is covered in indentations caused by collapsed mine shafts. Carricktown consists of a number of stone hut ruins on the spur. Depending on time we may venture on to the Elizabeth Reef and The Last Shot, where there are 2well preserved dams. We'll return the way we came, albeit with different views. There are numerous shafts in the area so we need to keep to the track

Weather forecast: Fine (23°) but go prepared. Bring plenty of water.

Walk leader: Jan Scown (0223 506 605)

Petrol donation: $15 p.p.

Walks in Te Anau

See the November Trip page for details.

Monday’s walk 11 November 2024

Rock Peak and on toward Mount Allen, from the Crown Range Summit.

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

Description: A there-and-back track from the Crown Range Summit carpark (1070 m) toward Mount Allen (1492 m). The track could be a bit wet and muddy underfoot because of the recent rain.

Weather forecast: Fine with light winds.

Walk leader: Jan Scown (0223 506 605)

Petrol donation: $5 p.p.

Monday’s walk 4 November 2024

Flat Top Hill, Butcher's Dam, Alexandra - the thyme is in flower!

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

Description: A loop track from Butcher's Dam car park that climbs 300 m. through flowering thyme to gain expansive views on the tops where we will have lunch. Total distance will be anywhere between 7.5 km and 13km depending how far along the top we venture.

Weather forecast: Mostly cloudy. Northwesterlies, easing late evening.(Issued 11.10 a.m. Sun 3 Nov.)

Walk leader: Jan Scown (0223 506 605)

Petrol donation: $20 p.p.

Monday walk 28th October

Meeting at usual place

Because of the amount of snow around, Monday walk is on the new track from Coronet Peak Station Road to Arthur's Point return. Forecast 11o with chance of rain in afternoon  $10 leader Chris Gibb 

Monday Walk 21st October

Sawyer burn walk

Meet at the usual place ready to leave at 9.30am

We'll drive to kids bush and walk up the track to the look out at the bush line . We could continue on to the Sawyerburn  hut time allowing . We will return the same way height gain 560m  cost $10 

leader Chris Gibb

Monday walker

Walk 14th October Motatapu  River track

Meet at the usual place to leave at 9.30am

We'll drive to motatapu bridge and access the beginning of the track you must be able to step/climb over the new guard rail to go up the steps. The track is a bit wet and muddy in places so wear sturdy footwear your aren't afraid to get dirty. This is a flat walk of around 12 kms weather is fine16o cloudy in afternooon

Cost $10 Leader Chris Gibb

Monday's walk 7th October 2024

Meeting at 9:30am at McDougall Street car rack.
We will drive to the beginning of the Lindis Hotel road, walk to the hotel ruins, have lunch and return to cars. Forecast high 17 partly cloudy with chance of a shower in afternoon so dress accordingly.
$10 petrol money  leader Chris Gibb. 

Monday’s Walk 30th September

Glendhu Bay Track and Roys Peak Track as far as the grave site.

 

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

Description: A 10 km. return walk from the Waterfall Creek car park (to get there take the Mt Aspiring Rd then turn right down Ruby Island Road to Waterfall Ck bridge), along the Glendhu Bay track (a well-formed shared track) to where a left hand shortcut through farmland leads to the Mt Aspiring Rd. 600m further on is the start of the Roys Peak Track (soon to be closed for lambing - 1st of October to 10th of November) where we will climb the zig zag track to the grave site at about 640m, have lunch and return via the same route to the carpark. Roys Peak Track is a bit rough with recent rains. Total estimated time about 4 hours. Forecast is for fine weather with northerlies picking up in the afternoon, 17°/4°C.

 

Walk Leader: Chris Kjelgaard (0210 431527)

Petrol donation: $2 pp.

 

 

Monday's Walk - 23rd September 2024

Sticky Forest Circuit

Meet at 9.30am at the usual at the water front car park opposite McDougall Street.
With a poor weather forecast we will stick close to home yet again!
Drive to Beacon Point Beach Carpark.
We will do a circuit of Sticky Forest and drop down to the Outlet Camp and walk back to the car park.
Approx 3 hours walking. As the tracks will be slippery after the recent rain please wear sturdy footwear and bring poles if you have them.

Leader: Robyn Matheson

Monday's Walk -16th September 2024

Newcastle Track

Meet at 9.30 at the waterfront car park opposite McDougall Street.
We will drive to the Hawea swing bridge and walk down the Clutha River to a suitable lunch spot. Then return.
Due to heavy rain lately the tracks may be muddy and slippery so wear sturdy footwear and bring poles if you have them.


Leader: Robyn Matheson
021 923 729

Monday's Walk - 9th September 2024

Plan A: Newcastle Track

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

We will drive to the Hawea swing bridge and walk down the Clutha River as far as the weather allows.

Due to heavy rain lately the tracks may be muddy and slippery so wear sturdy footwear and bring poles if you have them.

Plan B: if it is raining at 9am stay home!

Leader: Robyn Matheson

Monday 2nd September 2024

Aurora Loop Walk at Bendigo

Meet 9.30 at the waterfront car park opposite McDougall St.
We will explore the Aurora mining area. Lunch at the Pengelly Hotel (BYO) then return to the car park via Welshtown.
An easy walk approx 6 k with time for coffee at Tarras.

Leader: Robyn Matheson

Monday Walk 26th August 2024

Upper Clutha River Track

Meet at 9.30am at the Waterfront carpark opposite McDougall Street.

Travel to Albert Town turning into Kingston Street and then right into Kinneberg Street.

From the carpark at the entrance of the track it is a short walk to cross the Cardronna river at Parsons Crossing Bridge. 

We will walk down the Clutha River to a suitable lunch spot and return the same way.

Approx 12 k return.

Leader: Robyn Matheson

November Trip

See the November Trip 2024 page for booking details.

Monday Walkers 19th August

We will walk from the suspension bridge over the Hawea River to Hawea, along the Hawea River Track. This is 11km of mostly flat walking.

Neil will help with a car shuttle so that we can do the walk one way. We can have refreshments at the cafe in Hawea whilst the car shuttle is completed.

Meet at the usual place ready to leave at 9.30 a.m.

The forecast is for a fine but cold day so wrap up warm. The maximum temperature is expected to be 7C.

Leader: Gail Marshall

Monday's walk 12th August

We will be walking from the Old Post Office in Clyde, crossing the bridge and then along the River Track on the true right of the river. This is a flattish walk, approximately 10km to 12km return.

The forecast is overcast with morning showers and a high of 10C.

Please meet at the usual spot at 9.30 a.m. and organise transport amongst yourselves. Neil and I will meet you at the car park at the Old Post Office in Clyde  ready for a 10.30 start.

We are heading for Dunedin again after the walk, and have to drop Niko off at 8.30 a.m. in Cromwell.

Please could someone text me on 022 6208 542 before you leave with the number of walkers?

$10 for transport.

Leader: Gail Marshall

Monday's walk 5th August

We will be walking from the Bannockburn bridge, along the Lakeside Walk, towards Cromwell and back. This will be at most 10km of essentially flat walking.

Please meet at the usual spot at 9.30 a.m. and organise transport amongst yourselves. Neil and I will meet you at the car park at the junction of Bannockburn Rd and Pearson Rd in Cromwell ready for a 10.30 start. We are heading for Dunedin after the walk and have to drop our dog off at 9.00 a.m. at Ripponvale.

The forecast is for a cold day, perhaps with a morning shower.

Please could someone text me on 022 6208 542 as you leave with the number of walkers?

$10 for transport, coffee in Cromwell after the walk.

Leader: Gail Marshall

 

Monday's walk 29th July 2024

Wet weather option. Coffee at Hello Ranger. 
Fine weather option. Hikuwai and Outlet tracks as far as Beacon Point and back. This can be shortened if the weather deteriorates. Meet at Northlake skate park Glenavon Green. 9.30am

Leader Gail Marshall 

Monday's Walk 22 July 2024

Destination: Old Cromwell Reservoir

Description: A 9 km return walk to an 1875 Cromwell reservoir above the former Meeting of the Waters lookout at the Clutha/Kawarau confluence. We'll start from the Big Fruit carpark in Cromwell and walk 3.5 km along the roadside to the lookout, where a formed ground trail leads up to the reservoir site and beyond to a lookout and possible lunch spot. We'll then return to SH8 via a different route and retrace our steps to the cars.

Walk Leader: Martin Unwin

Petrol donation: $10 pp.

Monday's Walk 15th July 2024

Destination: Bannockburn loop

Description: An 11 km loop starting and finishing at the Bannockburn goldfields carpark on Felton Road. We'll start by following the cycle track along Felton Road to the Bannockburn Bridge and the Carrick Winery, retrace our steps to the Bannockburn Arm picnic area and return via the Bannockburn goldfields and Stewart Town. Total walking time should be about three hours, with lunch at either Carrick or Bannockburn Arm depending on our timing. We do not expect any respite from the temperature inversions which have squatted over Wanaka and Cromwell for the last four days so please dress accordingly and bring a hot thermos! Petrol donation $10 per person.

Walk Leader: Martin Unwin

Monday's walk 8th July 2024

Kawarau bungy bridge to Arrowtown. This is a 7.7km or 13.7km walk on the cycle trail. We will drop a car at Whitechapel Road on the way. We cross the bungy bridge and follow the old road until we pass under the main road. Then head to the impressive Arrow gorge where we cross the Edgar Bridge and head to the Loo With A View. We pass under the main road again at Arrow Junction and get to Whitechapel Road at 7.7km. The drivers will then go and collect the cars. Some walkers may opt to stay there to be picked up and driven to Arrowtown - while others may continue on for the remaining 6km. The drivers should have time to walk back up the river to meet the latter group.
Leader: Brian Gilbert

Monday's walk 1st July 2024

Looking at the weather forecast, plan A is to stay in bed until September.
Plan B: drive to Lowburn, where the rain should be much less. Walk along Lowburn Valley Road, Heaney Road and Burn Cottage Road to Jackson's fruit stall. Then return via Shortcut Road and the lakeside cycle track.
Lunch will depend on the rain.
Plan B requires a quorum at the lakefront at 9:30.
Leader: Brian Gilbert

Monday's walk 24 June 2024

Gladstone track - Hawea township to John Creek return. About 13 kms or so

Meet at the south end of Roy's Bay in the usual car park.  Travel to the lake front on the Hawea Esplanade Road.  We will walk on the track to John Creek, lunch, then return.  Coffee, etc at the Hawea Store afterwards.

The expected weather is average, low cloud and possibly a few spots of rain at first with a bit of wind from the northeast (basically off the lake).  Potentially a high of 10C for the day.  A good excuse to walk briskly.  

Leader: Paul Knox

Monday 17 June 2024 - Dingleburn Road, or Beacon Point to Patisserie return

Plan A: Travel from the meeting place at Roy's Bay to the public car park on the south side of the Dingleburn bluffs.  Walk for about one and a half hours on the farm road (or to suitable lunch spot) then return. At this time (Sunday 16 June @ 4.15pm) there has not been confirmation from Dingleburn Station that this option suits their operations. Distance: about 12-13 kms total.

Plan B: Travel to the parking area at the end of the road at Beacon Point.  Walk from there along the track to the Outlet and onwards down the Outlet Track to the Pembroke Patisserie.  Coffee/lunch there and return. Distance: about 12 kms total.

Weather:  forecast to be mainly fine with southeasterlies developing around midday. A high of 9.

Conditions:  will be firm underfoot for both options by and large, although there will be the odd puddle after the rain today.

Leader: Paul Knox

Monday’s Walk 10th June 2024

Tuohys Gully Track (2 hrs, 6 km -one way).

 

Meet at the usual place down by the waterfront car park opposite McDougall St.

Wanaka to Tuohys Gully car park (about 18 min/22 km). Starting on the Cardrona Valley Rd. turn left into the entrance to Waiorau Snow Farm. Tuohys Gully car park is signposted to the right immediately after the bridge. Follow the farm road until you reach the car park in a small paddock. Leave gates as you find them.

The track climbs steadily up a 4WD track to Tuohys Saddle at 1,140 m. ( The track to the left leads down to the Meg Hut at 960 m). The track may be muddy and broken in places so sturdy footwear is advised- and poles could be useful.

Weather forecast: may be light morning rain, calm variable winds (10°max/5°min). Please have $5 for your driver.

Leader: Chris Kjelgaard (0210431527)

 

Monday's Walk 3 June 2024

Fern Burn Track ( 2 hours/ 3-4 km one way)

 

Meet at 9.30am at the waterfront carpark opposite McDougall Street.

Drive 15km on Mt Aspiring Road past Glendhu Bay, turn left at Motutapu Road and continue 3km to carpark on left. The track follows the true right of the Fern Burn through grassy flats, recently fenced off and planted in natives, then through shrubland to remnant beech forest  (red, silver and mountain beech) in the Stack conservation Area. A little further on the bridge has been restored over the cascades and waterfalls. Expect a bit of frost, mud, cow pats - and shade in the forest. Sturdy boots - and poles could be useful.

Weather forecast: partly cloudy in the morning, sunny afternoon, light winds, 11°/4°.

Please have $10 for your driver.

Leader: Chris Kjelgaard

Mondays Walk 27th May 2024

Clutha River Track. Luggate Boulder to Reko Point

Meet at the usual spot on the lake front carpark opposite McDougall Street. 

Drive to Luggate Boulder about 3km east of Luggate. Walk to the river and then upstream on the Clutha River Track to the carpark near the Red Bridge. Then on towards Reko Point to a suitable lunch spot. 

Return on the same route to the cars. Return trip is about 12km.

Forecast is for a fine day. The track is dry but wind can be cool near the river.

Leader: Stephen Matheson 0272450232

Monday’s Walk 20th May 2024

Lake shore walk, Mt.Burke Station 13km/4.5hrs return

 

Meet at 9.30am, usual place down by the waterfront car park opposite McDougall Street.

The forecast is for an odd early shower, then becoming fine ( 2°/ 9°C.)

Drive 9km from Wanaka on the L.Hawea/Albert Town Rd to Maungawera Road on LHS, then drive 8km towards lake. Stop before a gate with an old wheel, turn right, drive through the open gate and a dry stream to some trees and park (option: stop before the stream and park, if the road is too rough).

It's a lovely walk along the shingly shore, then a 4WD track through manuka and totora, past Stevenson's Island, to gumtrees and poplars on a terrace looking up to the Neck and the snow covered Buchanan Peaks beyond.

The recce was done before this latest weather event, so the track may now be a bit muddy in places. Sturdy boots are advised. There are some old easily negotiated wire fences.

Please have $5 for your driver.

Leader: Chris Kjelgaard

 

Monday’s Walk 13 May 2024

Boundary Creek:  6km/1 ½-2 hr one way

Meet at 9.30am usual place down by the waterfront carpark opposite McDougall Street. The weather forecast is fine apart from morning cloud and (11 degrees max/ 2 degrees min).  We may be able to get above the fog, for a leisurely climb up to an old musterers' track.   The 4WD track starts opposite the Boundary Creek campsite 50km/40min. from Wanaka on SH6 between Hawea and Makarora. It climbs 500m to a viewpoint looking back to the head of Lake Wanaka. We can follow the old musterers' trail to find a lunch spot above Boundary Creek gorge, then return the same way. Sturdy footwear will be useful. There is no water. Please have $10 for your driver.

Leader: Chris Kjelgaard

 

Monday's Walk 6 May 2024

Colquhouns Beach: 7.5km/2-3hr one way

 Meet at 9.30am usual place down by the waterfront carpark opposite McDougall Street.

The track and farm road from Homestead Bay car park at West Wanaka make for an easy walk to a beautiful beach on the shores of Lake Wanaka, with a view out to Mou Waho Island on one side and Mt Alta on the other. 

Weather forecast: may be a shower in the morning, becoming fine with cool southerlies (10°max/6°min).

There may be sandflies at the lake. Track could be muddy in places. Please have $10 for your driver.

 Leader: Chris Kjelgaard

 

Monday Walk 29th April 2024

Glendhu Bay to Edgewater Cafe

This will be a shuttle starting at Glendhu Bay.The hike is 11.5 kms, stopping for lunch at 12pm and then continuing to  Edgewater Cafe.The drivers for the shuttle will stop at Waterfall Creek and be ferried back to Glendhu Bay to pick up cars.The rest of the group will walk to Edgewater for our coffee and wait for the drivers to catch up.

The safety issue is to be aware of the blind corners as this is also a shared cycle track.

Leader : Julie Parr

Monday 22nd April 2024

Damper Bay  Millennium Track

We will meet at the usual car park on the lakefront at Roys Bay, which will also be our starting point.To Damper Bay and returning the same way will be an 18km hike.It is a moderate track along the lake with a few small hills.

It is a very popular track for cyclists so beware of the blind corners and keep to the left side of the track.

Edgewater cafe makes for a convenient coffee stop on the way back.

Leader Julie Parr

Monday Walk 15th April 2024

Young Australian Waterwheel Bannockburn

We meet at the waterfront at 9.30 and head for Bannockburn.

Drive over the Bannockburn Bridge and continue straight ahead for approx 4.5 kms turning right into Nevis Rd.

Driving up to Duffers Saddle, 1100 metres, stopping at the carpark on the right.

We walk along a 4wd track for 5kms dropping down to the waterwheel where we stop for lunch.On the return trip you can choose between going down into the gully to see further mining remains or follow the easier Carrick water course.Round trip approx 10-12 kms.

It is an easy to moderate hike.There is no shade so bring hat and water.

Walk Leader

Julie Parr

Monday Walk 8th April

Bush Creek Track Arrowtown

We meet at the lakefront at 9.30.We then travel to the Chinese village in Arrowtown and start our walk turning left to follow Bush Creek.This will take us up to the saddle giving us a view over the Wakatipu basin. The grade is medium with a 400 metre height gain and it is 11km return.Great walk to take in the autumn colours with a visit afterwards to the wonderful new Ayrburn development for ice cream/ coffee. 

Group Leader

Julie Parr

Mondays Walk 1st April 2024

Motatapu River Track

Meet at 9.30am usual place down by the waterfront carpark opposite McDougall Street.

Take the Glendhu Road and park in the old quarry just over the Mototapu River Bridge.

Walk to the track end at the gorge for lunch and then return. Approx 5km each way

Leader: Derek Paterson

Monday's Walk 25th March 2024

Destination: McPhies Ridge

Description: With rain forecast on and near the main divide we'll keep to the east, with a 13 km return walk along McPhies Ridge from the signposted DoC carpark on Cluden Creek Road off SH 8 at Cluden Hill. Total height gain is 380 m, with lenient gradients after a steady 200 m climb over the middle 2 km. We should have ample time for a cafe stop at Tarras on the return trip to Wanaka.

Walk Leader: Martin Unwin  

Monday's Walk 18th March 2024

Destination: Poison Creek Sculpture Project / Alfern Conservation Area

Description: A morning visit to the Poison Creek Sculpture Project above Queensbury followed by a short walk to the Alfern Conservation Area for lunch. Poison Creek has increased their collection from 12 works at the time of our last visit to 30 so is well worth a second look. The Alfern Conservation Area, a 350 m climb over 2.5 km, is a small but thriving stand of regenerating Hall's totara.

Poison Creek asks for a $15 koha per person, and has asked that this be paid online as a single lump sum. To facilitate this please have $15 in cash for me to collect and transfer to their account on behalf of the group.

Walk leader: Martin Unwin      

Monday's Walk 11th March 2024

Destination: Cairnmuir loop

Description:  The Coffee Afloat boat on Lake Dunstan has confirmed they will be open tomorrow so last Monday's walk as originally posted will now proceed tomorrow. We follow an 11 km loop over the Cairnmuir Hills above Bannockburn, climbing 250 m to a saddle overlooking the Cromwell Gorge, descending to the Cairnmuir Slip control works visible across the gorge from SH 8, and continuing on to the coffee boat on the Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail. From here it's a 6 km walk back along the cycle trail to our cars. In contrast to our usual formula with a post-walk cafe stop this gives you your latte (and optionally lunch) option at the boat.

Walk leader: Martin Unwin

Monday's Walk 4th March 2024

Stop Press

The coffee boat has just emailed to say they are closed today because of the forecast so Plan A is no longer an option. Which leaves us with Plans B and C.

Monday's Walk 4th March 2024

Despite the very heavy overnight rain forecast all the main websites suggest it should be virtually all over by 9-10 a.m. tomorrow, with just the odd spot of rain from late morning. On this basis we have Plans A, B, and C as follows:

Plan A (no rain)

Destination: Cairnmuir loop

Description:  An 11 km loop over the Cairnmuir Hills above Bannockburn, climbing 250 m to a saddle overlooking the Cromwell Gorge, descending to the Cairnmuir Slip control works visible across the gorge from SH 8, and continuing on to the Coffee Afloat boat on the Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail. From here it's a 6 km walk back along the cycle trail to our cars. In contrast to our usual formula with a post-walk cafe stop this gives you your latte (and optionally lunch) option at the boat.

Plan B (light rain)

Destination: Millennium Track

Description: A short return walk along the Millenium Track to an agreed turnaround point.

Plan C (heavy rain)

Destination: Edgewater for coffee.

Walk leader: Martin Unwin

Mondays Walk 26th February 2024

Deans Bank to Dublin Bay.

Meet at the usual spot on the lake front. 

We will go to the Albert Town campsite and follow the  Deans Bank track to the Lake Outlet area. There we join the Dublin Bay track and follow it to a suitable spot for lunch at Dublin Bay. 

We will return the same way to our cars. Forecast is for a warm day with high cloud.

Albert Town residents can meet us at the walk start if they wish.

Leader: Stephen Matheson

Mondays Walk - 19th February 2024

Fern Burn Track

Meet at 9.30am at waterfront carpark opposite McDougall street.

Drive Mt Aspiring Road to Glendhu Bay then turn left at Motatapu Road and continue 3 km to carpark on left, just before the ford.  Easy walk following up the Fern Burn stream through grassy flats, shrubland and beech forest for about 2 hours (3-4km) – lunch stop somewhere near the bridge, then return the same way.

Forecast is for a fine but windy day.

Leader: Stephen Matheson

Mondays Walk 12th Feb 2024

Newcastle Track

Meet at 9:30 at the usual spot at the lakefront. 

We will drive via the Red Bridge to the carpark on Kanes Road
Then we will follow the Newcastle Track up the true left of the Clutha River to a suitable lunch spot then return on the same track to the cars.

It is forecast to be cloudy with mild temperatures

Leader Stephen Matheson

Mondays Walk 5 February 2024

Kawerau Trail

Meet at 9:30 at the usual spot at the lakefront. 

We will drive to the Bannockburn Bridge, parking on the left just before the bridge. 
Then will follow the path up the true left of the Kawarau River, past historical mining sites, to a suitable lunch spot then return on the same track to the cars.

It is forecast to be cloudy and warm.

Leader Stephen Matheson