2026-02-04 < Weekly activities > 2026-02-18
Activity summary: Wednesday 2026 Feb 11 to Tuesday 2026 Feb 17
Wednesday
Easy: Eastern Walkway from Strathmore led by Jean Morgan. 8M
Eight members set off from the end of the Strathmore bus route to Seatoun on a very sunny morning. Some members walked over new territory. Our main problem, in the middle of the day, was dodging the sunshine to seek shade. The views were stunning even though the growth in some places has camouflaged that view over the years.
Easy Medium: Makara Peak Circuit led by Brian Hasell 15M
15 Members enjoyed Brian Hasell’s Makara Peak Circuit in fine clear weather - perhaps the best Wednesday of the year so far. Some had joined him before and others were first timers. One said “we have lived in Karori for years, unaware of the delights on our doorstep’. 6hrs, 15 km.
Medium: Pinnacle, return via Wattie's Alternative led by Joan Basher. 18M
We had a big group of 18 trampers. The forecast wasn't great, but to our delight, none of the rain eventuated and we had perfect weather the whole day. Our route started at Holdsworth Lodge. The trudge up to Pinnacle 877m was steep and sweaty, but richly rewarded by the stunning views across to the main range as we lolled on the top for a leisurely lunch. Down via "Watties Alternative", a new route for most of us. Finally, a welcome foot-cooling fording of Te Whakaturākau (formerly called Atiwhakatu), and home via Donnelly Flats. The trip took 7h20, a Medium on the long side, with total height gain of 750-800 metres.
Medium Fit: North Ōhau led by Jenny Mason. 5M
Five of us walked up the river to North Ohau Hut. After lunch we found a steep, but scrub - free route to the ridge top opposite the hut and then descended down a marked spur to the Ohau just upstream of Blackwater Forks. Some of us enjoyed a swim while Franz recovered rubbish from the site of an old tent camp. It was a fantastic day, good weather, pretty river and great company.
Saturday
Medium Fit tramp to Turere Waterfall led by Marie Henderson. 5M
Five of us made it down Turere stream. Some of the log jams have moved since last time. They'll have moved again now after all the rain. We saw two little schools of fishes, two tuna, two humans (checking traps) and a stag. Had two mandatory swims. Three "climb out to get around" drops we could not down climb in the stream. Between us we got one photo. And about a million biddy-biddies on my gear alone.
Sunday
Easy medium Eastbourne afternoon walk + swim & dance led by Jenny Olsen. 4M and 1NM
It was pushed back to an afternoon walk. We walked along the Eastbourne Promenade to the Bus Barn. Up this track to Butterfly Creek and then down Kowhai Track back to our cars. Rain started but we didn't get too wet. No swim (as planned) but enjoyed a drink and early dinner at the Pavillion (Days Bay). The Live music had been cancelled. 5 of us (4 members and 1 very new recruit from the U. S.)
Total 55 members and 1 non member