Annual General Meeting
2020-03-09 19:30 - 21:30 (Pacific/Auckland) | Church Street Bible Chapel Hall, Corner of Church Street and Avenue Road, Timaru
Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 9 March, starting at 7:30 pm, at our usual venue – Church Street Bible Chapel Hall, corner of Church Street and Avenue Road, Timaru.
Come along to hear how the club went over the last year, to have your say on things, and maybe to offer to help out with the running of the club in some way.
If there is anything you would like to be put on the agenda please send an email to the club prior to 5 pm on the day of the meeting.

Double Hut - Weekend Trip
2020-03-14 08:00 - 2020-03-15 17:00
Double Hut is in the Ashburton Lakes area. Barry R. will be taking this trip.
The plan is to leave Timaru on Saturday morning (14th March), walk to the hut (a 2.5 to 3 hours, 9 km valley walk along flat and easy terrain), explore the valley a bit more in the afternoon if you want to, then enjoy a sumptuous meal arranged by our culinary expert Chef Barry – known for his extraordinary can-opening abilities!
Sunday morning’s activities will consist of an easy stroll back to the car. You should be home in the early afternoon, after ice-cream stops at Mt Somers, Mayfield, Geraldine and Washdyke.
If this trip sounds like one for you please contact Barry on 6885320 or 021 02689877.

Twizel Area - Weekend Biking Trip
2020-03-20 18:00 - 2020-03-22 18:00
Colin and Judy B. and John H. are arranging this trip, the third instalment of the club’s attempt to complete the Alps to Ocean ride in less than five years!
Accommodation has been arranged in Twizel, and the plan is to travel there on the Friday night.
Saturday will be occupied with driving to Ohau, then biking to Omarama – 41 km of Intermediate (Grade 3) track.
The plan for Sunday is to bike from Twizel to Ohau – 38 km of Easy (Grade 2) track.
The activities of each day can be extended if desired.
Numbers will have to be restricted to about 15, due to accommodation constraints, so if you are interested in this trip, please contact Colin or Judy on 6860995 or John on 6888536.
It should also be possible to do only one of the days if that suits you better, but please discuss this with Colin, Judy or John.

Wainono Lagoon - Day Trip - Postponed
2020-04-19 08:00 - 17:00
POSTPONED
Wayne K. was planning a day-trip to this area.
It was originally scheduled for 19 April, but due to the COVID-19 restrictions currently in place it cannot be held on that date, so will be held at a later date.
The rescheduled date will be advised as soon as possible.
When it does take place the trip should be an easy and enjoyable walk, with plenty of bird-life to be seen.

May Club Meeting - Cancelled
2020-05-11 19:30 - 21:30
Due to the current Coronavirus / COVID-19 level 3 restrictions we will not be able to hold our meeting this month.
If we can hold a meeting in June we will do so. We will keep you posted on developments.

Acland Shelter (Mt Somers) - Day-trip
2020-06-06 07:00 - 16:30
There will be a day-trip this Saturday to the Acland Shelter, which is located part-way along the track on the southern side of Mt Somers.

The plan is to leave town at 7 am, drive to Staveley, tramp to the shelter, have lunch there and a look around, then return home. The track should take about three hours each way.

If you are interested in this trip please contact Barry on (03) 6885320 by Thursday.

Barry has assured me that this will be a great trip and that there will be plenty of opportunities for ice-cream or coffee on the way home!

June Club meeting - Cancelled
2020-06-08 19:30 - 21:30
Due to the current Covid-19 situation the committee has reluctantly decided to cancel the monthly meeting which would normally have been held on Monday 8 June.
We did not feel confident about being able to maintain the social distancing requirements expected under Level 2 restrictions. Also, we would have had to limit numbers to 100!
We are hopeful that we can resume our monthly meetings next month.

Stour River Biking Trip - Day-trip
2020-06-13 08:00 - 17:00
There will be a bike trip next Saturday along the Stour River track, near Mt Somers in Mid-Canterbury.
Starting from the carpark on Ashburton Gorge Road, the Conservation Area is reached after 3 km. The plan is to continue along the track to Lake Emily and Manuka Hut (17 km), and then return the same way. The track follows the river.
If you are interested in this trip or would like further information, please contact Catherine on 027 7163518

July Club Meeting
2020-07-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Church Street Bible Chapel Hall, Corner of Church Street and Avenue Road, Timaru
Our monthly meetings will resume in July, on Monday 13/7.
Come and hear what the club has planned for the next few weeks.
One of our members (Dorothy) will show photos of some of the trips she has made in the last year or so.
All are welcome to attend – members and anybody else interested.

Little Mt Peel - Day-trip
2020-07-25 08:00 - 17:00
Bernard is planning to run a day-trip to climb Little Mt Peel.
This is an interesting walk, initially through forest and then in open country once above the bush-line. Along the way and at the top you will be rewarded with great views up and down the plains and also inland to the Southern Alps and Mt Cook. There is a hut and a trig station at the top, where you will be able to eat your lunch.
A reasonable level of fitness will be required, as it is a constant uphill slog to the top. You will need to have warm clothing and a good windproof/waterproof jacket plus gloves and a hat, as once above the bush-line you are on an exposed ridge with no shelter. You will also need to take sufficient water, as there is no guarantee that the tank at the hut will be full.

Waihi Gorge (Stone Hut) - Day-trip
2020-08-01 08:00 - 17:00 | Waihi Gorge, Geraldine area
Barry is planning a day-trip to an interesting old stone hut in the Waihi Gorge.
This will be an easy walk along old farm tracks and through forest. You will be able to eat your lunch at the hut.
Those who are well-behaved will be able to enjoy an ice-cream or a coffee on the way home!

August Club meeting
2020-08-10 19:30 - 21:30 | Church Street Bible Chapel Hall, Corner of Church Street and Avenue Road, Timaru
Our monthly meeting will be held on 10 August at the usual place (Church Street Bible Chapel Hall, corner Church Street and Avenue Road, Timaru), starting at 7:30 pm.
As well as an update on recent and upcoming trips, Dorothy will again enlighten and enthrall us with details of some of her recent adventures. She will be telling us about her Gillespie Pass trip in Mt Aspiring National Park, Kirwan’s Track near Reefton and cruising around the Fiordland coast.
Those who were at the July meeting will have enjoyed hearing and seeing about her excursions to Bream Head in Northland and Cedar Flat in Westland. Dorothy was somewhat disappointed that the slide show did not go exactly as she had imagined – but I’m sure you will agree with me that she is the only one holding that opinion! However, she has dredged up her best “School Marm” voice from the past, has had “Very Stern Words” with the laptop and projector, and has been assured that they will be on their best behaviour this time! (I’m glad I wasn’t on the receiving end of that! – Ed.)
If you could also come along with ideas about trips you would like the club to run we would be pleased to hear them. (We will be having a committee meeting in the next couple of weeks, to sort out our upcoming trip programme.)

Pareora River Walkabout - Day-trip
2020-08-15 16:30 - 18:00 | Pareora
Andrew is planning a short trip to explore the coastline at Pareora and maybe some parts of the lower Pareora River near its outlet.
This will be an easy, late afternoon short stroll. As well as walkers, there will also be a horse and rider participating, and some dogs. For those of you with dogs, Andrew is happy for you to bring them along if you want to.
The walk is scheduled to start at 4:30 pm and should be all over by around 6 pm.
If you are interested in this walk, please let Andrew know by phoning or texting him on 027 936 5040 – even if you have previously expressed interest.
Because the walk is not far from town, Andrew has suggested meeting at the carpark by the beach, at the end of The Avenue, Pareora. The Avenue is the main road through the village, running from the State Highway 1 turn-off to the sea.
If the weather is unsuitable on the Saturday the walk will be held the following afternoon, starting at 4 pm. If you are in doubt about the weather on the Saturday, check with Andrew.

Washpen Falls (Windwhistle area) - Day Trip
2020-08-30 08:00 - 17:00
Barry R. has offered to take a trip to these falls on Sunday 30 August.
This is a loop track. A moderate level of fitness will be required.
As usual, an ice-cream or coffee stop on the way home is almost certain!
For more information please contact Barry on 6885320 or 021 02689877.
Please note that this track is on private land, and the landowner charges a $10 per head (for adults) entry fee.

Oamaru Skyline Walk - Day trip
2020-09-13 08:00 - 17:00
The Oamaru skyline walk is an easy-moderate two-part 1/2 day walk that starts below the skyline ridge behind the Waitaki Girls School at the northern end of Oamaru.
It starts with a short uphill street walk which leads into open grassland, then sidles through a patch of native bush before dropping down to a small creek behind the Janet Frame House. It then continues up beside the creek, past a locally famous quarry of geological interest, and then up through a pine plantation to another grassland ridge. Good views of Oamaru and the port are seen from an unusually high perspective.
From here the walk takes us past an astronomical observatory, while below us we have views of an historical water wheel used for flour milling. This could be a good lunch spot for a future visit.
We then drop down into the Botanical Gardens and follow the Oamaru Stream, passing under an historical stone bridge and seeing parts of Oamaru that are not usually seen. Soon we arrive at the beach and see the Council’s new and impressive wooden suspension bridge over the stream. A short diversion lets us see the buildings that were the original ‘freezing works’ near the port of Oamaru.
Now behind the historic Oamaru Victorian Precinct, we then move along the waterfront before climbing up the hill track behind the port to a lookout point. From here we move into an area that was recently a pine plantation but now has lots of native plantings, and we get to inspect some concrete gun emplacements. There are plenty of walking tracks and cycle tracks in this area.
At the end of the walk we drop back down the hill and can visit the penguin viewing area. Also, if they are co-operative on the day, view seals and pups snoozing safely just metres away over a fence.
A short walk back along the waterfront to the car takes us past numerous noticeboards explaining the history of the Port of Oamaru.
We will leave Timaru at 8 am and drive to Oamaru.
Walking time: 4 hours approximately
Contact: Wayne 0279206638

September Club Meeting
2020-09-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Church Street Bible Chapel Hall, Corner of Church Street and Avenue Road, Timaru
For our meeting this month we are very fortunate to have a presentation by Nicole Moerhuis, who has come all the way from Canada to speak to us. Nicole was a member of our club for several years and, if rumours are to be believed, is hoping to establish a branch of our club in Canada.
Nicole will be telling us about recent tramps she has done in Canterbury, northwest Nelson and on the West Coast, and will talk about the geology of these areas. In addition, she will also tell us about hiking in British Columbia.
We will also have the usual roundup of trip reports and news of upcoming trips.
Please note that with the current Covid-19 restrictions we will have to limit numbers attending to 100, so arrive early to avoid missing out!

Scott's Saddle (Mt Hutt area) - Day Trip
2020-09-19 08:00 - 17:00 | Mt Hutt
The walk to Scott’s Saddle goes through parts of the Mt Hutt Forest and the Awa Awa Rata Reserve, remnants of forests that once covered much of the foothills and the plains.
The track to the saddle is rated as “Moderate”, and the total walking time should be about 4 hours.
There are several rest spots and vantage points along the way, from where good views over the Canterbury Plains and to the Port Hills are obtained.

Casey Hut (Arthurs Pass area) - Three Day Trip
2020-09-26 08:00 - 2020-09-28 17:00 | Arthurs Pass
This new hut, which replaces one destroyed by fire, was to be officially opened in August, but the event was unfortunately cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.
One of our Life Members, Robert B., who very generously helped with the funding for this replacement 12-bunk hut will be taking this trip.
The intention is to walk up the Binser valley for about 5 hours on the Saturday, camp out for the night, then continue on for about 4 hours to the Casey Hut the next day. On the Monday, the plan is to walk out via Andrews Stream.
This should be a great trip. A reasonable level of fitness will be necessary.

Mt Cook Station to Twizel - Day Trip (Biking)
2020-10-03 08:00 - 18:00 | Mackenzie Country
Colin is planning to lead a group of intrepid cyclists along this section of the Alps to Ocean cycle trail. As several other sections of the trail have already been completed on club trips over the last year or so, this is one of the last-remaining sections to be conquered.
The total distance will be close to 60 km, so a good level of “biking fitness” will be required.
Numbers will be restricted, as only a certain number of bikes are able to be transported, so get in touch with Colin as soon as you can to register your interest.

October Club Meeting
2020-10-12 19:30 - 21:30 | Church Street Bible Chapel Hall, Corner of Church Street and Avenue Road, Timaru
Our October meeting will be held at the usual venue – Church Street Bible Chapel Hall, corner of Church Street and Avenue Road, Timaru, Starting at 7:30 pm. The theme for the meeting will be “What did you do over South Canterbury Anniversary Weekend”. With this in mind, President John has kindly sent the following message …
Hey – what did you do South Canterbury Anniversary weekend 2020?
Unfortunately, the weather gods weren’t in our favour. However, if you did something interesting and would like to share it with others, bring your story and photos along to this month’s meeting. We will have the club projector, screen and computer set up ready to go. Just put your photos on a stick and share your story with like-minded others.
Alas, Rob’s trip to Casey Hut was cancelled again, as there was only a very small window of opportunity where the weather looked as though it was going to be remotely reasonable.
Seven club members hit the trail on their mountain bikes for an overnighter on the St James Cycle Trail. Judy will tell you all about it at the meeting.
Come along for a catch up and a cuppa.
Casey Hut: I would also like to take this opportunity to ask you all to take the time and watch the Official Opening of the Casey Hut on Youtube. Just visit: www.doc.govt.nz › news › Casey-hut-opening
Thank you Rob. Your generosity and that of Dr Sharon English will be appreciated by all and for generations to come. The hut looks great. The club will make this trip in the near future I’m sure. Once everyone has seen this clip we should have a great turn out and we will make this the “SCTC Official Opening of the new Casey Hut”.
John H.

Mt Somers Circuit - Multi-day Trip
2020-11-08 08:00 - 2020-11-10 17:00 | Mt Somers
Jim, Robert and Stephen are planning to do the Mt Somers circuit track in early to mid November, and would welcome anyone else who may be interested in joining them.
The trip will start on Sunday 8/11, has two nights on the track, and ends on Tuesday 10/11 – with an optional overnight stay in Methven that night. This trip links in with a proposed trip on the Banks Peninsula Track – see separate entry.
For more information please contact Jim, as shown below.

November Club Meeting
2020-11-09 19:30 - 21:30 | Church Street Bible Chapel Hall, Corner of Church Street and Avenue Road, Timaru
This month, as well as our usual rundown on recent trips and information on upcoming trips etc., we have two staff members from the local Hunting and Fishing outlet coming to show us and talk about some of the tramping gear and equipment available from their shop. This will be a good chance to see some of the things available locally, especially if you are thinking of purchasing some new gear or replacing something you have had for years.

Banks Peninsula Track - Multi-day Trip
2020-11-11 17:00 - 2020-11-14 18:30 | Akaroa
Jim, Robert and Stephen are planning to do the Banks Peninsula Track in mid November, and would welcome anyone else who may be interested in joining them. This trip immediately follows their Mt Somers trip – see separate entry
The trip will start on Wednesday 11/11 and ends on Saturday 14/11; followed by optional short walks in the Akaroa area on Sunday 15/11, and an optional overnight stay in Akaroa that night. This trip links in with a proposed trip on the new Casey Hut in the Arthurs Pass area – see separate entry.
Please note that this is a private track, with a cost of $330 per head.
For more information please contact Jim, as shown below.

Casey Hut, Arthurs Pass area - Multi-day Trip
2020-11-16 08:00 - 2020-11-19 17:00 | Arthurs Pass
Jim, Robert and Stephen are planning a trip to the new Casey Hut in the Arthurs Pass area in mid November, and would welcome anyone else who may be interested in joining them. This trip immediately follows their Banks Peninsula / Akaroa trip – see separate entry
The trip will start on Monday 16/11 and will take two to three days.
Further details will be provided in due course, but in the meantime feel free to contact Jim, as shown below, if you are interested.

Forest Creek - Overnight Trip
2020-11-28 07:00 - 2020-11-29 18:00 | Forest Creek
Barry R. will be taking this trip to the historic (dating from the early 20th century) Stone Hut, just past where Butler Stream joins Forest Creek.
The plan is to depart from Timaru at 0700 on the Saturday.
The walking time is about 4 hours, and a moderate level of fitness will be required
After settling into the hut, those who want to can walk further to Bullock Bow Saddle at the head of the valley.
Please contact Barry on 6885320 / 02102689877 if you want to go on this trip or would like more information.

Camp Stream Hut - Day Trip
2020-12-05 08:00 - 18:00 | Tekapo area
The hut has an interesting history. Originally a musterers hut, it burnt down in later years, but the corrugated iron from it was salvaged and reused to build the current hut.
The track to the hut starts from part-way up the Roundhill Skifield access road, is part of the Te Araroa Trail and is described by DoC as “steep”.
The walking time is 3 to 4 hours each way – so a good level of fitness will be required.
If you are interested in this trip please contact Barry on 6885320 / 02102689877

End of Year Dinner
2020-12-14 18:30 - 22:00 | Timaru
This year, our end of year get-together will be a dinner at Bullock Restaurant, Timaru.
Two set menu options are available ($35 or $45), and on the night you will each be able choose which one you want. You can check out the menus on the restaurant’s website.
All members, intending members, former members and spouses/partners etc. are welcome to attend to help us wind up a year – one that has been like no others in recent times!
As we need to confirm numbers about ten days beforehand, if you want to go please send your name and the number attending by email (sctrampinginfo@gmail.com) or text (02108293331) as soon as you can.

January meeting
2021-01-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Pleasant Point
For our January get-together, instead of meeting indoors we will be going on one or more interesting short walks in the Pleasant Point area (e.g. Golf Course, Meadowlinks housing area and deer farm, Butlers Crossing and Opihi stopbank walk) – and may end up somewhere special afterwards.
Meet at 7:00 pm at the main road carpark by the railway station. If you are coming from Timaru and wish to share transport, meet at the Aorangi Stadium Morgans Road carpark at 6:30.

Coal Hill (upper Rangitata area) - Day Trip
2021-01-16 08:00 - 18:00 | Coal Hill
Catherine T. will be taking this trip.
Getting to the top (1617m) will give your legs and lungs good exercise, but you should be rewarded by good views!
More details will be coming, but in the meantime feel free to contact Catherine on 6866857 / 0277163518 if you would like to find out more about this trip.

Cameron Hut (Lake Heron area) - Two Trip Options: Two Day or Three Day Trip
2021-02-06 07:00 - 2021-02-08 19:00 | Cameron Hut
This hut is nestled beneath some very big peaks and is near the Arrowsmith Range. It is said to offer some spectacular alpine scenery. Two trips are on offer – one of two days and the other of three days, as detailed below. Both trips start on the Saturday of the Waitangi Day long weekend.
Cameron River + South Ashburton [Hakatere]
Date: 6-8 February [Waitangi weekend]
Grade: Medium/Hard
Contact: Wayne 027 920 6638 or Barry 021 0268 9877
There are two trips and two parties involved:
(1) One party goes into the Cameron Hut near Lake Heron on Saturday the 6th and comes out the same way on the 7th. Grade: Moderate.
(2) The second party also goes into the Cameron Hut for the first night on the 6th but crosses over into the South Ashburton on the 7th and comes out on Monday the 8th via the Cameron. Grade: Hard
Intentions: Leaving Timaru at 7am on Saturday the 6th Feb and walking into the Cameron Hut via the Cameron River. Staying at the Cameron Hut for the first night, a Canterbury Mountaineering Club hut with a fee of $10 per person per night. The hut is sited in a unique glacial moraine basin that resembles a moonscape and there are spectacular views of the Arrowsmith Range out of the hut’s picture window. On day two both parties start by walking back down the Cameron. One party walks right out to the vehicles and goes home. The second party walks part way back down the Cameron, then climbs up an unmarked route up an unnamed small side creek on the true right that leads to a saddle with a creek that drops down to the South Ashburton opposite an ex musterers hut (now owned by DOC and called Top Hut). Night two at Top Hut. On day three there is a short walk down the South Ashburton then a climb up an unmarked route over another saddle that drops us back into the Cameron and then out to the vehicles. Approximately 7 hours per day.
Note: As this is a long weekend there will likely be several parties at the Cameron Hut so we will carry tents. Top Hut is more off the beaten track and is not expected to be as popular. Also note that in this area there is matagouri and spaniard around, so high gaiters are preferable to low ones if you have them.
