Mt Cook Station to Twizel - Day Trip (Biking)
2020-10-03 08:00 - 18:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | 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.

Mt Oxford - Day Trip
2021-02-13 06:30 - 18:30 | Mt Oxford
This is a moderate 4 hour walk, starting not far from Oxford township, and is said to be the best sub-alpine walk in the region. From the top spectacular views of the Canterbury Plains can be obtained.
Due to the travel time to get to and from the track, an early (6:30) start from Timaru will be necessary.
Grade: Moderate
Contact: Barry – 688 5320 / 021 026 89877

February Meeting
2021-02-22 18:45 - 20:30 | Temuka
Our February meeting, which would ordinarily have taken place on Monday 8th, has been postponed by two weeks to Monday 22nd due to clashing with the Waitangi Day long weekend.
President John (“PJ” to those who know him well enough!), has sussed out some interesting short walks at Temuka and will be our guide for the evening.
Meet by the Temuka Police Station at 6:45 pm. Those wanting to share transport from Timaru should meet at the Aorangi Stadium Morgans Road carpark at 6:15.
Apparently there is a Frisbee Golf course in the area of the walks, so bring along something circular and unbreakable you can throw if you want to have a go at this as well. According to PJ, all bribes will be accepted! With the nights starting to draw in a bit torches and/or headlamps may also be required.
If the weather really looks doubtful on the night contact John (688 8536 / 027 673 4644) or Graham (686 1651 / 021 082 93331) between 5:30 and 6:00 to see if it is still on.
Grade: Easy!

Bush Stream - Day Trip
2021-02-27 06:30 - 18:30 | Bush Stream (Mt Cook area)
Bush Stream is one of the side-streams you cross over near the head of Lake Pukaki on your way to Mt Cook.
The plan is to follow the route up the stream for 2 to 3 hours, have lunch in a suitable spot, and then return.
Due to the driving distance involved an early (6:30) start will be necessary, but this will be compensated for by a compulsory ice-cream stop on the way home (if the shops are still open!).
Contact: Barry – 688 5320 / 021 026 89877

Mt Somers - Day Trip
2021-03-02 07:00 - 19:00 | Mt Somers
This trip will take place on Tuesday 2nd March, so may suit those who find it difficult to get out on our weekend trips.
The track starts at the Sharplin Falls carpark, climbs over Hookey Knob to a plateau area, then ascends to the summit (1688 m) via a ridge on the south face of the mountain. Good views in all directions are obtained from the top.
The walk takes 6 to 8 hours, and a good level of fitness is necessary. An early start from Timaru will be necessary.
Grade: Moderate – Hard
Contact: Andrew – 612 6127 / 027 936 5040

Mt Potts - Day Trip
2021-03-06 07:00 - 19:00 | Mt Potts
Mt Potts (2184 m) is a foothill near the confluence of the Clyde and Havelock Rivers in the upper Rangitata /Erewhon area. The alpine views from the top are said to be one of the best of any summit in Canterbury.
A full day is needed for the walk, so an early start will be required. The start time given below may change.
Please note that this trip will only go ahead if the weather conditions are ideal.
Grade: Hard
Contact: Andrew – 612 6127 / 027 936 5040

Boundary Stream (Rangitata) - Day Trip
2021-03-14 08:00 - 16:30 | Boundary Stream (Rangitata Gorge area)
Boundary Stream flows through DOC land up the Rangitata Gorge road, not far past the Mt Peel Scenic Reserve.
This will be an easy walk of about three to four hours return (estimated) and suitable for all levels of fitness.
Grade: Easy
Contact: Barry 6885320 / 021 02689877

Alps To Ocean Biking (Mt Cook Station to Pukaki / Twizel - Day Trip
2021-03-20 09:30 - 17:30 | Pukaki area
Colin will be taking a biking trip to ride this section of the Alps to Ocean Trail.
The plan is to start at the top end of Hayman Road (which runs along the eastern side of Lake Pukaki), ride down the road to the bottom of the lake and then continue on to Twizel. It is 40 km to the bottom of the lake, another 8 km to the Pukaki Visitor Centre, and then another 10 km to Twizel. You will be able to do part or all of this journey – whatever you want. The Hayman Road section is all on-road, but the other sections are on well formed off-road tracks.
If you are interested in this trip contact Colin to find out the exact starting place and the meeting time.
If you want to stay somewhere in the area the night before or the night after this trip, speak to Colin about the options available.
There will be another trip the following day to bike another section of the Alps to Ocean Trail, so you will be able to combine the two rides if you wish.
Grade: Moderate
Contact: Colin 6860995 / 0272496470

Alps To Ocean Biking (Omarama to Benmore Dam) - Day Trip
2021-03-21 09:30 - 17:30 | Omarama
Colin will be taking a biking trip, along the Omarama to Benmore Dam section of the Alps To Ocean Trail.
The plan is to meet at Omarama at 9:30 am, then bike to Benmore Dam.
There are two parts to this trip – Omarama to Sailors Cutting (13 km) and Sailors Cutting to Benmore Dam (16 km). Both parts are on well-formed off-road tracks. The first part is easy going. The second part (a new section opened just before Christmas) takes you around parts of Lake Benmore not visible from the road and takes a bit more effort (including a couple of hill climbs that will sap your energy!) – but the views make it all worthwhile.
If you are interested in this trip contact Colin to find out the exact starting place.
If you want to stay somewhere in the area the night before this trip, speak to Colin about the options available.
This trip will be the day after a trip along another section of the Alps to Ocean Trail, so you will be able to combine the two rides if you wish.
Grade: Moderate to Moderate +
Contact: Colin 6860995 / 0272496470

Annual General Meeting and March Club Meeting
2021-03-22 19:30 - 21:30 | Church Street Bible Chapel Hall, Corner of Church Street and Avenue Road, Timaru
Our AGM will be held during our March club meeting. All members and potential members are welcome to attend.
Please note that the date for this meeting has been rescheduled, from 8/3 to 22/3, due to building alterations underway at the venue.
The AGM Agenda will be emailed out prior to the meeting. Other items for discussion can be added – either by contacting the club beforehand or by raising them during the meeting.

Tribulation Hut - Weekend Trip
2021-04-10 08:00 - 2021-04-11 18:00
Tribulation Hut is in the Hakatere Conservation Park. It is small 6 bunk musterers hut tucked away behind Mt Hutt ski-field. There is a 10km walk in, and we may walk an hour further to Cookies Hut. The track follows Redcliffe Stream and along an old bulldozer track and through beech and matagouri. We will also take tents as the hut is small and there may be others there.
Map Reference: Topo Map BW20
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Contact: Catherine 027716358

April Meeting
2021-04-12 19:30 - 21:30 | Church Street Bible Chapel Hall, Corner of Church Street and Avenue Road, Timaru
Catherine and Owen will show photos of trips to the Welcome Rock Trail (Garston area) and the West Coast Wilderness Trail.

Wainono Lagoon - Day Trip
2021-04-18 08:00 - 18:00 | Wainono
Details coming

Acland Shelter (Mt Somers) - Day Trip
2021-05-02 07:30 - 17:30 | Mt Somers
Barry will be in charge of this trip to Acland Shelter, starting from the Woolshed Creek carpark.
The intention is to leave town around 7:30 am. Walking time will be about 2.5 hours each way. On the way home there will be plenty of opportunities for compulsory ice-cream stops!
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Contact: Barry 6885320 / 021 02689877

Pareora Gorge Walkway - Afternoon Short Walk
2021-05-04 16:00 - 18:00 | Pareora Gorge
Andrew has planned a late afternoon mid-week short stroll along the Pareora River Walkway, from Evans Crossing/Pareora Ford, starting around 4 pm.
The plan will be to walk as far as possible along the track and back – depending on the conditions, time available, amount of daylight left and the wishes of those present.
Grade: Easy
Contact: Andrew 6126127 / 027 9365040

May Meeting
2021-05-10 19:30 - 21:30 | Church Street Bible Chapel Hall, Corner of Church Street and Avenue Road, Timaru
Colin and Judy will show a range of photos from some of their recent trips. Sit back and enjoy looking at and hearing about places you may have already been to or would like to go to at some stage in the future.

Mt Pukanui - Day Trip
2021-05-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Mt Pukanui (Rangitata Gorge area)
Details coming!

Lake McGregor - Day Trip
2021-05-29 08:00 - 18:00 | Tekapo area
Catherine has organised a day trip to Lake McGregor, just beside Lake Tekapo, for Saturday 29 May.
The walking will be easy, and from the track there will be good views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
Grade: Easy
Contact: Catherine 6866857 / 027 7163518

Kakahu Bush (Raincliff area) - Day Trip
2021-06-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Kakahu Bush (Raincliff area)
This will be a Temuka Tramping Club trip, run by Robert, one of our members. SCTC members are most welcome to take part in this trip.
The reserve was set aside in 1996 as an area of significant botanical and geological interest. It has several unique and interesting geological features and is regarded as a site of national significance. The plant life includes one of the largest lowland podocarp remnants in Canterbury. Many species of birds are present, and there are bats which are active at night. In one part of the reserve, in the early 1900s, there was a sanitorium for tuberculosis patients.
The walking will be easy, and the round trip takes about 3 hours.
Grade: Easy
Contact: Robert 6846845
