Golden Bay Alpine and Tramping Club - Golden Bay Alpine & Tramping Club

Golden Bay Alpine and Tramping Club
                Newsletter June to August 2021 - Vol 36 - No 2

            NEW Programme June - August 2021
* Please refer to the explanation of trip gradings on page 15 and ensure that your fitness
and experience is suitable for your chosen tramp.

June
Saturday 12 June Farewell Spit – Pillar Point Lighthouse – Wharariki day-walk -
Grade 2
Hoping for a still and sunny day, we can first locate a car at Wharariki carpark then
follow the coastline down beside the big surf and high cliffs, check out the
lighthouse and what’s happening at the predator-free fence at Cape Farewell, and
finally arrive at Wharariki at low tide to check out the baby seals frolicking in the
rock pools. About 6 hours walking, a full day including travel. $15 petrol. Phone Julie
02777 99999 or email julie.sherratt@xtra.co.nz

Friday 18 to Monday 21 June Cupola Hut – Grade 3
Day one – Travel to St Arnaud and walk around the eastern side of Lake Rotoiti to
Lakehead Hut in the Nelson Lakes National Park.
Day two – Walk up the valley and past John Tait Hut, veer off the main track up the
steep track to cosy Cupola Hut, spend the night perched on the bushline
overlooking Mt Hopeless.
Day three – explore up to the ridge looking over into the Sabine, or onto Mt Cupola,
dependant on snow and ice conditions. Return down into the valley for a night at
John Tait Hut.
Day four – Walk back to Coldwater Hut and around the western side of Lake Rotoiti.
Take water taxi back to St Arnaud from Coldwater, or part way round the lake to
allow for driving home that day. $25 petrol, Phone Julie 02777 99999 or email
julie.sherratt@xtra.co.nz

Saturday 26- Sunday 27 June Mid-winter Celebration - Whariwharangi Hut

Dress in your finest and share a feast fit for royalty! Contact Gaylene 022 1707398
or beachgums@gmail.com - petrol to be advised.

July
3 or 4 July (weather dependent) Harwoods Hole Day trip with an option to walk
down the Rameka Grade 2 – 3
Carpool to Canaan and walk to Harwoods Hole and back to carpark – with an option
to walk down the Rameka and be picked up at the other end. Petrol $10. Leave from
the i-site at 9am. Txt Ina on 0275257554 or email hansina08@gmail.com

Sunday 11 July Waiharakeke-Totaranui day trip – Grade 1

This is a beautiful traipse down through coastal lowland forest to Waiharakeke
beach for lunch, then follow the Abel Tasman track back to Totaranui. Contact
Gaylene 022 1707398 or beachgums@gmail.com - petrol to be advised.

Saturday 17 or Saturday 18 July – Abel Tasman Mutton Cove day walk Grade 1-2

Easy walk Saturday or Sunday, depending on weather from Totaranui to Mutton
Cove and back same way. Text Clair: 027 522 7109.

23 and 24 July – Full moon trip to Mt Arthur with an option to include Mt Lodestone
* Grade 3-4
Another try for this amazing adventure, hoping for clear skies for the full moon. To
Mt Arthur hut, up to Mt Arthur after dark, and back to the hut for the night. You are
welcome even if you only want to go as far as the hut. If weather not suitable, we
will try again. Petrol $20. Phone Brian 525 8515

Saturday 31 July – Sunday 1 August Balloon Hut Grade 3

Up into the snow (hopefully!), past Lake Peel and on for a cosy night at Balloon.
Those with skis may like to join us as a separate party? Contact Gaylene 022
1707398 or beachgums@gmail.com

August
Saturday 7 or Sunday 8 August Overnight at Awapoto Hut Grade 3

Walk in from Pigeon Saddle through spectacular bush to a cosy hut with fabulous
views down to the sea at Awaroa. About 4 hours walk each way. $8 petrol. Phone
Julie 02777 99999 or email julie.sherratt@xtra.co.nz

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 August – overnight trip to Lake Sylvester and around
Iron Lake Grade 2-3
An always satisfying trip into the Cobb to explore the winter wonderworld around
Sylvester Hut with an option to ski in. Phone or txt Dave Melville on 027490 0490 if
you are interested or email themelvilles@xtra.co.nz Petrol to be advised.

AND for the Spontaneous Tramper
Mt Stevens Grade 3- 4 - any time the weather is just right
The route up on to Mt Stevens, 1300 m, the highest point in the Wakamarama Range
provides wonderful views of the Aorere Valley, south to Gouland Downs and the
West Coast. The route is steep in places so you need to have a good standard of
fitness. Plan for a full day trip and allow 3–5 hours to reach the summit and approx
3 hrs down again. Carry drinks, plenty of food & warm clothes. Petrol $13 txt Cathy
(please don't call) 021 999 015 for a spontaneous outing.

And for September … Advance Programme
3-5 September Lake Angelus Grade 3
A round trip, taking in the spectacular scenery of Robert Ridge, the alpine basin at
Lake Angelus, and the beech forest of Speargrass Valley. Middle day exploring up to
Sunset Saddle, perhaps climbing Mt Angelus if weather permits. This is a very
weather dependent trip and will require ice axe and crampons, but oh so gorgeous
if we get lucky with Huey. Flash hut accommodation. Contact Gaylene 022 1707398
or beachgums@gmail.com

The Programme that was - Trip Reports
March
Sunday 7 March - Clair's Coddiwomple Grade 2.5/3 ish

Four of us set out to Coddiwomple - "to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague
destination", except this trip was more to travel in a vague manner towards a purposeful
destination. Up we went to Knuckle Hill to enjoy the view, along with tea and biscuits.
A lovely time was had by all.
Thanks Clair for your enthusiasm and refreshments!

Saturday 27 March – Rogaine Quest Out West (Rain Day 28 March) - Kaihoka
With the combination of awe-inspiring scenery on the Fergusson & Wylie farms at
Kaihoka, and the meticulous planning of our very own Rogaine masters, the Quest
Out West Rogaine was set to be a stunner. I teamed up with "We'll walk all the
uphills, I promise" Fleur Murray. Anticipation bubbled amongst the participants
scattered across the briefing paddock. It is always wonderful to see a wide range of
ages and sizes at these welcoming events.
And then they were off…..

Fleur and I had wonderful fun planning and following our chosen route. The views
were distracting, there were a couple of mess-ups, we encountered others dashing
in all directions, and we had many "I've got it!" moments. There is huge satisfaction
in dashing to the finish line within a minute of the cut-off time having completed
most of your planned course. Social chatter post-event indicated that we all look
forward to the next one...

Massive gratitude to Richard English, Val Rogers, Jenny & Piers MacLaren for the
time and work they put into making this rogaine such fun and so successful.
Gaylene Wilkinson (scribe)

Kaihoka Lake
And a footnote from Jenny Maclaren on behalf of the organisers: After having this
event cancelled in 2020 because of Covid, and threatened by a heavy rain forecast
in 2021, we were delighted at the turnout of some 167 competitors, who all seemed
to enjoy the event. The landowners were very pleased too as we were able to
donate $630 to the CAS Agricultural Field Day. Thanks to competitors for
generously supporting the food stall (they made about $380) and for leaving
absolutely NO rubbish!

Tuesday 30 March Greenhills Arches - Grade 2

Kevin, Pippi, Gordon, Nigel, Heather, Wendi, Dave, Clair, Debbie, Mark, Fill, Albie

Low tide later in the day gave itself to the very congenial meeting time of 1:30 p.m.
Arriving at Wharariki we took the track along the back of the beach. At the highest
point farm land rolled out before us like a bright green undulating carpet dotted
with small clumps of cotton wool. Scrambling down to Greenhills Beach (directly
south/west of Wharariki) shrieks of laughter were heard when wind sculpted tightly
branched bushes were found to mimick an inner sprung mattress when bounced
(gently) upon.

Vast caverns eroded by the sea were blessed with siren-like singing as a Croatian
folk song echoed plaintively. The following of a narrowing passageway to the back
of a cave yielded bits and pieces of rubbish, probably washed in from passing ships.

Thoughts of the tide coming in at this point were very unnerving. On the beach some
munched on an early dinner while a seal emerged from between rock, sand and tide
pool, appearing to come out of the land itself. Sleekly she slipped back again into
her watery world at which we could only marvel. Venturing around the corner to
seek more caves, the tide was not as low as expected so we chose not to risk it.

Searching for the connection between the Greenhills track and Wharariki Beach
saw us struggling under/around densely packed manuka scrub in the gathering
dusk, great fun! At last, an easy walk back along the beach. The roundabout full
moon rose as we entered the dunes, serenaded by a rendition of folksong
Travellers Prayer - "Praise to the moon, bright queen of the skies... so light up our
way and keep us from all harm." Not quite daring enough for this, we made our way
by torchlight back to the car park.

Thanks Kevin for this fascinating wee trip into the backwaters of a Golden Bay gem.
Clair (scribe)

April

Monday 26 - Wednesday 28 April Kahurangi Point - Grade 2
Seven of us set off on 22nd April 2021 to spend two nights at the Kahurangi
Lighthouse. My first tramp with the GBATC since moving to the Bay. Driving in to the
Anatoki River, the beautiful views and perfects reflections around the causeways
set the tone for a spectacular three days. After crossing the river, my first
challenge was negotiating the rocks and waves around the Anatori point. From here
onto Turimawiwi river the scenery was superb with towering cliffs on our left and
the swell of the ocean on our right.

We reached Big River at low tide and chose to cross upstream, chest high water
levels for a moment!. Lunch was had in a sheltered sunny spot, then we ambled on
down the beach to what was once the Kahurangi Lighthouse Keepers House. What a
spacious spot this was. After settling in, we walked/bush bashed up to the sand
dunes and enjoyed views of the coast line. I still hadn’t seen the Lighthouse and was
starting to doubt that there was one! The shared meal that night was a real feast.

Next day was wet, so after a leisurely start we ventured south along the beach and
finally viewed the lighthouse. Symmetrical Rock pool formations and amazing cliff
shapes are a photographer’s dream. A short walk up the Kahurangi river took us to
a large swimming hole complete with a waterfall. Only the bravest ventured in for a
dip.

On returning, some of us detoured to the lighthouse. It took some time to find a
track but eventually we made it. Recently painted, the lighthouse looked pristine. A
scramble down the bank to the beach took us back to our accommodation. The
history of the area now made more relevant reading. We feasted again on the
previous nights ‘leftovers’ and new treats.

Our final day started with Yoga on the veranda while we bided our time for a low
tide at Big River. The usual clean up then on our way for an early lunch at the river.
Our beautiful surroundings were soon disturbed by many many quad bikes arriving.

We watched with amusement as they attempted to cross the river and no doubt
they did the same to us as we stripped down and crossed all linked together. Our
crossing was far more successful than theirs! Imagine staying at the hut that night!

A long slog back to our vehicles saw us beating the tide at the Anatoki Point. Along
the way we met two cyclists both with trailers carrying inflatable rafts and a
charitable quad biker offering to carry our packs. We arrived home safely from a
very memorable trip. Thank you all for your company and looking after me so well.
(scribe - Margret McKinnon).

AND….

Rueben & I would like to thank the Tramping Club for organising the trip to the
Lighthouse. It allowed myself & Rueben to bond as a father & son combo as such
and I must admit that I thought it would be a struggle to get Rueben to come on the
trip with all the walking involved. However, he joined us and I was very proud of his
efforts. Thanks to Gaylene for her leadership and guidance on the trip. We are
fortunate to have the amazing natural landscape of the Kahurangi park on our back
doorstep. One of Ruebens highlights was to take a dip in the pool at the base of an
awesome waterfall even though it involved getting undressed in front of all those
ladies.

Once again thanks to all those involved. Kind Regards, Eric & Rueben.

May
Tablelands Journey – Asbestos Carpark to Cobb Valley 22 to 24 May
Cancelling this trip because of snow in January (!) paid off, we had perfect weather
in late May. To get a night in both Asbestos Cottage and Balloon Hut we left home
midday Saturday. Tish and I deposited a car at Peel carpark to loud song of tui and
bellbirds, while Amanda and Heather went ahead from Asbestos carpark.

A huge kanuka fire roaring and billy on by the time we caught up to them an hour
and a half later. We decided armchairs should be standard DOC hut fittings, even if
made of sacks and kanuka, as we ate and drank and chatted about the lives of
Annie and Henry Chaffey.

A second perfect day dawned, the bush was chilly but we took time to check out the
campsites at Lower and Upper Junctions, admire the fungi and chat with the robins
and tomtits. Out into the tussock, there was no wind and the sun was warm as we
reclined on rocks for lunch, greeting a few other trampers coming and going,
mainly to Salisbury Lodge.

Red tussock, blue skies, we named the peaks all round, and checked out the array
of alpine plants, many with “flowers” of frost. At Bishop’s Cave we dropped our
packs and explored excitedly through the cave and the surrounding amphitheatre of
limestone and big beech trees, the astelia matching the colour of the frosty grass.
More glorious tussock, mountains opening up to the west and south, and we arrived
at Balloon Hut which we had to ourselves, the sun had warmed it and gone, but the
fire made for a cosy night.

A leisurely start on Monday morning, we took plenty of time to look about on the
ridge, still no wind, and just patches of snow on Peel. We dropped down to the Lake
and had only 2 small sections of ice to skirt around on the way up to Peel ridge. A
chilly breeze on the Cobb Valley side meant we lunched briefly in sun on a bridge
below the bushline, then back down to Myttons Hut and the waiting car.
Worth revisiting the easy and familiar places, always beautiful! Trampers: Heather,
Amanda, Tish, and Julie (scribe).

26 – 27 May Mount Arthur - Sunset, Blood Moonrise and Eclipse!
With a heavy snow forecast cancelling the weekend's Angelus trip, there were a
small gang of us chafing at the bit to get into the mountains. The stars aligned for
us mid-week, so with great spontaneity it was decided at club night that we would
set off the next morning for the much touted moonlight trip to Mount Arthur.

Perfect conditions were promised and delivered. We offloaded gear at the 8 bunk Mt
Arthur hut and set off in calm, sunny conditions at around 2.30pm for the summit.
We passed 3 other parties coming down, who all asked our intentions while
obviously checking their watches and then questioning our timing!

Axes and crampons were ditched once we got a clear view of the final push to the
summit ridge. It was icy, but still enough snow free ground to avoid most of it. On
the summit we all donned multiple layers of clothing to enjoy a frigid twenty
minutes or so soaking in the 360 degree views, watching the sun set and the huge
blood moon rise near Mount Richmond. It was glorious walking back along the ridge
bathed in moonlight, and none of us wanted to spoil that by turning on torches.

We arrived back to a sauna-hot hut with 4 other occupants, so happily cooked
outdoors in the moonlight. The eclipse was just beginning as we were tucking into
bed, very satisfied with our adventure. We were: Kevin Durkan, Reto & Vera Balzer,
Tony Lawton, Gaylene Wilkinson

                                        ***

Please note that all other trips from the previous programme were cancelled due to
either poor weather or because there were no takers.

Hope to see you out there in our great big wild backyard some time.
In the meantime, stay warm and keep smiling!

*** Don't stop reading yet!***

                         See next pages for "Trip Intentions Form" and
                            for "Expectations of Trip Coordinators"

Coming on trips - Please remember to contact the trip co-ordinator at least three days
before a day tramp or one week before an overnight tramp. If the weather forecast looks
bad, contact the co-ordinator anyway as sometimes tramps are rescheduled. Tramps are
graded 1 to 5.
Please note: Trip coordinators are required to fill in the Trip Intentions Form (attached)
before their trip, and email it to the contacts on the form. Also please read the Expectations
of Trip Coordinators (page 5). The trip leader is responsible to be accurate with trip grading
and description. The grading details in the newsletter are for assistance with this only.
Happy tramping!
…….And a big thank you for all your wonderful trip reports and photos!

TRAMP GRADING (approximate)

1 - Easy              Maximum of 3 hours walking per day, with graded inclines and
descents, on well-marked, benched track. Hut accommodation. e.g. Abel Tasman Track and
other Great Walks, or Sylvester Hut.
2 - Easy/Moderate   Maximum of 5 hours walking per day on marked tracks, with graded
ascents/descents. Hut accommodation or camping in established campsites. e.g. Fenella
Hut.
3 - Moderate         Maximum of 6 hours walking per day on tracks or marked route. May
involve some rough terrain and ascent of up to 900m per day. Hut accommodation or
camping. e.g. Waingaro Forks Hut
4 - Moderate/Hard About 8 hours tramping per day, using tracks, routes and sometimes
navigating on untracked, rough terrain through bush/scrub. Ascents of up to 1500m per day.
Fitness for multi-day trips essential. Often camping. e.g. Haupiri Range
5 - Hard             8+ hours of tramping per day, regularly navigating on untracked,
rough terrain, either in bush or at high altitude. Multiple ascents/descents per day,
sometimes steep. Fitness and strength for multi-day trips essential. Usually camping. e.g.
Quartz Range Farm to Adelaide Tarn via Lead Hills.
                                    OTHER INFORMATION
Petrol contributions for tramps: The petrol contribution amount for each tramp is a guide
only, based on four people in a car. It may be changed at the discretion of the trip leader. It
is the leader's responsibility to collect money from each tramper and to distribute it to the
drivers.
The following are available for hire for club members on private trips. Please pay for hire of
equipment by internet banking to the club’s bank account 02 0764 0014613 00. Put your
name and what you hired in the details. Contact Bob Kennedy 525 9958.
1) The club PLB and GPS - provided they are not needed for a club trip: $10 for members for
each for up to a week, $20 for non-members.
2) The club Macpac Minaret Alpine tent can be hired for $5 per day. It weighs 2.4kg.
3) Billies and maps, loaned free to club members.
4) Back-copies of the club's Wilderness magazines, loaned free to club members.
We greatly appreciate Bob's offer to look after all the above.
Please pay for hire of equipment by internet banking to the club’s bank account 02 0764
0014613 00. Put your name and what you hired in the details.
Social Media
We have a Group Facebook page - Golden Bay Alpine Tramping Club. It is a closed group,
but you can ask to join. And our website is http://www.goldenbayatc.org/
Photos. Please email photos to Ina (address below) for the newsletter, and post them
direct to Facebook.

Golden Bay Alpine and Tramping Club Committee 2021/2022

President              Not filled
Vice President         Gaylene Wilkinson      022 170 7398 or beachgums@gmail.com
Secretary (emails)     Suze Lord suzelord@outlook.com 021 1063172
Minutes                Rodney Watson 525 8847 or rjwatcon@gmail.com
Treasurer              Julie Sherratt 027 779 9999 or julie.sherratt@xtra.co.nz
Newsletter editor      Ina Holst 027 5257554 or hansina08@gmail.com
Social media           Cathey Rooney 021 999 015 or cath.roo@gmail.com & Dave Melville
                       027490 0490 or themelvilles@xtra.co.nz
Club Night             Amanda Clarke aclarke@outlook.co.nz (email only)
Organisation

While not on the committee, we are hugely grateful to the following members who
donate their time to the club:

Bob Kennedy            Club gear store and hire
Bob Kennedy            Intentions Forms
& Karen Brookes
Kirstie Macleod        FMC Backcountry magazines

                                        SUBSCRIPTIONS

Thank you to all members who HAVE paid their subscriptions so promptly. Very much
appreciated.

If you haven't paid your 2021-2022 year subs - details for payment are reprinted below.
Please pay soon, so that we can order FMC cards for the current year!

Preferably - Pay by internet banking.
BNZ 02 0764 0014613 00 – Golden Bay ATC
Please enter your NAME as a reference so we know who the money comes from.

Or if that is not possible, please contact Julie for further options.

How much to pay:

1. Full Members - $25 includes 1 FMC Card, Club Newsletters and FMC Bulletins.
A full member can be an individual, a couple, or an entire family (eg a 6 person family pays
just one $25 sub).

An FMC Card gives you a big Discount on a DOC Annual Hut Pass, and discounts with many
other suppliers. Extra FMC cards can be purchased for $15 each for other family members.
2. Complimentary Full Members – Free
Honorary Life members, our Auditor and Juniors (under 18) They receive Club Newsletters,
and complimentary FMC membership.

Please note that to simplify administration we no longer offer the $10 newsletter-only
membership.

All paid memberships cost the base amount of $25 per family, as we feel this is very
affordable. Included are members who have an FMC card through another tramping club.

Update your details
If your email address, phone number or postal address has changed since last year, or if
you are a new member, please contact:
julie.sherratt@xtra.co.nz

Please also let Julie know if you do not want to receive an FMC magazine so that we can
order smaller numbers. Large quantities of these remain uncollected from the library and
club nights. This is wasteful and leaves the committee wondering what to do with unwanted
copies.

Golden Bay Alpine and Tramping Club
                                       TRIP INTENTIONS FORM

Activity:

Where are you going? Detail of route, track, huts

Start Date:

Expected Date of Return:                     Time:                am/pm

Trip Leader: Name:
Phone landline:                              Mobile:
Address:

Group Members: Name:                                   Phone:

Medical Notes for the Group:

Vehicle left at start of trip?   YES / NO     Licence Plate No.
Where will it be parked?

Tick the emergency equipment the party will be carrying:
First Aid                     Emergency shelter
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)             GPS
Other communication equipment?

Leader’s contact person in case of plan changes:                       ph.

Bob Kennedy and Karen Brookes are the emergency contacts for the Club. They will hold this
information in case it is required by emergency services. You are not required to notify them upon
your safe return.
Email the completed form to them:
robelkay@gmail.com
kabro@kinect.co.nz

GOLDEN BAY ALPINE & TRAMPING CLUB
                                Expectations of Trip Coordinators

Thank you for offering to coordinate a trip for our Club. Please ensure the following steps are
followed in order to keep everyone as safe as possible.
1. Trip participant information
Get phone numbers and emergency contact names/numbers for each trip participant. Ask if
participant has any medical information that you should know about.
2. Emergency Equipment
Ensure that you have a map for the area you are going, compass, first aid, spare food, and PLB for
the trip. The club has a first aid kit, GPS, PLB, and some maps available free of charge to members
(contact Julie Sherratt, Ph. 027 779 9999).
Ensure each participant has thermal clothing, waterproof layers and personal medication with them.
3. Arrange a Trip Contact Person This is someone who is NOT going on the trip, who will have your
intentions sheet. You will contact this person if plans change, or if you need help with making
contact with people eg. emergency contact for a trip participant. You will ‘sign out’ with this person
when you are all safe home.
3. Leave Intentions Before departure on your trip, complete the Trip Intentions Form (or type out
the equivalent information on a blank sheet) and email it to
a) your trip contact person, and
b) the Club's emergency contacts, Bob Kennedy and Karen Brookes - email robelkay@gmail.com
and kabro@kinect.co.nz