2026

June - Thursday 4th- Banff Mountain Film Festival

NZ Alpine Club (Southland Branch) put on a very interesting evening of movies ranging from Bouldering, Mountain Biking, Skiing and Science in Alaska's Brooks Range showing whats happening with global warming etc.  Club members Alice and Annamarie were on hand to hand out spot prizes donated by various sponsors.  Rabbit, Jimmy, Alberto, Robin, Ron, Martha and Anne


May - Saturday 30th - Sunday 1st June - Silver Peaks Circuit (Kings Birthday weekend)​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​ 4 of our members took advantage of FINALLY having a good forecast for a decent hike and headed to the Silver Peaks Circuit just north of Dunedin.

Over 3 days we covered 25kms, with a total elevation gain of 2500m. The grunts were grunty but the gains were well worth it, with panoramic views of Dunedin and the coastline whilst sweating up steep climbs and creaking already creaky knees on scrambly downhills. We covered varied landscape from tussocks and interesting rock formations on the tops, to lovely forest and river tracks through the valleys. A quick side trip to ABC Cave resulted in promises to come back and walk it from the other direction for an overnighter, which was a promise quickly rescinded once we reached the “final steep climb from the valley floor to the car park” which was brutal enough to make this a one and done trip for most

Jubilee Hut was a welcome sight on Saturday after the slip and slide of the Devils Staircase, celebrated with a shared dinner of a delicious charcuterie board and a wee dram. We were lucky enough to be the first group to arrive at the Philip J Cox Hut on Sunday so managed to all score a bunk for the night without having to negotiate a camp spot away from the helicopter pad.

This was a rewarding strength and fitness test providing the motivation to keep up the gym training, all capped off with a delicious carb loading session in the city.

P.S. a facilities stop at Waitati is well worth it, interesting walls to keep you entertained while you complete your ablutions

Jane, Courtney, Anna, Jess


May - Saturday 16th to Monday 18th - McKellar Hut 

There had been 7 people signed up for this, but because of illness, work commitments and other busy schedules, just Sally and I walked from the Divide to McKellar Hut.  The weather was stunning, the track easy-going and we arrived about 2, at a vacant hut. Over the course of the afternoon, 6 others in 2 or 3 groups trailed in for the night.

Sally walked back out and drove home the next day, and after the others left, I gathered some firewood, had a leisurely amble down the riverside, and enjoyed the sunshine. More trampers arrived late in the day - we solved the worlds problems, and played cards. I walked out on Monday, very green and quiet, to a full carpark and drove comfortably home.  (The driving time was longer than the walking time!) It was a very relaxing and satisfying weekend.  Barbara and Sally

                  

May - Wednesday 13th - Club meeting - LandSAR

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May - Sunday 3rd - Invercargill-Bluff-Invercargill  (Bike Ride)

The "Beat the fuel price cycle trip to Bluff and Back".  The weather in Early May has been outstanding, Clear Fine Days, Warm Temperatures and any wind is just a gentle breeze.   11 people met at the Jellicoe Sea Scouts wharf for a cycle trip to Bluff.  One other (Denise) joined us for a return trip to Awarua and back.  Plus one Bluff resident (Cliff) cycled up from the South and joined us on his return journey.   We rode as an extended group, meeting up at the Awarua Road crossing and the Greenhills Hall.   Cliff had flagged a couple of interesting things to see, the first being a view over a calm Foveaux Straight to Stewart Island from the Ocean Beach Lookout.   Then it was a cycle into the town and around to Cliff's shed where we had our lunch, (visited the pie shop), viewed his toys, used the facilities and in general blobbed out for an hour or so.   Of course, no trip to Bluff would be complete without a trip to the signpost, where photos were duly taken before we dawdled our way back to Invercargill, regrouping at our two stops on the way.

 BJ, Robyn, Sandra, Richelle, Carl, Jimmy, Geoff, Jude, Hilary, Cliff, Denise, Fiona and Ron


May - Sunday 3rd Castledowns (Listed by Rural Women) 

Another beautiful, crisp day at the Wetland with 12 people helping out with trapping, weeding and planting.  Ann I, Adrian, Anne M, Judy, Kerian, Virginnia, Heather, Ian, Allan, Nate etc


April - Saturday 18th - Monument rack (Cancelled due to weather) Plan B - Waipohatu Track

A smaller group of 4.5 set off to Waipohatu Falls in the Catlins. It was a backup plan, with Monument at Manapouri falling through due to weather for a third time this season.  It was muddy in places, but very nice to be out in the bush and fresh air. My preschooler (the .5) walked the longest distance in her life, lured by the promise of dinosaur lollies.  We took in both sets of falls, and then completed the loop anticlockwise back to the car where we picked up some rubbish left behind by others.  ​​​​​​​Great short walk in our backyard Alice, ​​​​​​​Addie, Matt, Elvira & Courtney


​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​April - Sunday 12th Castledowns (Listed by Rural Women) 

Anne M, Judy, Keiran, Allan,  Adrian, Ann I

           

March - Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th - Kiwiburn

Our Park Pass Glacier trip was thwarted for a second and final time due to the forecast, so we cancelled annual leave and chose an easy overnighter close to home last weekend instead to cure our cabin fever.  A group of 6 set out in the sun, crossing the swingbridge over the Mararoa River and entering the bush, with a surprising amount of windfall to scramble over and around. We made fast time to the hut, to discover it was already well full with children, hunters, fishermen and TA walkers. Luckily we'd brought tents. A potluck dinner was the next priority, with a very impressive spread being had. We questioned whether we could really call this a tramp (being only just over an hour to the hut) or whether it was better called a feast.  Later that evening the hunters also shared their fresh venison with us - delicious!  The next morning we woke to the forecast rain on the tents, but it cleared around 10am for us to mission back to the cars.  It wasn't quite the spectacular scenery we'd planned, but it was still great to get out into the bush with some lovely people and delicious food and drinks.  Courtney, Brendan, Oli, Ian, Annamarie, Alice


March - Friday 27th March - William Pike Motivation Speaker (listed by Southland Business Chamber.) 

​​​​​​​William Pike is an NZ Adventurer, innovator and business leader who created opportunity from adversity, who survived the 2007 Mt Ruapehau Eruption but lost his leg.  Courtney, Rachael


​​​​​​​March - Saturday 21st -  Sunday 22nd - Cardrona-Cromwell Pack Track​​​​​​​

Despite a bout of recent trips being cancelled due to average weather, we struck gold on this
one with a weekend of clear blue skies. In classic Otago fashion, we all came out hot, sweaty,
and with a bit more color on our skin than we started with.

Day 1 - Saturday 21st March
The walk-in from the Cardrona side didn’t take too long, and within a couple of hours, we were
already at Meg Hut. It’s a great spot with a lot of history and the recent renovations made it quite
a comfortable stop. We had a decent lunch there to shelter from the heat and even spotted a
few fish in the creek next to the hut.
The afternoon was a bit more of a workout. There’s a reasonably steep incline right after leaving
Meg Hut that got the heart rate up, followed by a steady climb most of the way to Deep Creek
Hut. While we were walking, the hills were full of life with grasshoppers and skinks underfoot.
We also got a lucky sighting of our first Karearea perched on one of the iconic Otago rock
formations.
Once we arrived at Deep Creek hut, the girls claimed the bunks while Oli pitched his tent for the
night. We spent the evening relaxing and learning Uno Flip… basically just regular Uno, but with
a “dark side” that ruins friendships.

Day 2 - Sunday 22nd March
We started the day off early, and it wasn’t long before we left the 4WD track marked on the Topo
maps behind and began following a new farm easement. Just as we began following the
markers cross-country, we were treated to our second Kārearea sighting of the trip. Like the first
one, it was perched atop a rock formation, and glided off when we got close for a photo
opportunity.
The steep descent offered some incredible views out over Lake Dunstan and Cromwell as we
made our way down the open hillsides. The track was stable and clearly marked for the most
part, but the speargrass was out in force. Everyone got stabbed at least once, and some of us
were actually bleeding by the time we got through the thick of it.
The descent was nice and quick, but there was one last surprise waiting for us right at the finish
line. Just as we thought we were nearing the end, the easement markers took a turn. Instead of
a flat walk out, we were sent on one last steep climb over a hill. It only added about 20 minutes,
but after a big weekend in the sun, we all thought it was a little “rude”.
We made it out in good time, and were waiting for a while before Dave from Linger Longer
shuttles came to take us back to our vehicle at the starting point. To celebrate, we drove to the
Cardrona Hotel for lunch. We all agreed that the frickles (fried pickles) there were absolutely
delicious. Annamarie, Jess, Oli, Annabel, Jane 


March - Sunday 22nd Castledowns (Listed by Rural Women) (W/D)  

Another beautiful day in the wetland with 6 of us able to take place in the activities while admiring the large area that will be used to plant native trees and enhance our beautiful wetland. This activity will take place over a number of years depending how much physical and financial help that we are able to secure fort the planting. The digger had to leave but will be back in May to complete the clearance.  After walking around and admiring the extensive area and talking about the work that will need to be done the traps were checked and the rest of us concentrated on planting 45 trees in the gorse area that has been cleared earlier to the south of the Flaxy pond.  2 hedgehogs, 2 possums, 1 ferret, and three strikes on the Good nature traps. 

Allan, Keiran, Heather, Fiona, Judy and Ann I


March - Monday 16th -    North Island Explored

17 people finally arrived in Nelson from various places and interupted travel plans.

Tuesday 17th - Napier cycling - The motivation for today as always for some members was to get a pie not just any old pie but a peppered steak pie.  Biking north along the coastal trail, beside bright blue sea, past the art deco, the port and the oversized bright pink deck chair & rustic beach art.  All the way north to Bayview, but alas the intended cafe destination was nowhere to be found. Wildbean Cafe @ BP saved the day with steak pies.  Back on the trail, we returned through farmland, wetlands, past the airport, under and over bridges along the Ahuriri estuary, through the gates of Misson Estate Winery and up the hill for a cool cider.  A round trip of ~ 52 km .  Robyn

Wednesday 18th - Today started off in the fog as we bikes through Waitangi Regional Park, stopping at Napiers version of "Stone Henge" on the way to Clive.  Under and over bridges we proceeded on the "Landscape Ride" along flood banks by apple orchards, and vineyards to Black Barn Vineyard, followed by most of us riding up to Te Mata Peak (400m elevation).  Lunch at Havelock North and returning the same way.  75.8km today.  Anne M

Thursday 19th - Napier - Clifton - Red Bridge 11 of us headed south from Napier along the coast. From Clive we followed the Mokotuararo River out to the coast and past lagoons full of wading birds. At Haumoana we crossed the Black Bridge over the Tukituki River then saw where houses had been claimed by the sea. We biked through Te Awanga to Clifton Station. Lunch was back at Haumoana then we followed up the Tukituki River to the Red Bridge for smoko. We headed home on the north side of the river back to the coast and home. Some of us explored the inner city with its Art Deco buildings.​​​​​​​  Anne T

Friday 20th - ​​​​​​​A short report we thought since it was a travel day. Napier to Gisborne.  We will start at the end. Everyone made it to Gisborne making camp at the Top 10.  Now the stories, JK and Jennies GPS took them on a magical mystery tour of mountainous gravel tracks for approx 50km before stumbling back onto the main highway. The high way itself is an engineering marvel of tight 25km corners, steep inclines and declines. Huge logging trucks being the main users of the road coming up behind you to pass and fully loaded trucks using their full share of the road coming toward you.  About half way we passed through Wairoa. Another rural services town doubly hit by forestry conversation and meat works closure.  Its onwards and upwards just like the price of diesel!  Ann and Blair 

Saturday 21st -  We drove to Muriwai, and met Jeff whom invented Rail Bikes.  A world first. Cycled 16 kms to Loop Beach return along the disused Gisborne to Napier rail line, which uncluded a 1.5km tunnel, and a shorter one. (32km return).  Jeff gave us a very informative talk along  the way.  Afternoon was free time.  Some of us picked fresh kumara & pumpkins, very fertile soils, and some went to Titirangi Park lookout.   Another lovely day in the sunny Hawkes Bay. ​​​​​​​Gillian

Sunday 22st - Travel Gisborne to Taupo

Monday 23nd - Day biking at Taupo the day after we arrived from Gisborne. Plan was to bike down to the Aratiatia rapids following the Waikato River viewing the Huka Falls on the way. A couple of falls off their bikes and our plan to go on the mountain bike park was set aside as we were all a bit stuffed. The rapids were impressive with the gates being opened briefly for all the tourists. Hot swim back at Top 10 to finish.  John

Tuesday 24th - Taupo Craters of the Moon Mountain Bike Tracks.  The ladies had coffee followed by retail therapy.  Graeme and Donald thoroughly enjoyed some of the 100km of mountain bike tracks. BJ biked the lake front track and Gillian and John walked the beach front.  Anne T 

Wednesday 25th - Monday 30th - Whangamata

9 of us left Taupo to drive to Whangamata via Putaruru where we brought our groceries from the local Four Square store.  Beach Hop Madness was dampened by heavy rain closing roads into Whangamata. However, by Friday the roads were opened allowing the Beach Hop cars to flow into the town. Thousands of people watched the cars drive around and the main street was closed to normal traffic to allow static displays of cars, trucks and motor bikes. Awesome sights and lots of noise.  Rock and Roll dancing plus many ladies and men dressed in the 1950’s attire making a colourful display as they walked around the streets.  At the Area School, there was a static display of vintage caravans and vehicles.  On the Saturday, BJ, Robyn, JK, and Graeme helped cooking sausages and steak sandwiches with the local Search and Rescue group.

On Monday 30th March saw 7 of us drive to Colville where we stayed with John and Jenne’s friends a few kilometres north of Colville.  Jan

Tuesday 31st March - ​​​​​​​Thursday 2nd April  

Having Been in Coleville near the Northern Tip of the Coromandel Peninsula for the previous 3 nights and having explored the Western, Northern and Eastern Coasts as far South as Kennedy Bay we were very grateful to Bernard and Sandra Goudie for their hospitality (Friends of JK's and Jenne's).   But there was one more adventure to be had before returning to Whangamata.   The Goudie's had organised a fishing trip to depart from the wharf near Te Kouma just south of the town of Coromandel.   There was 5 of them and they had hired the whole boat for the morning, and they had a few seats spare...actually 15 spare seats....and they wanted to know if we wanted to join them.   We had a long think about it (ie: about 1 second) and said yes.   Seven of our party arrived at Hannaford's Wharf and joined the five Goudie Clan for a 6:45am departure.   For an hour we sailed out into the Firth of Thames, the body of water between the Coromandel and the rest of the North Island, and began our fishing.   We had mixed success, personally I got 4 Snapper and 1 Kahawai that were keepers and 4 snapper that had to be returned.   We were fishing near muscle farms and we changed locations and fished at 3 different spots before returning to the wharf.   Our maximum quota would have been 96 Snapper, I think we ended up with 37.   Enough for a couple of really good feeds and not too hard on the fishery.   We arrived back just Post Meridian, said our good-byes and headed back to Whangamata for the night.   Bernard Goudie was an old School Mate of JK's and his wife, Sandra was Mayor of the Coromandel and also a MP for 3 terms.   As a group we a deeply indebted to the Goudie Families for their hospitality and also to JK for having the foresight 50+ years ago in striking up that great friendship that all these years later allowed us to have another adventure.   The recipients of that anciently forged friendship. JK & Jenne, Gillian, Graeme & Jan and Robyn & BJ


March - Friday 6-Sunday 8th - Homer and Gertrude Valley

Departed Friday morning with a quick stop to pick up Annabel in Mossburn, dropped a parcel off to St John in Te Anau and a bite to eat at the Merchant Cafe before settling into Homer hut and checking the first round of traps in slightly damp conditions.  Tea was followed by games of Rummy-O.  Saturday morning we all headed up Gertrude Valley in two teams checking and rebaiting traps before returning to the hut for a warm up, lunch and out again with one team on the possum line and the other team on Crosscut line.  We all returned to the hut dripping wet, but the fire was going and clothes dried overnight.  Tea was followed by birthday cake and games of "Take Two" before retiring.  Sunday morning was once again very damp and Fiona dropped us off by the Homer Tunnel and we tackled the rocks to complete our rebaiting.  She also picked the very damp crew up again before returning to the hut for dry clothes, warm drinks and lunch before heading back home.  Only caught two rats so the poison drop in the area must have reduced numbers.  Thanks Team - Fiona, Terri, Annabel and Anne

                   

​​​​​​​February - Saturday 28th - Bike Ride - Tokanui-Curio Bay

12 cyclists and 2 support crew left sunny Tokanui and immediately tackled the 10 km challenging gravel Haldane road that meanders through the Scenic Reserve and joins the Catlins Scenic highway.  Stopped for lunch at the busy Curioscape Café then headed to view the Waikawa Art Exhibition and/or Museum.   Rain was forecast as we cycled through Niagara and Quarry Hills but we beat the rain and arrived home earlier than predicted.  Approx 52 kms and no dramas until close to Tokanui when 2 battteries died and the support crew leapt into action!  BJ and Geoff joined us at the Smith farm for a Pot Luck tea.  

Ian, Heather, Cliff, Anne, Sandra, Robyn, Robbie, Bill, Ron, Linda, Alister, with Fiona and Martha (Backup crew)


February - Sunday 22nd - Castledowns (Listed by Rural Women)

After leaving Invercargill in the rain and wind and enjoying the beautiful day in Dipton West at the Castledowns wetland.  We were met at the gate with an abundance of weeds on the track as the growth in the area has, like the rest of Southland phenomenal. The trees, the toitoi, the flowering of the cabbage trees, the fruits on the various shrubs and the plums were all amazing.

Allan looked after the trapping - 6 Possums I Hedgehog 1 rat, so better than last time.

Ian and Adrian worked on the middle track on the North Track with a large chainsaw and the hedge cutter. Heather worked up stream on the North track, while the rest of us went on the South track and planted 10 trees and released and weeded around this area.  Keiren, Ann, Adrian, Janice, Allan, Phlyis, Heather and Ian


February  – Sunday 22nd – Makarewa Falls Track remarking

5 people met at 8.30 am to finish the track remarking project started late December 2025.  Sunny day greeted us as we headed up the lower waterfall side of the track, remarking and adding additional markers to ensure a safer walk for all.  We continued to the 2nd waterfall and made our way down.   Many trees with markers on them had fallen so we removed the markers, moved the track and remarked. Project completed! Graeme, Barbara, Neroli, Matt and Fiona.

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February - Friday 20 to Saturday 21 - Lake Marion and Key Summit

With this delightful summer of wind, rain, hail and thunder and everything i between postponing all of our planned trips, we deviated from the original Gertrude Saddle/Barrier Knob plan and took in Lake Marion and Key Summit instead.  A group of 4 stayed at the unusually quiet Homer Hut, enjoying a good catch up over cheese and crackers and a cheeky wine.  On Friday we took advantage of the clear weather break and headed into the muddy, steep and tree rooty Lake Marion Track to be rewarded with stunning views, and made many plans to return and camp on its beautiful shores.  On Saturday we took the easier steady ascent off the Routeburn Track up to Key Summit to again be rewarded with stunning views and a chilly lunch stop at the top.  

We have all been suffering from cabin fever with the postponed trips and it was a good reminder to just roll with what you cant control and adept so you can still get amongst it.  Courtney, Jess, Mathew and Anna


​​​​​​​​​​​​​​January - Saturday 31st - Fortrose Area Bike Ride 

Twenty of us met at Ian and Heather’s property near Waimahaka and had lunch before setting off in two directions on our bikes.  It was Pot Luck afternoon tea with the hosts providing the hot drinks and some produce from their garden.  Thank you Ian and Heather for having us and providing varied and interesting bike routes for all skill levels.

Group 1 - Ian, JK, Ron, Forrester, Sandra, Robyn, Anne T and Anne M headed  east on Jacks Hill Rd which was gravel, then turned left onto the sealed road of Tokanui Gorge Rd. A kilometre down the road we turned right onto Slee Rd the right again onto Dead Horse Rd. These gravel roads were windy and up and down. The wind buffeted us at times. We turned right onto the sealed highway of the Otara Fortrose Rd. At Fortrose we took a detour to the golf course to have a view over the Mataura River entrance. Our ride home was along the Tokanui Gorge Rd Highway, right onto Mataura Island Fortrose Rd then back up Jacks Hills Rd.

Group 2 - Heather, Fiona, Denise, Gillian, Neil, Janette, Rick, Barbara, Jenne, Linda, Glenda, Vivienne set off on another circuit and were immediately challenged by a hill that set the tone for a ride that threw everything at us. Strong head winds, peaceful river meanderings and hills to climb. A very strong sou’wester along the Fortrose foreshore almost pushed us into the ditch but some skillful bike work allowed us to get back home unscathed. (We had been joined by 4 cyclists from the Monday Morning Biking Group)  Support Crew - Martha

        

​​​​​​​January - Sunday 18th - Castledowns Wetlands

10 people visited the wetland on a perfect day… not many of these this season. The emphasis was on weeding which all took place on the North Track beside the Dipton stream which was very low. Unfortunately the area had not had the regular weeding, and because there was tremendous growth, it was a big task.  Ian and Adrian looked after the Top track with chainsaws and a hedge cutter clearing branches while Anne and Boyd checked the traps …. Not a great catch 1 smelly hedgehog in the picnic ground 1 mouse and 1 rat. 8 strikes on the A24s.  2 hedge trimmers 1 chainsaw 3 vehicles  66 hours.  Thank you to all the people who come and help with this project.   Plums are nearly ready and there are heaps of them. Evidence of deer on the top track.  Ann I, Adrian, Ian, Heather, Fiona, Anne M, Neroli, Kerin, Boyd, & Judy

 

January 4th ~ 8th 2026 - Around the Mountain Cycle Trail

Day 1 - Sunday 4 January 

Stage I - Inv - Mavora

On Sunday we did the normal pick up in designated places and headed off to Mavora.  There was a bit of jiggling and juggling because of the E-bikes.   Lots of checking to see that loads were secure.

Stage II - From the RV point on the Mavora  -  Mt Nicholas Rd, we split into two groups.  One group biking towards Lake Wakatipu and Walter Peak, the other group driving into Walter Peak and biking back.

Stage III - The biking was uneventful, as in no major catastrophes.   A bit of wind and a few hills just to get in the groove!   The  weather and the scenery were outstanding, as was the company.   Hats off to our drivers - marvellous!

Stage  IV - Back to Mossburn camp, showered, fed a lovely meal organized by BJ and Robyn.  Great accommodation.  Overall a successful beginning to our trip.  Sally & Dene


Day 2 – Monday 5 January

Members of STORC enjoyed a fantastic day cycling the Lake2Lake Cycle Track.  Planning and logistics were expertly organised by Barry, with riders split into two groups - one starting from Manapouri and the other from Te Anau - making for a smooth and well-coordinated day.  The weather couldn’t have been better, with excellent conditions for cycling. The track itself was great fun with a few technical sections to keep things interesting, but overall an easy-grade ride suitable for everyone. Highlights included cycling alongside the mighty Waiau River, riding through beautiful native bush, and passing the Te Anau Control Gates.  There was fantastic camaraderie throughout the day, with plenty of support, laughter, and encouragement among members.  Te Anau township was buzzing when we arrived, providing a lively finish to the ride. The day was rounded off perfectly with a delicious meal at the Olive Tree Café, giving everyone a chance to relax and share stories from the ride.  A thoroughly enjoyable outing and a great way to start the year.  Jude


Day 3 – Tuesday 6th January

This was slightly altered from our program to give as a choice of a longer day or shorter one (more head wind or less head wind !)  Most of us choose less ! so we cycled in two separate groups, one starting at the Mavora turnoff and heading back to Mossburn camping ground 53km- (Sandra, Anne Taylor, Donald, Barry, Hillary) Graeme cycled the same route but in reverse to bring the van back to camp. The second group started at camping ground and headed to Center-hill shelter then turned back with a lovely back wind (which makes a huge difference if you are riding a normal bike!) along same route to camping ground, (approximately 30km.)  Not the most scenic part of the Round the Mountain trail . After our pre tea social hour we travelled the 3km back into Mossburn from the camping ground and enjoyed a very nice meal at The Mossburn Railway Hotel with humorous banter from our host Tom. Neroli


Day 4 – Wednesday 7th January

Mossburn - Five Rivers - Lumsden - Mossburn  (Some of the crew did this trip in reverse)  We started out from Mossburn Country Park Campground and headed east on Mossburn Five Rivers Rd. The road was busy especially traffic heading towards Milford.  We travelled past dairy farms and crossed 3 rivers - The Acton, Cromel and Irthing. Most of the party stopped at the Five Rivers Cafe for refreshments.  We were then on the cycle track, passing through dairy farms and cycling next to the Oreti River.  Some chose to turn right and head for Mossburn and others went on to Lumsden for lunch.  There were some in cafes and some picnicking at the railway station under cover as the rain had arrived. We enjoyed looking at the collection of railway memorabilia.  Then it was time to crank up the bike batteries and head to Mossburn against the wind and rain. More dairy farms and 80ish power poles to negotiate.  The rain had stopped before we arrived in Mossburn and the sun was out.  Time for happy hour before a delicious meal with superb company at the Mossburn Railway Hotel.  Anne T


Day 5 – Thursday 8th January - Kingston – Five Rivers 50km

Last day!  All packed, bikes on board for 8.30am start.  Sunny day and we all have a tail wind.  Kingston Flyer is firing up as we tackle the first of 2 hills – I’ll get the next one!  Front riders disappear quickly into the horizon but we catch up at The Bomb at Garston for coffee.  We cross spectacular bridges on the fast ride to Athol, perhaps too fast for a few who missed the track arrow pointing south. Time to tackle 22 farm gates on the slopes of Eyre Creek.  Whoops, 2 bars left on my battery so slow down to an economical crawl.  Jimmy pulls alongside and offers a tow, graciously opens 2 gates then disappears on his orange rocket. 15 minute downhill ride to Five Rivers when Jude has a puncture and crawls to the Five Rivers Carpark. Not a soul in sight but we hear a car heading north.  Whoa JK, Blair’s bike should be attached to your carrier!!!  Great ride to finish the trip. Damn it’s raining.  Fiona


4th-8th January 2026 - Walking option.

Sunday 4th

Ann and I travelled with the cyclists to the turnoff to the Mavora Lake and after fare welling the cyclists, we put our day packs on and commenced walking along the busy road toward the lake. We walked to the turn off where the swing bridge crossed the river and continued along the Mavora lakeside. There was a major tree fall from the recent storm over the track, which was partially cleared. We sat by the lake to have our lunch.  We retraced our steps back to the van where we waited for the cyclists to return from Walter Peak. Ann and I spent time walking around seeing the abundant alpine flowers on the hill by the van.  

Monday 5th Te Anau

Monday saw Ann and Adrian and myself exploring Te A We also checked out the shops and including the Art gallery. Lunch at the Olive Tree café before back to Kathy’s house to wait till it was time to join the rest of the group for dinner at the Olive Tree Café.

​​​​​​​Tuesday 6th Lumsden

We were collected from the camp by Martha to drive to Lumsden where we explored the small township including the Community Nursery. Martha took us on a car tour around the residential area.

Wednesday 7th Five Rivers

A quiet morning at the camp before Ann drove us to the Five Rivers Café where we met up with Neroli.

Thursday 8th Kingston /Lumsden /Five Rivers

Kingston was our destination today, where we spent time with Martha at the crib, before driving to Lumsden and then to Five Rivers to await for the cyclists to complete their ride.  Thanks to BJ for accommodating us as walkers on the Cycle Trip.  Jan

BJ, Robyn, Fiona, Sandra, Jude, Neroli, John, Jenne, Cliff, Anne M, Blair, Ann F,  Anne T, Donald, Hilary, Adrian, Heather, Ian, Sandra, Sally, Dene, Jimmy, Jude, (5 days Biking), Ron (2 days) Gillian (1 day)  Ann I, Jan, Martha (Non Bikers)


January - Friday 2nd - Bald Hill and Potluck Dinner 

We met at the Appleby’s house in Drummond at 12.30pm to car pool to the quarry. Other walkers met us there making 17 humans and 1 doggo.  An hours walk up the road to the highest point gave us good views to Stewart Island and the surrounding plains. No lingering at the Trig station as the clouds were rolling past and it was rather cool, rain threatening.  A Swedish Te Araroa (TA) walker on the road got a ride up to the quarry with Anne & Donald. Another 2 TA walkers were resting at the Trig with dried mud up to their knees.
We returned to the Appleby's for a delicious potluck shared dinner and refreshments.
A great afternoon, and a good start to the STORC year.

Graeme, Anne M, Fiona, Sandra, Anne T, Donald, Richie, Jeanette, Gillian, Barry, Robyn, Hilary (+ 4 from Riverton)

John, Jenne, Charlie, Geoffrey for BBQ