Waiohine Ridge explore 15th Feb 2026
With heavy rain and wind forecast in the afternoon, the scheduled pack
float was cancelled. So as not to totally disappoint those who had
signed up, the Trip Leader offered a morning exploration of the
Waiohine Ridge, enabling us to be home before the rain set in.
Four club members (Gail, Michelle, Nathan and Finlay) and doggo Boots,
set off from the top of Mt Dick along the marked ridge. It's a good
footpath and we made our way easily to point 582 for our morning tea
spot.
On a previous trip, at this spot, I had noted a homemade sign that had
several tracks marked on it most of them were signposted right but
one went left ...Stewie's Track, and it was this one I was interested
to explore.
So, after morning tea we packed up and set off along the well-trodden
path. There were also reflective markers periodically on the trees, so
little chance of getting lost.
It was going well despite the track heading down a spur which I knew
we would have to climb on the way back, once we turned around. After
a goodly descent I pulled out the map and we had a team meeting to
decide how far we would travel down.
It was noted that if we carried on all the way down the spur we would
hit a tributary of the Kaipaitangata stream, then we could sidle
round Dalefield Road to get back to the bottom of Mount Dick. So, this
was our plan.
The track was a gradual descent at first but got steeper the further
we travelled. This meant a few 'bum slides' (planned or not!). As we
dropped down the ridge the windfall had blocked the track in several
places, so we clambered over fallen trees and through supple jack
until we got to the stream.
It looked much easier to travel in the stream rather than along the
edge, so we jumped in and enjoyed a pleasant bit of river travel to
get us back to the road end. A few drops of rain were noted, so we
donned the waterproofs for the last 20 mins until we were back at the
bottom of Mt Dick.
It wasn't planned but it was good luck that Finlay had left his car at
the bottom of the road as by now, the rain was beginning to set in, so
it was a quick trip up to the top to retrieve the car, we had left
from and then headed to Carterton for a celebratory coffee. Thanks to
namesake Stewie for your track, not new for you but it was for us!
Thanks also to MTC members and doggo who joined me on this trip. Gail
(Trip Leader and scribe)
