Hounds at Hereweka – Smiths Creek

Posted on September 27, 2021 by Hereweka Admin

With the continued work in restoring the water catchment at Smiths Creek on the Hereweka block the site has been fenced off from the main farm. This has allowed the plant restoration to continue without having to worry about stock eating the plants. What it has also created is a contained area free of stock which will allow owners to exercise their dogs. However, it does not open up the rest of the property for dogs which is presently closed to the public for the traditional lambing period. The Trust have decided to trial the fenced Smiths Creek area as a place where people may bring their dogs, but like everything it comes with some responsibilities listed on the attached signage. The Trust hopes people will respect the area and the hard work being undertaken at Smiths Creek. Enjoy it and play nice.

The Hereweka Hike 2021

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Hereweka Admin

Have you always wanted to walk Harbour Cone but never got round to it? Now is your chance to explore a part of the Peninsula you may never have been to before.

The Hereweka Hike is a self guided marked hike around the Harbour Cone property featuring interpretative signs that tell you the history and values of this interesting and beautiful area. You will be able to visit and learn more about;

Some of the historic farmsteads
Climb the summit of Harbour Cone (optional)
Visit Larnachs Farm
Enjoy amazing views
Explore a part of the Peninsula you may have never seen

Banana Girl

Smile stile

At the trig

Some going up and some going down

Getting instructions

Harbour Outlook

For those walkers with a moderate level of fitness, it’s about a 6kms walk which allows you take your time and enjoy the area. You can visit some of the historic farmsteads, climb to the summit of Harbour Cone and be amazed by the incredible views. Visit Larnach’s farm complex and see the restoration work at Smiths Creek. It’s perfect for getting your kids out in the great outdoors to blow off that back to school steam!

Registrations are on the day at the beginning of the Bacon Street Track (Broad Bay) starting from 10.00am with registrations closing at 11.30am. It’s ABSOLUTELY FREE to register. You will receive a guide to the area before you begin. You will need to bring good walking shoes, suitable clothes for the conditions, plenty of water, your lunch (although there is a free BBQ provided by the Hereweka Harbour Cone Trust (HHCT). Because this is a working farm please leave your dog at home.

Parking is available in the paddock adjacent to the start and public transport is available from town using the number 18 bus which stops in Turnbull’s Bay opposite Bacon Street in Broad Bay.

Walkers can register on the day (Sunday 28th February) and begin from the Bacon St entrance at 10.00 -11.30. This event is free and walkers will receive a guide to area before they begin. Parking will be available in the paddock adjacent to the start and at Turnbulls Bay Quarry.

Any queries please contact the Hereweka/Harbour Cone Trust Secretary, Fiona Harrison on 021 798 908.

Hereweka Hike 2018 Report

Posted on March 17, 2018 by Hereweka Admin

Dunedin is famous for having warm and settled weather in March and Sunday the 11th was a beautiful example of that fame. Bright sun and no breeze welcomed over 300 keen Hereweka hikers of all ages for the 6.45 km walk across this unique part of the Otago Peninsula. The Trust were delighted with the turn out and it was great to see so many families take on the challenge of the course. The added bonus of a sausage sizzle at Larnach Farm that was put on generously by the Breeze Radio Station was a welcome stop and chance to rest before the last downhill section of the walk. A special thanks to Jane Ashman for help with parking, Keep Dunedin Beautiful for the chocolate and the Trust Committee for your hard work and support. Overall, this was a great event and it was very pleasing to have such a great turn-out. The Trust looks forward to having everyone back again next year. (Click on the pictures to view full size)

John and Rhonda

Beach Views

Sausage Break

Happy Pair

Ladies Group

A welcome break

The Morris whanau

The Breeze team

At the trig

Smile stile

Banana Girl

Hillside views

The trek down

Coming down

Busy summit

Hereweka view

In honour of Larnach

Sausage sustenance

Picnic view

Made it

Back home at last

Hereweka Hike 2018

Image

Working on the Rogers Farm

Posted on May 14, 2016 by Hereweka Admin

On a blustery day punctuated by a few showers, students from the Otago University Anthropology Society worked at the Rogers farmstead on Hereweka today. With expertise provided by archaeologist Dr Peter Petchey, the team mapped the byre, barn, house and surrounding farm structures. The largely intact but heavily modified byre has a beautiful brick floor and stalls that would have been part of the Rogers’ family dairy operation. One of the tasks of the Society was to produce a floor plan of this building that would give the Hereweka Trust a better understanding of its historical use.

The work of the Society members is invaluable to the Trust. It provides further insight into the farming activities and the lives of the families that settled and worked in the Hereweka landscape. The Trust are looking forward to having the students visit the area again and are excited about what more they can tell us about this site.

Catchment Field Day at Hereweka

Posted on December 10, 2015 by Hereweka Admin

Members of the Trust, Otago Regional Council and Peninsula landowners met to discuss waterway management under the Otago Regional Council’s new Regional Water Plan. The field day was designed to give local landowners an understanding of the plan changes and its requirements. Regional Council staff gave a broad overview of the plan and the reason’s around the plan and how it would affect landowners. One of the interesting aspects of the field day was the demonstration of electric fishing by Pete Ravenscroft. The electric fishing technique allowed trustees and landowners see the numbers of native Galaxiids in a small waterway such a s Smiths Creek. Land and Water consultant Murray Harris also gave an overview of land management practices that assist farmers around catchment areas. Overall, the field day was very useful and gave trustees an insight into future options for the Hereweka property. (Click on the pictures to view full size).