FIELD TRIP REPORT: by John Stone (Trip leader)

Twelve NPS members attended the first field trip for 2012.
We met up for coffee and a briefing at Castle Hill Village before setting off to a picturesque spot near Hog’s Back Creek on the lower Cheeseman Ski field road.
The weather was fine, apart from some strong wind gusts which were on and off for most of the day.
After a short spell photographing flowers at the creek, we drove along State Highway 73 to the Craigieburn Ski field access road and headed up the mountain. We followed the 6Km unsealed road, which winds through native beech forest, to eventually arrive at the ski field car park.
We opted for an early lunch at the car park before strapping on the gear for a long scrambling climb up the basin, following the ski tow lines.
Most people found something that lives at about 5000 feet above sea level to photograph and then there were the amazing views of the Craigieburn and Torlesse Ranges as well.
After driving back down the mountain we stopped off at Flock Hill Café for afternoon tea on the deck … a great way to end a superb day in the alps.
Kind thanks to Craigieburn Ski Club for giving us permission to access the road and the ski field.

Field Trip:Craigieburn Ski Field
Trip leader: John Stone
A day trip to photograph alpine plants and mountain scenery.

We will drive to Craigieburn Forest Park and up the Craigieburn Ski Field access road.
If there is time, we might explore a few other interesting spots in the park, including the nature walk which starts near the Education Centre.
Those who want to could go for a coffee at the nearby Flock Hill Cafe afterwards.

Meeting point: meet at my house at Castle Hill Village (5 Cheeseman Terrace) at 10am. Come earlier if you’d like a tea or coffee before we set off.

What to bring:
Camera gear
Hat and sunscreen (the sun can be fierce in the mountains this time of the year)
Insect repellent to annoy the sandflies
Lunch and plenty of liquids
Good walking shoes or boots

Castle Hill Village is about 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Christchurch. Craigieburn Forest Park is another 15 minutes from Castle Hill Village.

Field Trip Images
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