Devil Creek Walkway and Leaning Rock.

Looking North along the Dunstan Range from Leaning Rock.

We did the walk from the Devil Creek Walkway carpark a few kms north of Cromwell, climbing to the Bendigo Conservation area and the crest of the Dunstan Mountains on 22 Feb 2013. Once on the crest of the range in the tundra zone at 1600m, we walked south to Leaning Rock, a large and distinctive tor at the southern end of the range, before descending on a long spur running back to Northburn Station for a glass of Pinot Gris. Altogether the trip covered 33kms and included 1400m of ascent and descent (10hrs 15' walking time). I'll upload the photos and fill out the trip description shortly. In the meantime I have pasted in some info from another website on this area. For anyone contemplating this trip prior permission is required from Northburn Station if proceeding beyond the Bendigo Conservation Area (contact Tom Pinckney, Northburn Station).

The area we walked in is also used for the "Northburn 100" in late March - an ultra endurance race - details available on the Northburn 100 website. At any time of the year 1:50,000 maps, compass or GPS and good protective clothing are essential; snow can fall at any time of the year at Leaning Rock. We have marshalled here for the past two Northburn 100 races and on both occasions we had snowfalls.

Txt in Italics is from

www.nzsouth.co.nz

Of the many routes up to Leaning Rock this is the most direct and interesting for those on foot. Leaning Rock - known locally as The Old Woman - is the largest of a spectacular group of huge tors (rock shafts) on the summit of the Dunstan Range and there are wonderful views of almost the whole of Central Otago from the top of the rock. Apart from the odd small drifts in shady hollows, the route is snow free from October to May.

Walking times

The return trip from the road to the summit takes from 5 to 12 hours, depending on the fitness of the party. Most take about 8 hours.

Fitness

It is a 1,450m (4,700 ft) climb to the summit, but the track has an easy grade. Maintain an easy pace and there is no reason why walkers of average fitness should not make it - it's worth the effort! Carry water; and some energy food (chocolate, food bars, sweets, nuts) is also a good idea. There is no water available on this tramp.

Equipment

This is definitely a fine weather trip only. The summit of the Dunstan Range is an alpine environment; while Alexandra swelters it can be very cold with a bitter wind on the surrounding mountain tops. Always take a spare jersey, rain parka, trousers, hat and gloves. Light footware is adequate.

There is no legal public access to Leaning Rock. It is essential to ask the permission of Mr S Attfield of Waikerikeri Valley. Phone (03) 449-2399.

Maps

The Department of Conservation and local book sellers stock the required map - Sheet G41, Cromwell. Topographical 1:50,000.

Route Guide

The walk starts from Sonora Creek (at the time of publication, at the Sonora Quarry traffic lights) in the Cromwell Gorge, 21km from the Alexandra Post Office. See map for details. A 4WD track is followed all the way to the summit. The track zigzags to maintain a steady grade. Notice the altitudinal change in vegetation from short hard tussock to tall snow tussock, which eventually gives way to stunted tundra like vegetation then bare rock on the summit plateau. Leaning Rock itself is over 60m (200ft) high. A communications hut is located at the foot. The hut is locked so don't rely on it for shelter. It's worth spending time exploring around the other large tors in the area which are grouped like some enormous eerie neolithic monument. This group is the best example of shaft tors in New Zealand. On the return trip those with time and energy to spare will find that returning via Leaning Rock creek makes a worthwhile round trip. There is no track, simply head directly down the slopes below Leaning Rock into the creek. There are some very good areas of waist-high unburnt snow tussock in this basin. Once in the creek stay in, or close to, the creek bed itself. Wet feet are inevitable. There is quite a bit of dense briar and matagouri scrub in the lower gorge, just before the road is reached.

(Last updated 23 Feb 2013)