Majestic Mihiwaka

It's been ages since we explored the area around Cedar Creek reservoir. We'd usually access this from Sawyer Bay, but the recent winds may have caused havoc amongst the forestry block that leads up from the golf course. Instead, we'll resurrect this route of Dave's from 2023. Heads up: it does involve a bit of asphalt We are going to try parking at the Organ Pipes car park (see location). It is a small area, so if full, approximately 200 metres before the car park (coming from Dunedin) there is a pull-in area on the right. If using this area, please do not block off the private driveway situated at the far end of the pull-in area. Once we congregate at the Organ Pipes car park we’ll head off down Mt Cargill Road. There’s probably 4-5 km of tarmac on this route, so bring your “sacrificial” trail shoes. Reaching the Cedar Creek Bullock Track we enjoy a cool climb to the reservoir. We then head up the unsealed roads to the Mihiwaka track. There are two options on this route: to be (enjoy the mud) or not to be (avoid the mud, but probably still find mud). Once we touch the trig which crown Mihiwaka, we retrace our steps, head around the reservoir and then walk-run up Mt Cutten. After taking in the view (and the Len Lye scuplture), we'll head down Quarry Track back down to Mt Cargill Road. This track is a little overgrown in places and is bisected by a dirty, big forestry access road. Emerging on the Mt Cargill Road it is a 1.5 km jog on tarmac back to the cars. It is somewhere between 10-11 km and some 500 metres of total ascent. If this sounds like you, meet us at 6pm. The forecast is for fine but cool weather, so maybe bring an extra layer. See you there!