Welcome to the Wanganui Tramping Club, New Zealand
We run a variety of tramping and biking trips and social events throughout the year and new and intending members are always welcome.
The Club meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month (except January), at Veandercross Lounge, Whanganui Race Course, 19a Purnell Street, start time is 7.00 pm.
Established in 1952, The Wanganui Tramping Club now has about 250 members. All ages are catered for, and the range of activities is always expanding! Please feel free to attend a club meeting or contact us for more information.
Jobs lost but more rangers coming
MAKING TRACKS with Scroggin
While 30 back-office jobs are going at DoC the good news is that the department intends hiring 20 new rangers. DoC announced a proposed restructure to meet the government’s demand for a 6.5 percent reduction in spending. The plan means disestablishing 270 positions and creating 140 new roles, resulting in a net reduction of 130 positions, although 101 of these are currently vacant.
The new frontline roles are not included in the above numbers and these positions could be filled by redeploying impacted staff. There will be two new roles in each region which will increase overall frontline capacity. The roles will be split between 10 ranger project lead positions focusing on the visitor network and deferred maintenance and 10 ranger positions to improve cultural heritage protection at key historic sites. The 130 positions to be disestablished include science advisors, policy workers and management.
Features of the Wanganui Tramping Club’s weekend programme for May include the annual Taranaki weekend and day visits to a waterfall on the Mangaturuturu Stream in Tongariro National Park, to Blue Range Hut in the Tararua and to the new 100m suspension footbridge over the Manganui Gorge in Te Papakura o Taranaki.
The club’s full weekend programme for next May is:
4 or 5 Sat or Sun, Mangaturuturu waterfall, leader Rozy
11 or 12 Sat or Sun, Manganui Gorge bridge, leader Bruce
18-19 Sat-Sun, Taranaki weekend, leader Dave
25 or 26 Sat or Sun, Blue Range Hut, leaders Cherry and Johnny
For further information visit our website www.whanganuitramping.org.nz
The midweekers have a full programme of interesting trips every Wednesday. Those who get out on Thursdays are in two groups, with a longer walks on 9 and 23 May for the TT1 group and shorter ones for the TT2 group on 2, 16 and 30 May.
To join weekend trips call the leader by the previous Tuesday at the latest. Call by 6pm the night before for day trips. As some trips have limited numbers, leaders have the final say about who to take as they are responsible for the safety and well-being of everyone on their trips. For further information visit our website www.whanganuitramping.org.nz
The next club meeting on Tuesday 7 May at the Veandercross Lounge, Whanganui Racecourse, at 7pm will feature a talk by club member Kathy O’Donnell on tramping at Mt Blanc in Europe. All welcome.
Club Activities
Wanganui Tramping Club members enjoy lunch at the Atene Shelter in December.
Potential new Members must register with Kathy Phone 021 979 164 or email membership@whanganuitramping.org.nz before booking into Club Trips
Weekend trips
Weekend trips include one day and overnight trips, as well as extended tramps sometimes over long weekends. Grading varies to cater for all levels of fitness and experience. Social events and mountain bike trips are also listed on our trips page.
Wednesday tramps
Held every week up to a 100 km radius to mountains, forest, bush and farmland. Wednesday midweek day tramp planned by rostered leaders. Usually more challenging than Thursday tramps.
Coordinator: Trish Hopkins: (Please book in by 6 pm day before)
Thursday tramps
No bush bashing, generally over better tracks and a little easier. Tramps to suit mature members; normally closer to Whanganui.
TT1 tramps usually departure 9 am from clubroom. Every second Thursday. Coordinator: Ann Condon: (Please book in by 6 pm day before)
TT2 tramps are short walks around town from 9 am on alternate Thursdays, from January 28, 2021. Contact is Julie Kearse.
BOMBS Group Cycle Rides Contact is Lynn Tebbutt
The ranks of DoC rangers (front left and centre pointing) will be boosted in a departmental restructure. These rangers are directing a pinus contorta pulling weekend in Tongariro National Park in March which included Whanganui trampers.
Transport
The Club owns three minivans each seating 12 passengers, meeting most of our transport needs.
Accommodation
The Wanganui Tramping Club owns the Mangaturuturu Hut on the western slopes of Mount Ruapehu. It is available to members without charge and non-members for the appropriate 'Back Country' hut fee.
Mangaturuturu Hut
The verandah on the hut has now had windows and doors added to provide greater security from wildlife.
Click button below to view more details
What to do in a backcountry emergency
FMC (Federated Mountain Clubs) Bulletin of August 2016 contained a very useful article titled "What to do in a backcountry emergency". It is reproduced here as a four page document for you to download or print. Please read the advice before venturing forth!
Stock Awareness for trampers crossing farmland
An explanatory guide to help you avoid unfortunate outcomes, from Ray Walton
Health and safety responsibilities of farmers to recreational visitors FAQ
This is a useful summary of when a hazard warning needs to be made. For further information see www.walkingaccess.govt.nz.
Maps for Trampers
Department of Conservation Walks Maps at www.doc.govt.nz/walkingandtramping
Walking Access Maps at www.wams.org.nz
Land Information Maps at www.linz.govt.nz/land/maps/linz-topographic-maps/map-chooser
Mapping Advice from Basil Hooper