Non-members need to liaise with the enquiries officer before booking into tramping trips. Please discuss start times with the appropriate trip leader.
[Please disregard any times shown in the web-calendar. They are automatically generated and irrelevant, and can’t be turned off, sorry.]
April 27 or 28 Sat or Sun
Pam Phease
We'll explore some walks closer to home, beginning with a short river loop at Bulls. Then we'll head to Feilding and check out the walks at Kitchener Park and stroll along the Oroua River from Timona Park.
Easy Approx cost $15
May 4 or 5 Sat or Sun
Rozy Rawlinson
Rozy is getting a following for taking us to interesting places in Tongariro National Park. This time she has her eyes on a waterfall in the upper Mangaturuturu Stream, about an hour from the club hut. Mostly easy going beside the stream but maybe a bit of scrambling at the falls.
Mod Approx cost $26
May 11 or 12 Sat or Sun
Bruce Thomas
The 100m suspension footbridge over the Manganui Gorge in Te Papakura o Taranaki is expected to be completed in April and Bruce will trek up from Dawson Falls to have a look. Suspended 50m above the Manganui River, it should be a spectacular sight.
Easy/mod Approx cost $29
May 18-19 Sat-Sun
Dave Scoullar
Last year’s Taranaki Weekend was centred on Stratford and we’ll return there in 2024, going on a day trip with Stratford Tramping Club and socialising with them on the Saturday, and doing our own thing on the Sunday. We’ll once again stay at the local holiday park, go out to eat and take in a movie. As Dave has booked two cabins, he would appreciate hearing from would-be trampers sooner rather than later.
Easy/mod Cost to be calculated
April 20 or 21 Sat or Sun
Brenda Collins
Brenda knows a thing or two about farm walks on her patch so where she takes us is certain to be interesting.
Easy Approx cost $5
April 18-22 Thurs-Mon
Shane McCulloch
Events have conspired against Shane in the past but he says he’ll try again to do the circuit taking in Shutes, Dianes and Ruahine huts in a five-day adventure in the northern end of the Ruahine Range. River levels are a vital factor as the party must cross the Taruarau River on day one and then again on day five. Plan B is to tackle this challenging tramp the following week, Thurs to Monday 25-29 April.
Fit Cost to be calculated
April 13 or 14 Sat or Sun
Cherry and Johnny Channon
Crossing the Ruahine range in a day will give you a buzz and Cherry and Johnny are keen to make this happen. It’ll be the first time for a while that we’ve done this as a crossover though we have been up to the Maharahara Trig in recent times. Be prepared for some solid climbing but there is also the reward that this achievement will bring.
Fit Cost to be calculated
April 9 – 15 Tues-Mon
Kate Jones
This time BOMBs will sample the cycling delights of Nelson and environs. And there are sure to be plenty to sample.
Easy Cost to be calculated.
April 6 Sat
Mike Cole
This ridge is near National Park. The loop trip follows the formed 2km track from Fisher’s Rd to the Tupapakurua Falls lookout. From here it is a steady 60m climb up Rewa’s Ridge where it levels out. It is a three-hour open ridge-top walk onto Fisher’s Rd track with a further 20 minute walk back to the car park. A reasonable standard of fitness is needed for the off-track tramp. This will be a combined Wanganui and Taumarunui clubs outing which takes in new territory.
Mod/fit Approx cost $29
Mar 30, 31, Apr 1 Sat, Sun or Mon
Dorothy Symes
Basil Hooper will lead us to the high hill at the back of his Waitotara farm. There will be an option to take a native bush trail down to the river and along to a pretty waterfall. We will work out on the day who wants to take what, and be assured of a guide for each destination. We are welcome to visit Tracey Hooper’s garden, with some special historical trees.
Easy/mod Approx Cost $15
Mar 29 Fri
Esther Williams
Esther will repeat her Good Friday climb to Red Crater on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to view the sunset and full moon. Bring supper and torch for the descent. We will stay at the Whakapapa Motor Camp overnight where a cabin for six has been booked. Breakfast provided. 10am start.
Fit Approx cost $66
Mar 29-Apr 1 Fri-Mon
Brian Doughty
It’s been quite a while since we overnighted at Trains Hut in the bush-clad Waitotaras and Brian is making sure we have time to get a full appreciation of the area that has been in the club’s DNA since it began 70-plus years ago. Brian will provide choices: day explorations from Trains or even further afield for a night at Tahupo Hut. What a great way to take advantage of the long Easter break!
Mod Cost to be calculated
Mar 23 or 24 Sat or Sun
Sally Gray / Trish Hopkins
This trip was on the books for last November but ruled out by bad weather. Sally and Trish are keen to give it another shot. This is a circuit taking in North Egmont and the RMT. A chance to experience the upgraded track through to Pouakai.
Mod/fit Approx cost $32
Mar 16 or 17 Sat or Sun
Terry Kennedy
This is a four-bunk hut in the Hihitahi Forest Sanctuary near Waiouru. We’ve been there a number of times. It’s a good leg stretch across a farm and then through bush up to a high point and down the other side to the hut. Nice views over Waiouru and the central plateau.
Mod Approx cost $27
Mar 14-17 Thurs-Sun
Mike Miller
Once again Mike has generously offered his house at Whareroa in the western Taupo region as a base for a few days of day walks, swimming and relaxing. This is a popular trip, so get in quick.
Easy/mod Cost to be calculated
Mar 10 Sun
Shane Wilson
The walk to Hukaroa above Raetihi is a 5km stroll up a farm track. The top of Hukaroa at 792m provides a great 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside. Hukaroa is a flat grassed plateau with three buildings and a scattering of radio masts, towers and structures. In the late 1960s the old tall wooden radio masts were transported to the site by Bedford truck and bulldozer - a real mission in those days erecting poles of that size at such a remote site. There is the option of extending the walk and possibly finding a cave. We will be joined by the Taumarunui Tramping Club.
Easy Approx cost $21
Mar 9-10 Sat-Sun
John Mellsop 021 0241 2144 / 345 6710
It’s been a while since we visited this hut in the Kaimanawas. A spur track provides a steady grunt to the bushline, then poles lead past Sharp Cone (1481m) and up over Umukarikari (1591m) for panoramic views of Lake Taupo. Descend into the Waipakihi River basin to the 12-bunk Waipakihi Hut on a tussock shelf. Join John for an invigorating weekend. $10 hut fee.
Fit Cost to be calculated
March 2-3 Esther Williams
Still at it after all these years! Yes we are. Only two clubs are still standing but both the WTC and Hutt Valley Tramping Club will continue our decades-long war against Pinus contorta on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. As usual we will camp out. A neat weekend in a lovely area which explains why some of us keep returning.
Easy/mod Free!
Mon-Wed Feb 26-28
Dawn Smith and Carolyn Shingleton
The BOMBs have arranged a trip to Cambridge to cycle the 67km Te Awa River Cycleway. Cambridge is at the heart of the world-class Te Awa River Ride. The longest concrete trail in NZ, Te Awa winds its way from Ngaruawahia through to Lake Karapiro on a 3m wide smooth concrete trail, boardwalks and bridges.
Easy Cost to be calculated
Sat or Sun Feb 24-25
Sally Gray and Trish Hopkins
Sally and Trish won’t be beaten! This is Kapapanui #3 and they figure the time is right to finally conquer this circuit on the fringe of the Tarararua near Waikanae. Be ready for some grunty climbing with also the rewards of magnificent views the Tararua main ranges.
Fit Approx cost $28
Sat Feb 17
Vivienne Dawson
It’s been a long time since we climbed up the ancient volcano of Hauhangatahi near Erua. Taumarunui Tramping Club has solved the access problem and we will join them on a climb through the bush and onto the herb fields to the top of the 1521m maunga.
Mod/fit Approx cost $26
Sat Feb 10
Shane Wilson
Up for a challenge? Join the second try to get this trip going — a bush-bash to the 20m Sigley Falls in Tongariro National Park with the Taumarunui Tramping Club. The falls are on the south side of the park near Rangataua and we are in the hands of experienced guides Peter Finucane and Peter Panton.
Fit Approx cost $23
Sat Feb 3
Allan Loader
This trip in the western Tararua leads to the upper Mangahao dam and the along the track towards Mangahao Flats Hut. Allan will share some of the history of the dam which is one of the oldest continually operating government-built hydro stations in NZ. An interesting area seldom visited by our club.
Mod Approx cost $28
Sat-Wed Feb 3-7
Dave Scoullar
This five-day walk through the western Tararua was scheduled for last February but was flagged because of a rain warning. We hope for better luck this time. The route is to Mangahao Flats and Te Matawai huts, down the Otaki River to Waitewaewae Hut, on to Parawai Hut at Otaki Forks and finally over the Pukeatua Track to meet the Wednesday Wanderers.
Fit Cost to be calculated
Sun Jan 28
Brenda Baxter
Lunch at Dolly Varden Beach, Mana. The bridges and boathouses of Mana are easily explored along well-formed walkways and suburban streets. Dolly Varden Beach is on the Pauatahanui inlet with the Mana Marina and the Ngati Toa Domain close by. A cruisy trip to explore places which will be new to many. This was originally down for October.
Easy Approx cost $38
Fri-Mon Jan 26-29
Dorothy Symes
We are again being hosted in the backblocks beyond Stratford and Whangamomona by the Taumarunui Tramping Club. The plan is to travel there Friday. Options are available for easy to moderate walks. Trails will include railways and tunnels, native bush and farmlands. Check out the facilities on the website – Tangarakau Bushlands Motorcamp. Cabin space, camper vans and tent sites are available. Be quick as booking your preferred accommodation may be limited.
Easy/mod Cost to be calculated
Sat, Sun or Mon Jan 20, 21 or 22
Pam Phease
Left untouched by early settlers, this 53ha native virgin bush reserve is a beautiful treasure with many native species. There are two pest-control tracks that can be walked - the Reserve Track which is 2.1km return and the slightly more challenging Reserve-Lookout Track which is 4.5km return. Join Pam for an interesting day out. She will choose the best day weatherwise.
Easy/mod Approx cost $23
Fri-Mon Jan 19-22
Mike Cole
A four-day hike in the Tararua starting at Holdsworth road end. Walking to Powell Hut the first night then across the pinnacles to Tarn Ridge hut, then Mitre Flats and out. There are two routes across the Pinnacles, the high level and the lower less steep version. You can take your pick.
Fit Approx cost $50 + hut fees
Sat or Sun Jan 13 or 14
Bruce Thomas
Tama Lakes is one of our favourite walks in Tongariro National Park, reached along a well-formed track from Whakapapa Village. If the day is good the group may venture to the upper lake. Bruce has a Plan B if it isn’t so good.
Mod Approx cost $30
Sat or Sun Jan 6-7
Terry Kennedy 021 262 7066
Experience an interesting farm walk near Rotorangi, inland from Patea, which will be led by Graham Ellett. This outing will also be a chance to explore the dam and maybe even wander over the short bush walk there. Possibly new country for some people, so come along for the experience.
Easy/mod Approx cost $22
Sat Dec 30
Esther Williams
Say goodbye to 2023 with Esther on a trip to Mt Ruapehu. This trip is weather-dependent. Bring your Gold Card and $ for the Sky Waka ride to Knoll Ridge and a two-hour walk on volcanic rock. If this is not feasible she will find another destination.
Fit Approx cost $31
Sat Dec 23
Garry McElwain
Escape the bustle of the season with a pre-Christmas stroll around our beautiful Waitahinga Trails. Bring food for a shared meal at the dam. Join president Garry and hopefully we will have representatives from the Whanganui District Council along to get a full appreciation of our happy place and what an asset it is for the whole community.
Easy Approx cost $8
Sat Dec 16
Cherry Channon
Peter Finucane, our Waimarino member will guide us over a route in Tongariro National Park he has done before that is back by popular demand. This is to Blyth Hut and then returning on a circuit which will take us through open country and bush. Join him on an interesting day out. Taumarunui Tramping Club is also invited.
Mod Approx cost $25
Sat or Sun Dec 9 or 10
Mike Cole
This is an unusual hill, partly because it’s nowhere near Raetihi, and also because of its shape, steep sides and a flat top. It’s a quick climb to the top, some slightly steep scrambling bits and then levels out across the top. We will descend by another easier track to complete the route.
Easy/Mod Approx cost $22
