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.
Orange again the ‘in’ colour
MAKING TRACKS with Scroggin
Once upon a time the NZ Forest Service huts dotted around the bush were all painted a vivid orange. They really stood out and this colour became part of their iconic status. Then things moved along, DOC built new huts and painted them different colours. Now orange is back. Volunteers tidying up back country NZFS huts are restoring the orange decor.
The Wanganui Tramping Club visited one of these huts last November. This was the basic four-bunk Waoirongomai Hut in Remetuka Forest Park reached on a track up the Waiorongomai River. The site began life as a temporary camp built in 1966 to accommodate the first NZFS goat culling teams in the range after which the hut was built. In recent times it was green but the original orange has been restored.
The club’s week programme for March is:
2-3 Sat-Sun, pine pulling on Ruapehu, leader Esther
9-10 Sat-Sun, Waipakihi Hut, leader John
10 Sun, Hukaroa trig, leader Shane
14-17 Thurs-Sun, Whareroa, leader Mike
16 or 17 Sat or Sun, Zeke’s Hut, leader Terry
23 or 24 Sat or Sun, Kokowai Track, leaders Sally and Trish
29 Fri, TAC night visit, leader Esther
29-April l, Trains Hut, leader Brian
30, 31 March or April 1 Sat, Sun or Mon, Waitotara farm wander, leader Dorothy
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 14 and 28 March for the TT1 group and a shorter ones for the TT2 group on 7 and 21 March.
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 5 March at the Veandercross Lounge, Whanganui Racecourse, at 7pm will feature a presentation by Suzanne Roberts on her trip to Japan to walk the Kumano Kodo Trail. 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
Wanganui Tramping Club members Graham Sutcliffe, Adrian Pike and Allan Loader outside Waiorongomai Hut in Remutaka Forest Park.
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