“MAKING TRACKS
with Scroggin”,
October 2026
Whanganui River City Press

Pātea tracks expand

Whanganui Tramping Club members enjoying a lunch stop at Bourke’s Lookout.

Pātea is blessed with walking opportunities — and they are growing. The Pātea Loop Track opened in 2024, a community-driven initiative which extended the Pātea River Walkway, established in 2012. Volunteers maintain the 5km loop pathway.

In May the South Taranaki District Council opened a new track through one of its coastal reforestation sites in Pātea. The 2.1km grass pathway winds through 10ha of planting. By the end of winter 2026 around 40,000 natives suited to local conditions will have been established across the site. The River Walkway is the jewel in the crown with information boards showcasing the town’s rich history dating back to the 1860s.

The Whanganui Tramping Club’s weekend programme for November is:

Oct. 31 Sat, Taranaki Gardens, leader Sandra

Nov. 7 Sat, Tararua plane crash site, leader John

8-15 Sun-Sun, Waikato walks, leader Jacky

14 Sat, Deadman’s Track, leaders Viv and Denise

15-17 Sun-Tues, Eastern Ruahine circuit, leader Lyneke

21 Sat, Pouakai plane crash site, leader Sally

28 or 29 Sat or Sun, TA Trail near Levin, leader Dave

For more information email inquiries@whanganuitramping.org.nz

The midweekers have a full programme of interesting trips every Wednesday. Those who get out on Thursday are in two groups, with a longer walks on 5 and 19 November for the TT1 group and shorter ones for the TT2 group on
12 and 26 November.

To join weekend trips call the leader by the previous Tuesday at the latest. Call by 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 https://www.wanganuitrampingclub.net/trips

Next Club Meeting:
7pm, Tuesday 3rd November 2026,
Veandercross Lounge, Whanganui Racecourse
The meeting will feature a presentation by Suzanne Roberts and Robert Lakeland on their visit to the Galapagos Islands.

All welcome.

Coming up:

December 1st Club Meeting – Christmas BBQ and Dutch Auction to raise funds for the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopters in Palmerston North and Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust.