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

Making Tracks — New
paths finding favour

Whanganui Tramping Club members on one of the Manawatu Gorge’s new western tracks.

Walkers and cyclists enjoying the benefits of the new Te Ahu a Turanga Manawatū-Tararua Highway are celebrating the opening of western tracks — walking and cycling paths added to the Ashhurst side of the highway. The basic walk is a circuit which has two extensions and is best suited to those with moderate fitness. The most-used entry point is at the Manawatu Gorge’s Western Gateway Park.

The full western tracks network covering 9.4km, which has some steeper sections, was originally used by construction crews. Now repurposed, it showcases new infrastructure alongside natural wetland landscapes. The gravel trails are wide and mud-free and and there are excellent information boards and direction posts as well as seating.

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

3 Sat, Whangaehu Swing Bridge, leader Peter

4 Sun, Old-timers’ Afternoon, leader Sandra

10 Sat, Waitahinga Trails, leaders Esther and Shane

10-14 Sat-Wed, Waikaremoana Great Walk, leader Kathy

11-14 Sun-Wed, Kaweka Circuit, leader Rozy

17 or 18 Sat or Sun, Palmerston Nth Walkways, leader Pam

24, 25 or 26 Sat, Sun or Mon, Tongariro River Trail, leader Margaret

24-26 Sat-Mon, Tararua Circuit, leader Shane

31 Sat, Taranaki Gardens, leader Sandra

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 8 and 22 October for the TT1 group and shorter ones for the TT2 group on
1, 15 and 29 October.

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 6 October 2026, Veandercross Lounge, Whanganui Racecourse
Cherry and Johnny will give a presentation on walking
the Camino Portugues in May and June 2026.

All welcome.

Coming up:

November 3rd Club Meeting – Suzanne and Robert will give a presentation on their visit to the Galapagos Islands.

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.