Trips Information
Club Activities February - May 2026
NOTE: TRIP COST ESTIMATES ARE BASED ON 11c PER KILOMETRE
Feb 7/8 Waitarere Beach Dave Scoullar
Sat or Sun It wouldn’t be summer without a visit to a beach, and we haven’t been to Waitarere for ages. Our walk will involve forest and beach, and we should be able to get to Hokio Beach further down the coast. One attraction is the remains of the Hydrabad, a square-rigged sailing ship which ran aground during a storm in 1878, though there’s not much left to see. A chance also for a swim, so bring your togs.
Easy/mod Approx cost $22
Feb 8-10 Pouakai Circuit Kathy O’Donnell
Sun-Tues Starting at the North Taranaki visitor centre we will walk via the Razorback and Holly hut tracks to Holly for the first night. In the morning after a side trip to Bells Falls, we then head off to the new Pouakai Hut — 2 hours away. Our longest day will be from here past Maude and Henry Peaks back to the North Taranaki visitor centre. Note: Book Pouakai hut tickets early.
Fit Approx cost $36 (transport)
Feb 14 Mangaturuturu River Explore Peter Waugh / Peter Panton
Sat The two Peters plan to walk up this river from the new walkway bridge north of Horopito. It will be an exploratory trip which may eventually lead to a crossover from the Mangaturuturu Hut. Channel your inner adventurous spirit and join them for a walk on the wild side. TTC invited to join us.
Mod Approx cost $23
Feb 21-22 Camping at Rotokare Esther Williams / Peter McDowell
Sat-Sun We visit the delightful Rotokare Scenic Reserve frequently, but this visit is a bit different as we plan to freedom camp overnight to get a fuller appreciation of the peaceful 230ha predator-free environment where we are surrounded by native and endangered flora and fauna. There will be an opportunity to do other tramps in the area, with one possibility the Mangakotukutuku Falls reached through magnificent bush on the lower Maude Track.
Mod Cost to be calculated
Feb 28 Tree Trunk Gorge Track Peter Waugh
Sat This track, in the Kaimanawa, is a pleasant 10km return tramp on a formed track through mature broadleaf forest from the bridge over the gorge at Pillars of Hercules to the road bridge over the gorge on Tree Trunk Road. There are a couple of stream crossings so wet feet are possible. Return to the Pillars of Hercules car park. We will link up with Taumarunui TC for this one.
Easy/mod Approx cost $38
Mar 7-8 Pine-pulling Esther Williams
Sat-Sun Pulling wilding pines at Ruapehu is in our DNA. For more than 60 years we have been toiling on the mountain side the results have been for all to see — a landscape with very few pinus contorta. But we can’t rest on our laurels and will be up there again this weekend with Hutt Valley Tramping Club. Join us, have fun and do your bit for the environment.
Mod Free
Mar 8-15 Taranaki Walks Jacky Evans
Sun-Sun Jacky will lead a week of Taranaki day walks from a base in New Plymouth. The trip is fully subscribed but you can go on the waiting list, and you may get lucky — it’s happened before! — and worth the effort to make the cut on one of her trips.
Easy Cost to be calculated
Mar 10 Weekend Trips Meeting Dave Scoullar
Tues It’s still summer but we will have winter thoughts as we plan weekend trips in June/July/August. Since people tend to stay closer to home in winter, getting suitable trips for these three months is more difficult. So, it’s important that you tell us where you want to go by phone, email or by turning up at 7 Wairere Rd at 7.30pm.
Mar 13-16 Tangarakau Dorothy Symes
Fri-Mon This is a combined Whanganui and Taumarunui Tramping Club weekend event at the Tangarakau Bushlands Motor camp. Meet at the camp on Friday afternoon. On Saturday there will be a day trip with the option of shorter easier walks. On Sunday there will be 2 half day walks. On Monday there will be a half day walk then return home after lunch. Tent sites $20 per night, powered sites $25 and cabins $110 for 2 people. There is an unlimited area for tents, caravans and camper vans. The camp has basic facilities: Kitchen area, ablutions block and gas BBQs. There are some cooking and eating utensils but to be sure bring your own. Bring own tea towels. More information is on the camp’s website https://bushlands.co.nz/
Easy/mod Cost to be calculated
Mar 14/15 Tongariro Alpine Crossing Esther Williams
Sat or Sun This trip is the gift that keeps on giving! Esther loves it and loves introducing new people to it, so if you’ve never done a TAC or want to experience it again, be in touch for a long (20km) but memorable day.
Fit` Approx cost $35
Mar 21/22 Rangipo Hut Cherry and Johnny Channon
Sat or Sun Join Cherry and Johnny on a walk to the highest hut on the Round the Mountain Track in Tongariro National Park. Wander through Martian-like landscape with amazing views of the Rangipō Desert and marvel at the dramatic lahar valley in which the Whangaehu River runs. Always a popular tramp.
Mod Approx cost $31
Mar 22-25 Tararua Circuit John Mellsop
Sun-Wed John is having another try with this trip. Following the successful Otaki River trip in 2024, he plans to return to Otaki hut via Waiopehu hut and a route along Oriwa ridge. The four-day trip will then follow the Otaki and Ohau rivers to complete the circuit. This trip will appeal to those who appreciate off-track and river tramping.
Fit Approx cost $45 including hut fees
Mar 28 Climb Mt Tihia Viv Dawson / Denise Gordon
Sat This is a small peak in Tongariro National Park near Tokaanu which we have climbed before with Taumarunui TC and will do so again on this occasion. It is about a 3 hour climb on a rough bush track to the top. At 1165m the views are spectacular. There is a noticeable change of bush species as you climb. Saturday is the preferred day, but the trip could be moved to Sunday if the weather is unsuitable.
Mod/fit Approx cost $37
Apr 3-4 Red Crater Evening Walk Esther Williams 021 0288 2368
Chance to climb to Red Crater on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for sundown and moonrise. Return to the Mangatepopo carpark and stay nearby overnight. Bring your own hot drink and dinner. The leader will provide breakfast. Warm clothes and overnight gear are essential.
Fit Cost to be calculated.
Apr 6 Awapikopiko Reserve Dave Scoullar
Mon The second attraction at Easter is a visit to this reserve about 17k past Woodville and unknown to most of us until a visit by the Wednesday group last October. The 28ha of bush which has a QE11 National Trust covenant has some great bush including rata, kahikatea, tawa and hinau on a circuit track which is steep in places. Given the time and inclination, we will look in on the Coppermine Creek track on the way home.
Easy/mod Approx cost $29
Apr 11/12 Branch Road Walkway Pam Phease
Sat or Sun This will be third time lucky for Pam. The 6km walkway follows the route of an abandoned road that links the Pohangina village with Ridge Road. Enjoy native bush, pine plantations and farm land with extensive views. Pam plans to go up and then back down the walkway and hopes the village’s cafe will be open for treats to end the trip.
Mod Approx cost $24
Apr 18 Blyth Hut Circuit Bruce Thomas
Sat Our Waimarino based member, Peter Finucane, has taken us around this one a number of times and hopefully it will retain its popularity — it’s a circuit incorporating the RMT, bush and open slopes which also includes visits to both the new and old Blyth huts. A good leg stretch with some interesting history thrown in.
Mod Approx cost $25
Apr 18-19 Wairarapa Weekend Dave Scoullar / Peter Waugh
Sat-Sun We haven’t had a Wairarapa weekend for a few years and Dave has some interesting walks on the itinerary including the Rewanui Forest Park and the Tinui Anzac Walkway. Enjoy visiting new places and seeing new sights on a relaxed weekend. Stay overnight at Mawley Park in Masterton where a cabin for eight has been booked and eat out in the evening.
Easy/mod Cost to be calculated
Apr 25/26 Lake Dive Circuit Trish Hopkins
Sat or Sun This circuit from Dawson Falls in Te Papakura o Taranaki (Egmont National Park) used to be popular but has fallen out of favour in recent years since the demise of Lake Dive Hut. The views on the section above the bush line are magnificent.
Fit Approx cost $29
Apr 26-27 Tongariro National Park Circuit John Mellsop
Sun-Mon A two-day trip staying overnight at Mangaehuehu Hut. John will travel to the old Blyth hut site then above the bush line to Mangaehuehu and back via Round the Mountain Track. $25 hut needs to be booked.
Mod/fit Approx cost $50 including hut fees
May 2/3 Waiinu Beach Shane Wilson
Sat or Sun A visit to this beach near Waitotara is a perennial favourite. Shane is familiar with the best walking opportunities and is happy to be our guide. Beach walks are much underrated, but Waiinu is a peach!
Easy Approx cost $8
May 3-5 Powell-Jumbo Circuit Terry Kennedy
Sun-Tues This is a classic circuit in the eastern Tararua taking in bush and open tops. Overnight at two bookable huts, Powell and Jumbo. The trip is weather-dependant. Last time Terry had a go he got to Powell but retreated because of bad weather the following day. However, he’s prepared to try again and if things work out you will have a memorable trip. You are also welcome if you want something more relaxing — taking the flat track to Atiwhakatu Hut (bookable) for two nights and waiting for the others to arrive from Jumbo.
Mod/fit Approx cost $41
May 7-11 Shutes Hut Revisited Shane McCulloch
Thur-Mon After one successful circuit in the northern Ruahine Shane will try again. He will overnight at Shutes Hut (twice), Ruahine Hut and Diane Hut on an interesting journey in a part of the country seldom visited by our club. Highly recommended by those on the 2024 trip and a new opportunity for those on the aborted 2025 trip.
Fit Approx cost $43 ($10 huts)
May 9/10 Waitotara Valley Historic Dorothy Symes
Sat or Sun No one in our club knows the upper Waitotara Valley as well as Basil Hooper and he’ll give us an insider’s tour which will include visiting his family’s homestead, the quaint wee church at Ngamatapouri and the Waitotara River rapids at the top end beyond Larsen’s farm. A very relaxing but informative day.
Easy Approx cost $20
May 16/17 Mania Track Dave Taylor
Sat or Sun This track in the western Ruahine has grown in popularity in the club in recent times. Dave will take the team over farmland into magnificent bush and climb steadily up to the start of the tussocky open slopes of this wonderful range.
Mod/fit Approx cost $25
May 23/24 Mangaone Walkway Kathy O’Donnell
Sat or Sun This is a pleasant walkway in low hill country east of Waikanae. It follows an old tramway and was historically known as Reikorangi Track. Kathy will take us out and back again from the Waikanae end so we can enjoy the bush and avoid the tedious road walking at the northern end.
Easy/mod Approx cost $33
May 23-24 Taranaki/Gourmet Weekend Dave Scoullar
Sat-Sun Our annual weekend based at the Camp House at North Taranaki in 2025 was such a success we’re returning again. We will do some walks in the vicinity and, of course, enjoy a fabulous shared gourmet dinner with each member on the trip bringing something exquisite! Wear something really colourful, even outrageous, for the feast. A traditionally wonderful weekend.
Easy/mod Cost to be calculated