Trips Information

Club Activities December 2025—February 2026

  Dec 27 or 28 Tongariro River Trail Dorothy Symes

Sat or Sun     This mainly flat 14km loop track which starts and ends in Turangi offers great views of the Tongariro River as you wander through bush and farmland. It’s very popular with trampers and cyclists and should provide just the blow out you need following lashings of all that Christmas indulgence.

Easy/mod        Approx cost $38

 Jan 3 or 4        Ōtaki River Walk Margaret Wright

Sat or Sun   Join Margaret on an easy outing to start the New Year. The gravel track starts from the river mouth at Ōtaki beachfront and continues past State Highway 1 all the way to a lagoon at Chrystalls Bend Walkway. Walk under regenerating native trees and enjoy views of the coastline, river and the Tararua Range. This is a new walk and a perfect follow up to the Waikanae River Walk enjoyed during 2025.

Easy    Approx cost $28

 Jan 8-10          Trains Hut Terry Kennedy / Dave Scoullar

Thurs-Sat   The Waitotaras and Trains Hut were frequent visiting places in the early years of the club but not so much these days. Trains is reached in 4-5 hours along a 15km track which follows the Waitōtara River. The first 1 hr 30 min is on a road to the Kapara homestead site. After that the track is rough in places with high ledges above the river and several swing bridges. The Terereohaupa Falls near the six bunk newly renovated hut are worth a visit. On the second day we will explore the area and chill out.

Mod/fit Approx cost $19 (transport)

  Jan 10            Climb Hauhangatahi Trish Hopkins & Viv Dawson

Sat     Trish and Viv love this extinct volcano overlooking Erua on the edge of Tongariro National Park. At 1521m high, Hauhangatahi is an eroded volcano and is in a designated Wilderness Area, hence the lack of signage. They assure us that the views from the top are spectacular and worth the effort. TTC invited to join us.

Fit        Approx cost $26

  Jan 16-20       Cone Hut Loop from Otaki Forks Lyneke Onderwater

Fri-Tues    Lyneke plans five days in the Tararuas. The trip is weather dependent as it crosses Mt Hector twice. There are steep drop offs. She will tramp to Cone Hut via Kime and Alpha huts and return to Otaki Forks via Neil Ridge, Winchcombe Bivvy and Kime Hut. A great circuit if the weather co-operates.

Fit        Approx cost $31 transport

 Jan 24 Wilkies Pools-Kapunui Lodge Shane Wilson

Sat      This is a circuit from Dawson Falls up the stream from Wilkies Pools to pick up a track to the lodge then back to Dawson Falls on RMT. An interesting outing which was on the books this time in January 2025 but rained out. Hopefully better luck this time. We will combine with the Stratford Tramping Club.

Mod     Approx cost $29

 Jan 31 or Feb 1           Ruapehu Summit Kathy O’Donnell

Sat or Sun    A year ago Kathy led a trip to the summit of the Taranaki maunga. This time her sights are on Ruapehu which we have not summited for some years. The trip will be up the Sky Waka— maybe able to get a lift— then on up an unmarked track passing areas like the Rock garden and waterfall section onto the summit plateau. The terrain is rugged and requires good fitness. The walk is  6-7 hours long, so will require an early morning start.

Fit        Approx cost $32

 Feb 7 or 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 Egmont 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