Trips Information
Club Trips and Activities May – August 2025
May 10 or 11 Castle Rock Dave Taylor 027 485 8434
Sat or Sun This is a fortress-like rocky outcrop situated along the Kaimanawa Forest Park walkway, accessed from Desert Rd which closed when Dave planned this trip in January and is therefore rescheduled. The poled route along the Army boundary rises steadily through tussock and beech forest. At a height of 1450m the rock formation is a great lunch spot with 360 degree views of the mountains and surrounding countryside. The track is boggy in places but generally good.
Mod Cost to be calculated
May 17-18 Taranaki Gourmet Weekend Dave Scoullar 022 135 8374
Sat-Sun The annual Taranaki visit has been combined with the Gourmet trip for 2025. After staying in Stratford for the last two years we will overnight at the Camp House at the North Egmont Visitor Centre. It will be a comfortable base (hot showers) for our weekend of Taranaki short wanders. Bring something yummy for a shared meal and a funny hat for an evening of games, jokes and hilarity.
Easy/mod Cost to be calculated (camp house $28).
May 24 or 25 Opunake Walkway Pam Phease 022 457 2097
Sat or Sun The Ōpunakē Walkway, a loop trail, is the longest of the formal South Taranaki walks and takes you beside Ōpunakē Lake, across the clifftops, providing coastal vistas, rural views and rural scenery. Suitable for walkers with low to medium fitness, the trail has a varied terrain of grass, footpaths and gravel pathways and is a little hilly in places.
Easy Approx cost $29
May 31-June 2 Ruahine Walkabout Shane McCulloch 021 614 753
Sat-Mon Shane plans to go into Iron Gate Hut ($10) on day one. Next day it will be up onto the tops to either Long View Hut ($25) or Top Gorge Hut (free). On the third day he will bring the group out over Tunupo on the tops. We haven’t visited any of these huts for a while so this is a chance to do so.
Fit Approx cost 27 (transport)
June 2 Waiinu Wander Shane Wilson 027 391 8144
Mon If you can’t join Shane McCulloch this King’s Birthday Weekend, team up with the other Shane as he hits the beach at Waiinu. Depending on the conditions, he will head to the Waitotara River mouth or go the other way over Snapper Rock and beyond.
Easy Approx cost $8
June 7 Club Quiz Night Dave Scoullar 022 135 8374
Sat You don’t need to know much but it will help your team when you front up for our annual trivia quiz. No need to call Dave, just make up a team of four or join others on the night. The venue is the Veandercross Lounge at the race course with a 7.30pm start. A small contribution for supper will be appreciated. A fun night is guaranteed!
June 7 or 8 Whakapapaiti Hut Bruce Thomas 345 6532
Sat or Sun This hut is a popular destination, reached from Whakapapa Village on a well marked track through beautiful alpine scenery. If there is enough interest we will arrange a crossover from Scoria Flat.
Mod Approx cost $31
June 10 Trips Meeting Dave Scoullar 022 135 8374
Tues Congratulations to the three people who turned up for the March trip meeting but with so few it was hard to compile a programme. With a better showing this time we will aim at producing an interesting schedule for September/October/November. The venue is 7 Wairere Rd at 7.30pm. Or contact Dave with your ideas or trip ideas.
June 14 or 15 York Loop Track Dorothy Symes 027 256 4665
Sat or Sun This track near Midhirst follows part of the old Egmont Branch Railway line which evolved in 1901. There are many remains of the extensive quarry operations with good signage and the track through interesting bush is well defined, though it will probably be a bit muddy.
Easy Approx cost $29
June 20, 21 or 22 Knights/Shorts Tracks Trish Hopkins 021 127 3862 / Sally Gray 021 382 802
Sat, Sun or Mon This is regarded as a trophy tramp — an exhilarating loop walk in the western Ruahine which takes you through the bush onto the tops with fabulous views. It’s a challenge which brings its own rewards and is within the ability of most of our members.
Fit Approx cost $28
June 28 or 29 Arapuke/Sledge Track Viv Dawson 021 054 5939 / Denise Gordon 027 388 4937
Sat or Sun Arapuke Mountain Bike Park is the premier mountain bike destination in the lower North Island with over 40km of trails across all grades in a growing network designed for four-season riding. From the Sledge Track car park we will climb to the mountain bike park and return via its many well-formed trails or cross a swing bridge to join the Sledge Track.
Mod Approx cost $22
July 5 Midwinter Pot Luck Meal Trish Hopkins 021 127 3862
Sat Trish would love to host a pot luck meal at her home in Castlecliff. She has plenty of plates but cutlery and glasses could be in short supply so bring them just in case, along with a dish to share and your own drinks. A BBQ will be available for anyone that wants to cook up their favourite extra. No need to phone, turn up at 4 Longbeach Drive at 6pm.
July 6-8 Totora Flats Hut Terry Kennedy 021 262 7066 / Dave Scoullar 022 135 8374
Sun-Tues This hut in the Tararua Forest Park is a popular destination so we hope to avoid the crowd by going there on Sunday. It will be our base for two nights. On day two we will explore the area including a visit to the nearby quirky Sayers Hut. We hope we have enough people for a crossover with one group coming from Mt Holdsworth and the other from Walls Whare. Totora Flats hut requires a booking.
Mod Cost to be calculated
July 12 or 13 Branch Road Walkway Pam Phease 022 457 2097
Sat or Sun The 6km scenic walkway follows the route of an abandoned country road that links the Pohangina village with Ridge Road. It offers native bush, pine plantations and farmland with extensive views of the valley below and to the Ruahine Ranges. Pam plans to go up and then back down the walkway. With luck the cafe in the village will be open for coffee to end the trip. The trip was down for January but didn’t take place. Time to try again!
Mod Approx cost $24
July 19 Whanganui Riverbank Walk Linda Hart 027 442 0449
Sat This riverbank wander is a favourite at this time of the year. In your own transport, join Linda at the parking area on Landguard Rd opposite Corliss Island and walk down the riverside to opposite Port Castlecliff. From there we will follow a track to the south mole and return along South Beach. No need to contact Linda, just turn up at the parking area at 9am.
July 26 or 27 Waikanae River Trail Kathy O’Donnell 021 979 164
Sat or Sun Stretching about 13km, this loop trail offers flat, easy walking for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature and appreciate the stunning landscapes that Kapiti has to offer. If there is time Kathy will also have a look at the Otaki River walkway.
Easy Approx cost $30
Aug 3-5 Eastern Ruahine Explore Terry Kennedy 021 262 7066 / Dave Scoullar 022 135 8374
Sun-Tues A chance to visit two huts in the eastern Ruahine. The plan is to walk into Stanfield Hut ($10 per night) on Sunday and overnight there. On Monday we can walk further on to Cattle Creek hut for lunch and then return for a second night in Stanfield, going out on the Tuesday possibly via Travers Hut. If there is a problem with the river we have a Plan B.
Mod Approx cost $30 (transport only)
Aug 9 or 10 Tongariro Winter Crossing Esther Williams 021 0288 2368
Sat or Sun Experience our maunga in the cool of winter. The club has gear — ice axes, helmets, crampons, snow craft revision instructions. Dress warmly. Evening meal en route to home.
Fit Cost approx $35 plus meal.
Aug 16 or 17 Escarpment Walk Mike Miller 021 479 839
Sat or Sun The Paekakariki Escarpment is a club favourite with its beautiful views out over the sea of Kapiti Island and the South Island. The usual drill is to drive to Paekakariki, walk the 11km track and catch a train back to our van. Bring your Gold Card, if you have one.
Mod Approx cost $34
Aug 23 or 24 Otaki Forks Revisited Peter Waugh 027 449 4161
Sat or Sun The road into the forks is open again and Peter will lead a trip there so we can enjoy the good tramping opportunities on offer. Peter is aiming to climb up to Field Hut but even if he doesn’t get there it will be great to be back in a favourite area.
Mod Approx cost $31
Aug 24 Old-timers Afternoon Dorothy Symes 027 256 4665
Sun This event just keeps getting bigger! The afternoon, at Dorothy’s home 77 Liverpool St, is a happy blend of fellowship and fine food. Past members are also very welcome. Come along from 2pm.
Aug 30 or 31 Mt Tongariro Circuit Trish Hopkins 021 127 3862 / Sally Gray 021 382 802
Sat or Sun Following the TAC initially, Trish and Sally will divert to Mt Tongariro and then return down the ridge to pop out near Mangatepopo Hut. Hopefully, the weather will behave and allow this to be a memorable outing.
Fit Approx cost $35