Month: August 2014

Tukino Alpine & Ice Climbing

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Date: 15th - 17th August 2014.
Trip type: Alpine.
Location: Tukino, Mt Ruapehu.
Author: Andy McDonagh.
Trampers: Barnaby Arnott, Brendan Eckert, Katy Glenie, Andy McDonagh, Mike Phethean (leader), Mike Schier, James Skeggs.

With the tantalizing prospect of settled weather arriving after a good dump of snow, it seemed that much of Wellington headed North to play on the mountain. We enjoyed a mesmeric Kapiti sunset and the gastronomic highlights of Bulls before ploughing onto a blustery and very foggy desert road. A midnight briefing at Tukino Alpine Sports Club … Read more

Snowcraft 2014 – Part 1

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Date: 27-29 June 2014.
Trip type: Instruction.
Location: Ruapehu.
Author: Andrei Zubkov.
Trampers: Wise jedi masters: Sharron Came, Marie Henderson, David Jewell, Tony Gazley, Allen Higgins, Brendan Eckert; Padawans/Punters/Snowcraft Rookies: Richard House, Andrei Zubkov,Sharon Brandford, Paul Christoffel, Shay Bendall, Edward Turner, Edd Lucas, Kirsty Van Reenen, Patrick Bodzak, Tim Duning, Angie Wilkinson.

Ah what luxury! Showers, flushing toilets, running water, electricity and hot water on demand! I speak of course of the opulent WTMC lodge a stones throw away from the Top O the Bruce on Ruapehu.  Compared to huts, even Great Walk huts(!) the lodge presents a sense of civilised creature comforts that are otherwise sacrificed … Read more

Into the abyss

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Date: 1-3 August 2014.
Trip type: Easy tramp.
Location: Sawcut Gorge, Kaikoura Ranges.
Author: Thomas Keir .
Trampers: John Hickey (trip leader), Joe Harbridge, Meena Kadri, Jane Latchem, Thomas Keir.

Our trip kicked off to a luxurious start. While we had been planning on staying under a fly on Friday night, weather forecasts of high wind and possible heavy rain led us to take advantage of a well presented backpackers on Ure Road. After soft beds, electric lighting, warm showers and microwaved breakfasts we were … Read more

Triangle Hut via Deadman’s Track

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Date: 18-20 July 2014.
Trip type: Medium Tramp.
Location: Ruahines.
Author: Stuart Beban.
Trampers: Kevin Cole (leader), Emily Shrosbree, Stuart Beban.

The weather forecast was not looking good for the weekend when I left work on Friday evening. A colleague said “See you on the news” as I left; the train conductor patted me on the shoulder when I mentioned I was going tramping saying “Good luck mate…. I really mean it” and I noticed that … Read more