Transport logistics with driving up Tukino Road put a damper on our original plan to walk to Rangipō Hut and climb the east ridge of Ringatoto (a peak on Mt Ruapehu). But a lack of snow at Nelson Lakes National Park came to our rescue… Anne and Megan’s group diverted to Mt Ruapehu, so we … Read more
Nearly two years on from my last tramp, I thought it would be a great idea to get back into the bush — with an 11-hour trek up Mt Hector. No, this isn’t a tale of regret and sore muscles, but one of feeling reinvigorated through reuniting with tree roots and the rugged tops of the … Read more
With Alpine trips on the horizon, a basic snowcraft course was scheduled and Tiffany and Mike kindly stepped up to lead it. The course was highly oversubscribed, with only 8 spaces, so those of us who were selected were extremely appreciative. We all met at the club gear room on a Wednesday evening to cover … Read more
FridayThe weather leading up to the weekend had been sketchy, with persistent rain and more forecast. Our original plan was to head into the Kaimanawa Forest Park – camping at the road end on Friday and making the 7-hr trip to Waipakihi Hut on Saturday. However, with heavy rainfall in the area leading up to … Read more
Day 1 It was a still and overcast morning when we arrived at the Putangirua Pinnacles car park at 9.30am. We had the option of walking up the river or heading up the track to a high view point. There were ominous red flood warning signs and significant signs of flooding where trees had been … Read more
Eight of us signed up for a day of navigation training, to learn some navigation basics pitched at those with no previous knowledge. Sara forwarded the group links to two videos and a written exercise so they could complete some theory ahead of the trip. Our day began with learning some theory and going over … Read more
On Thursday 17th of April, two WTMC groups met at Wellington Railway station at 11.30am to catch the 1pm Interislander ferry to the South Island. After arriving in Picton, we grabbed a quick dinner and then drove south to Murchison in the club van. The night was spent at Kiwi Park Motels and Holiday Park … Read more
Highlights– The breathtaking summit of Mt Hikurangi and its cultural significance– Winter Solstice fire ritual – letting go and inviting in– Sunrise at Hikurangi Hut – with views that lingered, then 360-degree views of the East Cape and Raukūmara Ranges from the top of the Maunga– Whāngārā Beach, bach, and blissful atmosphere– Hot soak at … Read more
Although relatively close to Wellington, a WTMC trip to the Queen Charlotte Track involves quite a bit of logistical organisation. It involves bookings the ferry, accommodation in Picton, and water taxis to and from the track. WTMC ran two concurrent QCT trips on the Matariki long weekend, which allowed us to incorporate the club van … Read more
After a wet and rather dreary couple of weeks, our group of 7 Easy Medium (EM) walkers were very happy to see the sun coming out as we drove out of Wellington Train Station with a Medium Fit (MF) group from the club at 8am on Saturday morning. Day 1 – Saturday We dropped the … Read more