5 ‘mums’ in the bush

What a weekend! I would say 4 seasons in two days, but really, it was a spring blast of winter for most of the weekend. This trip was a special one – my first overnight away without the toddler. As an added bonus, I was talking 4 other mums with me, for a night away … Read more

When ‘Garage Projects’ go Feral – Aorangi Undulator and Aorangi 100 

Both Sharron and Marie have written up their experiences of the race Marie’s running adventures The Aorangi Undulator is a ‘run’ taking in some 30km of Aorangis over a series of bumps. Our trip leader decided to truly lead the way by doing the Aorangi 100 Ultra – a three day event taking in 100km … Read more

Lake Christabel

Our South Island jaunt to Lewis Pass was initially a bit stop-start due to the usual vagaries of Inter-islander Ferries. This time they managed to load too many passengers and cargo. ‘Fortunately’ the captain noticed before we entered the Cook Straight (7m swell) and we headed back to unload the trains! Handy tip number 1, … Read more

Over a Cuppa – October 2014

Hi folks, The following is the line up until Christmas: This coming Wednesday 5 November, Mike G will share his experiences from his recent trip doing the Annapurna circuit. Mike is also one of the speakers for the following Wednesday when he and Amelia will talk about the Ruapehu lodge in summer. Sue Walsh will … Read more

Odds & Ends – October 2014

Wilderness Magazine Photo Competition Wilderness Magazine has just launched their photo competition after last year’s successful inaugural competition. There are three categories: above the tree line; huts and camping; and  rivers, lakes and oceans. Panasonic cameras are up for grabs to the winners. The deadline is 2 February 2015. More details on the Wilderness website. Stuck for Christmas … Read more

Schormann-Kaitoke Book Launch – 3 December

The long-awaited moment is here – the launch of the newly revised and updated Schormann-Kaitoke book! When: 3 Dec, 8pm Where: 4 Moncrieff St, Mt Vic. The book The S-K (Schormann to Kaitoke) book is an anthology of S-K trips recorded by trampers and runners. First published by Lindsay Cuthbertson in 1997 and now updated to … Read more

Where am I?? Haukura Nav Trip

Where am I?? Wandering aimlessly & exasperatedly for hours. Worries turn into desperation. Add thirst, fatigue and darkness into the equation – and you are in danger! Believe me. It’s not a nice feeling! Our Haukura Ridge Nav trip with Amanda was to practice some off track nav skills to avoid such situations. Knowing the … Read more

Totara Flats Loop

On Friday night at the Holdsworth roadend our group decided not to bother setting up a tent and a fly. As it was fairly gusty but reasonably warm and only lightly drizzling, it seemed simpler to set up mats and sleeping bags in the semi-open shelter by the carpark (including underneath the picnic table), and … Read more

Jumbo-Holdsworth Circuit

Our journey to Holdsworth road end was more eventful than usual, with a few van issues to contend with. Let’s just say that Mark had a very warm bum from a and there may have been a tiny bit of ! Anyway, we arrived safely and set off to Atiwhakatu hut in the rain, arriving about 1hr … Read more

Mountainless Snow

Off we set into the Tararuas, ably skirting the rock fall on the access road and fording the Waiohine via an outlandishly large swing bridge. Our amble along the tops via Cone was a rare treat of good visibility and only the lightest zephyr of a breeze. Views from Cone extended from the Tararua Peaks … Read more