Te ao Whekere and the discovery of the Sarahsaurus 🦕

Te ao Whekere and the discovery of the Sarahsaurus 🦕 An ascent of Te Ao Whekere in the Seaward Kaikoura Range, and the amazing sighting of what appeared to be a dinosaur sunning itself on a cliff face. ‘Kea. Kea’. Much to my surprise I was now staring up at two noisy kea calling out … Read more

Waiorongomai Hut

Waiorongomai Hut An overnight hiking trip to the Waiorongomai Hut in the Remutaka Forest Park A leisurely 9am departure from platform 9, along with the Papatahi Crossing group. Our first stop was delivering that group to their start point, but because we had plenty of time and only a short walk to Waiorongomai hut, we … Read more

Papatahi Crossing

Papatahi Crossing was on Tash’s tramping check list for a long time. She decided to make her dream come true with five other people – Amy-Louise, Elisabeth, James, Maj-Britt and Tracey. Since I’m French Canadian and don’t know where things are in NZ, I decided to join this medium fit trip and to follow the … Read more

Te Heuheu with a pack of dinosaurs

“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.” This quote came to my mind as I approached the summit of Te Heuheu via Pinnacle Ridge, something I never dreamed I would be doing.  I was once again chasing dinosaurs up the mountain on a … Read more

Tapuae-o-uenuku

Looking across the Cook Strait my eyes habitually fixate on one striking feature – the centerpiece and highest peak of the Kaikoura Ranges, Tapuae-o-uenuku, also affectionately known as ‘Tappy’. A couple years ago I started consolidating the skills and experience to attempt Tappy and enjoy its panoramic and lofty summit at 2885m.  Miraculously the stars … Read more

Easies and Mediums on a Mystery trip to Kahurangi NP

On the way to John Reid Hut

I love a mystery and was intrigued when this tramp appeared on the schedule: Top of the South Mystery Tramp. Jump on the ferry and go on an adventure! Interesting rock formations, travel on the tops and along a river. Good snacks and optional river swims. Expect up to 6 hours walk every day. Track … Read more

Kapiti Island

Eight of us headed to Paraparaumu Beach on Sunday morning in the club van for an 8.30am check in at Kapiti Island Nature Tours – the tour operator that would be taking us over to Kapiti Island. We had to brush our boots down and have our bags checked to ensure we weren’t taking any … Read more

Dobson Loop Track

The Dobson Loop Track is located in one of the most southern points of Tararua Forest Park. The great thing about this walk is you get a good day out walking in what feels like a remote and very scenic back country area yet it’s only a 30 minute drive from downtown Petone – so … Read more

Ruapehu: Te Heuheu – Tukino Peak – Whakapapa

Seven keen alpinists departed the railway station on Friday, chasing a stunning forecast promising bluebird conditions on Ruapehu. After a cosy night in the well-appointed WTMC lodge, the group made early progress up the hut ridge in the golden light of dawn. Wispy cloud and rays of light played about Ngauruhoe and surrounds. Some truly … Read more

Aorangi Crossing: A tramper’s tramp

– “Not all fun is created equal: – Type 1 fun is enjoyable while it’s happening. Also known as, simply, fun.  – Type 2 fun is miserable while it’s happening, but fun in retrospect. – Type 3 fun is not fun at all. Not even in retrospect.”  – After the trip was canceled once, and … Read more