After meeting at the Wellington railway station we headed out to the Pukerua Bay end of the track. The weather was fine (18-20 degrees) with a southerly wind (average wind speed around 25 km/h). Apart from a few more exposed places, the wind was light and helped us avoid overheating too much on the steep … Read more
We set off on Friday evening together with the other group doing the Mukamuka. It is good to get to Paua hut Friday, so you can make an early start on Saturday. As the combined groups were 14 people, I asked a few that we should camp outside Paua Hut, which was taken up by … Read more
Saturday 5th March – Enjoying the sun along the tops We had an awesome trip away to Te Matawai Hut in the Tararuas. I had never been into the Poads Road entrance of the Tararuas before so was keen to see some new tracks. Six of us (across a Medium, and Medium-Fit group) set off … Read more
We had a great drive up to the WTMC lodge on Friday night, discussing our favourite tramping trips, travel destinations, and Bluey episodes (definitely Dance Mode). On arrival we met lodge leader Murray, who entertained us throughout the weekend with his stories of how tramping used to be in the good old days. In short: … Read more
Day 1 summary: Start: Kaitoke (Kiwi ranch road end) End: Alpha hut Distance: 18.3km Elevation gain: 1,600m Hours on the trail (including breaks): 8ish Hut occupancy: ~26 people and a dog Six trampers arrived for an early 7:00am departure from Platform 9 on a stunning Saturday morning. We shared the van with Tereza and Aimee … Read more
I had not done the Tongariro Northern Circuit for many years so signed up for this tramp when it was advertised. Dan was the leader but unfortunately he had to pull out a few days before we left due to blisters that he had developed on a tramp to the Kaweka range. Luckily Dan had … Read more
Syme Hut and Taranaki Maunga A A climb to the summit of Mt Taranaki in summer via the route from Syme Hut Friday 14 January – evening drive up and stay at Konini Lodge A weekend forecast for sunny clear skies and a cooling breeze got eight keen WTMC trampers very excited to scope out … Read more
Friday 19 November – Finding fitness and a rest at Field Hut A stunning forecast had three trampers very excited to try for Maungahuka Hut. Fueled after a quick curry and planning session in Otaki, the group made a speedy Friday night scurry up to Field Hut. While Katie and Jon were conditioned from recent … Read more
Heading north We set off from the railway station at 7:00am with the crew, heading north to Masterton and on to the Waingawa Road end. Just outside Carterton, we made a beeline for Clareville Bakery. The baked goods were stellar. Tash left her custard square in the van overnight and it had cooked in the … Read more
We had a lovely trip to Roaring Stag Hut in the northern Tararua Ranges (Mangatainoka Valley) in the first weekend of October 2021. Five of us met at the usual spot at Wellington Train Station (very grateful to be leaving on a Saturday morning!), and our leader, Anne, kindly drove us the 2 1/2 hours … Read more