Nelson mountain bike trip

On Friday November 25th, two Canucks and a Kiwi assembled together for the first time in the parking lot of the Interislander. Their mission: to “sail to the other side” and do some mountain biking in the Nelson area. Anna had decided to take an open-ended approach to the cycling itinerary: after a fine feed … Read more

Totara Flats family tramp

So what is it that children like most about tramping? A sense of adventure? Staying in a cool hut? Enjoying nature? Nah – it seems it is the one time in their lives that their parents let them eat whatever yummy food they like. Our trip to Totara Flats was no different. Our group kept … Read more

Tongariro in the mist – peak bagging for 8 year olds – November 2011

Everyone knows the Ruapehu Lodge is where you go for winter weekends; for snowboarding, alpine adventures and the like.  Summer?  What’s there in Summer?  Well, that was our mission: to find out. I well know that the lodge is very comfortable for regular punters and families alike. It needs to be because snowboarding at Mt … Read more

From Pinnacles to Sea with the “has beens” – November 2011

I was down to lead the medium traverse of the Haurangis, one of my favorite tramping haunts, but with no punters signed up things looked grim until Craig McGregor, an ex-Chief Guide, signed up. It’s been a few years since our glory days at the Tongue & Meats and, with no one else signed up, … Read more

Mount Mitre – November 2011

My second tramp with the WTMC lead us into the beautiful Tararua Range. I wasn’t really sure about my experience nor my fitness level, but it sounded like a nice achievement to climb a mountain, so I gave it a try. Looking back I am a bit embarrassed about my naivity, and will tell you … Read more

This is Not Jam Hut – November 2011

Normally writing a trip report you can get away with a few continued jokes and well, general lies. This one is different as someone might actually want to know where we went or didn’t! A shiver runs down my spine, responsibility aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh! So the serious stuff: We got permission from the farmer to cross his … Read more

Mangatoetoe Hut – November 2011

For Joanne, Debbie, Catherine and Paul, this was the first trip to the Mangatoetoe Hut in the Aorangi (Haurangi) Forest Park. The tramp was led by our illustrious leader Ray who had visited the hut once before. The tramp from the road end to the hut was relatively flat, and consisted of many river crossings, … Read more

Never, never get out of control. A great day on Ngauruhoe – November 2011

Firstly, for those who know me, let me state that this trip actually started and was completed on Plan A!  Yes, I managed to actually lead a trip that not only went someplace but was successfully completed on the intended plan and I didn’t lose any punters along the way.  You can check with my … Read more

R&R in the Seaward Kaikouras – November 2011

It’s Thursday night and I’m tired.  My bed is the back seat of the Club van parked at the George Stream road end. Not a bad option if you are short in stature, short on time and good at sleeping. Friday night and my bed is half a minaret pitched on a grassy flat about … Read more

Covert Ops Black Tie Lunch at the Waihohonu Hilton – November 2011

Friday night, 5.30pm, Wellington Railway Station. Perfect. We have infiltrated a party of climbers heading for “The Lodge”. This lodge will be a perfect base for our weekend operation. We hope this lodge will prove as comfortable as it sounds, even if it  traffic reports indicate we might be in for a long drive. Friday … Read more