An interesting development in the Tararuas: Powell hut is now bookable between 1 November and the end of February. The price remains the same but there is an additional management fee of $5-$10 “depending on party size” that everyone, including holders of annual hut passes, will have to pay. Apparently “unallocated bunks will be available to trampers that haven’t booked”. A warden will be onsite to police the system. More info at www.doc.govt.nz.
It’s strange to think of Jumbo-Holdsworth as akin to a Great Walk. While many trampers tend to avoid Powell because of its popularity, this is an issue only on Saturday nights. Mid week you’re more likely to be concerned about the supposed resident ghost than overcrowding. I wonder if you’ll be able to sleep on the floor if it’s full? Will that annoy the booked customers who expect undisturbed possession? The only times I’ve slept in Powell on club trips have been Friday nights, where you often roll in at 10pm or later. Will the warden be awake? If your bed was booked, will it by then have already become “unallocated”? These and other issues will prove interesting.
Unfortunately we’ve had to cancel both the outdoor first aid and leadership courses because of their unpopularity. Outdoor first aid will be run again in March or April, when everyone who did it last year will be up for recertification. We’re thinking about how to best pitch leadership training, given our need to keep bringing new leaders on stream. Feedback is welcome.
Now is the time to start thinking about trips at Christmas and beyond. Do you know you can fly to Invercargill for $114 if you book far enough in advance?! The transition into daylight saving reminds us that longer summer days and warmer weather are ahead. Soon that snow will be a distance memory…