Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club
enjoying the great outdoors since 1947
I’ve been away overseas for most of this month so this might be a short update. I learned on this trip that involvement in the Wellington tramping scene brings connections the world over. I sat down for dinner at YHA Grasmere in the English Lake District only to find that one of my dinner companions … Read moreFrom the President…in September
The Totara Flats tramping crew was a mixture of more experienced trampers and complete newbies (myself included!). The tramp was graded an easy-medium trip, with around 4-5 hours walking to our destination of Totara Flats hut. After a very early and groggy start to Saturday morning for some of us, we met at Wellington Train … Read moreTotara Flats Hut
This was my second time on the Pouakai Circuit. The last time I went, just over a year ago, the track was underwater and there was no mountain to be seen – the pictures in that trip report say it all. While I absolutely enjoyed that trip, I was hoping for much better weather. This … Read morePouakai Circuit
The Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club Scholarship programme has been a huge success so far! The club has awarded 16 scholarships totalling almost $6000 for members to develop packrafting, mountaineering, skiing and canyoning skills. The funding came from hosting the Wellington screening of the New Zealand Mountain Film Festival (in partnership with the Victoria University … Read moreWTMC Scholarship programme accepting applications
August has seen the real snow arrive up at the WTMC Lodge and some very cold, wet and windy days which have hindered a few tramping trips more locally. The wintry conditions call for additional caution when planning but if you choose wisely, there are often some wonderful trips in among the weather if you … Read moreFrom the President…in August
In June 2018 we attempted to climb Mt Manakau, the highest peak in the Seaward Kaikouras. We turned around at ~1500m on the Surveyor Spur as the snow conditions were slowing us down considerably and the weather was showing no signs of improving. After the weather conditions for the Southern Alps were forecast to be … Read moreMt Uwerau yes, Mt Manakau no (again)
Fly to Invercargill, drive to Piano Flat and camp in the rain. Wake the next morning to a brilliant starry sky and no wind. Drop down through the snow grass to Titan Hut. This private renovated musterers’ hut is cool – one of the few tramping huts that has carpet. Next morning decide not to … Read moreA day or two in the Garvies
I was keen for an overnight tramp despite the horrendous Tararua weather forecast. We’d decided that given the forecast for heavy rain and gales, our best bet was a trip in the valley that avoided any major stream or river crossings. We’d settled on Totara Flats as neither Kate or Emily had done the walk … Read moreTotara Flats via Waiohine Campsite…in the rain
On Saturday we set off in the van from the railway station just after 6am. We arrived at the Poads Road end carpark south east of Levin at about 8am and were greeted by a local, very friendly chicken, and made to feel welcome. Most of us had the pleasure of sampling the especially ripe … Read moreMud and sun at Te Matawai
One day a long time ago (at least last week) a ragtag group of five rejects from a much larger group that had hoped to climb Tongariro mountain decided instead to spend a day in a bold attempt to find the mythical Turere Stream waterfall. These intrepid travellers didn’t leave much of a record of … Read moreTurere Stream Waterfall