Check out the latest news and trips reports below or view the archives using the menu on the left. If you want to know more about the newsletter including submitting stories, see Newsletter>Publication Details. To learn more about the club, check the top menu. Some links will take you to the old website, but content will eventually move to this site.

Membership Update – Jan 2014

Thank you to all those who have renewed your subscription.  Those of you who still have to pay please do so as soon as you can.  The fee structure for 2014/2015 is as follows: Membership Type Annual subscription Senior $62 Veteran $52 Junior $38 Child/ Children $38 Couple $85 Veteran couple $76 Associate $38 Friend of … Read more

Edwards-Hawdon Tramp – Wellington Anniversary Weekend

Now I’ve been in New Zealand for 9 months, I thought it was about time for my second overnight tramp with the club. For a Brit, looking at the summer schedule in January was a little confusing, but the Edwards-Hawdon trip looked like a good one; good potential for great views and nice timing for … Read more

A Tararuas weekend with a deep swift river and a terribly windy ridge

The idea Following the thrill and tranquillity of water-focussed South Island tramps at Christmas, I was keen for aquatic adventures closer to home. Spencer floated the appealing idea of a weekend pack float along the Waiohine river from Mid-Waiohine hut to Totara Flats. It sounded fun and challenging. The planning Meticulous research and preparation happened … Read more

Washpool Hut – The road of the dead is well worth the trip

. We left Wellington early, arriving at a sun-streaked Putangirua Pinnacles after a quick 30 minute walk from the road end. These badlands had a starring role as Dimholt Road in Lord of the Rings, the road to the land of the dead. Heading up the ridge from the pinnacles, we quickly realised that this … Read more

Westland: Served in many different ways

If they served tramping trips in restaurants, then this trip might have been called the Westland tasting menu. The group convened in Hokitika on boxing day. Some had had an entrée in the Arthur’s Pass area, others dived straight into the main course. After more than a little debate about the best location for weather … Read more

Arthur’s Pass trip report – Christmas 2013

I’m not quite sure where to start. The idea to do the 3 passes at Christmas emerged, I think, from Ian’s head sometime in September. From there it spread, multiplied, mutated, entered the Cloud, and finally was brought down to earth again at 6.15pm at the Railway Station the Friday before Christmas, after an epic … Read more

Not your usual Tararua tramp

We were rushing to get out of town on Friday night and eat a fast dinner, because David Heffernan and Shay had planned to tackle the SK challenge – the North to South crossing of the Tararuas in under 48 hours. Since the Medium and Medium-Fit trips for the weekend only had one punter and … Read more

Kepler Challenge 2013

I decided to enter the Kepler Challenge after being inspired by Mal Law’s book, One Step Beyond, which had the message that ordinary people could achieve extraordinary things. So after reading this I was inspired to sign up for the Kepler Challenge which would be double the distance I had run in any race, and … Read more

Odds and Ends – Jan 2014

Relocation of DOC Kaitoke carpark The Department of Conservation is relocating the Kaitoke entrance to the Tararua Forest Park. The current carpark, at the end of Marchant Road will be removed and new facilities installed at a new site near the entrance to Camp Kaitoke. The new car park will be clearly marked on the … Read more

The Nature of Things – Dec 2013

Xmas will be here soon, although I’m slightly worried the reindeers will either drown or suffer terribly from heat exhaustion. Remember to leave some craft beer out for them, no dog…I mean Tararua biscuits! Please save your silly season stuff for the Xmas parties in town. Plan your outdoor adventures carefully and make considered decisions. … Read more