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.

From the President – June 2025

Kia ora, May has flown by and we are now into winter. We’re almost at the shortest day of the year, which for me (and some others) means about six months until our SK Main Range sub-48-hour attempt! There is a lot of work happening around the club, so this month read on to find … Read more

Tutuwai Hut – Tararua Forest Park

This trip was organised a bit late in the piece, after we were unable to secure enough bunks at Jumbo Hut (where we had originally planned to go). SaturdayWe travelled in the club van with another group from the tramping club who were heading to Jumbo Hut – departing from Wellington Train Station at 7am. … Read more

The Craigieburn and Torlesse Ranges – two quite nice FE (fairly easy) day walks

The Craigieburn and Torlesse Ranges - two quite nice FE (fairly easy) day walks

The Craigieburn and Torlesse Ranges – two quite nice FE (fairly easy) day walks Two easy walks near Arthurs Pass – the first to the Broken River ski-field and Nervous Knob in the Craigieburn Range, the second to the iconic ‘Gap’ in the Torlesse Range.     Craigieburn Range: Nervous Knob and Hamilton Peak Drive … Read more

Dorset Ridge – Tararua Forest Park

Friday Every time I walk the Barra Track I make a big deal of telling everyone who will listen about how much I dislike it. Yet once again, I found myself walking it – this time by head torch on a Friday evening – which of course made it take even longer than usual. We … Read more

Holly Hut – Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki (Egmont National Park): Garmin Gang Goes Forth

Friday After a quick debrief (read: debate over where to stop for dinner), the crew set off from Wellington Railway Station at 3pm. The trip to North Egmont carpark was uneventful with two exceptions: a brief detour to mighty P-town (Palmerston North) when our driver missed a turnoff (sorry guys) and a top-notch feed in … Read more

An ascent of Pukekaikiore – Ruapehu day walks from the WTMC Lodge

An ascent of Pukekaikiore from the WTMC Ruapehu Lodge Featured Image

An ascent of Pukekaikiore – Ruapehu day walks from the WTMC Lodge A guide for a hike from the WTMC Ruapehu Lodge to the summit of Pukekaikiore the fourth highest volcanic peak in the World Dual Heritage Tongariro National Park Summer continues at Ruapehu. Until the snow arrives it’s a great time for daytrips from … Read more

Butterfly Creek Navigation Training – Eastbourne/ East Harbour Regional Park

The navigation training started with learning some theory at a cafe in Eastbourne. We stocked up on breakfast and coffee while learning about map features, coordinates, how to use a compass and the basics of taking a bearing. We then headed up into the Northern Forest section of East Harbour Regional Park (See: https://www.wellingtonnz.com/visit/trails/east-harbour-regional-park). On … Read more

Outdoor First Aid Course for trip leaders

Earlier this year, the club offered an opportunity for trip leaders to attend a first aid course run through Outdoor Education NZ (OETNZ – see: https://www.oenz.co.nz/. So one February morning, Sally and I headed to the Maungaraki Scout Club to hone our outdoor first aid skills. The last time I’d completed a first aid course, … Read more

Te Atuaoparapara – Ruahine Forest Park

We met at the Wellington Railway Station and were heading north in the club van by 3pm. After stops in Levin to refuel and Palmerston North for dinner, we made it to the North Block road end at about 8pm. Donning headtorches, we started up the hill to Sunrise Hut at 8.15pm. The track is … Read more

From the President – May 2025

Kia ora,  I hope you have been able to make the most of tramping these last couple of months. With the days getting shorter, the club’s focus is now gearing up for a fantastic winter season at the Lodge, preparing the winter / spring trip schedule and running some exciting social events. I intend to … Read more