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.

Basic Snowcraft course – Mount Ruapehu

With Alpine trips on the horizon, a basic snowcraft course was scheduled and Tiffany and Mike kindly stepped up to lead it. The course was highly oversubscribed, with only 8 spaces, so those of us who were selected were extremely appreciative. We all met at the club gear room on a Wednesday evening to cover … Read more

The Broken Axe Pinnacles Loop in the Tararua Range

Broken Axe Pinnacles Loop Featured Image

The Broken Axe Pinnacles Loop in the Tararua Range A two=day hike around the Broken Axe Pinnacles Loop in the Tararua Forest Park including a map of the route. The Broken Axe Pinnacles Loop is a fun trip in the Tararua Range. It is usually completed as a faster day trip, but sometimes as a slower … Read more

Blyth Hut – Tongariro National Park

FridayThe weather leading up to the weekend had been sketchy, with persistent rain and more forecast. Our original plan was to head into the Kaimanawa Forest Park – camping at the road end on Friday and making the 7-hr trip to Waipakihi Hut on Saturday. However, with heavy rainfall in the area leading up to … Read more

Washpool Hut – Aorangi Forest Park

Day 1 It was a still and overcast morning when we arrived at the Putangirua Pinnacles car park at 9.30am. We had the option of walking up the river or heading up the track to a high view point. There were ominous red flood warning signs and significant signs of flooding where trees had been … Read more

Navigation 101 – Orongorongo and Cattle Ridge Track Loop

Eight of us signed up for a day of navigation training, to learn some navigation basics pitched at those with no previous knowledge. Sara forwarded the group links to two videos and a written exercise so they could complete some theory ahead of the trip. Our day began with learning some theory and going over … Read more

From the President – August 2025

Kia ora, We have had a lot of events in the past few weeks, and I have really enjoyed meeting more members and getting a better understanding of what you think makes the club tick. This month read on to find out about: As always, I welcome your comments and feedback. Please feel free to … Read more

St James Walkway – Canterbury

On Thursday 17th of April, two WTMC groups met at Wellington Railway station at 11.30am to catch the 1pm Interislander ferry to the South Island. After arriving in Picton, we grabbed a quick dinner and then drove south to Murchison in the club van. The night was spent at Kiwi Park Motels and Holiday Park … Read more

Mount Hikurangi – Ruakumara Forest Park (Stragglers, Stunning Views, Beach Vibes and Robbie Burns)

Highlights– The breathtaking summit of Mt Hikurangi and its cultural significance– Winter Solstice fire ritual – letting go and inviting in– Sunrise at Hikurangi Hut – with views that lingered, then 360-degree views of the East Cape and Raukūmara Ranges from the top of the Maunga– Whāngārā Beach, bach, and blissful atmosphere– Hot soak at … Read more

Queen Charlotte Track – Marlborough Sounds

Although relatively close to Wellington, a WTMC trip to the Queen Charlotte Track involves quite a bit of logistical organisation. It involves bookings the ferry, accommodation in Picton, and water taxis to and from the track. WTMC ran two concurrent QCT trips on the Matariki long weekend, which allowed us to incorporate the club van … Read more

Learning from Easter PLB Activation – Key Lessons & Next Steps 

Kia ora WTMC members, We wanted to share an update on a recent PLB activation, where all participants returned safely, but which has resulted in some valuable feedback and lessons for the club.  Over Easter weekend 2025, one of our trips in the St James Conservation Area activated a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) due to … Read more