Kia ora,
This article provides a brief update on club activities, including:
- WTMC November recap: Committee, trips and lodge updates
- Coming up in December
If you have any questions, comments or ideas please get in touch.
Ngā mihi
South Saddle in the Remutaka Forest Park- MF group. (Credit: Mathew)
WTMC November recap
From the Committee
Members survey – In October, we ran a survey of our members to better understand how we are doing, what WTMC members want, and what we could improve. We got a good response rate with about of third of members completing the survey, as well as detailed feedback and suggestions on what people enjoy or would like to change. You can read a summary of survey results here. The Committee will work through the results advise of next steps in the coming months. We are a club ran by members and for members – if there are activities you’d like to see continue or start, consider reaching out to or any committee members to see how you could help.
Volunteers needed (social events) – We are looking for a couple of volunteers to take over and share the organisation of our social nights. This includes club talks, the odd social pub night, or anything else you would like to help organise. The roles involve reaching out to and liaising with potential speakers, preparing a social schedule, and helping to organise volunteers to host each night. The tasks can be done mostly from home and the role is supported by several volunteers trained to host club nights. We currently have a schedule of club nights planned through until March 2024, so you would be able to ease into the role. If this sounds interesting to you or you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mathew at for more details.
FMC card and membership benefits – All WTMC members are FMC members. The FMC card gives access to a large range of discounts, including for the Cook Straight ferries and outdoor shops. To receive your FMC card, make sure your postal address in HelloClub is up to date. For any further queries, please contact David at .
Trips updates
Christmas period – The last gear room of 2023 will be on Wednesday 20 December, and the first gear room of the year will be on Wednesday 10 January. There are a number of trips pencilled in for the Christmas period including a few that still need leaders – check the Trip Schedule page to express interest.
Member-only trip to Paua hut (all levels) – In February 2024 we are running a large member-only trip based at the club’s Paua hut in the Orongorongo valley. We will split into groups for day trips of various difficulties on Saturday, and regroup for kai and fun in the evening. Day trips will range from tramping to hut bagging to scenery appreciation. There’ll be something for everyone, so we would love to have as many members along to this event. Sign up online.
Gear rental going cashless – From 1 January 2024 the club will not be accepting cash for gear rentals. This change will bring the payment systems for this part of the club in line with how trip fees are collected, and remove the time and cost of banking cash. It would be appreciated if payment can be made direct to the club’s bank account on the day of the gear pickup. Please show proof of this payment (for example on your phone app) when collecting the gear. The club’s bank account number is 38-9017-0330533-00, and please include “Gear rental” as the payment reference. Thank you for your understanding as we make this change, and please feel free to direct any questions or concerns to Daniel at .
Lodge updates
Summer Lodge – We are hoping to run Summer Lodge from 27 December to 31 January. We are looking for a lodge host for part or all of this period, if you are interested in helping, please contact Miles at .
Whakapapa day walks – based at the Ruapehu lodge. (credit: Jane) Read the trip report here.
Coming up next
Check the trip schedule for upcoming club trips, including a number of club trips for the Christmas period. Sign up for most January trips closes on this side of Christmas – don’t miss out!
29 November – WTMC Thanks Mate – social drinks to thank all our WTMC volunteers! An invitation was sent out on 15 November. If you have volunteered with the club this year but haven’t received it, please get in touch with Mathew at .
3 December (Sunday) – Christmas Beer Tramp – a civilised urban stroll, starting from somewhere central around 12pm, visiting several pubs, finishing with dinner in town at 6pm. More info and sign up online.
13 December – WTMC Talks: Karamea to the Cobb; 12 days in Kahurangi NP
20 December – Last gear room of the year
10 January – First gear room of the year
A cancelled trip to Dorset Ridge turned into a visit to McGregor biv the following weekend, via Broken Axe Pinnacles (credit: Anne/Lynsey)