Congratulations on achieving 65 years!
Formed in 1947 after the Outdoor Club and Ruc-Sac Club joined forces, we were originally known as the United Tramping Club. In 1948 we changed our name to the Wellington Tramping & Mountaineering Club and became affectionately known as the Tongue n Meats.
Over the years we have:
- Built and further developed our “simple mountain hut” that has resulted in our wonderful lodge
- Tramped and climbed all over the country and around the world including the formal expedition to the Andes in 1968
- Consistently been involved in search and rescue
- Built and maintained, and in some cases burned down, our huts in the Tararua’s
- Inherited and maintained Paua Hut
- Owned and operated our own transport from The Duchess to the Orient Express to the transit vans;
- Up-skilled members through bushcraft and leadership courses, the old AIC course and newer snowcraft and alpine instruction courses, first aid and basic search and rescue courses;
- Expanded our activities to include mountain biking, cycle touring, tubing and sea kayaking;
- Taken part in interclub marathons, ski sports, tug o’ wars and billy boiling;
- Celebrated our highs and pulled together during the lows.
To this day tramping and mountaineering continue to remain our core activities and in winter we brush off the skis and hit the slopes.
The club has gone through many changes over the years, as is only natural. The enduring aspect though is our love of the outdoors, of adventure and sharing these experiences with like–minded people.
We have come a long way in 65 years and we still have a long way to go. We have a rich history behind us and many many characters. Our history is what has made us today, and today is what will make us tomorrow. We have achieved a lot and we are a club we can be very proud of.
Happy anniversary Tongue n Meats!