Cascade Hut via Hinemaiaia Track – Kaimanawa Forest Park

Snow on Ruapehu!Our journey began with a scenic drive on Desert Road – with a radiant full moon and snow was glittering on the peaks of Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu. Being the shortest day of the year (June 21), not many people were out tramping. After a skilled late-night drive through winding roads and … Read more

Mackintosh Hut – Kaweka Forest Park

A club trip to Lewis Pass in Canterbury was initially scheduled for Matariki Weekend. That changed on 21 June, when the ferry, Aratere, ran aground – so our sailing to Picton was cancelled and we were unable to secure another booking at a suitable time. We scouted around for other trip ideas for the weekend … Read more

Inland Track (Tōtaranui to Marahau) – Abel Tasman National Park

This tramp brought us a rainbow of fungi, challenging short days, warm starry nights in two huts, and a long drop with arguably the best views in New Zealand. After a delayed Friday night ferry and late drive from Picton, we had a comfortable overnight stay at Old Macs campground in Marahau, before setting off … Read more

Roaring Stag Hut – Tararua Forest Park

Nei te mihi maioha ki ngā kaitiaki o Tararua maunga. Arā, ko Rangitāne o Tāmaki nui-ā-Rua, ko Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, ko Muaūpoko, ko Ngāti Toa Rangatira, ko ngā iwi o taua wāhi katoa hoki. Tēnā koutou katoa. A warm thanks to the guardians of the Tararua range. Namely, Rangitāne o Tāmaki nui-ā-Rua, Ngāti Kahungunu … Read more

Waiopehu Hut – Tararua Forest Park

We met on Saturday morning at 9am at Wellington Train Station – thanks to Debbie who was our driver for the trip. It was a small group – just the four of us (myself, Tony, Debbie & Jamie). It was Jamie’s first hike with the tramping club. When we arrived at the start of the … Read more

Awatere Hut – Ruahine Forest Park

On Friday evening, eight of us met at the traditional WTMC meet up point at Platform 9 at Wellington Train Station for a weekend getaway to Ruahine Forest Park, located in the Hawke’s Bay. We were joined by three other members in the club van, who were attempting a medium trip. Several of the group … Read more

Mitre Flats Hut/ Mitre – Tararua Forest Park

We met our crew of 9 trampers at Wellington Train Station on a beautiful morning and Jeremy drove us in the club van over the Remutuka Range, into the Wairarapa. Lovely to see some Autumn leaves and the morning mist rising over the water. We stopped at Clareville Bakery in Carterton for the most amazing … Read more

Exploring Kaikoura and Mt Fyffe – Seaward Kaikoura Range

A relaxing weekend with great views of Kaikoura. The trip began with us all (along with the medium group) meeting at the Wellington Railway station at 2.30pm to catch a 4pm ferry to the South Island. After arriving in Picton, we drove down to Kaikoura to our Top 10 Holiday accommodation for the night. This … Read more

Angelus Hut – Nelson Lakes National Park

The six of us met at the train station at 2.20pm, where Lisa kindly had the van ready and waiting for us. We drove onto the Interislander for a 4pm sailing, arriving in Picton shortly after 7pm. We then drove down to St Arnaud, arriving at West Bay campsite just after 9pm, ready to pitch … Read more

Putangirua Pinnacles track open or closed? – it was open in 1948

A view of the Putangirua Valley showing the pinnacles from above

Putangirua Pinnacles track open or closed? – it was open in 1948 The Putangirua Pinnacles – the story of a WTMC trip to the Putangirua Pinnacles in 1948 with added photos taken in 2024. As at February 2024 the track from the campsite and carpark into the Putangirua Pinnacles is closed because of a dangerous … Read more