Not Alpha Hut – changing plans in the changeable Tararuas

Plan A was an overnight loop to Alpha Hut – starting at Kaitoke road end: taking Marchant ridge to Alpha Hut and then returning via the Omega Track (with the return involving fording the Tauwharenikau River [formerly called the “Tauherenikau” River] and taking the track on the true left of the River back to the … Read more

Tutuwai Hut – Tararua Forest Park

This trip started off bright and early with the group meeting at the train station at 7am on Saturday morning. The trip leaders had been keeping an eye on the heavy rain forecast all week and it wasn’t meant to start pouring until late afternoon – so we wanted to do as much walking as … Read more

Totara Flats Hut via the Gentle Annie Track – Tararua Forest Park

Snow on Powell!Our journey began with a drive on the winding road to the Wairarapa, we eventually arrived at our first stop, the Clareville Bakery, for a last minute coffee and pastry. Once satiated with morning tea, we began our journey to the Tararuas, with a radiant sun shining, the snow was glittering off the … Read more

Trains Hut – Waitōtara Conservation Area

We set off from Wellington Train Station a little later than usual, at 7pm. This allowed us to avoid peak traffic and we made good time to Bulls to grab a falafel and beverage. It was then on to Braemar House, in Whanganui (our accommodation for the night), arriving at 9.40pm. We’d booked one large … Read more

Sunrise Hut & Top Maropea Hut – Ruahine Forest Park

Ten of us met at the usual spot next to platform 9 at Wellington Train Station at 4pm on Friday 19th July. One by one, smiling faces emerged from the station building with purposeful strides, happy to have left work for the week and be heading off tramping (apart from Daniel, whose work ethic knows … Read more

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