Like the other snowcrafters who had recently completed the WTMC snowcraft course, I was itching to get out on a “real trip” to see what it was like. I had found snowcraft hard. The physical and mental effort required was so much greater than tramping, and I found it frustrating that I couldn’t seem to … Read more
Every time I’ve ever visited Whakapapa, like most others (I imagine) I have stared up in awe at this ridge line and wondered just what it feels like to stand on the tops and look back down at the ski field. The guide suggests it’s not difficult, but it depends on your experience. I wouldn’t … Read more
We had a slower than usual trip out of Wellington Friday, but it was made all the more interesting by a well contested game of ‘I spy’, initiated by a fellow travel buddy Oliver (who was travelling up with his Dad Simon for a weekend of the “going downhill fast in a good way” variety. … Read more
INTRODUCTION Snowcraft 2018 is now complete, with 20 students participating in this introductory course to moving safely and efficiently in an alpine environment. While still following the familiar and established course format of theory sessions mixed with two weekends on the mountain, we progressed with the emphasis introduced last year on keeping the skills relevant … Read more
Not so long ago many mountain gods lived happily together on the central plateau of the North Island. All the warrior mountains longed after Pihanga, the lovely bush cloaked maiden volcano— but particularly Tongariro and Taranaki. Eventually they fought ferociously, the sky darkened, there was thunder and lightning, and lava spumed from their summits. Tongariro … Read more
The final day for submitting photos for the summer lodge competition was 30 May. There were not a lot of entries but regardless there are some nice images of trips that can be done from the lodge, and some of the lodge itself. The winners and runners-up will be decided by popular vote. Have a … Read more
Summiting Ruapimple – Ruapehu’s baby brother An easy climb to the summit of Pukeonake the lowest named volcanic peak in Tongariro National Park Two van loads of happy WTMC trampers reached our lodge close to midnight. Everything was completely fogged in. Luckily the green lights up at XXC gave a good hint where to stop … Read more
The lodge subcommittee is keen to promote the lodge not only as accommodation for skiers and boarders but also as an attractive base for summer adventures – day walks, weekend tramps, rock climbing, summer skiing, MTBing, canyoning, sunny BBQs on the deck at the end of a day, and lots more. As part of this we are organising … Read more
As a brand-new member of WTMC, I was informed by the trip leader that the newest members have to write the trip reports. I think it’s a freshly made-up rule, but here it is anyway. The aim of the trip was to climb Girdlestone on Ruapehu. We never actually saw Girdlestone, nor did we even … Read more
I’ve been ice climbing and I’ve been camping before, but never at the same time. And I suppose the spoiler of this story is that I’ve still never been ice climbing and camping. From an initial sign up of eight, disease, injury and maybe even a little pestilence took it’s toll and come the day of … Read more