The club member who loves to hate the Tararuas has provided annotations to the 2016 Tararua calendar photo as a guide for the perplexed. All the major peaks have been identified in the picture – and it’s no surprise that all seem to be correct. But take a look and make sure you agree. And just … Read more
Last weekend I went for a day walk into Mitre Flats. While there I took some photos, and while doing that I had to take off my black peaked cap as it is not easy looking through a camera viewfinder while wearing it. When I was back home that evening I realised my hat was missing. … Read more
On Saturday 16th April the alarm went off at 5 am. In darkness we drove to meet the team at Wellington train station at 6 am for the train to Waikanae. Here we met fellow trampers Jared, Mike and team leader Garth. Unfortunately, one member of the team slept through the alarm so our group … Read more
After the last attempt to go around the loop was stopped due to bad weather in the Tararuas (how surprising!), some of the punters were more than keen for another shot. Fortunately a good weather window coincided with the trip schedule. Some us were left waiting at the road end ready to go, wondering where … Read more
Canyoning has become more popular in NZ recently and a small group of WTMC club members are joining in the fun. Below is a selection of photos taken on trips to the Patuna Chasm (easy), Turere Stream (not quite so easy), and Chamberlain Creek and the Eager Beaver Canyon (both definitely not quite so easy). … Read more
Lost tramper found by a tree A tramper reported missing in the Tararua Range was fortunately found by a tree . It has been reported that the search for a missing tramper ended happily. Police were called by the mother of a middle-aged man overdue on a day-walk in the Tararua Forest Park when he … Read more
Recently Chris Swallow set a new record for the Main Range Schormann – Kaitoke of 19 hours and 20 minutes – taking over 2 hours off the previous best time of 21 hours and 33 minutes set in 2104 by Matt Bixley and Grant Guise. You can now read his story here.
The tramp began at 8.35 pm on Friday evening at the end of Mt Holdsworth Road, reached via Carterton. Although we set out for Atiwhakatu Hut when it was still light, it quickly turned dark while we were walking and we had to get the head torches out. The gravel track is in good … Read more
Update 1 February 2016 You can now read Jean’s story of her S-K here. *********************************************************************** The latest news is that Jean Beaumont has just become the first woman to complete the Main Range S-K under 24 hours, solo and unsupported! An truly amazing effort of 23 hours 43 minutes given that conditions were apparently marginal. … Read more
5-bar Tararua tramping A light-hearted ranking of tramping trips in the Tararua Range based on internet reception. Some people, particularly trampers, rejoice when heading into our wilderness while others have a fearful attitude towards these areas that they believe should be completely avoided—for they are places that they consider are hideous, desolate and uncomfortable—where people … Read more