Transport logistics with driving up Tukino Road put a damper on our original plan to walk to Rangipō Hut and climb the east ridge of Ringatoto (a peak on Mt Ruapehu). But a lack of snow at Nelson Lakes National Park came to our rescue… Anne and Megan’s group diverted to Mt Ruapehu, so we … Read more
With Alpine trips on the horizon, a basic snowcraft course was scheduled and Tiffany and Mike kindly stepped up to lead it. The course was highly oversubscribed, with only 8 spaces, so those of us who were selected were extremely appreciative. We all met at the club gear room on a Wednesday evening to cover … Read more
FridayThe weather leading up to the weekend had been sketchy, with persistent rain and more forecast. Our original plan was to head into the Kaimanawa Forest Park – camping at the road end on Friday and making the 7-hr trip to Waipakihi Hut on Saturday. However, with heavy rainfall in the area leading up to … Read more
Fri 17 Jan – Travel to WTMC Club Lodge at Mt Ruapehu We all met at Wellington Train Station after work on Friday and loaded into the club van, excited at the prospect of an adventurous long weekend for Wellington Anniversary – doing a variety of day trips, based at the club’s lodge near the … Read more
Mt Tongariro – Cinderella and the Dancing Dinosaur A 2 day hiking loop trip through the spectacular mountain scenery of the Tongariro National Park in early winter Sarah, could I please have my shoes back? I looked down at my feet and realised I was having a Cinderella moment at Mangatepopo Hut on Saturday morning and … Read more
Summary: Thursday 28 March: Friday 28 March (Day 1): 19.36 km Highlights: Walking times: Saturday 29 March (Day 2) – 19.43km Highlights: Walking times: Sunday 30 March (Day 3) – 22.72km Highlights: Walking times: Monday 1 April (Day 4) – 29.86 kms Highlights: Walking times:
Coinciding with the first full moon of 2024, this was a weekend dedicated to moonlight Tongariro crossings. The plan was for groups of different grades to start the Crossing at various times throughout Saturday afternoon and evening (either walking or running), so they would each complete the track at night and enjoy the bright light … Read more
Nine people signed up for the club’s New Year Round The Mountain – Ruapehu trip. The group featured a few people new to multi-day walks, a few new to the club, as well as some very experienced club members and trampers. The distance and demanding terrain mean that an excellent baseline fitness is a prerequisite, … Read more
Mt Tongariro and the ancient molten lava lake at North Crater A 2 day hiking loop trip over Mt Tongariro and past the once molten lava lake that occupied the North Crater before cooling and solidifying. When the warrior gods Tongariro and Taranaki fought over the lovely Pihanga flames lit up the sky, … Read more
A very light sprinkling of snow fell as we arrived at the WTMC lodge at Iwikau Village, Mount Ruapehu, on Friday night. And some of it was still apparent first thing in the morning, though disappearing rapidly once hit by the sun: a brilliantly clear start to a calm and sunny weekend. After breakfast we … Read more