Alpine Trips

In 2022-23, WTMC undertook a review of its alpine processes (read more here).
All participants are now required to read and comply with WTMC alpine policies (available here).

Fixed Alpine Trip Schedule

Scroll down the page to find out more information about the WTMC ‘Flexible Alpine Schedule’, which is for “short notice” trips to enable more alpine trips to go ahead and more club members to get out and practice their skills.

For all trips, go to main trip page…

Alpine schedule for the 2023 season

4-6 August 
Alp1 (M) Tongariro NP, Oturere Hut from Mangatepopo Rd. (Tiffany Shih). Fri - walk into Mangatepopo hut. Sat - cross the creek and walk up Tongariro, down the other side to Emerald lakes and on to Oturere hut. Sun - skirt around the base of Ngāuruhoe and join the crossing track back to the road end. Moonlight crossing if conditions permit.  Sign up online (close 31 July)

11-13 August
Alp1 (MF) Tongariro NP, Paretetaitonga, from Whakapapa. (Anne de Ferron/Tom Wilson). Head up along the ski field, then up the spur to Paretetaitonga via high point 2580. Same way down. Stay a the lodge. Sign-up online (close 2 August)

7-10 September
Alp1 (MF) Nelson Lakes NP, Angelus hut, from St Arnaud. (Anne de Ferron/Stuart Meiklejohn). Thu night - Stay in St Arnaud. Fri - Angelus hut via Robert ridge. Sat day trip to Angelus peak + practice around the hut (self arrest, avalanche rescue..). Sun out via Robert Ridge. Sign up online (close 15 August)

22-24 September 
Ap1(MF) Tongariro NP, Paretetaitonga from Whakapapa. (Anne de Ferron). Day alpine trip. Head up along the ski field, then up the spur to Paretetaitonga via high point 2580. Same way down. Stay a the lodge. Max group size of 4. Sign up online

29 Sep – 1 Oct
Alp1(MF) Tongariro NP, North Crater from Mangatepopo Rd. (Mathew Denys / Co-Leader required). Head from Mangatepopo Hut over Mt Tongariro, and camp on North Crater. Return via the Tongariro crossing. Sign up online

Alp1(MF) Raglan Ranges, Bounds Peak from SH63. (Emily Shrosbree), signup closes: 06 Sep 2023. Climb Bounds Peak in the Raglan Ranges. The proposed route is via Boulder Stream and the West Ridge, passing Points 1810, 1900 and 1853 to reach the summit and returning the same way. Base camp will be in the upper basin of Station Creek. Sign up online.

6-8 Oct
Tramp(MF) Te Papakura o Taranaki, Taranaki Maunga from North Egmont. (Emily Shrosbree), signup closes: 20 Sep 2023. The objective of this trip is to climb towards the summit of Taranaki Maunga along the Northern Summit Route, hopefully reaching the crater and beyond, returning the same way. Sign up online
.

More trips are expected to be listed as the season progresses.

Flexible Alpine Trip Schedule

The Flexible Alpine Schedule is based on using a Wednesday weather forecast to pinpoint where the best weather conditions are for that weekend, and then plan an alpine trip in that area. These “short notice” trips are to enable more alpine trips to go ahead and more club members to get out and practice their skills.

Flexible schedule for the 2023 season
The flexible alpine trip schedule is not available yet. Please contact the chief guide if you would like to lead a trip on the flexible schedule.

As with tramping trips, Trip Leaders have the right to refuse people on trips if they are unsure about their capabilities. This is even more important in an alpine environment, where the risks and consequences are often more serious. 

To register your interest for a trip, please email the address in column F by 12pm the Wednesday before the trip. Please include in that email:

  • Any relevant medical conditions
  • Any relevant dietary requirements 
  • If you have a cooker/gas you are willing to bring
  • If you have a car you are willing to bring
  • If you have a tent for alpine camping and how many it can sleep
  • Confirmation you can meet the trip leader’s requirements (see column E)
  • If you do not know the leader, a short description of your alpine experience
  • An emergency contact person
  • A cell phone number if the leader needs to get hold of you urgently

The Trip Leader or Facilitator will email you by 6pm Wednesday evening to let you know if you need to pick up any club gear.

They will also email you as soon as they are able to let you know:

  • The trip plan (or that the trip is cancelled due to weather)
  • Gear and food requirements/allocations
  • Any costs you are required to pay before the trip departs

It is up to you to be watching your emails and be responsive to Trip Leader or Facilitator directions and deadlines from the Wednesday onwards. The Trip Leader or Facilitator will not chase you if they do not hear from you.

Getting ready for a club alpine trip