Scheduled Trips for July-Sept

Wednesday 30 June Register for the July 3-4 Midwinter-Christmas Overnight Tramp
Saturday 3 July Midwinter-Christmas Overnight Tramp (MODERATE)
Come and enjoy a feast at Waingongoro Hut with good kai (shared) and jovial company in a cosy, warm hut. I will arrange a clear, crisp, starry night for you to sit on the deck, enjoying your tipple under the silhouette of the mountain. On Saturday afternoon we will walk to the hut from Stratford Mountain House and on Sunday you will have the choice of returning the same way or forming a loop to the RTM Track and down the Enchanted Walk to exit at the car park.
Phone Derek Andrews, 753 9855 for information on Club hire equipment. You will need to supply food for a shared evening meal, not forgetting the essential wine and nibbles.
Leaders – Lee & Gary McCracken, 753 9196
Cost: $12.00 + hut fee = $15.00 (3 tickets) or a hut pass
Leave: 12 noon Tramp Time: 3 hours each day

Sunday 4 July Mangamahoe Wander (FIT EASY)
Since it is mid-winter, let’s go wandering and exploring around Lake Mangamahoe. It is close to town and there are always plenty of interesting places to see, plus when you finish you always know that you have had a good tramp.
Cost: $2.00 Leave: 9.00 am Tramp Time: 4-5 hours

Wednesday 7 July Taramoukou Trig from Otaraoa Rd (FIT EASY)
A lengthy hike through farmland, then up a long ridge in the bush to a lunch spot at the trig and then back again.
Cost: $11.00 Leave: 8.15 am Tramp Time: 6+ hours
Closing date for Kaitakes West-East Crossing Saturday 10 July
Closing date for Snow Craft Course Sunday 11 July

Thursday 8 July Club Night at Beach Street Hall, Fitzroy
Share the experiences of a trip to South America with Ian & Barbara Gregory – Patagonia, Buenos Aires, Torres Del Paine, Mt Fitzroy, Ushuaia, The Beagle Channel, the fantastic Iguazu Falls, and more.
Cost: $1.00 Time: 7.30 pm (presentation starts 7.45 pm)

Saturday 10 July West-East Crossing of Kaitakes (HARD)
From Lucys Gully a climb to the trig and continue on through to Carrington Road. Car shuttle required.
Closing date Wednesday 7 July, Reserve date Saturday 17 July
Cost: $TBD Leave: 7.00 am Tramp Time: 6 hours

Sunday 11 July Snow Craft Course (FIT EASY/MODERATE)
Location, depending on weather conditions, to be in the Tahurangi region. Time to learn, or brush up on, the safe way to traverse those snowy winter slopes. Learn about step-cutting, self-arrest, the use of an ice axe and how to read snow conditions.
In addition to clothing suited to winter alpine conditions you will need an ice axe. For full details/check trip requirements/your ability, phone or email Terry.
Bookings are essential Closing date Wednesday 7 July
Reserve date first suitable fine day
Cost: $7.00 Leave: 8.30 am Tramp Time: 6 hours

Sunday 11 July Mimi Area Farm Walk (FIT EASY)
A range of hilltops and valleys: interesting North Taranaki countryside with great views.
Cost: $11.00 Leave: 8.30 am Tramp Time: 5 hours

Wednesday 14 July A Tikorangi Treasure (EASY)
Neil and Jackie Whitehead’s 128-hectare dairy farm is host to a very special native reserve. On it are seven blocks of prime native bush, the larger of which are covenanted under the QE II Trust. Not only are there species of native trees and bush, but it is also home to a wide range of native birds. In 2008 two kiwi were seen grazing in a paddock beside one of the areas of bush. Hence the Whiteheads have now established a predator-control regime. They suggest that we bring any spare pieces of fruit which could be used in the many stoat traps on the property. A gold coin donation from trampers would permit another stoat trap to be bought, with the NPTC name on it. Its efficiency in catching predators will be able to be monitored via the web-site kererukeep.org.nz
cost: $5.00 Leave: 9.00 am Tramp Time: 4 hours

Closing date for Pouri Hut Overnight Trip 17-18 July

Saturday 17 July Pouri Hut Overnighter (FIT EASY)
New members most welcome to join Mike for an interesting overnight stay along the Matemateonga Walkway. Ring him to obtain trip plan, costs, leave time, transport arrangements or with any other queries.
Closing date Wednesday 14 July
Leader – Mike Guthrie, 755 0086
Cost: Shared travel & hut pass Leave: 7.30 am
Tramp Times: 5 hours each day

Sunday 18 July Ratapiko Ridge-top Farm Walk (FIT EASY)
The ever-popular farm walk, with great views, starting from the property of Lawson Corlett on Kohete Road.
Leader – Isabel Walter, 753 2565
Cost: $9.00 Leave: 8.30 am Tramp Time: 4 hours
Wednesday 21 July Waitara River Mouth to Lake Rotomanu (FIT EASY)
Along the beach. See buried forest and try out the new walkway from Bell Block and the footbridge. Bring a towel as there is a river to cross. Low tide at 11.46 am.
Cost: $4.00 Leave: 8.30 am Tramp Time: 5+ hours

Friday evening 23 July MSC Alpine Awareness Training Course
An introductory course aimed at first-timers or those with little experience. It will suit those who may encounter non-technical (no rope needed) snow- and mountain-terrain situations during a tramping trip. The format is a pre-course evening lecture and two field days. Lecture attendance is a prerequisite for attending the field days. It covers fitness levels needed for mountaineering, travelling methods and skills such as self-arrest used on snow slopes, and the use of crampons and ice axe in conditions that require them. Aspects of terrain, avalanche danger and snow-surface conditions will be discussed, as these are the important hazard factors to consider in forming risk-management for alpine trips. For enquiries and to register your interest contact the organisers:
email: taranaki@mountainsafety.org.nz to register

Saturday 24 July Mt Messenger Ridges Tracks Circuit (FIT MODERATE)
This tramp can start either from the Mt Messenger summit car park or by climbing up the DoC track leading to the trig, a steep climb being needed either initially, or at a later stage. From there we follow a path inland along the top ridgeline and descend on to a spur through which the road tunnel passes. From the former road section below the tunnel we walk up SH 3 to the summit car park and continue through farm land to take a track joining the track off Kiwi Rd and return to SH 3.
Leader – Hugh Alexander, 757 9341
Cost: $15.00 Leave: 7.30 am Tramp Time: 6 hours

Sunday 25 July Winter Wanders on Western Walkways (EASY)
We will wander on walkways winding westwards. What ways? We will wind whether wet or windy winter weather.
Cost: Nil Leave: 9.00 am Tramp Time: 5 hours

Wednesday 28 July Huatoki Walkway (EASY)
A good opportunity to stretch your legs within the city environs. This is always an interesting and sheltered winter walk.
Cost: Nil Leave: 9.00 am Tramp Time: 4 hours

Saturday 31 July Tarata Farm Walk (FIT EASY)
Combined with Stratford Tramping Club – commencing at the Purangi Saddle, walking over the George and Hale properties.
Leader – Isabel Walter, 753 2565
Cost: $11.00 Leave: 8.30 am Tramp Time: 5 hours

Sunday 1 August Kahui Track to Black Rock (FIT EASY)
A gradual climb to the hut for a snack-stop and then onward up to lunch at the Rock and enjoy a winter mountain view. An option for the return is by the Puniho and Kapoaiaia Tracks loop.
Leader – Hugh Alexander, 757 9341
Cost: $12.00 Leave: 8.00 am Tramp Time: 6+ hours

Wednesday 4 August Bunn’s Farm on Motukawa Road (FIT EASY)
An enjoyable walk encompassing bush, farmland, riverside and the airstrip.
Cost: $11.00 Leave: 8.30 am Tramp Time: 5+ hours

Saturday 7 August Alpine Amble with Ice Axe (MODERATE)
This is a winter alpine amble in the snow. The intended route is via Tahurangi to Ngarara and then over to the Policeman. Return via Warwicks Col, the old Tahurangi Hut site and down the Razorback. However conditions at the time may require a variation to this, as agreed on the day.
Bookings are essential Closing date Wednesday 4 August Reserve date first suitable fine day
Cost: $7.00 Leave: TBA Tramp Times: TBD

Sunday 8 August Wairau Track/Manders Spur/Goat Rock/Kaitake Peak (FIT EASY)
Erin will go as far as she and we want from Wairau Road end to turn off on the track to Manders Spur. Two alternative routes to the top of the range can be taken if conditions are slippery. To reach Manders Spur we cross the Waiau Stream which may result in wet boots if the level has risen. If in flood another route will be taken. Protocol regarding comfort and food stops should be observed on top of Goat Rock
Cost: $5.00 Leave: 8.30 am Tramp Time: 4-5 hours

Wednesday 11 August Pukeiti Celebration (EASY)
What better way to celebrate the 36th birthday of the Club than to be guided around the beautiful gardens and forest areas of Pukeiti. Our tramp time will be shortened so that we can enjoy a shared birthday lunch. At this stage it is not know whether the café will be open. If not, a special ‘something’ to share would be appreciated. Details to be decided later.
Cost: $5.00 Leave: 9.00 am Tramp Time: 2.5 hours

Thursday 12 August Club Night at Beach Street Hall, Fitzroy
Come and celebrate the Club’s 36th Anniversary. Enjoy a wine, nibbles and natter and be entertained with a humorous skit or two. Take this opportunity to catch up with fellow members to reminisce about those great trips and events, and look forward to many more. Supper and cutting of the birthday cake concludes the evening.
Cost: $1.00 Time: 7.30 pm (presentation starts 7.45 pm)

Saturday 14 August, MSC Avalanche Awareness Course
An introductory course for trampers and others who are planning trips in mountain/snow/avalanche terrain who need the basic knowledge required to make decisions about personal safety. The course format is a pre-course evening lecture followed by a practical field day. The field day is held on non-technical (no rope needed) mountain terrain above the bushline.
Registrants will be duly notified of the venues for the course. Participants must be suitably attired and equipped for alpine travel and have acquired solid movement skills on snow.
Lecture attendance is a prerequisite for attending the field day. A wide range of topics is covered, including mountain weather, decision-making, avalanche terrain, route selection, companion-rescue and safety equipment.
For enquiries and to register your interest contact the organisers:
email: taranaki@mountainsafety.org.nz to register

Sunday 15 August Maketawa Hut (EASY)
Along the track from North Egmont to Maketawa Hut for lunch. There are excellent views of Egmont summit and the surrounding plains from the hut. The return to North Egmont may be via the continuation of the track to the base of the Puffer and down the Translator Road.
Leader – Dave Stewart, 758 4446
Cost: $7.00 Leave: 9.00 am Tramp Time: 4 hours

Wednesday 18 August From Mt Messenger to the Pipeline (FIT EASY)
Up to the Hunters’ Hut then loop back to SH3. A quite demanding day with several steep hills to test you. Please phone the leader beforehand if you have doubts.
Leader – Isabel Walter, 753 2565
Cost: $13.00 Leave: 8.15 am Tramp Time: 6+ hours

Saturday 21 August Ruahines – Hut Overnighter (MODERATE)
Join Mike for a trip on the main Ruahine Range. Stay the night in the Aranga Hut at an altitude of 1350 metres. Hopefully it will snow. Phone Mike for the how, when, where & why details.
Closing date Wednesday 18 August
Leader – Mike Guthrie, 755 0086
Cost: TBD Leave: TBA Tramp Time: 5 hours per day

Saturday 21 August Tarata Saddle in to Tarata State Forest (FIT EASY)
Barbara will follow a marked route starting from near the off-road layby on the saddle to walk through this native forest reserve. Contact her to find out the arrangements she has made for this.
Cost: $8.00 Leave: TBD Tramp Time: TBD

Sunday 22 August Dawson Falls Wanderings (FIT EASY)
A not-too-difficult wander encompassing the tracks and features of this area. Visit Hasties Hill, Wilkies Pools, the old Power Station and the majestic Dawson Falls, and maybe the Kapuni or Waingongoro Huts.
Cost: $15.00 Leave: 8.30 am Tramp Time: 4+ hours

Wednesday 25 August Pouakai Hut (EASY)
Up the Mangorei Track to Pouakai Hut. There is a slight challenge in this for an easy tramp but we will take our time. It will provide a good opportunity to see the work the NPTC and DoC are doing to upgrade the track.
Cost: $4.00 Leave: 9.00 am Tramp Time: 4+ hours

Saturday 28 August Weld Rd to Capel’s Mines, Patuha Peak Circuit (MODERATE)
There is an initial steep climb on farm land to the ridge track to the bushline. We head down to the stream and follow that up on a route through bush to the mines. Bring a torch to check out the cave weta activity there. Then onward and upward to view the Patuha Pa site and continue up to Patuha Trig for lunch. The return allows a visit to the Boars Head Mines.
Cost: $5.00 Leave: 8.00 am Tramp Time: 7+ hours

Sunday 29 August No trip scheduled

Wednesday 1 September Brames Falls from Ihaia Rd (FIT EASY)
A nice walk in the bush on the western side of the mountain with some good views and a couple of tricky bits too.
Leader – Dave Stewart, 758 4446
Cost: $14.00 Leave: 8.15 am Tramp Time: 6 hours

Closing date for Fanthams Alpine Climb Saturday 4 September

Saturday 4 September Winter Climb on Fanthams Peak (MODERATE)
Subject to suitable conditions we will be walking/climbing from Dawson Falls car park via the summit route to enjoy lunch at Syme Hut on the Fanthams Peak summit at 1960 metres then heading back the way we came. This is a winter climb so those wishing to join us must have ice axes and crampons and the skills to use them.
Contact Mike for details and replies to your questions.
Bookings are essential
Closing date Wednesday 1 September
Leader – Mike Hutson, 758 5261
Cost: $15.00 Leave: 7.30 am Tramp Time: 6+ hours

Sunday 5 September Mangorei Track to Pouakai Hut (FIT EASY)
Up to Pouakai Hut and, depending on the day, perhaps a walk down to the tarns or to Photographic Peak for those with a bit more energy. If you have not been up the track for a while, now is the time to check out the new section of board walks that have been put in between its junction with the Plymouth Track and Graylings Clearing.
Leader – Barbara Garrett, 757 2435
Cost: $4.00 Leave: 8.30 am Tramp Time: 6 hours

Wednesday 8 September Lepperton Extension (EASY)
Part two of the successful and scenic Lepperton farm walk on the Lepper family’s and neighbouring properties.
Cost: $4.00 Leave: 9.00 am Tramp Time: 4 hours

Thursday 9 September Club Night at Beach Street Hall, Fitzroy
The Chatham Islands with Ian Gregory. Ian was in the Chatham Islands at the time of the Chilean earthquake and tsunami last February. Join him for an account of that day, and a well-organised and interesting week there.
Cost: $1.00 Time: 7.30 pm (presentation starts 7.45 pm)
The next issue of ‘Footprints’ will be available for collection

Sunday 12 September Conservation Week
Check out this week’s media releases and view the DoC Taranaki Area website for news of local events to be held this week. DoC joins in with the region’s conservation groups to stage educational/recreational functions for the public.

Sunday 12 September Patuha Trig from Surrey Hill Road (EASY)
Up the easy incline of the Davies Track to Patuha Trig for lunch, returning by the same route.
Leader – Lee McCracken, 753 9196
Cost: $5.00 Leave: 9.00 am Tramp time: 4+ hours

Wednesday 15 September Maude Peak from Maude Rd (FIT EASY)
You’ve heard of summit-bagging. Well, here’s your chance. Be warned though, it’s uphill all the way but the views are worth it.
Cost: $5.00 Leave: 8.15 am Tramp Time: 6 hours

Saturday 18 September Bells Falls on Stony & Puniho Tracks Circuit (MODERATE)
This trip will take the Stony River Track up to the falls for lunch and return with a detour on the Kapoaiaia Track to check out changes in the Maero Stream. We continue back on the Puniho Track to our cars.
Cost: $10.00 Leave: 8.30 am Tramp Time: 6+ hours

Saturday 18 September Tararuas (MODERATE)
Join Mike for an interesting overnight stay in the Mitre Flats Hut. Ring him to obtain trip plan, costs, leave time and transport arrangements.
Closing date Wednesday 15 September
Leader – Mike Guthrie, 755 0086
Tramp Time: 4 hours each day

Sunday 19 September Waipuku Cave Mystery Trip (MODERATE)
From North Egmont via Maketawa Hut to the old Waipuku Hut site area to explore some of the workings in the upper reaches of the old York Road quarry operations.
Leader – Mike Hutson, 758 5261
Cost: $7.00 Leave: 7.30 am Tramp Time: 6+ hours

Wednesday 22 September Kahui Track (EASY)
Up the gentle gradient of this track to the Kahui Hut, the oldest hut in the park. We return by the same route.
Cost: $12.00 Leave: 8.30 am Tramp Time: 4+ hours

Saturday 25 September York Road End to Maketawa Hunters’ Hut (MODERATE)
Wanganui TC members will join us on this tramp where the route will be over lower-mountain terrain to the Maketawa Stream where we will view the recent lahar devastation in that area. We will pick our way down the stream’s right bank to arrive at the hut. Our return will be by the same route.
Leader – Hugh Alexander, 757 9341
Cost: $10.00 Leave: 8.00 am Tramp Time: 6+ hours

Sunday 26 September BBQ & Tramp at Everett Park, Everett Rd (EASY)
A chance to socialise with fellow trampers visiting our patch. We plan to meet at Brooklands Road and head off to Everett Park for a pot-luck lunch and sausage sizzle. A short tramp around the tracks there will follow. An optional visit can be made to the Stoney Oaks Wildlife Park with our guests.
Organiser – Hugh Alexander, 757 9341
Cost: TBD Leave: 10.00 am Tramp Time: TBD

Wednesday 29 September Waitara Rd,/Te Arei Rd/Tikorangi Walkabout (FIT EASY)
An interesting day including battle sites, marae, petro-chemical things and a little bit of history too.
Cost: $5.00 Leave: 8.30 am Tramp Time: 5 hours