Where we've been - Tramps 2008
13 January 2008 - Whatapu
Whatapu.
Tramp 773, Grade A. Contact John F 07 849 4447 / Janey 07 846 6995/021 728 650.
26/27/28 January 2008 - Kaimanawas, Clements Mill Rd, Cascade Hut
Kaimanawas, Clements Mill Rd, Cascade Hut.
Tramp 774, Grade C. Contact Kevin B 07 838 1788 / Val 07 849 4447.
See the Tramp Reflections for an account of this tramp.
10 February 2008 - Charlie’s Place, Eastern Kaimais
Charlie’s Place, Eastern Kaimais.
Tramp 775, Grade A. Contact Isobel 07 827 5925 / John W 07 843 1446.
See the Tramp Reflections for an account of this tramp.
24 February 2008 - Pirongia, Schofield Track
This is an interesting but long day on a little used track, on the mountain at our doorstep.
Tramp 777, Grade B. Contact David 07 870 6324 / John S 07 843 2344.
7/8/9 March 2008 - Whitianga, Wharewhara
We will stay in Sue and Bill's house for the weekend and do day tramps from there.
Tramp 778, Grade A. Contact Bill 07 827 1807 / Val 07 849 4447.
14/15/16 March 2008 - Waiheke Island
We are staying in the Forest and Bird Lodge for the weekend and doing day walks on this beautiful island.
Tramp 779, Grade A. Contact Janey 07 846 6995/021 728 650 / Isobel 07 827 5925.
See the Tramp Reflections for an account of this tramp.
21-24 March 2008 Easter - Te Urerewa
The location is generally unknown until we leave, but we always have an interesting tramp that is within everyone's capabilities. Come and join us in the wilderness.
Tramp 780, Grade C. Contact John W 07 843 1446 / Val 07 849 4447.
See the Tramp Reflections for an account of this tramp.
30 March 2008 - Te Toto Gorge, Historic Walk
We have done this tramp before and had a really enjoyable day, which we are keen to repeat. An easy 4 hour tramp although a little rough underfoot in places.
Tramp 780a, Grade A. Contact Bruce 07 855 1187 / Sheila 07 854 6960 / 021 150 6799.
See the Tramp Reflections for an account of this tramp.
See the Tramp Reflections for an photographic account of this tramp.
6 April 2008 - Waiorangamai, Kauri Loop
A tramp up the Waiorangamai Valley including a loop up a spur to a grove of Kauri. This is a special event especially for new trampers. While the day is relatively easy, it will still be interesting.
Tramp 781, Grade A. Contact Brett 07 856 6582 / David 07 870 6324.
25-27 April 2008 - Mokai – Rerekapa
We will leave on Friday afternoon and base camp for the 2 nights with easy walks during the days. This is a good tramp for those who have not done an overnight tramp before, as we won't have to carry all our gear.
Tramp 783, Grade A. Contact Gail 07 825 2133 / Sheila 07 854 6960 / 021 150 6799.
4 May 2008 - Karioi
Come along with us today and enjoy the spectacular scenery offered from this mountain right on our doorstep. We begin this tramp from Ruapuke Road (Te Mata end) with a bit of a climb. Upon reaching "the top" you will see (on a clear day) as far South as Mt Taranaki. As the day progresses we have views out over the Tasman Sea and our Wild West Coast, Raglan township and surrounding areas, Whale Bay and up to Te Akau. You will climb a couple of steel ladders and also use a rope for a tricky section going down. Walking time 4 1/2 hours. Remember to bring along some warm clothing - hat and gloves also.
Tramp 784, Grade A. Contact Lynne 07 855 1447 / Sheila 07 854 6960 / 021 150 6799.
18 May 2008 - Tipsy Tui's
An easy grade tramp to the Waitekauri Valley. Walking to the site of the Maori Land gold stamping battery, then continue on to the Himalayian Strawberry Trees to watch Tui feeding on fruit. Travel a different track to the top of Waitekauri Road and the Golden Cross Mine, overlooking an area of recent mining. Once there we go to the site of the old Waitekauri Hotel and down the Maratoto track to view the Maratoto Valley.
Tramp 785, Grade A. Contact Christine 07 855 9230 / Alan 07 849 2602.
31 May 2008 - 1 June 2008 - Whirinaki Loop
As the weather can be inclement at this time of the year, we have to avoid exposed tops and major rivers. Kevin is planning a good 3 day tramp in the Whirinaki area.
Tramp 786, Grade C. Contact Kevin B 07 838 1788 / Grant 07 829 5468.
See the Tramp Reflections for an account of this tramp.
15 June 2008 - The Pirongia Foothills
Sorry folks, we have cancelled our tramp to Luck at Last as the area is closed due to logging. Instead, we will explore yet another awesome area in our own backyard - the Pirongia Foothills – this is NOT the Pirongia some of us dislike so much! We will travel to Te Pahu and walk along the very pretty Kaniwhaniwha Stream to the largest Kahikatea tree in NZ. Bring along a torch; there are two caves to peek into, one being a little tight and narrow. There are some nice swimming holes along the way for those mid-winter dippers. We may take a side track and do some up stuff on the way home! This is a very nice walk, so do come along and join us. An easy day - 6 hours.
Tramp 787, Grade A. Contact Lynne 07 855 1447 / Janey 846 6995 / 021 728 650.
29 June 2008 - Out in the Styx, Maungatautari
Out in the Styx.
Tramp 788, Grade A. Contact Bill 07 827 1807 / Val 07 849 4447.
See the Tramp Reflections for an account of this tramp.
13 July 2008 - Pirongia Grey Rd Circuit
We are not going up Corcoran Road and returning whatever. Going in towards the Kaihikatea tree then turning off a secret track following paint marks. Not a difficult track - just have to find the markers in places but the tramp leader did a survey a few weeks back so wont loose anyone. Not a muddy track as it is hardly used. About 7 hours.
Tramp 789, Grade A. Contact Isobel 07 827 5925 / Janey 07 846 6995 / 021 728 650.
10 August 2008 - Kaimais (late change to Homunga)
Was to be: From Wharawhara Road to Lindemann Road. This is good tramp with varied terrain through lovely regenerating forest on the Eastern side of the Kaimais. Initially the track is easy walking with several stream crossings, before we zig zag our way up to and then along the ridge. Great views available along the way (weather permitting), plus old Kauri dam sites. Make sure you bring a set of dry clothes.
Tramp 791, Grade A. Contact Lynne 07 855 1447 / Sheila 07 854 6960.
See the Tramp Reflections for an account of this tramp.
See the Tramp Reflections for a second account of this tramp.
See the Tramp Reflections for a photgraphic account of this tramp.
24 August 2008 - Arahaki Lagoon
Arahaki Lagoon in Whirinaki Forest.
Tramp 792, Grade A. Contact Val 07 849 4447 / Gail R 07 853 6530.
See the Tramp Reflections for an account of this tramp.
7 September 2008 - Maungatautari
Tramp to summit of Maungatautari. About a 4 hour walk.
Tramp 793, Grade A. Contact Isobel 07 827 5925 / Janey 07 846 6995 / 021 728 650.
See the Photo Gallery for a photograph from this tramp.
20/21 September 2008 - Snowcraft Weekend Ruapehu
Snowcraft.
Tramp 794, Grade B. Contact Kevin B 07 838 1788 / Val 07 849 4447.
See the Tramp Reflections for an account of this tramp.
28 September 2008 - Appletree Road, Waitomo
We drive in along Appletree Road, then tramp through to the double waterfall, then back past the Taharua Falls and along the stream back to the site of the old Alpiger Hut (now elsewhere).
Tramp 795, Grade A. Contact Brett 07 856 6582 / Gail R 07 853 6530.
See the Tramp Reflections for an account of this tramp.
See the Photo Gallery for a photograph from this tramp.
See the Photo Gallery for another photograph from this tramp.
4/5 October 2008 - Ohope Beach Walk
Overnight at Whakatane – extended day tramp.
Last time we tried to do this tramp, they had a severe storm with massive flooding. Here's hoping all goes well this time.
Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walkways - this is a 16 km round tramp which could take anything from 5 to 7 hours.
We will leave Hamilton at 2 pm Saturday 4 October, and drive to the Whakatane Holiday Park, near the Botanical gardens, in town. There we will settle in, have a BBQ dinner together and stay the night in standard cabins.
From there, at 8 am Sunday morning, we will walk along the Whakatane river walk to the start of the track. We walk the Kohi Point walkway seeing seabird colonies and spectacular pohutakawa stands, then over the hill with spectacular coastal views, catching the right tide at Otarawairere Bay and on to Ohope Beach for lunch. From here we tramp up onto the Ohope and Mokoroa bush scenic reserves where there is an abundance of forest birds, amazing forests and rural views leading us back to Whakatane.
What to Bring:
* The usual tramping gear for a day walk
* Sleeping bag
* Approximately $45 (transport, accommodation and BBQ sausages)
* A dish to share for BBQ (salad, vege or dessert)
Tramp 796, Grade A. Contact TBA / Adrienne 07 855 1447 / 021 231 7965.
19 October 2008 - Pureora
Tramp cancelled.
Tramp 797, Grade A. Contact Wendy 07 872 2533 / TBA
24/25/26 October 2008 - Whanganui National Park
Tramp Labour weekend: Never went on a long weekend tramping, camping out and carrying a full backpack? What better weekend than Labour weekend for a fair bit of exercise! Here's your chance to join us on a tramp to 'somewhere' into a forgotten world, abandoned by settlers who were beaten by nature. We don't intend to get beaten and the tramp has been made to suit all types of fitness. Big numbers probably will mean a combined tramp grade A/B, low numbers tramp grade C. We have ordered perfect weather. Call Michiel to book in by Monday 20 October: daytime 07-9570946, evening 07-8475340 and let me know what tramp has your preference (A, B or C)
All: Friday evening: leaving 24 Oct approx. 6pm, camping somewhere along Forgotten World Highway or staying in Whangamomona if we leave early. Saturday: further drive to Kohi Saddle (carpark start Matemateaonga track).
Tramp grade A/B: Saturday (continued): walk to Mt. Humphries over Matemateaonga track, camp out. Sunday: walk out over newly cleared track (formerly route) to Bridge to Somewhere (Aotuhia), lunch.
Tramp grade A: Sunday (continued): walk 5-7km back over (scenic) gravel road to pick up van and bring around to Whangamomona, the heart of the Forgotten World and self-declared republic. Sleep at iconic Hotel or at cabins/campsite down the road (extra costs involved). http://www.whangamomonahotel.co.nz/. Monday: relax or explore area until midday, meet up with others (tramp grade B, see below) coming down the river valley.
Tramp grade B: Sunday (continued): walk along the rough Whangamomona 'Road' (total length 20km) and river, camp out http://www.pukeariki.com/en/stories/farming/whangard.htm. Monday: walk further along the 'road' to Whangamomona, meet up with van and others.
Alternative Tramp grade C, loop track: Saturday: from Kohi Saddle over 'Letter boxes' link route to Puteore Hut. If we don't make it that far today (routes generally are poorly marked and overgrown) we'll camp out. Sunday: via link route to Mt Humphries and clearing, camp out. Monday walk out over Matemateaonga track back to Kohi Saddle (5-6 hours).
All: Lunch in Whangamomona; relaxed drive home along Forgotten World Highway http://www.forest-lodge.co.nz/Forgotten_Highway.php.
Tramp 798, Grade C. Contact Anna/Michiel 07 957 0946 work / Val 07 849 4447.
See the Tramp Reflections for an account of this tramp.
2 November 2008 - Mangakino Pack Track, Kaimais
This is a long day but well worth the effort following this historic trail.
This area has not been on our tramp list for many years, so do come along. Alan will drop us off at Tui Mine, Te Aroha - from there we walk up the road past the old mine tailings and pick up the Mangakino Pack Track which was constructed in 1880 for transportation of supplies from Karangahake to the mines of Tui and Wairongamai. The track is classed as a route track with tree markers and is fairly overgrown with possible wind falls to manouvre. We cross the Mangakino Stream and sidle a lengthy ridge. Upon reaching Dalys Clearing we follow a marked track before reaching the intersection of Dean Track. From here we enjoy views of the Waitahapheta River and continue on out to Franklin Road where Alan will meet us with the van. You can expect to be walking for 7 1/2 hrs at least. Not overly hard but a lengthy day.
Tramp 799, Grade B. Contact Isobel 07 827 5925 / Lynne 07 855 1447.
See the Tramp Reflections for an account of this tramp.
See the Tramp Reflections for a second account of this tramp.
23 November 2008 - Aotea Harbour
This is a repeat of a very enjoyable tramp with great views of our wild West Coast. The tide is right, so grab a bite and join us.
Tramp 800, Grade A. Contact Sharon 07 847 3080 / Adrienne 07 855 1447 / 021 231 7965.
See the Tramp Reflections for an account of this tramp.
See the Tramp Reflections for a photgraphic account of this tramp.
28/29/30 November 2008 - Kaimanawas - Umikarikari to Waipakahi Hut (changed)
We have received confirmation from Shaun Barnett that his Wilderness article was incorrect - there is no track that links Fantail to Stony Bay. Accordingly we have changed the tramp. It is now a two day tramp in the Kaimanawas - Umikarikari to Waipakahi Hut and back to the van via Urchin. We will still leave on Friday night and return Sunday. We will be tenting on the Friday night with hut/tent optional for Sat night.
Tramp 801, Grade A/B. Contact Kevin B 07 838 1788 / Val 07 849 4447.
See the Tramp Reflections for an account of this tramp.
See the Tramp Reflections for a second account of this tramp.
14 December 2008 - Te Akatea Farm, Glen Massey
This walk begins at the homestead of a large (4500 acres) organic drystock farm in rural Glen Massey. Marcella and John have been farming organically here for over 25 years. We walk on farm tracks through farmland, past pockets of exotic treed areas with views looking to Huntly and Raglan. We reach a point where we detour off and climb the local area highest hill point called "Pongawhaktiki" where we get more amazing views. From here it's just a short walk to the private virgin native bush area (650 acres). John has cut a track through the bush which has wild pigs aplenty. While the Maori never lived here, they used the area for hunting Kereru and later the Pakeha started pig hunting in the bush. The bush has never been milled.
We will lunch at an old slip area overlooking bush and farmland. We walk some more through the beautiful bush with its uniquely local vegetation and exit into farmland and onto a scenic stream walk past the cattleyards and back up to the house.
The walk promises to be a good mix of farm and bush, ups and downs, views and interesting information. Expected time is approximately 5 hours walking.
Tramp 802, Grade A. Contact Adrienne 07 855 1447 / 021 231 7965 / Christine 07 855 9320.
See the Tramp Reflections for an account of this tramp.
See the Photo Gallery for a photograph from this tramp.
See the Photo Gallery for another photograph from this tramp.
27 December - 3 January 2009 - Tongariro National Park
We are camping at Whakapapa Village Camping ground and plan to do day walks from there. Enjoy the mountains in the summer.
Tramp 803, Grade A. Contact Lynne 07 855 1447 / Christine 07 855 9320.