Upcoming Tramps and Events

Switch to Calendar View

• Kaimai Track Clearing & Mini Weekend Tramp to Wairere Falls

  • Start
    7 Oct 2023
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    8 Oct 2023
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • Location
    Como Street, Takapuna

  Register

  Kaimai Track Clearing and mini-Weekend Tramp to Wairere Falls - Lower Kaimai Ranges

  Start: 8.00am: Saturday, 7th October

  Depart:     Corner 6 Auburn Street & Como Street carpark, Takapuna

  Return: Sunday, 8th October

  Tents are required            

  (A)  Kaimai Track Clearing Party

  Come and support our Club's Kaimai Track Clearing Party with this FREE Weekend.   Cost of $25 for Non-Track Clearing Party to Wairere Falls. 

  As part of our Clubs commitment to support the Kaimai Ridgeway Trust’s initiative to maintain tracks in the Kaimai’s we have undertaken to clear the track from Aongatete Junction to Wairere Falls.

  • Includes a tramp in pristine river valley and forest   
  • Great comradeship                   
  • Only work as hard as you feel able
  • No pressure to finish any length of the track                                           
  • Full complement of quality tools provided
  • Good water supply
  • Safety taking seriously                                                                             

  Several previous trips undertaken by members have enabled most of the track to be cleared between the top of the Wairere Falls to the junction of the North South Track near Aongatete.

  With it almost a year since the last track clearing and several severe weather events this trip will walk through the length of the track from the Aongatete Roadend to our camp site above the Wairere Falls.

  We will clear any windfall and overgrown areas as we go camping out in an idyllic open area close to water, not far from the top of the Wairere Falls.

  Are you able to help on this trip?  The work is not difficult.  All you need is some good garden gloves.  The Club has a full complement of tools to tackle the job. 

  It will be an ideal time because the rain has softened the ground, and enables grasses and plants to be pulled out with ease. There will also be the option of exploring and locating Puketutu hut for an afternoon and evenings entertainment.

  As there are no huts, tents are required (available for loan from the Club if required for current financial NSTC members).  There is an abundance of clean water available in nearby streams.

  

  We will travel down to the Aongatete Carpark (located at the end Wright Road) on the Saturday morning.  After dropping off the Track Clearing Party the bus will then travel around with members doing the Wairere Falls Track to the Wairere Falls Carpark located at the end of Goodwin Road. Returning Sunday afternoon.

  Depart:  8.00am Sat 7th October

                 Corner 6 Auburn Street & Como Street carpark, Takapuna

  Return:    Sunday afternoon: 8^th  October

  Cost:         Free

  Organiser:  Kevin Osten Ph 027 457 7418
  

  Driver(s):  Craig O'Neill 

  More information:   See http://www.kaimairidgeway.nz/

   (B) Wairere Falls  Tramp: Cost $25 

  For people who are interested in an easy weekend tramp this will be ideal. Tents are required 

  On the Saturday you will travel down in the bus with members doing the Kaimai Track Clearing who will be dropped off at Aongatete Roadend. You will then travel back around to Te Aroha- Wairere Falls roadend located at the end of Goodwin Road off Te Aroha-Okauia Rd.

  You will then follow the Wairere Falls Track and meet up with the Track Clearing Party on the Saturday night and camp out (~4 1/2 hrs).

  Everyone will walk out on the Sunday to be back at the bus early afternoon.

  Depart: 8.00am Sat 7th October

  Cnr Auburn and Como Streets, Takapuna

  Return Sunday afternoon: 8^th  October            

  Bookings:  Register via the website or bookings@nstc.org.nz 

  Cost:  $25

  Maps: Online/GPS/Printable

  
  

  Show details
• Kaimanawa Forest Park - Labour Weekend

  • Start
    20 Oct 2023
  •  
    5:30 PM
  • End
    23 Oct 2023
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • Location
    Como Street, Takapuna
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  Kaimanawa Forest Park

  20^th – 23^rd October

  Labour Weekend

  Leaving Como Street 5.30pm

  Topo maps BH35 & BH36

  On a fine day this trip will offer astounding views of Mt Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro and at times Taranaki as well as Lakes Rotoaira and Taupo and to the North Mts Tarawera and Edgecomb.

  We will be driving to Waikoko campsite on the Friday night with accommodation options camping or sleeping on the bus.

  Tents will need to be carried as the Umukarikari section is very popular. All parties should expect wet feet as it will require several stream crossings and of-track navigation skills will be needed. The itinerary may change on any day at the trip leader’s discretion. All parties will involve travel on exposed tops. Full storm gear required.

  Waipakihi Hut- Standard hut fee: blue ticket needed.

  Cost:  $98.00

  Fit (F): 6 

  Leader:  Kevin Osten

  You must book for this group before the 6th of October as it involves travel through private land, and we will need to apply for individual permits to cross over.

  Saturday

  From the Waikoko campsite head up the Umukarikari track, this is a long but steady climb that will take us on to the tops, follow the poled route that heads over Sharp cone (1481) and past Umukarikari (1591) on a fine day you will have spectacular views of the central plateau before descending to Waipakihi river crossing it and on to Waipakihi hut. (6 hours)

  Sunday

  From the rear of Waipakihi Hut take a poled route that climbs up to Junction Tops (1605) and the Middle range, from there head in a Southerly direction to Te Raketuangiangi (1605) then passing PT (1660) and onto Thunderbolt (1633) from there head SW to Motutere (1646) and a short distance on to (1526), from here pick up the Thunderbolt track and a steep descent down to the Waipakihi river to camp. (8-10 hours)

  Monday

  From the Waipakihi river it is a steep climb up onto the Urchin track turning left at the top, it’s a short distance to the Urchin Trigg, continue from here down the Urchin track and a 2-kilometer trip via a forestry road back to the bus. (3-4 hours)

  Medium/Fit (M/F): 6

  Leader: Chris Peard
  

  Saturday

  From the Waikoko campsite take the forestry road of about 2 kilometers to the start of the Urchin track, head up the Urchin it’s a steady climb up to the Urchin Trigg (1392) head East a short distance to the track junction that will drop steeply about 350 meters to the Waipakihi river, head up the river crossing it several times for about 1.5 k to locate the start of the Thunderbolt track (about 300 meters NE from the marked one on Topo map) on the true left of the river and camp, or if weather permits you may consider carrying on up the Thunderbolt track and camp onto of or about Motutere. (5 hours)

  Sunday

  From the river it’s the steepest assent of the trip up the Thunderbolt track to Motutere (1646) and the Middle range, form their head East to Thunderbolt (1633) then a North to PT (1660), it’s from here we descend to the NW sidling around Te Hiwiokaituri Ridge to pick up the Waipakihi Middle range track to the Waipakihi hut. (8-9 hours)

  Monday

  From Waipakihi hut head down to the river and it’s a well-marked popular route up on to Umukarikari (1591) and over Sharp cone (1481) with views on a fine day of the central plateau before the long descent down to Waikoko campsite and the Bus. (6 hours)

  Medium (M): 6 

  Leader: Stefan Masuitti

  Saturday

  From the Waikoko campsite take the forestry road of about 2 kilometers to the start of the Urchin track, head up the Urchin it’s a steady climb up to the Urchin Trigg (1392) head East a short distance to the track junction that will drop steeply about 350 meters to the Waipakihi river, crossing the river you will immediately locate a rather lovely place to set up camp for the night. (4-5 hours)

  Sunday

  From the camp site you will navigate your way up the Waipkakihi river, crossing it numerous times, passing several beautiful river-flats. This is truly a delight on a hot summer day, this valley exudes a wilderness vibe like many in the South Island. You will eventually arrive at the Waipkaihi hut. Expect wet feet. (5 hours)

  Monday

  From Waipakihi hut head down to the river and it’s a well-marked popular route up on to Umukarikari (1591) and over Sharp cone (1481) with views on a fine day of the central plateau before the long descent down to Waikoko campsite and the Bus. (6 hours)

  Cost: $98.00   Please book by 6 October 

  Organiser:  Chris Peard  021 277 0270

  Driver(s):  Craig O'Neill

  Maps:

              Online/GPS/Printable - Fit party 

              Online/GPS/Printable - Medium/Fit party

              Online/GPS/Printable - Medium Party

  Show details
• Pirongia Mini Weekend Trip

  • Start
    4 Nov 2023
  •  
    7:00 AM
  • End
    5 Nov 2023
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • Location
    Como Street, Takapuna
  • Spaces left
    7

  Register

  Pirongia 4^{th -} 5^th Nov 2023

  Mt Pirongia is the highest mountain in the Waikato with its peak at 959 metres.

  This is classic backcountry tramping for fit, experienced trampers.  Both parties will encounter some steep climbs and descents. 

  Track will be slippery and overgrown in parts.

  Sat 4^th November

  Morning Leave Como St at 7.00am, arrive 9.00am

  Drive to Kaniwhaniwha Reserve carpark, on Limeworks Loop Rd

  Fit Party A will head up the Bell Track

  Time: 6 - 10 hr one way

  Distance: 18.5 km

  Saturday: Follow the Nikau Walk on to the Bell Track and past the Kaniwhaniwha Caves. Cross the bridge near the big kahikatea and climb a spur to Central Clearing. The track becomes quite muddy at this point and continues along the ridge to the Cone (second highest point on the mountain) and then to Pahautea Hut for the night.

  Medium/Fit Party B will head up the Tahuanui Track

  Time: 4 - 5 hr one way

  Distance: 10.7 km

  Saturday: Follow the Nikau Walk to the Kaniwhaniwha campsite. The Tahuanui Track leaves the campsite past the toilets beside the stream and climbs steadily up a ridge to join the Tirohanga Track before the summit. Expect to see some fantastic views from the top.  It is another 30 min to Pahautea Hut for the night.

  Sunday 5^th November

  Trampers will have the option to take either the Tahuanui or the Mahaukura 4.5 – 6hr (Good fitness required) track down.  A Driver + 3 others will have to return via Tahuanui track to do this. Pick up Mahaukura trampers from Grey Rd carpark (20 min drive).

  Maximum trip number 20. 15 bunks in the hut and 5 tent sites have been booked.

  (Note this is a bookable hut, so there is no guarantee of a bed if you change your mind about tenting on the day!).

  Cost: Hut $70 including $15 Hut Fee.

  Cost: Tenting $55 Tent site.

  Select Party option on registration
  

  Fit Party - Maximum 8
  

  Medium/Fit Party B-  Maximum 12
  

  ***PLEASE NOTE EARLY DEPARTURE TIME***

  Depart:                 7.00am Como St, Takapuna

  Organiser:           Garry Brooks 021 269 2169

  Driver/s:              TBC

  MAPS : Online/GPS/Printable

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Xmas Trip Dec 2023 - Jan 2024 - Nelson Lakes National Park

  • Start
    27 Dec 2023
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • End
    4 Jan 2024
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Nelson Lakes National Park
  • Spaces left
    2

  Register

  Dates: 27 December 2023 – 4 January 2024

  Area: Nelson Lakes National Park

  We have had a couple of cancellations for the Home Party - spaces now available! 

  General Outline

  There will be three Out Parties of 6 to 8 members each and a Home Party of 11, to give a maximum of 30. Participants will assemble at Nelson Airport before noon; those travelling from Auckland have the choice of flights departing at: 6.40am, 8.40am and 10.35am. Two minibuses (12-seaters) and an airport shuttle are being hired to carry trampers to the beginning of their track or to St Arnaud Base Camp. All parties will return to St Arnaud’s Alpine Lodge by Day 8. We will have a farewell banquet at the Alpine Lodge.

  Home Base/ Base Camp  

  Base camp is Alpine Lodge, 75 Main Rd, St. Arnaud, 83 km from Nelson Airport. (The lodge has a variety of accommodation at different prices; of most interest to us are the Alpine Backpacker rooms). Guests have the use of a fully equipped self-catering kitchen and, of course, are welcome to patronize the bar and restaurant. There are also dining/drinking options in the area.

  Out Party 1: FIT (F):   Leader- Garry Brooks

  Cost: $420

  

  Day 1 – 27th Dec Wed – Shuttle to Mt Robert Rd, St Arnaud and walk in to Bushline Hut and Camp* (2.5hrs)

  Day 2 – 28th Dec Thurs – Across the scenic Robert Ridge to magnificent Lake Angelus then carry on and camp at Hinapouri Tarn (5.5hrs). Option to climb Mt Angelus Peak once the tents are set up (3hrs Return).

  Day 3 – 29th Dec Fri - Navigate over Sunset Saddle and down to Hopeless Hut (5hrs). Depending on time either stop there or carry on down Hopeless Track and camp down by the river.

  Day 4 – 30th Dec Sat – From Hopeless Creek Track follow Upper Travers Valley track and then to Cupola Track to picturesque Cupola Hut. (6.5 hrs)

  Day 5 – 31st Dec Sun - Navigate over Gunsight Pass and drop down the Travers Saddle track and onto West Sabine Hut (8-9hrs)

  Day 6 – 1st Jan Mon – From West Sabine Hut follow the very scenic Sabine River valley along the Sabine Track to D'Urville Hut on the edge of Lake Rotoroa (6hrs)

  Day 7 – 2nd Jan Tues: Climb to up to the Tiraumea Saddle and on to Tiraumea Hut carrying on towards Mole Saddle and Mole Hut. (6-7hrs) Option to camp at the hut or stop before or after.

  Day 8 – 3rd Jan Wed : Mole Track out to Mataki Lodge for pick up by the Home Party

  Accommodation: Alpine Lodge, St Arnaud

  Group Celebration Dinner

  Day 9- 4th Jan Thurs- Depart Alpine Lodge by shuttle to Nelson Airport

  Out Party 2: Medium(M):  Leader- Eric Skilling

  Cost: $480 

  Day 1 - 27th Dec Wed: Minivan to Roberts Rd Car Park, St Arnaud. Meander through beech forest and alongside the creek to the relatively new Speargrass Hut, nestled amongst the tussock in a steep river valley (3hrs).

  Day 2 - 28th Dec Thurs: Eat well and then continue through the forest to D’Urville Hut on the Lake Rotoroa edge. Almost guaranteed to enjoy lunch in the company of local robins (8 hrs).

  Day 3 - 29th Dec Fri: Leave packs at D’Urville Hut and climb about 1,000m to the summit of Mt Misery (1640m) for views into tomorrow (7 hrs).

  

  Day 4 – 30th Dec Sat: Head along Tiraumea Track towards Mole Hut (4-bed), with a lunch stop at Tiraumea Hut for lunch before setting out on the final challenging leg to Mole Saddle (1340m) and Mole Hut (7hrs). Considering this a 4-bed hut, we may stop en-route if we can find an appropriate camping spot – and if weather allows.

  Day 5 – 31st Dec Sun: Along the Jameson Ridge Track to Mataki Lodge for a pickup by the Home Party. Overnight Alpine Lodge (4hrs).

  Day 6 – 1st Jan Mon R&R Alpine Lodge or join Home Party

  Day 7 – 2nd Jan Tues: Roberts Rd End along Lakeside Track to Hopeless Creek Hut, maybe stopping at Coldwater Hut for lunch (6hrs).

  Day 8 – 3rd Jan Wed : Return down Rotoiti Lakeside track to road-end, leaving plenty of time for a nap before the Group Celebration Dinner  (6hrs).

  Day 9- 4th Jan Thurs - Depart by minivan for Nelson Airport

  Out Party 3- Medium(M): Leader-Chris Bilham

  Cost: $465

  Day 1- 27th Dec Wed: Minivan from Nelson Airport to St Arnaud and walk up Lake Rotoiti (Lakehead track) and camp near Cascade track (3 hrs)

  Day 2 - 28th Dec Thurs: Cascade Camp site to Upper Travers Hut(14): 6 hrs

  Day 3 - 29th Dec Fri: Upper Travers Hut over Travers Saddle to Blue Lake Hut (16) with side trip to Lake Constance (7-8hrs)

  Day 4- 30th Dec Sat: Blue Lake over Moss Pass to George Lyon Hut (16): 7 hrs

  Day 5- 31st Dec Sun: George Lyon Hut down D’Urville Track to D’Urville Hut: 6 hrs

  Day 6- 1st Jan Mon: D’Urville Hut to Mt Misery Hut (4): 5 hrs

  Day 7 -- 2nd Jan Tues: Mt Misery back to D’Urville Hut (~4 hrs) and Lake Rotoroa Water taxi (1pm) to Gowan Valley carpark for pick up by the Home Party

  Accommodation: Alpine Lodge, St Arnaud

  
  

  
  

  Day 8 - 3rd Jan Wed- R & R with option to join Home Party for day trip

  Group Celebration Dinner

  Day 9 - 4th Jan Thurs- Depart by minivan for Nelson Airport

  HOME PARTY- Easy (E): Leaders- Pete Wortman and Ralph Martin

  Cost: $498

  • Includes 8 night's accommodation at St Arnaud’s Alpine Lodge

  Trip Options (subject to review):

  1. Speargrass Hut Track (~6hrs):   Start at the carpark at the end of Mt Robert Road and walk to Speargrass Hut (11km return). Dependant on time we can then walk from the hut to part way along Speargrass Creek Route before retracing our walk back to the Mt Robert Road carpark.
  2. Red Hills Hut- Richmond Range: Maitland Track - Travel to Lowther Road along SH63. Take the Te Araroa trail and turn right at the second intersection with the Beebys Knob Route and on to the Redhills Hut and then back to Lowther Road – 15km
  3. Marlborough Vineyard day trip: Blenheim and Omaka Museum
  4. St Arnaud around Lake Rotoiti: Start from along Roberts Road and walk around Lake Rotoiti via Cold Water Hut, Lakeside Hut and back to accommodation in St Arnaud – 18km.
  5.  Beebys Knob: Travel to the start of the Beebys Knob Route on Korere Tophouse Road along SH63. Turn right at the junction where the track meets the Te Araroa trail and finish at Lowther Road – 8km. There is some climbing in this trail.
  6. Bull Paddock Creek track: Travel to Rainbow Road along SH63. The Bull Paddock Creek track is approximately 7-8 km along the road – 10km return.
  7. Roberts Road to Cold Water Hut along Lake Rotoiti: Start along Roberts Road and walk to Cold Water Hut and return – 14km.
  8. Lees Creek track: Travel to Rainbow Road along SH63. Travel down Rainbow Road which runs into Hydro Road. The Lees Creek track is approximately 20km from SH63. Walk to Lees Creek Hut and return – 17km.
  9. There are a number of short tracks close to the village of St Arnauds: Black Hill, Peninsula Nature Walk, Loop track, St Arnauds Range track to Parachute Rocks, Paddys track, Moraine walk and Anglers walk.         * Each evening there will be a meeting to discuss the preference for the following day bearing in mind the requirements to collect out-parties

  Notes Applicable to All Groups

  It goes without saying that all trips are subject to weather conditions. Trip leaders should have a plan B in case inclement weather makes the original plan impractical.

  All members of the out parties should be equipped with tents.

  For the minivans we have to provide our own drivers. An ordinary Class 1 driving license is sufficient, no need for passenger endorsement.

  Please indicate to the Trip Organisers if you are willing to be a driver?

  N.B: Before booking your air tickets please ensure your Registration has been approved by the Club’s Health & Safety Officer. You must arrive at Nelson Airport before noon on 27th December. With regard to the return flight, allow about two hours for the drive from St Arnaud Alpine Lodge to Nelson Airport – don’t book for an early flight.

  Payment

  Prices are as follows:

  • Home Party: $ 495: Limit 11

  • Out Party 1 (St Arnaud via Gunshot Pass to DÚrville): $420: Limit 6

  • Out Party 2 (Speargrass to D’Urville): $480 Limit 6 to 7

  • Out Party 3: (Travers Saddle to D’Urville): $465 Limit 6 to 7

  N.B Prices are current but maybe subject to change depending on final trip and room allocations.

  Final trip routes subject to change depending on weather, track conditions and logistics requirements.

  Successful applicants will be required to pay a deposit of $100 on booking with the balance on or before 1st December’23.

  Refunds for cancellations are subject to the usual Club rules.

  Registration

   Only current members of the North Shore Tramping Club are eligible to take part. Trips must be booked through our website – not by email or texts.

  Places on the trips will be allocated according to the order in which registrations are received, subject to approval from the Trip Organizers and the Club’s Health & Safety Officer that the person has a suitable standard of physical fitness and experience.

  In the event of over-booking, unsuccessful applicants will be wait-listed and allocated to a trip if there are any cancellations.

  Organisers:  Kevin Osten, ph 0274 577418

                            Chris Peard, ph 021 2770270

  Maps:

  Out Party 1 (Fit) - Online/GPS/Printable

  Out Party 2 (Medium) - Online/GPS/Printable

  Out Party 3 (Medium) - Online/GPS/Printable

  Show details