North Shore Tramping Club upcoming events

Kaimai Track maintenance mini-Weekend - Lower Kaimai Ranges (18 Sep 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Kaimai Track maintenance mini-Weekend - Lower Kaimai Ranges

Start: Friday September 18th

Depart: Corner 6 Auburn Street & Como Street carpark, Takapuna at 6.00pm.

Return: Sunday,

Tents are required

Kaimai Track maintenance Party

Come and support our Club's Kaimai Track Clearing Party with this FREE Weekend.

As part of our Club's 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 over the years 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.

As it is almost three years since the last track clearing and several severe weather events this trip will attempt to walk through the length of the track from the Aongatete Road end to one of our several campsites towards the Wairere Falls.

Ideally, we will trim any overgrown areas as we go and make note of areas that need work done for our next visit in 2027, camping out in an area close to water, and hopefully 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.

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) and camp the night, or sleep on the bus.

Tamaki Makarau -Coast to Coast (4 Oct 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Tamaki Makarau -Coast to Coast

Sunday 4 October 8am

Please ensure you have the correct cash $20 member / $25 non members

The Coast to Coast is an approximate 20km urban hike across Auckland from the Manukau to Waitemata through landscapes shaped by 600 years of Maori occupation and volcanic history and through some of our finest heritage areas offering panoramic views from the tops of volcanic cones.

The walk is part of Te Araroa Trail and takes in One Tree Hill, Mt Eden, Cornwall Park and the Auckland Domain.

Good trail or running shoes are fine.

Day is about 5-6 hours, 18-20 kilometres, there will be some steep hills, although nothing over a 100 metre climb. Terrain may be slippery, muddy and will be uneven in areas. Please ensure your gear is fully scrubbed and cleaned and bring a change of footwear and bag for afterwards on the bus trip back.

If we have two drivers, we will have two parties;

Party 1. Drop off at Auckland Viaduct and walking to Onehunga.

Party 2. Stay on the bus and walk from Onehunga to Auckland Viaduct.

If we have only one driver, we’ll all start at Onehunga and finish at the Viaduct where the bus will pick us up.

Depart: 8am, The Strand Takapuna

Cost: $20 members, $25 non-members (fees include temporary $5 diesel surcharge)

Organiser: Amber 027-838-9483

** Non-financial members: Please phone the organiser to check suitability of the tramp.

Members please register for the trip by 7pm Friday 2^rd October 2026.

Drivers: Eric/

Maps Online / Printable / GPS

To access the printable maps, download the zipped file, and either:

· open the zipped file, then drag the files to a new location OR

· press and hold (or right-click) the zipped file, select Extract All, and then follow the instructions

Day trip policy: Minimum number of participants for trip to proceed is 10 for trips less than $20 and 12 for trip more than $20.

Gear list here: NSTC Gear List- March24.pdf

Kohukohunui, Hunua Ranges (11 Oct 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Kohukohunui, Hunua Ranges, Sunday 11 October 8am

Advanced tramping track, good medium fitness is required!

Please have the correct change for payment on the bus

($25 members / $30 non members)

Good medium fitness will be required to complete this tramp in a timely manner, avoiding delay or inconvenience to the party! We have a strict time limit access restriction for this area!

Kohukohunui is the highest point in the Hunua range including the Auckland area, from the top on a fine day you will have views of the Firth of Thames, Coromandel peninsular, and the Hunua range. This is your chance to visit the heartland of the Hunua range as usually it is accessed from the Mangatawhiri reservoir as an overnight tramp, the good news is! We have special permission granted to access Kohukohunui from the Ness valley side which will give us what should be an exciting days tramp, for those who like bagging huts there may be a chance for us to visit Trig K hut. Expect about 12-14 k advanced tramping track, some road bashing, plenty of mud, tree roots and a about 500 meters elevation gain with about 5 – 6 hours tramping, you will need a very good medium fitness for this one and bring plenty of drinking water!

Please note: We have had to follow strict biosecurity requirements for this trip! so footwear must be thoroughly cleaned for this event!!!

Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf

Depart: 8.00 The Strand, Takapuna

Organiser: Chris Peard 021 277 0270

Driver: Colin

Cost: $25 members, $30 non-members (includes temporary $5 fuel surcharge)

· Non-members: Please phone the organiser to check suitability of the tramp. This is an advanced tramp.

Tanekaha Loop, Mangawhai, Brynderwyn (1 Nov 2026)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Tanekaha Loop

MEMBERS: please register online by 7pm Friday 30 October.
NON-MEMBERS: please phone the organiser to assess your suitability for the tramp.

The Tanekaha Tracks complex on the south side of the Brynderwyn

Hills is one of the premier walking destinations in the North Island. Largely on public land, this spectacular loop includes ridge walks, stream sides and waterfalls as well as enchanting forest.

We will start with the Tanekaha Falls Track (3 km, 2 h) which follows a small stream, passing a series of waterfalls, the remains of a kauri dam, and many beautiful pools, before climbing out to the Brynderwyn crest joining the Langsview Track. We will follow this track for 2.2 km (1 h) to link back to the Tanekaha Forest Track (2 km, 1 h), returning via a trig and lookout over the swing bridge back to the carpark.

For the distance party, there may an option to continue further along the Langsview track to do an additional loop (approx. 5 km). Shorter options are also available.

PLEASE NOTE: Good footwear is essential - terrain can be slippery.

Depart: 8.00 am, The Strand, Takapuna

8.15am MUTC

8.30am, Silverdale Park & Ride bus stop

Cost: $30 members; $35 non-members

Trip Organiser: Steve Bullock 021 242 1388

Driver: TBA

Maps: Online/Printable/ GPS

Waitomo & Leitchs Hut: Whareorino forest (13 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Waitomo & Leitch’s Hut: Whareorino forest

13^th-15^th November

Easy Medium

Leaves Como Street; Friday 6.00pm

Tents to be carried!

Topo map BF31 & BF32

Cost: $140 - $20 deposit on booking please

This is the third attempt we have had to visit this area, so we have turned it into a mini weekend to allow us to see a bit more with daylight saving. Leitch’s Hut is our main aim of this little adventure and is situated on a grassy flat on the side of the Awakino River, the site of Sam Leitch’s old residence, a soldier from WW1 who won the ballot to farm this isolated area now part of the Whareorino Forest (Western King Country). You will pass through farmland, regenerating bush and see stands of Tawa, Kamahi, Hinau, Rewarewa and the odd Kahikatea on the way to the hut. This is a very popular area to visit, so you will need to carry a tent as the hut may be full!

Friday; We head to Waitomo for a night’s accommodation staying at the Hamilton Tomo club hut 155 Te Anga Road. https://www.htg.org.nz/accommodation

Saturday morning early start which will allow us to do a few tourist things first visiting,

Manapohue natural earth bridge, about 20 min,

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/waikato/places/waitomo-area/tracks/mangapohue-natural-bridge-walk/

Piripiri cave, about 10 min,

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/waikato/places/waitomo-area/tracks/piripiri-cave-walk/

and the Marokopa falls, about 20 mins.

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/waikato/places/waitomo-area/tracks/marokopa-falls-walk/

Ruakuri walk, about 45 min,

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/waikato/places/waitomo-area/tracks/ruakuri-walk/

All short walks are in the same area.

We then head to Leitch Road and drop party 1 at the entrance to Leitch’s track, this route is the shortest and easiest way to Leitch’s Hut, expect about 2 to hours of easy tramping and you also have the option of returning via this route on Sunday. 16 bunks 1 x blue hut ticket.

Party 2 and the bus will then head to the start of the Mahoenui track which follows the Awakino river to Leitch’s Hut to set up camp, expect about 4 hours tramping. 16 bunks 1 X blue hut ticket.

Sunday Party 1 carries on to the bus at the end of the Mahoenui track and party 2 heads back to Leitch’s road end and waits for the bus before returning to Takapuna.

Organiser: Chris Peard 021 277 0270

Driver:

Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf

Xmas Trip Dec 2026 Jan 2027 Kahurangi/Abel Tasman (27 Dec 2026)

Sat, 26 Dec 2026 22:00:00 GMT

NSTC Annual Christmas Tramp 2026/27

Kahurangi/Abel Tasman

The Christmas tramp will be slightly different this year. The dates are:

Home Party:

Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks: 27th December 2026 to 4th January 2027. OUT PARTIES MEET ONE DAY LATER AND LEAVE ONE DAY LATER - see below!

Assemble at or by midday on the 27^th December at Nelson Airport - 11 members. When booking flights we suggest you book Flexi fairs as the nature of the Cobb valley road can be closed on occasions due to weather events!

Out Parties: Kahurangi National Park. We will meet one day later - from 28th December 2026 to 5th January 2027. Assemble at or by midday on the 28^th at Nelson Airport. One out party will consist of 6 members, and the other 5 members. When booking flights we suggest you book Flexi fair refund as the nature of the Cobb valley road can be closed on occasions due to weather events!

Organiser: Eric Skilling

Costs:

Home: Share Twin in Motueka $515.00

Share 4 Bed Dorm Room in Motueka $435.00

This includes accommodation Motueka but excludes kayaking/water taxis in Abel Tasman

Out Party 1: $430.00 Includes all accommodation including huts during tramp

Out Party 2: $270.00 Includes van and 2 nights accommodation in Cobb Houses, plus one night at Fenella Hut. but does NOT include cost of the other huts while out tramping

Transport costs are shared equally across all participants, as it was last year.

Flight Bookings for home

Home party: Allow about 1.5 hours for the drive to the Airport. Don't book for an early flight.

Out Parties: Allow about 3.5 hours for the drive to the Airport, Don't book a morning flight

Tramping will be based in the Kahurangi National Park - the setting of several LOTR scenes. These are areas not known to most Club members and provides us with a diversity of options for both Home and two Out parties.

The Home Party will also spend 3 nights in Motueka, allowing us the opportunity to explore the famous Abel Tasman National Park . Activities such as kayaking and water-taxis are not included in the cost.

Kahurangi National Park extends west of Motueka to the West Coast -with braided rivers, beech forests, tussock grasslands, alpine screes and white limestone peaks. It includes Cobb Valley, Lake Peel, Balloon Hut (sponsored by NSTC), Mt Arthur, Gridiron Shelter, Horseshoe Basin, Gordon's Pyramid, and Salisbury Lodge.

Home Party:

We will base ourselves in large houses in the Cobb Valley for the first 5 nights, and then Motueka for the next 3 nights. Motueka is just over an hour from Nelson, and Cobb Valley a further 1.5 hours. There are numerous spectacular day walks in the valley. There should also be plenty of time for a grocery shop before heading to the Cobb Valley on arrival.

We have also added the OPTION for 4 people to spend a night at either (or both) Sylvester and/or Balloon Hut. Sylvester Hut is 2 hours away, and Balloon a 5 to 6 hour walk from Cobb Valley. There will be no need to carry tents.

Out Parties: Both Out parties will be required to have a minimum of Medium/Fit Fitness standards for these tramps. Some tramps will require off-track travel, river crossings, and navigation skills, and may involve travel of up to 8 hours for OP1, and up to 9 hours for OP2.

A. OP1: Medium/Fit Out Party:

All huts are booked, so there will be NO need to carry tents for the duration of all the tramps.

The plan is to join the Home Party in Cobb Valley for the first night , 28th Dec, before setting out for an overnighter to Sylvester Hut next day.

Back to Cobb Valley and a hot shower, then set out for 4 nights.

B. OP2 Fit Out Party: You will need to carry tents for the duration of all of the tramp. Plan is to set out from arriving at Nelson for an epic 7-night exploration of Kahurangi Park, and finishing in the Cobb Valley a and a hot shower and comfy bed before returning to Nelson Airport on 5th.

Trip Grading: https://www.nstc.org.nz/useful-info

Detailed Itineraries

HOME PARTY E/M (Easy/Medium Fitness) Limit 11

Cost $515.00 share twin in Motueka, and $435.00 shar a 4 bed dorm room in Motueka

Leader: Kate Niceski

Note - Cooking equipment is to be carried for the Home Party Two Day Trip options:

A: Kahurangi National Park - Cobb Valley:

Numerous trips ranging from 4 to 8 hours depending on energy levels and curiosity, but including:

- Sylvester hut : 5 to 6 hours return including views of nearby tarns, Iron Lake and Iron Hill. Beech forest and tussock.

- Lake Peel: 6 to 7 hours return. A variety of travel through beech forest filled with streams and birds, sub-alpine vegetation, into a wide valley with the glacial Lake Peel at it's zenith. Views of the famous Kahurangi tablelands. Look out for Kea.

- Gridiron Shelter: 7 to 8 hours. Enjoy the calls of kaka, piwakawaka, tui, bellbird and more thanks to excellent work by Friends of Flora foundation. Peaceful and quiet, this is a real "forest bathing" experience.

Two Day Trips: Four places have been booked at each hut.

1. Sylvester hut and lakes: A high quality hut with easy access to nearby tarns.

2. Balloon Hut: Sponsored by NSTC, the hut is nestled in the magnificent tablelands, with plenty to explore.

A: Abel Tasman - based in Motueka:

There are many options for activities for the 3 nights accommodated in Motueka, including walking, kayaking and swimming in world famous Abel Tasman Park. These will need to be booked and paid for separately. It is less than 20km from Motueka to Abel Tasman National Park.

OUT PARTIES

All registrants required to have completed a River Crossing Course

Out Party One - "OP1": Cost $430.00 per person, including 3 nights at Cobb House, plus all huts. Limit 7

Topo maps BP24 & BQ24

Leader: Chris Bilham

M/F (Medium /Fit): 5 to 8 hours per day. Off track and above bush line travel to be expected. Varied and occasionally challenging terrain. Experience, fitness and stamina necessary. No need to carry tents.

28^th December: Arrive NSN airport by midday for trip to Cobb House

29 December: Warm up by travelling for about 2 hours through the beech forest, on a 4WD track, to Sylvester Hut. Empty packs of overnight gear, then meander to the nearby tarns, and summit nearby Iron Hill to survey the regions to be explored in the next week.

30 December: Back to Cobb house for the night to resupply and hot shower before the next epic 5-day adventure.

31 Dec: 6 Hours and about 600 metres elevation to Salisbury Lodge. Via Lake Peel and Balloon hut. Nestled in the Tablelands, this hut is famous for the caves nearby, so best to plan for an early start to allow time to explore. And just quietly - this hut is also famous for it's solar-powered toilets. Intrigued? You should be!

1st January: Saddle up early for a 7.5 hour, 750 metre climb to Mt Arthur Hut. Enjoy many highlights of this renowned area of Kahurangi. From peaceful forest festooned with Aaron's beard, onto a challenging climb up Gordon's Pyramid. Into the bizarre landscape of Horseshoe Basin, the inspiration for LOTR scenes. Then 400 metres down to the hut, with expansive views across to Nelson. Look out for Kea.

2nd January: Take day packs for the rewarding 600 metres ascent to the summit of Mt Arthur. Return to the hut in time for afternoon tea. Relax before a big day on the 3rd.

3rd January: Another early start for the 8-hour journey to Balloon Hut via the historic Flora Hut and Gridiron shelter. Enjoy more spectacular views of the Tasman Sea towards Nelson in the occasional breaks in the forest. Follow the river for much of the trip, enjoy the many birdcalls and waterfalls.

4th January: More descent than ascent, the final five hours back to Cobb House takes you across the Tablelands, past Lake Peel and down to the valley floor. Then it's a leisurely hot shower, relaxing dinner and appropriate refreshments with OP2.

5th January: Allow 3 hours for return to Nelson- don’t book a morning flight

Out Party Two - "OP2": Cost $270.00 per person. including 2 nights at Cobb House, plus one night at Fenella Hut. Limit 3

Leader: Garry Brooks

F (Fit): 8 to 10 hours per day. Off track and above bush line travel to be expected. Varied and occasionally challenging terrain. Experience, fitness and stamina necessary. MUST carry tents.

Dragon Teeth Low Route, Douglas & Lockett Range.

Fit Out party!

Tents to be carried

Topo maps BP23, Bp24

You need to study Topo maps thoroughly as well as do your own research before signing up to this trip, most of this is off track on crudely marked and unmarked routes, with lots off exposed tops travel, steep accents & descents on rough terrain, scree, & alpine scrub. It will require a good weather window to proceed the section from Anatoki Folks hut to Fenella hut which involves 3 days of travel and have no exit routes between Anatoki & Fenella huts, for an idea of this section watch this linkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyc7r4nCLqE you may also like to take a look on google earth and zoom into the terrain you will cover.

28th December: Meet at Nelson airport and drive to Anatoki track road, from here we set off a long the Anatoki track where we can expect to encounter windfall, slips, and some water courses to cross before arriving at Anatoki bend where we should be able to find a camp the night.

29th December: This will be much the same as day one, continue along the Anatoki track to arrive at the Anatoki forks hut to rest up for the night as tomorrow is going to ramp upsomewhat, expect about 4 hours. Anatoki Folks hut: 6 bunks, 1 blue ticket.

30th December: We follow a roughly marked track up into the bush and a relentless climb of about 800 meters, up onto a narrow ridge ☹ to take us over Pts 1270, 1355, and 1422, and on to Yuletide Peak, from there we aim to go between Pts 1488 and 1563 where we thread what is known as the Needles eye before a steep descent of about 300 meters to Adelaide Tarn and onto the hut for the night, expect about 7 hours. Adelaide Tarn Hut: 4 bunks, Basic Bivi, free.

31st December: From Adelaide Tarn Hut we ascend the flanks of Mt Douglas, from here we take the low route and pass below the infamous Dragons Teeth, we drop sharply down 350 meters

and follow from the headwaters of the Anatoki river about 2 k before a steep ascent of 750 meters ☹ between a couple of peaks known as the Drunken Sailors to the southern intersection of the high route of the Dragons Teeth before dropping down another 300 meters to Lonely Lake Hut for the night, expect about 8-10 hours. Lonely Lake Hut: 3 bunks, Basic Bivi, free

1st January: It starts with another climb back up onto the spine of the Douglas range and heading in a southerly direction passing Pts 1610 and 1512 then sidling below and around Kakapo peak and onto Waingaro peak to descend 300 meters to Fenella hut for the night,

expect 7 – 8 hours. Fenella Hut: 12 bunks, booked.

2nd January: from here we can take the easy route out down the Cobb valley about 5 hours to the northern road end, but for us wanting more we climb back up to the Waingaro Peak track

and head south over the Lockett range tops to set up and camp the night at Ruby Lake, expect about 6 – 7 hours.

3rd January; From Ruby Lake we continue south passing Diamond Lake, Lake Little, Iron Lake, Lake Sylvester, and Sylvester hut, and carry on to Cobb house for a hot shower, expect 6 – 7 hours.

4th January: Cobb House - rest day and party, and possibly a light day walk for tomorrows pick up back to Nelson airport.

5th January: Allow 3 hours for return to Nelson. Don’t book a morning flight

A non-refundable deposit of $100 must be paid by 31 July and the balance by 31 October. For cancellations after 31 October, trip costs will be refunded only if a replacement takes up the place.

Booking

Only paid-up members of the club are eligible to participate, and applications will be approved in order of receipt but only if the applicant is considered to have an appropriate level of physical fitness and experience. In the event of over-booking, unsuccessful applicants will be waitlisted and allocated to a trip if there are any cancellations.

N.B: Before booking your air tickets please ensure your Registration has been approved by the Club’s Health & Safety Guide.

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 Party Two 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.

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 by 31 July with the balance on or before 31 October.
Refunds for cancellations are subject to the usual Club rules.