North Shore Tramping Club upcoming events

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

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Cancelled due to insufficient numbers. Will reschedule Waitomo & Leitch’s Hut: Whareorino forest

13^th-15^th November

Easy Medium

Leaves Como Street; Friday 6.00pm

Please enroll by 30th of October!

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, but expect wet feet as we will have a river to cross and expect about 3 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: tba

Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf

Maps:

Leitchs Track OnLine/Printable/.gpx file

Mahoenui Track OnLine/Printable/.gpx file

The Ōmanawanui 'Stairway to Heaven' (15 Nov 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Karamatura, Puriri Ridge, Ōmanawanui Tracks (& Optional Whatipu Caves)

Trip Date: Sunday 15 November 2026
Departure: 8:00AM from The Strand, Takapuna

Return: Expect to be back at Takapuna around 5-6PM

Please ensure you have the correct cash to pay on the bus: $20 members/$25 non members

Trip Overview Please read carefully

This trip links together three outstanding tracks—Karamatura, Puriri Ridge, and Ōmanawanui—for a full day of classic west coast tramping: native bush, stream-side walking, ridge climbs, and sweeping coastal views.

The group will split into two parties (Distance and Med-Easy) starting from different points and finishing together at Whatipu. Both routes end on a high—the stunning Ōmanawanui Track, a 3 km ridge line walk offering panoramic views over the Manukau Harbour and Whatipu coastline, with glimpses of Mt Taranaki on clear days. Expect staircases, historic pā sites, regenerating bush, and plenty of birdlife.

Leg day alert! Everyone should have a moderate level of fitness and confidence managing stair climbs and descents—the Ōmanawanui Track features a mildly ridiculous 2,000ish box steps over 2.5 km, thanks to a 2021 upgrade!
Your legs will notice. However…….. it will be worth the sweat with an epic 360 degree view from the top!

If time allows, the Easier Party may also have the chance to visit the Whatipu Caves—a short 3 km return walk to explore sea-carved limestone formations. If you're keen to check them out, bring a headlamp.

Distance Party

Start: Karamatura Carpark, Huia
Route: Karamatura → Donald McLean → Puriri Ridge → Ōmanawanui → Whatipu
Distance: around 12-13 km
Grade: Medium–Hard
Time: 6 to 6.5 hours
Elevation Gain: ~700 m

What to Expect:

Peaceful bush and waterfalls along the Karamatura Track
Steady climbing via Donald McLean and Puriri Ridge
A dramatic finale across the iconic Ōmanawanui ridgeline
Ideal for trampers with good fitness and confidence on uneven terrain

Medium/Easy Party

Start: Whatipu Carpark (Out-and-back track)
Route: -Whatipu → Ōmanawanui → Signal House Track → Whatipu
Distance: ~4.00 km

Grade: Easy–Moderate

Time: 3 to 3.5 hours

Elevation gain:~370m

What to Expect:

A shorter but scenic walk with plenty of highlights
Well maintained trails with panoramic views
The same stunning ridgeline and sea views, at a relaxed pace
Optional side trip to the Whatipu Caves (approx. 3 km return / 30–45 mins) from the carpark
A great option for those new to the club or easing into longer tramps

Come prepared - the West Coast weather can be changeable

Raincoat and warm layers
Lots of water!
Trail running shoes or tramping boots with good grip
Walking poles (optional but helpful on steeper sections)
Headlamp (if planning to explore the caves)
And of course, all usual gear for a day trip (see gear list)
Please ensure you have clean footwear for the trip home.

New to the club or thinking of joining us?

** Non-members and new members are very welcome! Please contact the organiser beforehand to check that this hike is suitable for you.

We’d love to have you along!

Organiser: Anita Devine - 021.366.016

Driver: TBA

Cost: $20 members/$25 non members

**Please ensure correct cash on the day!

Members: Please register by Friday 13th November at 7pm.

Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf

Maps:Online/GPS/Printable

Track Care Reminder: This area is within a Kauri Dieback Protection Zone. All boots and gear must be cleaned before and after the trip. Please stay on formed tracks at all times.

Please ensure you have clean footwear for the trip home in the bus

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.

Cosseys Dam traverse to Wairoa Dam, Hunua Ranges (22 Nov 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Cosseys Dam traverse to Wairoa Dam, Hunua

Sunday 22 November 2026

8.00am departure

The Strand, Takapuna

Easy and Medium options.

From the Falls carpark we will all take the shorter Cosseys Gorge track up to the Cossey Dam, this track can be muddy at times. From the Dam we head in a Southerly direction on the well graded Wairoa Cossey track in which you can expect a reasonably steepish climb of just over a kilometre to the intersection of the Massey track, but for the fitter or more energetic we will continue on the recently reopened section of the Wairoa Cossey track, it’s a little after this that the track turns from a well graded track to an advanced tramping track, so you can expect tree roots, mud and a undulating track which will eventually after you go past the halfway mark starts to ease off in difficultly and eventually we will arrive at the Suspension bridge track taking us down to the Wairoa Dam, from there it’s a short trip to the Otau crossing and out to meet the bus.

For those of us not so much up to the energetic stuff we will continue onto the Massey track and complete the Cosseys Dam loop track back to the bus with a side trip to the Hunua Falls, before picking up the other party.

Please ensure your footwear and gear are fully scrubbed and clean as Kauri are in the area. Bring a change of footwear and bag afterwards for the bus trip back.

Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf

Depart: The Strand, Takapuna 8:00am

Cost: $20.00 members, $25.00 non-members, $0 MUTC

Please ensure you have the correct cash for payment

Members, please register by 7:00pm Friday 20 November.

Organiser: Kate Niceski 021 704 212

Non-members, please phone the organiser to assess your suitability for the tramp (no phone calls after 8pm, no texts please).

Driver: Ajay

Day Trip Policy: minimum number of participants for the trip to proceed is 10 for trips less than $20 and 12 for trips more than $20.

Maps:

Short party - printable/online/GPS

Medium Party - printable/online/GPS

Social Evening & Photo Competition Voting Day!! (25 Nov 2026)

Wed, 25 Nov 2026 06:30:00 GMT

FINAL VOTING: Wednesday 25th November Social Evening 7:30pm

The highly enjoyed club photo competition is back again. This time contributors will be LIMITED TO THREE PHOTOS PER CATEGORY, which will speed up the process on voting day. There are CASH prizes for the winners, but you must be present on the day to collect your prize.

Dig up those photos you are so proud of, and submit them under the following FMC categories. Who knows - you may be a winner! Submit any photos taken from 1 July 2025 onwards for the first 3 categories, and anything before that date under the "Historic" Category.

1. People

2. Scenes without people

3. NATIVE FLORA, FAUNA & FUNGI

4. HISTORIC - anything taken before 1 July 2025

Winners will be forwarded to FMC.

Please note that results announced on the night will be final and no discussion will be entered into.

Also...

Christmas Trip 27 December - 4 January: brief promotion - still a few places left!

Refreshments and time for a chat

Location: Senior Citizens Hall, 7 The Strand, Takapuna. See here for how to find the hall.

Wenderholm Regional Park - Free - meet there (29 Nov 2026)

Sat, 28 Nov 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Sunday 29 November 8:30am

Please register by Friday 7pm

FREE

This picturesque gem at the mouth of the Puhoi River offers stunning views of the Waitemata Harbour, cool native forest, and a famous sandy east coast beach. Expect to see a number of our native bird species including dotteralls, oyster catchers, piwakawaka and more.

There will be an easy and medium group. Starting at the main (far-end) car park, the medium group can expect to walk approximately 14 kms, and the easy group about 8 to 10km.

We will all head north along the estuary and south along the beach to the bottom of the cliffs. We will then make our way along the valley to join Vins Track with excellent views of the estuary.

Once back on the road, the easy group can make their way back to the car park, or join us for another few km along the forest to the Puhoi Track, left on the Couldrey House track and back to the valley.

* If the house is open, it's entry via $5 donation) http://couldreyhouse.org.nz/historic/

The medium group will continue through the forest and along the Perimeter Track to the top, and then back down to the valley, with plenty of great views along the way. This track can get muddy.

Trail or boots shoes would be fine for walking, but prepare for a bit of mud on the hill tracks.

Wenderholm Regional Park, 37 Schischka Road, Waiwera 0873

Organiser: Eric 0274 982 241

Cost: Free

Maps https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/content/dam/ac/docs/parks-recreation/map-wenderholm-regional-park

Mt Tamahunga, Rodney (6 Dec 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Mt Tamahunga

Sunday 6 December Depart 8am

This is a section of the Te Araroa trail. Extensive predator trapping has been carried out and Kiwi have been released in this area. The track offers views of Matakana, Omaha, Pakari, and a guaranteed hill climb. This track will be slippery in places, so good footwear is recommended. Expect 4 plus hours tramping; good medium fitness is required.

Provided we have two drivers, we will drop one party to start at about 839 Matakana Valley Road, they will head in an easterly direction towards the weather satellite station and up on to the summit of Mount Tamahunga 439m.

The other parties will start at the opposite end at Bathgate Road, Pakari. The track leads up a steep ridgeline through farmland for 2.5 kilometers, this part will offer fantastic views of the Pakari coastline, before heading west towards the Mount Tamahunga summit and carry on to Matakana Valley Road.

If we only have one driver, it will be an out and back route, and there are other options on the day to shorten the route, but please be prepared for a full day; a good level of fitness is required.

Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf

Depart:

8am The Strand, Takapuna
8.10am University Avenue, Albany (MUATC)
8.20 am Silverdale Park & Ride bus stop

Cost: $20 members, $25 non-members

Please have the correct change for payment on the bus

Members please register online by 7pm Friday 4^th December.

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

Organiser: Amber Gladwin 027-838-9483

Driver/s: Ajay/

Maps: Online/Printable/GPS

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.

Mt Pirongia Mini weekend - Xmas trip training (12 Dec 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Mt Pirongia Mini Weekend - Xmas trip training

Advanced Tramping Track

Saturday 12th Dec 8:00 am Leave from Como Street Carpark, Takapuna and drive to Kaniwhaniwha Reserve (Limeworks Loop Road carpark).
Return Takapuna Sunday 5:30pm

We will start from the Kaniwhaniwha car park and follow a metalled track alongside the river to Kaniwhaniwha campsite. From here the Tahuanui Track leaves the campsite beside the stream and climbs steadily uphill with a few steeper sections nearing top of the ridge.

At the junction with the Tirohanga Track we head towards the summit and Pāhautea Hut. Gaining the summit of Pirongia you will find the lookout tower (959 m), which is well worth the effort to climb with views across the Waikato region. On fine, clear days, the peak of Mount Taranaki to the south and Mount Ruapehu to the southeast are both visible from the lookout tower. A further 30 mins walk with some ups and downs brings us to Pāhautea Hut and campsites.

For those feeling energetic, an elevated boardwalk and steps will take you to the Hihikiwi Lookout (905 m) around 15 - 20 mins. As this is boardwalk the whole way this can be done in hut shoes later in the day. Great views towards the west coast and to watch the sunset.

Sunday 13th Dec, We will return to the bus retracing our steps from the previous day.

Notes:
The track is a solid climb with some steep sections from Kaniwhaniwha campsite to the hut.

Pirongia is known for its mud so make use of the boot washing station at the hut (down by the toilets) before putting your boots inside the cloakroom

Temperatures can easily drop into single digits any time of year and there is no fireplace so take warm clothing.

Bring a change of clothes and shoes for the bus ride home (can be left in bus)

There are 9 bunks in the hut and 6 campsites booked

Cost:
Bunk (9 available) $73.00 for Members
Campsite - tent required (6 available) $65.00 for Members
Payment due by 4 December please

Organiser: Garry - 021 269 2196
Driver: TBA

Greenlane Pickup available

Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf

Xmas Trip Dec 2026 Jan 2027 Kahurangi and 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.

- Historic Asbestos Cottage, recently cleaned and re-opened via a new track diversion to avoid the old mine site. https://planmywalk.nz/tracks/asbestos-cottage-track/map. Continuing on to the Upper Takaka Track and...

- 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 Forks 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 Forks 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.