Trips, Tramps & More...

2024 Programme

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Ruapehu Working Bee - 29th/30th March 2025

The club needs your help at the upcoming Ruapehu Working Bees.

We would like to include all helpers this year including families with either helping or non-helping children.

Families can attend with either 1 or 2 parents helping depending on kids’ ages/supervision requirements. We will have a range of jobs.

We are adjusted the next working bee

29th & 30th March

However we are always flexible to due weather and may postpones if required.

The main aim is to finish the painting of the roof after getting half way through last year.

This will involve ladders, harnesses and working at heights.

We are looking for a small group of volunteers who are comfortable working on the roof but will also have a number of smaller jobs at ground level.

Including rebuilding a wall following last years hot water cylinder replacement.

Please let Nicholas know at ruapehu@alpinesport.org.nz if you can help.

Sunday Walk - Whatipu to Pararaha return – Saturday 5th April 2025

Meet at 9.30 am at the end of the Whatipu Road at the Whatipu Beach carpark.
Walk over the hills along the Gibbons and Muir tracks to the Les Ward Shelter by the Pararaha Stream for lunch, and return along the beach visiting the Whatipu caves on the way.
See https://nztramper.com/gibbons-track-muir-track-pararaha-valley-track-to-beach-loop/ for details.
This is a trip which has not been done by our club for some years. It has always been very popular with tramping groups, school groups and family groups. Prior to the 1950’s the caves were used for Saturday night dances and social functions. Whatipu area has an interesting history so do join us - we would love to have your company.
Contact leaders:- Calin Cascaval and Anca Suvaiala on 022 408 2800 or email calin@cascaval.us or anca@cascaval.us

Small People on Big Hills - Maungakiekie Nature Walk and Picnic - 5th April - Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill

We will explore a loop track around the cone off the main track in the long grass, climb grassy hills, climb trees, find the fairy tree and slide down grassy slopes and end up back at the car park for a shared picnic early dinner. Suitable for all ages. Not pram suitable, little ones in front or backpacks.
Meet at 2:45pm at the grassy knoll behind the Sorrento carpark on the Royal Oak side of One Tree Hill. Please arrive on time as we will leave at for walk at 3pm. We will walk around the cone off the track, it may take between 60-90mins to go around at kid pace and playing as they go.
Bring snacks, drinks, sturdy shoes and warm/waterproof clothing for some off-track exploring this beautiful maunga. Bring picnic dinner and picnic rugs for early dinner picnic (leave in car) after the walk.
Contact Abi to register abimaeraymond@gmail.com

Easter Camp - 18th to 22nd April - Pirongia Forest Park Lodge

Easter camp will be upon us before we know it and this year we're heading to Pirongia Forest Park Lodge. Another great location not far from Auckland and bordering an awesome bush to explore. Easter camp is a very family friendly weekend away.

Dates: Friday 18 April 9am until Tuesday 23 April 3pm. There is the possibility of extending through Wednesday and Thursday if there is enough interest given it's school holidays.
Cost: $120 pp for the weekend.
Camping: there are spaces for camping, but this isn't in addition to the bunkrooms.

Spaces are limited so book in quickly by emailing janeprestonnz@gmail.com. Bookings will be confirmed with payment.

Small People on Big Hills - Te Arai loop walk - 3rd May

Join Claire and Harper for the Te Arai loop walk to Forestry and back. On the way we're going to explore the rockpools to find sea anemones, starfish, crabs and more. Bring togs / wetsuit for a jump in the lagoon at the end. Feel free to bring boogie boards, picnic lunch to stay later at the beach.

Meet at Te Arai beach carpark https://maps.app.goo.gl/gAhoAT27sEPToJ51A

Estimated Duration (excluding travel):

1-2hrs (2.6km) with stops to explore rock pools along the way

Suitable for all ages

Map and terrain: https://www.alltrails.com/.../te-arai-regional-park-walk...

Sunday Walk - Tiritiri Matangi Sunday 4th May 2025

Details to follow later - Leader Carolyn Blackford

Ruapehu Food Drop - Saturday 10th May 2025

Drive down to Ruapehu on Friday 9th of May and help carry up the food from the Top'o the Bruce carpark to the A-Frame on Saturday 10th May. Our wonderful Hut Warden Jackson Seddon and Gemma Seddon are organising this and they need your help. Many hands make light work. This is always a fun and social weekend. Car-pool from Auckland for a social and spectacular drive. Register now at ruapehu@alpinesport.org.nz

Sunday Walk - Waiheke Island Coastal Walk Sunday 8th June 2025

Details to follow later - Susan Stephens

Snowcraft Weekend - 26th/27th July 2025

Come and learn the skills required for above the bush travel and alpine crossings. An introductory course focused on gaining the skills and confidence for moving on snow and ice including ice axe and crampon use, self arrest , use of basic avalanche equipment . This is based at our cosy Ruapehu Hut but Saturday night will spent higher up the mountain at the Alpine hut on delta corner. Course includes one evening introductory session approximately 1 month prior to the course which will cover gear options. Cost $350 per person (members) or $500 non-member ( includes main meals and accommodation). Transport is not included but will be co-ordinated between participants , travel down Friday evening back Sunday afternoon/early evening. Participants need to have or hire a helmet, ice axe and crampons ($25/ set for the weekend).

Contact: Mark Roberts mark2005roberts@yahoo.co.nz

RECURRING WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Thursday Walks – Walks are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month (except January and December).

We use a separate communications list with full details of trips for those regularly taking part. If you wish to join the list and come on the walks, send us an email on the link below.

For further information or to join the list, contact Clive Bolt thursday.walks@alpinesport.org.nz.