Sylvester Hut - Cobb Valley, Kahurangi National Park Friday 25 - Sunday 27 August 2023 The programme advertised that this trip would take place ‘some time in August’ (i.e. when good weather and leader-availability aligned), and to register interest with Di. Of a total of 15 names that were tossed into the pot, by the time the call was made that we were going ahead, five bubbled to the top. We…

Editor Hill – Marlborough Sounds Saturday 12 August 2023 Saturday dawned fine and frosty for this year’s trip to Editor Hill. Nine of us set off from Opouri Saddle at 8.45am. Five had been up this way on previous trips, but it was new country for the rest of us. The track was damp and slippery, and steep in places. We had morning tea once the bulk of the climbing was over, choosing our sitting…

Saturday 5 August 2023 Beebys Hut, Mt Richmond Forest Park Our group of 10 left the gate on the Tophouse Road at 9.15 and started the long walk up the 4WD track. Smidgins of snow became more pronounced the further up we went, and it was a steady non-relenting climb. The track was lined by trees, regularly opening out to our right with vistas of the Raglan Range. The snow became a deeper carpet…

PHOTO COMPETITION 2023 WINNING ENTRIES: Above the Bushline - No Human Element 1st - Sunset At The Tarns (Diane) 2nd - Mole Tops (Jenny) 3rd - Lake Minchin (Pete) Above the Bushline - With A Human Element 1st - Heading Into The Landsborough (Pete) 2nd - On The Rocks (Jenny) 3rd - Owen Reflection (Jenny) Below the Bushline - No Human Element 1st - Aspiring Flat (Kathy) 2nd - Big Bay (Pete) 3rd -…

Nydia Track Crossover, Marlborough Sounds Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 July 2023 We travelled four per car to the Rai Valley turnoff, where we did a car swap-over. We took our boots and packs with us and left our after-tramp clothes and snacks behind. The southbound Sobos drove to Duncan Bay, while the northbound Nobos headed to Kaiuma Bay. Both parties then donned packs and boots and headed for the…

Pepin Island, Nelson Saturday 22 July 2023 Pepin Island is a unique property as it is an entirely privately-owned working sheep and beef farm. It also has a small tourism operation with three eco-cabin-like huts. The island was named by the French explorer Jules Dumont d'Urville after his wife Adele Pepin. Our large group of 34 met at the end of the Cable Bay causeway for this popular tramp. We…

City Heights - Nelson Saturday 15 July 2023 Six of us enjoyed a 16km jaunt up hill and down dale while remaining close to and having marvellous views of Nelson city. We started from Founders Heritage Park at 9am. We took our time meandering through Wakapuaka cemetery. About the same number of sheep were doing the same. It was serene. The sun shone and the recently polished headstones gleamed.…

Lake Rotoiti Walks – Nelson Lakes National Park Sunday 9 July 2023 On a mild mid-winter’s day a group of eight trampers set off from West Bay on the Peninsula Track. After five minutes we turned off up the Black Hill Track, but here we briefly lost one person on the other track, showing the need to regroup at turnoffs, even after only five minutes. Altogether again, it was an easy gradient up…

Bridge & Gibbs Valley Farm Walk, Tasman Sunday 2 July 2023 This local walk was a new trip, for the first part on private farmland. 23 keen walkers met at the homestead of Lone Oak Farm. The owner gave us a brief, informative introduction about the farm history and covered the health and safety rules. With plenty of layers of clothing on for the cool, windy day we were on our way following farm…

Sclanders Creek, Maitai Valley Sunday 18 June 2023 Ah, Sclanders Creek again! It had been four years since the club last had a trip up that way. Eight of us decided to venture out into the drizzle, which soon eased off, for us to have a pleasant seven and a half hours in the forest of the south branch of the Maitai. Leaving the cars at the Maitai Dam, we went up the track towards the Maitai…

Saturday 10 June 2023 Mt Robert Circuit, Nelson Lakes National Park What a stunning Bluebird Day! with perfect windless, cloudless conditions up above Lake Rotoiti. The mild early-winter weather meant no snow on our circuit, or even on the nearby hills of the St Arnaud Range or further up on Robert Ridge. We started at the Mt Robert carpark, where there’s an excellent new entrance portal. We…

Hanmer Springs, North Canterbury Kings Birthday Weekend, 3-4 June 2023 On Saturday morning eight of us made the 3.5 hour journey from Richmond over the Lewis Pass to leave our marks on Hanmer for the long weekend. Our original intention was to spend 3 days / 2 nights at the Forest Camp just outside of town, but a heinous forecast for Monday (113mm of rain in Hanmer and 65mm of snow in the Lewis)…

Mt Evans – Abel Tasman National Park Sunday 28 May 2023 A downpour as we assembled in Richmond did not deter a group of 11 trampers as “showers clearing” was the weather forecast (or was it that the leader did not want to make ten phone calls?). All we wanted was for it to stop raining at the start of the trip. By the time we departed from the Canaan carpark the weather gods had complied, but we…

Sunday 21 May 2023 Whisky Falls & Coldwater Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park At a cool and early 7.30 meet up on Sunday morning, 14 intrepid folks, with some new faces, headed up to St Arnaud. The trip had been delayed a day due to a rainy forecast, but this rain made those Whisky Falls pump! We walked the Lakeside Track on the right side of the lake and stopped for morning tea and many photos at…

Great Taste Trail, Richmond to Wakefield Sunday 14 May 2023 There were five of us who started from Richmond Badminton Hall carpark on a lovely autumn morning. It was along the trail to Rabbit Island first, with a few bicycle riders about, then we made a diversion after 30 minutes as the group wanted to go along the stopbank. We found a table near an underpass for a morning tea stop then shortly…

Hacket Hut - Mt Richmond Forest Park 50th Anniversary Walk Saturday 29 April 2023 I must open by thanking all those who helped to make this a memorable trip. Thanks to: Tony for help with the track and hut preparation a few days beforehand. Tony, Robert, Andrew and David, the advanced guard, who went in early to prepare the hut. Maria and Sue for the scones, jam, cream and hot drinks. All the…

Observation Beach – Abel Tasman National Park Sunday 23 April 2023 We had a gorgeous sunny Saturday, with ten trampers heading out to Observation Beach in the Abel Tasman. Two members brought their togs and went for a refreshing swim, leaving several of us a bit envious that we hadn’t brought ours! We shared the beach with several kayakers and families making the most of the lovely weather.…

Camp Lake, Kahurangi National Park 23-24 April 2023 A weekend trip was planned, but the weather forecast predicted a storm to go through on Friday night and clear around midday on Saturday. Not an auspicious start. All nine of us agreed to delay the trip for a day, and so, of course, Saturday dawned cloudless. We spent Saturday night at Trilobite Hut, at the road end. Haunted by a gale prediction…

Awaroa Historic Sites, Abel Tasman National Park 15-16 April 2023 We arrived at Awaroa about 10.15am after stops in Wainui and at the roadmans hut on the Totaranui Hill for some history lessons, one of the group commenting that she was in awe of how people could live so humbly. After morning tea we set off heading south around the estuary, staying close to the rushes until rounding the first…

Powder Valley - St Arnaud Range Saturday 8 April 2023 A day trip on a fine Easter Saturday proved a popular choice for 13 trampers, rather than the traditional four-day Easter weekend trip. We headed up the Rainbow Road in the upper Wairau Valley, then 1km up the skifield road and parked by a locked gate. It was a steady gradient walking up the wide road above Six Mile Creek. Signposts every 1km…

Captain Creek Hut – Mt Richmond Forest Park Sunday 2 April 2023 After a wet Saturday, Sunday was sunny - ideal for five of us to practice walking Te Araroa. SOBO in the morning, then NOBO after lunch. We left the car at the Pelorus road-end and headed off to Captain Creek Hut. Surprisingly, we met no through-hikers, just a group of four other day-trippers with a friendly dog. The Emerald Pool…

Wooded Peak – Bryant Range Sunday 25 March 2023 Three intrepid souls had a big day out climbing Wooded Peak. It was a chilly start at the Brook Sanctuary and then it was up, up and away! Due to the storm damage from August 2022, it was not possible to follow the Dun Mountain Trail from Four Corners to Third House, so we followed the detour which went along the Sanctuary fence. We stopped for…

Speargrass Hut – Nelson Lakes National Park Sunday 19 March 2023 On a fine day six trampers set off from the Mt Robert carpark along the Speargrass Track. The terrain consists of lots of tree roots amongst the beech forest needing some care with footing. The gradient was quite level for the first ten minutes before descending steadily for one hour down to Te Horowai/Speargrass Creek. We found a…

Champion and United Mines Circuit – Mt Richmond Forest Park Saturday 11 March 2023 A small group of six trampers set out on Saturday morning to do the Champion and United Mines circuit. When we arrived at the carpark, we were all very impressed to see the new bridge that had been recently completed. We were especially happy that there would be two less river crossings on the circuit, but given…

The Brook Sanctuary, Nelson Saturday 4 March 2023 Five club members, led by newbie leader Terri, enjoyed a lovely Saturday morning tramp in the Brook Sanctuary, starting off with a visit in the newly re-furbished Visitors Centre. We walked counter-clockwise and took the Valley Track (passing the excellent natural sculpture ‘Pouakai’) up to Carters Track. Morning tea was enjoyed at the large…

Friday 24 February – Sunday 26 February 2023 Mt Owen, Kahurangi National Park FRIDAY – DAY ONE It was an early wake-up before two carloads grouped in Richmond, then joined up with another car in Wakefield. The twelve of us drove in convoy to the carpark at Courthouse Flat, and at about 9.30am we were kicking off. It’s a stiff climb up the ridge between the Granity and Blue Creeks, with a welcome…

Dun Mountain Circuit, Bryant Range Saturday 11 February 2023 Five of us set off from the Maitai Dam car park at 8am. Crossing the footbridge we made our way up the south branch of the river and through the magnificent native bush before starting to climb up and out into the open. By 10.30 we reached the track junction of Coppermine and Dun Saddle, surprised to have only met one descending…

Hope Range, Kahurangi National Park Monday 6 February 2023 A second long weekend in a row with heavy rain forecast, and we had to cancel another multi-day tramp! The big front came through on Sunday, so we took our chances for a day trip up the Hope Range on Monday, with good hopes that the front would have passed through by then. Parking at the Boulder Creek at SH6 is limited and we had to drive…

Booths Cottage, Nelson Lakes National Park Saturday 28 January 2023 Late January, the height of summer, a three-day long weekend (Nelson Anniversary) … sounds like a perfect recipe for a tramping trip above the bushline … yes? But no - a nasty incoming weather system put paid to that idea. Saturday being the best of the three days, a last-minute expedition was instead mounted to head somewhere…

Anakiwa to Grove Arm Lookout – Marlborough Sounds Saturday 28 January 2023 This 15 km return walk would have been part of a more comprehensive walking weekend had the weather played ball. It refused. We heartily recommend Smith’s Farm Holiday Park at Linkwater which was our base for two nights. We’d planned a sunny walk from Anakiwa to Mistletoe Bay with lunch and a swim on one of the Nelson…

Wainui Hut Circuit – Abel Tasman National Park Sunday 22 January 2023 Just before 9am, eight trampers set off from the Canaan road-end, stopping for morning tea at Wainui Saddle. From there it did not seem to take long to get up to the Inland Track where we turned left and walked along the gently undulating Evans Ridge. We stopped at the junction down to Wainui Hut for a short snack and drink…

Lees Creek Hut - Raglan Range Sunday 15 January 2023 After a long, slow drive along the Rainbow Road, with numerous fords, potholes and rocks making high clearance 4WD necessary, we arrived at our destination. Ten of us were eager to get started on our return day-trip to Lees Creek Hut. After crossing the swingbridge over the Wairau River, climbing a set of steep stairs, and some…

Sunday 8 January 2023 Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park Our group of six left Kerr Bay at 0845hrs for the ultimate destination of Coldwater Hut. Rainy weather in the days beforehand had changed our plans from crossing the Travers River between Lakehead and Coldwater Hut and thus completing an almost loop, to instead heading further up the valley to the swingbridge and finishing at…

Mangarakau Lodge – Golden Bay 31 December 2022-3 January 2023 Settled weather with only light breezes allowed the 11 of us to enjoy five days of tramps from our base at Mangarakau Lodge. On the way to the lodge we walked the Knuckle Hill Track. This is a one hour walk tramp along an old logging road and then a 20 minute climb to the top of Knuckle Hill. The day was clear so we had good views all…

Hacket Gorge, Mt Richmond Forest Park Sunday 18 December 2022 A week out from Christmas seemed like a good day to take a small group of trampers on a new walk that the club has not done before. I did a couple of reconnaissance trips out to Hacket Hut and back through the gorge and river bed. There were definitely some river crossings and getting wet involved, but it would be a good and different…

Maitland Ridge Circuit – Mt Richmond Forest Park Sunday 11 December 2022 This is an excellent circuit taking in Red Hills Hut, Maitland Ridge, Beebys 4WD, and Wots Up Doc mountain-bike track. The track included beech forest, tussock, an historic cob cottage, a tarn, and a goblin forest. There were sweeping views including across the Wairau River to the Raglan Range and upriver along the Rainbow…

Maud Hut – Nelson Lakes National Park Sunday 4 December 2022 On a fine day a large group of 22 trampers visited Maud Valley, located between Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa. This valley was the richest goldfield in the Howard area, with mining carried out during the 1930s depression and then between 1967 and 1993. Only a few mining relics now remain, as well as two decaying huts. We travelled 1km…

Hartbreak Ridge – Mt Richmond Forest Park Saturday 26 November 2022 Hartbreak Ridge used to be a popular trip through the Mineral Belt, but it had become very overgrown when, a couple of years ago, Nelson and Waimea tramping club members re-marked and re-cut it. It’s a long day out, but it gets easier the further one goes. The day dawned fine for eleven of us to brave the ridge. We set out along…

Bark Bay to Marahau – Abel Tasman National Park Sunday 20 November 2022 With the weather looking wetter on the Saturday the scheduled tramp was changed to the Sunday, which turned out to be not the case! Six keen walkers caught the 9am water taxi from Marahau to Bark Bay. It started out as a pleasant cruise with a detour to Split Apple Rock. Things changed when we hit the 'Mad Mile'. It certainly…

The Boulder Bank, Nelson Sunday 13 November 2022 A horribly wet and cold Saturday saw the Ellis Hut overnighter put on the back burner, and instead we rustled up an easy Sunday trip along that most fabulous of Nelson icons, the Boulder Bank. Te Pokohiwi (The Boulder Bank) is a natural spit of grandiorite rock that runs for 13km from its start at McKay Bluffs to its finish at The Cut. Most people…

Cable Bay Walkway, Nelson Saturday 5 November 2022 The original trip had to be cancelled because of the SH6 road closure to Blenheim, so this was thought up at short notice. I was pleasantly surprised there were twelve participants including two visitors. The walkway is maintained by DOC but sections of it cross a working farm. We parked at Glenduan by the coast and slowly walked uphill to the…

Gordons Pyramid Circuit – Kahurangi National Park Sunday 30 October 2022 A threesome set off from Flora carpark, passed over Flora Saddle and quickly arrived at the classic Flora Hut after 30 minutes. We continued along the nice wide Flora Track winding high above Flora Stream. After 1 hour and 45 minutes we reached the turnoff to Clouston’s Mine and Gordons Pyramid. We ascended the very…

Hidden Hut and Turkeys Nest Bivvy, Leatham Valley 22-24 October 2022 The Wye Route in South Marlborough is a near-new route having only been cut, marked and sign-posted in 2010-2011 and this was the club’s first trip here apart from a day trip partway in 2013. On a fine day, nine adventurers turned off SH63 in the Wairau Valley and drove up the Leatham Road. An obstacle was Station Creek ford…

Motueka Sandspit Saturday 22 October 2022 With twelve people including two newcomers, we arrived at the saltwater baths about 9am and started on a fine day with the tide full and going out. We walked onto the spit about 9:30 to find a good flock of godwits with many juvenile birds, waiting for the tide to go out to start feeding. We spent about 15 minutes enjoying taking photographs, then after…

Mt Lodestone/Mt Arthur Hut Circuit - Kahurangi National Park Sunday 16 October 2022 With the ongoing road closure of the Maitai Valley Road and roadworks on the Whangamoas following the Big Rains in August, the scheduled weekend crossover trip in the Richmond Ranges unfortunately had to be postponed. Instead we plumped for a replacement day trip on the Sunday from Flora Saddle. But, at the…

Mt Hope – Kahurangi National Park Saturday 8 October 2022 A group of fourteen of us departed from the highway at Boulder Creek, just a few kilometres before Kawatiri. The track into the bush was very visible as it went in through blackberries, over the old railway embankment and into the trees. The track has recently been cleared and re-marked so it was easy to follow. For the first hour or so it…

Pisgah Hill – Abel Tasman National Park Saturday 1 October 2022 Saturday dawned overcast, with a forecast of strong cold south-east winds and drizzle. That didn’t faze the nine hardy souls who had booked for the trip. In the event we hardly needed parkas for much of the day, and we were under the tree canopy most of the time, which kept the cold wind at bay. Not even a handful of stream crossings…

Hopeless Creek Junction – Nelson Lakes National Park Saturday 24 September 2022 A group of ten left Coldwater Hut at 9.15am after a water-taxi ride up the lake from Kerr Bay. The weather was perfect, contrary to what the Met Service might have said, and for most members it was a day of new vistas and country walked. We lunched at our destination at Hopeless Creek with mounts Hopeless and Cupola…

Castle Rock Hut - Abel Tasman National Park 17-18 September 2022 Our entry to Abel Tasman National Park was via Canaan. The road to Canaan was a little rough but surprisingly driveable, post- the rain deluges of previous weeks. Five of us walked in to Castle Rock Hut on Saturday. On the way, we enjoyed the views from the lookout rocks above Moa Park. Once at the hut we wiped down the mattresses…

Blue Hill – Cable Bay, Nelson Sunday 11 September 2022 Following the "river of rain" that hit Nelson mid-August and the trail of devastation left in its wake, many tracks around Nelson were still closed including the Dun Mountain trail. It was a bit tricky trying to find a replacement trip that was still accessible. Blue Hill seemed a great option, being close to home and open, plus it had also…

Motueka to Tasman Great Taste Trail Sunday 4 September 2022 Remember the days you have where everything go right? well this was one of these. The group left Talleys carpark around 10am in cloudy weather and headed along the last part of the Inlet Walkway. Then it was across the main road to High Street and then Wildman Road which would take us to the Lower Moutere main road. It was all flat and…

Mount Murchison – Braeburn Range Sunday 28 August 2022 After having driven past and looked at Mount Murchison so many times, I was pleased to finally lead a tramping club up there. Access is via Rait Road over private land, and it was not a problem getting permission from the farmer David James. We drove up a farm track until the locked gate with a funny sign ‘No Stupid People past this Point!’…

Fringed Hill / Third House Circuit - Nelson Saturday 13 August 2022 A group of 12 keen trampers set of from OK Corral just after 9am, walking up the old Dun Mountain railway route to Third House, stopping along the way for a very pleasant morning tea break sitting in warm sunshine. After 1st lunch at Third House, it was a short walk to the Wooded Peak junction where we branched off the Dun track…

Kina Peninsula, Tasman Sunday 7 August 2022 13 people on this walk met at 7.45 at Richmond Badminton Hall carpark. Once carpooling logistics were sorted we travelled to Deck Road for an 8.30 start. After a stormy Saturday night, Sunday turned out to be a stunning sunny winter’s day, ideal for a beach walk. We followed the beach north until we rounded the end of the peninsula which brought us into…

PHOTO COMPETITION 2022 WINNING ENTRIES: Above the Bushline - No Human Element 1st - Zampa Tarn (Jenny) 2nd - Stag Creek (Chris E) 3rd - Hoary Head (Chris E) Above the Bushline - With A Human Element 1st - Tarn Col (Diane) 2nd - Tops Travel (Diane) 3rd - Above The Clouds (Esther) Below the Bushline - No Human Element 1st - Sunrise at Collingwood Beach (Mary) 2nd - Misty Forest (Diane) 3rd - Dusky…

Parachute Rocks – Nelson Lakes National Park Sunday 31 July 2022 After a pretty wet week and yet more torrential rain on Saturday 30 July, the messages came in thick and fast – is the trip tomorrow still on? Absolutely I said – the rain is forecast to stop about midnight, and rain in Richmond will be nice fresh snow up at Nelson Lakes. … It was still raining heavily at 5am on Sunday morning … And…

City Heights - Nelson Saturday 23 July 2022 At 9 am on a clear, chilly July morning, nine of us still reigning victorious over seasonal colds, flu and covid met outside Founders Park on Atawhai Drive. We made a quick procession through the Wakapouaka Cemetery admiring the handiwork of hardy local volunteers who up until recently donated their time and elbow grease to cleaning the tomb stones. On…

Wakaretu Bay, Marlborough Sounds Friday 16 - Saturday 17 July 2022 We went to Wakaretu in two waves - first on Friday in the rain, then the second early Saturday morning. After an early morning tea on Saturday we set out from Jeff’s bach to climb to the Vodafone tower NE of the bach. Once the mist cleared the day and it warmed up, we had a good day with views over the sounds and by lunch views of…

Cable Bay Walkway Sunday 10 July 2022 There was much debate over whether the trip would go ahead given the amount of rain that we had in the previous 24 hours. But the rain stopped at about 7am and the seven of us set off. We walked from Glenduan to the top of Sentinel Hill and then back to the cars at Glenduan. From the start the track heads up a farm track to an airstrip and lookout where we…

Barnicoat Range Crossover Saturday 2 July 2022 16 trampers were keen to complete a traverse of the Barnicoat Range. We all met at 8:45am at Easby Park, Richmond on a beautiful, clear, sunny day. Marian led the group of eight from Easby Park up to the fire lookout tower for morning tea and along the Barnicoat Range Walkway to the hang gliding area for lunch. While eating lunch they were…

Reefton Base Camp 24-26 June 2022 - Matariki Weekend On our first Matariki weekend ever, seven trampers joined the long weekend trip to Reefton despite the weather forecast. Prepared for the worst and hoping for the best! On Friday we drove to Reefton and settled in the two cabins at the Reefton Motorcamp. They were well-equipped, comfortable and well-priced; a good choice for club accommodation. We…

Mid-Winter Mystery Tour Saturday 18 June 2022 A sea of expectant faces met at Paru Paru Road at 9am, each knowing it would be foot travel from the carpark, everywhere in-between and back. But where would we be walking and where would the chosen lunch spot be? Just as well there was no serious betting, because all would have lost. We set off in a crocodile line out to the BP Service Station on…

Kaikoura Base Camp Saturday 4 - Monday 6 June 2022 Kaikoura was the location for this year’s Queens Birthday Weekend ‘base camp’, with three day-trips on the agenda. Part One - Saturday 4 June 2022. Cape Campbell Lighthouse. Weather report: Bluebird, no wind. We started the weekend with everyone - 15 of us - meeting at the end of Marfells Beach Road. On schedule at 10.30 we departed for our coast…

Sherry River Track Cutting Sunday 29 May 2022 It dawned a clear frosty morning. Eight of us met at Wakefield to travel to Sherry River where a fellow tramper has a lifestyle block with a patch of regenerating native bush on it. There are about four kilometres of track zigzagging through the bush, which of course, requires a bit of maintenance from time to time. Today that was exactly what we…

Anchorage Hut – Abel Tasman National Park 14-15 May 2022 A group of seven departed on the Saturday from Marahau carpark at 9:30am on a cloudy, calm morning. We followed the Coast Track until Tinline Campsite, where we took the Inland Track that takes you up to Holyoakes Clearing Shelter. To start with it is a gradual incline and then becomes a bit steeper with tree roots and rocky patches. Soon…

Ben Nevis – Mt Richmond Forest Park Saturday 7 May 2022 It was a clear, cool morning when eleven keen trampers (eight club members and three visitors) met at Badminton Hall for the drive up to the beginning of the Ben Nevis track. The drive up through the Wairoa Gorge was a little bit rough in places, and we were very glad that we had managed to find enough 4WD cars. We met up with the Wakefield…

Mt Malita – Bryant Range Sunday 1 May 2022 On a partly cloudy day, a group of ten gathered at the end of Aniseed Valley Road, about 17km from the SH6 turnoff. We crossed a concrete ford across the Roding River with the water about 15cm deep, so some received wet feet. The footbridge that was here was washed away during flooding in February 2018, but a new vehicle bridge is soon to be built,…

Cass – Lagoon Circuit, Arthur's Pass 28-29 April 2022 A sunny weather forecast (again!), made a good beginning for this second tramp of the week. After a car drop-off at the Cora Lynn carpark, we started our trip from the Cass settlement and walked a kilometre on the gravel road back to SH73 to the DOC Cass-Lagoon sign. The first half hour is along an uninteresting new stop bank and deer fence…

Edwards-Hawdon Circuit - Arthur's Pass 24-26 April 2022 Arthur's Pass turned on the bluebird weather for our extended late-autumn tramping trip - seven days of sunshine! We completed two 'away' tramps, plus day walks on the day we arrived and on our in-between 'rest day' (these included Temple Basin, Devil's Punchbowl Falls, Bealey Track etc). Our base for the week was the Christchurch Tramping…

Cycling Mapua to Kina Beach – Tasman Sunday 24 April 2022 Tasman’s Great Taste Cycle Trail has at least nine different sections with varying degrees of difficulty (grades 1-3). Waimea Tramping Club has done several of these in the past few years; this time it was the Mapua to Kina Beach and beyond circuit. Leaving Mapua Wharf around 10am, five of us gently cycled along the road and footpath to…

Beebys Hut – Mt Richmond Forest Park Sunday 17 April 2022 Beebys Hut is a standard 6-bunk hut in the Mt Richmond Forest Park. It is roughly a one hour drive from Richmond on the road to St Arnaud. The track starts from the carpark off the main road and it’s over 7km to reach the hut. Our group of eight (four men and four women) got going in cloudy but humid weather straight up the hill through…

Devilskin Saddle Circuit – Lewis Pass 15-17 April 2022 Cloudy weather cleared to a clear fine day as eight adventurers travelled over Lewis Pass and headed into the Canterbury high country for three days of the Easter weekend. Passengers disembarked at Palmer Lodge opposite the start of the Nina Valley Track, then the drivers travelled 6km further to Boyle Village. Two cars were parked here for…

Julius Summit – Nelson Lakes National Park Sunday 10 April 2022 On a glorious autumn Sunday, an intrepid group of 15 headed out early towards Nelson Lakes and a Julius Summit ascent. We walked at a good pace up the Pinchgut Track through the forest, stopping to enjoy the spectacular views of the lake, then morning tea at the Relax Shelter. Continuing after the break we headed up the track,…

Devil & Doom Creeks - Mt Richmond Forest Park Saturday April 2, 2022 Maybe it was eerie names like Butchers Flat, Doom Creek and Devils Creek that had put leaders off taking trips into the Wakamarina Valley area of Mt Richmond Forest Park in recent years. Few in our party had been before. Some were heard making comments like “How come this is the first opportunity we’ve had to come into this…

Breezer Hut – Wairau Valley Saturday 26 March 2022 25 trampers headed over to Wairau Valley to do this tramp on private farmland. On leaving SH63 we took a farm track to the woolshed where we departed from at 9:30am. To start with there was a gradual incline on a 4WD track, reaching the ridgeline for morning tea. We then carried on following the undulating ridgeline in mostly open tussock land.…

Commentary Cave – Upper Takaka Sunday 20 March 2022 At 7.45am five of us met at Richmond Jubilee Park carpark. Unfortunately Esther our leader was unable to attend on the day. Another was picked up on our way over to Upper Takaka for our 9am rendezvous with our caving guides. Also joining us were two Nelson Tramping Club members, and a dad and his three children keen to try caving. After a short…

Pearse Resurgence, Kahurangi National ParkSaturday 12 March 2022 A select group of eight enjoyed this excellent day trip to the Pearse Resurgence near Ngatimoti. We left Richmond at 8 o'clock and were walking shortly after 9. The last kilometer or so of the gravel road is a bit pot-holey, but just go slow and it's fine.The very first steps of the walk involved getting wet feet crossing the ford -…

Ngarata Homestead - Totaranui, Abel Tasman National Park Friday 4 - Sunday 6 March 2022 First off - a big shout-out to the Auckland Tramping Club for making this weekend happen. The ATC had booked Ngarata Homestead, DOC’s outdoor education centre at Totaranui, as part of their 2022 Safari to the Top Of The South. As a past-member of 25 years, I had piggybacked Waimea TC on to their accommodation…

Conical Hill – Kahurangi National Park 26-27 February 2022 The Hope Range is a unique area. Its vegetation is interrupted by patches of granite sand and protrusions of granite boulders. Our group had permission to park on private land by Limeworks Road. Once passing the site of the limeworks, which ceased production in the late 1950s, we entered the bush and followed along an old partly…

Archers Track, Marlborough Sounds Saturday 19 February 2022 Today’s enjoyable, short, coastal walk in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds came directly after two consecutive weekends of pouring rain playing havoc with the leaders' careful planning of summer trips they’d been keen to do. This group just wanted the opportunity to get out to exercise their bodies and their mouths. To the previously…

Buckland Peaks - Paparoa National Park Saturday 29 - Monday 31 January 2022 Our two cars left Richmond bright and early on a sunny Saturday morning for the three hour drive to the Buckland Peaks road end just shy of Westport. After a 5km one hour farm-road bash, we reached the stile at the start of the uphill forest section. We stopped for lunch just short of ‘Halfway House’ - which featured a…

Observation Beach – Abel Tasman National Park Saturday 29 January 2022 Marahau carpark was the starting point for our tramp to Observation Beach - a warm summer morning saw 13 trampers set off at 9am. We arrived at Apple Tree Bay for morning tea, the group dividing between the sun lovers out in the open and the shade preferers on the rocks under the cliffs. Two lots of entertainment were to be…

Captain Creek Hut – Mt Richmond Forest Park Saturday 22 January 2022 A warm sunny day dawned as we headed off to the Pelorus after leaving Nelson at 7.30am. Around 9am we began walking along the track towards Emerald Pool and Captain Creek Hut. By morning tea we were at the Emerald Pool, sitting at the picnic table enjoying some food. From here the track headed upward over a ridge and then sidled…

Nydia Track Crossover, Marlborough Sounds Sunday 16 January 2022 Summer tramping at its best Usually the Nydia Track is done by the club as an overnighter, staying at DOC's Nydia Lodge, due to its distance from Nelson and the 27km length of the track. But taking advantage of the long summer days, the leader proposed it as a one-day crossover for 'fast-paced' trampers. Two carloads of keen…

Gordon’s Knob – Mt Richmond Forest Park Sunday 9 January 2022 The first day tramp for 2022 saw 15 enthusiastic starters, heading off from Inwood Lookout up a steep forestry road from Wai-iti Valley Road. We ascended a ridge through patches of bush and reached the first bushline after 20 minutes. Above us the summit was capped in cloud but was slowly clearing. Then we had a drop in the ridge…

Karamea 31 December 2021 to 4 January 2022 On Friday 31st, 16 of us set off for Karamea. The weather was beautiful and remained so the whole time. After booking into The Last Resort some of us went to see a 1,000 year old rimu, along a short, well made track, 8km from Karamea. After dinner we walked along the Estuary Walkway seeing where the wharf had been. Saturday - the Heaphy Track. The main…

Mt Robertson – Saturday 11 December 2021 Sheltered From The Storm We had to postpone our 3-day tramp to Hidden Hut and Turkeys Nest Bivvy, due to another wet weekend. Looking at the weather forecast (strong NW-wind, rain) and the map, five of us ended up on the east coast of Marlborough at Whites Bay, where we expected to be sheltered from the storm. The track to Mount Robertson starts just…

Kahurangi camping Lake Lockett – 19-21 November 2021 A party of fourteen were eager to have another go at the Sylvester - Ruby Lake - Lake Lockett circuit, having been thwarted by a gale above the bushline two years before. To give us more time, we chose to set off on Friday afternoon and spend the first night in and around Sylvester Hut, from which we got a ring-side view of the lunar eclipse…

An easy walk on an easy day Rameka Track – Saturday 20 November 2021 This trip was a replacement for the previous weekend when the Rameka was offered on one hand and poor weather prevailed on the other. More than half the party changed days and all were glad they did. It was surprising how few had been along the Rameka track before, considering it’s easy and access is from Canaan Downs where…

Springtime in the Mountains Ellis Ridge of Mt Arthur - 6 November 2021 The Ellis Ridge of Mt Arthur? What? Didn’t the programme advertise Riordans Hut? Well, yes it did, but leader's-licence saw a change because maybe Riordans was a bit ambitious as a day trip, what with the long drive over to Golden Bay too. So instead a small posse of five set off from Flora Saddle at 9am on a beautiful spring…

The scenic Tableland Flora–Cobb Crossover – 30-31 October 2021 On a fine warm spring morning two groups of trampers set off for a weekend trip to cross the scenic Tableland. One party started from the beginning of the Lake Peel Track in the Cobb Valley and the other group went up to the Flora carpark in the Graham Valley. The Cobb group of six walked for 15 minutes to check out the cute old four…

A Rotoiti rambleColdwater Hut – Saturday 23 October 2021 This trip was originally scheduled for the Sunday, but Saturday looked to be far better weather-wise, so the day was switched. Mt Robert Road lower carpark was the starting point for our tramp to Coldwater Hut and a very select group of five trampers set off at around 9.30am for the hut. The lake was like a mirror all morning and we had…

Travers Valley Tour John Tait Hut - 23-25 October 2021 John Tait Hut (Nelson Lakes) was our main destination this long weekend and we aimed at doing some side trips in the area. On Saturday morning we took the water taxi to the Lakehead jetty, to save us some time on the way up. The track is very popular with Te Araroa walkers in the summertime but this time of the year we didn’t come across…

Bountiful birdlife Motueka Sandspit – Saturday 16 October 2021 We started at 8:30 from Richmond and drove to the Saltwater Baths at Motueka. 14 people out on a beautiful day with a fine calm start changing to a light breeze building and high cloud increasing. Morning tea was on time about three-quarters of the way out. Looking back toward Motueka a flock of godwits were spotted so photographic…

A Well-Executed Manoeuvre on the St Arnaud Range Saturday Oct 9, 2021 Today’s planned tramp looked as though it might turn out to be tricky with rain forecast from early afternoon. I had checked the Sunday forecast which had the wind hazard symbol appearing on it. I decided to go on Saturday anyway with the alternative of walking to Lakehead hut for lunch if the rain arrived early. Instead the…

A special landscape Rocks Hut Hacket-Maitai Crossover – 2-3 October 2021 Eleven trampers met in Richmond on a fine day with the drivers exchanging cars to start a crossover. One group headed for the Maitai Dam carpark and the other party went to the Hacket carpark in the Aniseed Valley. It was a straightforward walk up the Hacket Valley, turning off before Hacket Hut onto the Browning Track.…

Spring in the air and spring in our step Holyoake’s Clearing Shelter – Saturday 25 September 2021 Saturday was as near to a purr-fect tramping day as it’s possible to get, or so I reckon. It was warm as opposed to hot and sheltered rather than blustery. Also there were beautiful views out to sea and eleven club members enjoying each other’s company. We’d have been happy to take visitors. None had…

An enjoyable hut trip Speargrass Hut – Saturday 18 September 2021 Mt Robert carpark was the starting point for our tramp to Speargrass Hut. A fairly chilly spring morning saw 19 trampers set off at 9.30am for the hut, a good turn-out post-lockdown. Rooty would best describe the majority of the track but as it was dry underfoot, this did not cause any issues. The forest is really lovely, but there…

27 bags of rubbish!Boulder Bank – Sunday 12 September 2021 27 members were keen to venture out of their local neighbourhood after coming out of lockdown the Wednesday prior. We departed the Boulder Bank Scenic Reserve carpark at 9:20am and walked along the well-trodden path. It was my first time on the Boulder Bank and I found it easier walking than I envisaged. An excellent morning tea stop was…

A sunny, winter’s day on Takaka Hill – pieces of paradise Takaka Hill Walkway & Harwoods Hole Sunday 15 August 2021 We pushed ahead with getting this week’s trip underway - originally scheduled for the previous day which apparently was awful on the hill. After the drive and having met at Richmond at 8.30am we started our day’s adventure from the Takaka Hill Walkway carpark at 9.45am. We chose to…

PHOTO COMPETITION 2021 WINNING ENTRIES: People's Choice 1st Equal - Nydia Bay (Anne) 1st Equal - Kotuku Feeding Time (Diane) Above the Bushline - With A Human Element 1st - Climbing High (Pete) 2nd - Angelus Hut at Dawn (Diane) 3rd - Small Shelter (Eric) Above the Bushline - No Human Element 1st - Blue Lake, Tongariro (Mary) 2nd - Mt Sunday (Chris) 3rd - High Pass (Pete) Below the Bushline - With…

Up, down and around City Heights, Saturday July 31, 2021 A collection of coughs and colds meant fewer participants on the day. Those who came however, were healthy, hearty and had a great time. We started from Founders Park at 9 am, making our way through the Wakapouaka cemetery. 15 in and 15 out. What a relief! For the record, the headstone restoration work being done there by an enthusiastic…

An Abel Tasman weekend Castle Rock Hut – 24-25 July 2021 The weather report was not bad but there was little hope of sunshine. The trip in on Saturday started about 9:30am with our first stop for morning tea on Wainui Saddle then onto Moa Park, a little early for lunch so we went to the lookout over Moa Park and enjoyed lunch with a view. Then we bypassed Porter Rock as there was no takers to do…

An ideal winter trip Big Bush Walk – Saturday 10 July 2021 Since we hadn’t done this trip before, we did a recce on Sunday 4th July. After some hard frosts the Skating Rink Pond was covered with a thick layer of ice and when we arrived there were a number of skaters enjoying themselves. The frost on the grasses and shrubs near the rink was spectacular and the clearings along the track were white…

Perfect with a capital P Mt Lodestone, Saturday 3 July 2021 After a month of rubbish weekends, it was a delight to see a fabulous forecast for our scheduled Saturday climb of Mt Lodestone. Bright sunshine and no wind, following on from a big dump of snow earlier in the week. Lots of other people obviously thought so too, and 17 enthusiastic trampers signed up for the adventure. We were in for a…

Mid-Winter Mystery turned Misty Tour Saturday May 26, 2021 – Starting and finishing at Botanics sports field Here I am, letting out the details of the 2021 mid-winter mystery tour - Sue J knew beforehand and didn’t tell. If you have a secret, you feel you must share and want it kept mum, try telling Sue! First up the party members thought we must be going on an historic places tour as we passed…

Havelock Hills Wakaretu Bay – 18-20 June 2021 Bad weather made us nearly cancel the annual trip to Wakaretu Bay, but thanks to the flexibility of nine participants we left early on Friday to do our walk up Mt Takorika on the same day. We climbed up the steep (and slippery) waterfall track to the service road. From there we continued up to the communication tower to stop for lunch and enjoy great…

New and old tracks Richmond Hills, Barnicoat Range – Saturday 12 June 2021 Twenty-six trampers met at the Easby Park carpark at 9am on a mild winter’s morning. It wasn’t easy to find a park but the carpark is being expanded so parking will be better in future. We headed up the hill but kept to the right going towards the Lodestone Road entrance via the Lookout Point. There were excellent views…

Great rocky viewpoints Editor Hill – Saturday 22 May 2021 Eleven members met at the Paruparu Road carpark and enjoyed a very pleasant drive to Opouri Saddle with early morning mist enhancing the scenery along the way. We started walking at 9am along a track which is not well marked at first, but there are blue track markers along the way. Obviously it is not an official DOC track but one put in…

Exploring the bay Golden Bay Walks – 14-16 May 2021 Golden Bay Holiday Park was our ‘base’ from which we would do a few day walks. To make the most of the weekend we timed our arrival for mid Friday afternoon. That gave us time to settle in and then do a beach walk. Firstly, towards Parapara Inlet, examining ilmenite rocks, and then back towards the Onekaka river mouth. Darkness turned us back to…

In & out in the nick of time Beebys Knob – Saturday 8 May 2021 Saturday was the forecast to be the first of five wet days after an unseasonably hot and fine week. We decided to go on our tramp anyway. We wanted the satisfaction of knowing we’d been tramping at the last possible moment before the rain set in. It turned out to be a good call. Twelve of us set off at 9am from the Beebys car park…

Murder & Mayhem on the Maungatapu Maungatapu Crossover - Saturday 1 May 2021 In June 1866, at a place now known as ‘Murderers Rock’ on the Maungatapu Road, five travellers were ambushed and savagely murdered. The culprits were a group of four, all with previous criminal records, known as the Burgess Gang. The road was the only route between the goldfields near Canvastown and Nelson, and the gang…

Medium sweet Picton Walks – 24-26 April 2021 Saturday: Five of us travelled down to Havelock arriving there a little before midday to have lunch at a nice picnic table overlooking the waterfront. Then a drive along the Queen Charlotte Drive to walk part of the Link Pathway. This 42km pathway which links Havelock and Picton was started in 2005, driven by the community and overseen by the Link…

A grand traverse St Arnaud Range Traverse – Saturday 17 April 2021 The autumn day dawned well on the northern St Arnaud Range and sixteen of us from all over the district assembled at St Arnaud to explore it. We shuttled the cars so that half of us could go up a trap line near Beech Hill Rise, along the ridge, and down to Kerr Bay via Parachute Rocks, while the other half did the same trip but in…

Short and sharp Mt Duppa – Sunday 11 April 2021 The group headed for the northern end of the Bryant Range, turning off onto a well-signposted forestry road 5km past Whangamoa Saddle. We travelled 4km up the forestry road and parked at a skid site then walked the last 2km of rougher road. The extra 25 minute road walk was a welcome warm-up, as the start of the track itself begins steeply.…

Topping Out on Arthur Mt Arthur Summit, Kahurangi National Park - Saturday 27 March 2021 This trip was planned for Sunday, but a rather dismal forecast brought it forward a day to Saturday. Saturday wasn’t looking too spectacular either, so a combination of the forecast and the day change saw participant numbers reduced drastically to seven. Our small select posse headed off from Flora Saddle…

A great loop Maitland Ridge Circuit, Mt Richmond Forest Park – Sunday 21 March 2021 A very brisk pace was set by a group of eleven trampers departing from the Red Hills carpark, knowing that we had a full day ahead of us. After only 370m we reached the junction of the new Wots Up Doc Track, the track we would come out on later on. But we continued along the Red Hills Track with some of the group…

A steep climb Mt Royal – 13-14 March 2021 On the weekend of 13 and 14 March four trampers did a postponed trip to Mt Royal. The weather forecast was looking good this time and we were expecting good views. We arrived at the Onamalutu campground on Saturday evening, to be able to make an early start the next morning. We enjoyed a fabulous starry night and were all wrapped up in our warm layers…

An Honest Day's Tramp Dew Lakes, Mt Richmond Forest Park - Saturday March 13 2021 Today’s trip was an honest day tramp. In fact, it was surprisingly how many of our 14 strong party were heard to comment they were sure that the distance between Maitai Dam carpark and the lakes stretched upwards further, every time they walked it. We had a glorious autumn day which was hot enough that were glad for…

Excellent views Goat Hill & Okiwi Bay Hill – Sunday 7 March 2021 After a pleasant drive we arrived at the Okiwi Bay Scenic Reserve and began the climb up the scenic Goat Hill track. Previous rain had made the track sticky and slippery but the day was fine and there were excellent views of the settlement from the lookout seat. Fishing buoys hanging in the trees made for some interesting…

Light rain but a pleasant time Hacket Hut & Browning Hut – Saturday 27 February 2021 The dry heat and blue skies promised earlier in the week didn’t eventuate, so today’s trip was tramping-only as opposed to a tramp with a swim afterwards. At 8.40 am, 15 of us set out from the Hacket carpark in heavy cloud only to stop again at the swing bridge which DOC now recommends only one person cross at a…

A rather cushy trip! Northern Abel Tasman National Park. Friday 19 - Sunday 21 February 2021 Our car arrived at DOC’s Totaranui Beach campground on Friday afternoon just before the office closed for the day, and we were very pleased to be allocated an unofficial spot where all the group could camp together. The other cars gradually rolled up, and out came the luxuries of car-camping - large…

Relaxing, sunny and smooth Great Taste Trail - Motueka to Kaiteriteri – Saturday 13 February 2021 Twelve bikers including four visitors met at 10am at Talleys carpark for something different than what we would normally do. Heading along the estuary trail opposite the sandspit, it was easy going and with the tide nearly in, it made it even nicer. All we had to worry about was avoiding the odd…

A classic tops trip Lewis Tops & Brass Monkey Bivvy – 6-8 February 2021 Lewis Tops and Brass Monkey Bivvy have been on my wish list for a long time. The weather forecast for Waitangi weekend was looking good: no rain or strong winds, particularly important for a trip in alpine and exposed terrain. We left Richmond on Saturday at 7.30am with five people and two cars, and stopped for morning tea at…

A nice crossover trip Canaan - Birds Clearing Crossover – Sunday 31 January 2021 The Wainui Track could be the least used section of track in NZ’s most popular national park, but is still worthwhile visiting. On a partly cloudy day, eight trampers headed off in two carloads. At the Canaan turnoff the two drivers transferred to the other car so they could return in their own vehicle at their end…

11 Lovely Ladies go a-tramping Punakaiki & Inland Pack Track. 29 January - 1 February 2021 Friday 29 January. Weather conditions: a bluebird day. Three vehicles left Richmond on Friday afternoon bound for Punakaiki. One car left earlier than the others at 8.30am and managed to arrive later than the other three, having taken a slight ‘detour’ via Hokitika for the annual Driftwood Festival. In all,…

A Goldilocks Day The Archers Track - Sunday 24 January 2021 Sandwiched between two beautiful bays in the Marlborough Sounds, with another half way through, the Archers Track is an Easy Grade club favourite. 15 of us set out from Penzance Bay heading west. The track wends its way across to the private cottage at Deep Cove which is at about the half way point, and then continues on to Elaine Bay.…

A classic track Travers-Sabine Circuit – 23-27 January 2021 This trip was postponed a few times since mid-November because we needed a five day window of good weather. Eventually we saw our opportunity in January. Even then, we postponed by a day as a snow storm swept across the ranges depositing up to a metre of snow in places. It was a relief to finally be on our way. One group of four went in…

Spectacular views Gordons Pyramid Circuit – Saturday 16 January 2021 The main group met at the Badminton Hall carpark at 7.30am and with three trampers picked up along the way, we had 25 keen trampers for this trip. While there was a little light rain in the lowlands, the Mt Arthur Plateau was under a clear blue sky. We started walking at 9am from Flora Saddle carpark, soon walking down past…

An eventful day Lake Rotoiti Circuit – Sunday 10 January 2021 A large group set off from Richmond on a very fine morning. We were split into two groups so that we could manage the numbers as a crossover. The logistics worked well and we set off along the Lakeside Track, pausing at Whiskey Falls for morning tea and then on to Coldwater Hut where we had some lunch. Shortly after lunch Julian had a…

An enjoyable and interesting long weekend Lake Brunner Day Walks – 31 December 2020-4 January 2021 At midday on Thursday, eight trampers arrived at the Lake Brunner Country Motel & Holiday Park situated two kilometres north of the lake, all of us staying in cabins. In the afternoon we completed three short walks at the western end of Moana, close to the lakeside. The Velenski Walk was a brief 12…

An off-track adventure Julius Summit – Sunday 13 December 2020 Unsettled weather forecast made us change the weekend trip that was going to Angelus Hut into a day trip to Julius Summit. We left the Mt Robert carpark at 9am and walked up the Pinchgut Track for morning tea at the shelter. The weather was surprisingly good and we enjoyed the views. We continued on the ridge to just before Julius…

Closer to home Dun Mountain – Saturday 12 December 2020 Dun Mountain is situated on the Bryant Range, is close to Nelson, over 1000 metres, not too steep a climb, a decent day out and with great views, so it ticks all the boxes. Originally we were going to Julius Summit but the weather that day was hit and miss, so seven participants left Maitai Dam carpark at 8:30am for our adventure. It was a…

A pleasant easy tramp Apple Tree Bay – Sunday 6 December 2020 A small band of pre-Christmas trampers enjoyed a very pleasant easy tramp in fine conditions. It’s always pleasant crossing the Sandy Bay board walk on a fine summer morning. The tide was out and the views inland were stunningly clear. We took in the sights at Stu’s Lookout than had a long morning tea at the Tinline Campsite. We took…

A favourite tramp Mt Arthur – Saturday 28 November 2020 A poor weather forecast for the Sunday meant the scheduled Balloon Hut weekend trip was cancelled, so Mt Arthur was the substitute. Five trampers left the Flora carpark at a brisk pace on the wide smooth track toward Mt Arthur Hut. This section is all in bush cover and most notable is the fascinating mountain neinei (dracophyllum traversii)…

Great rock formations Mt Hope – Saturday 21 November 2020 It was unsettled weather as we gathered in Richmond at 7:30 to make an early start. We arrived at Boulder Creek and managed to park all vehicles even though space is a bit limited and a bit rough. There are no official markings to show that this track exists though there was an obvious opening through the gorse and blackberry, making it…

360° Views North Peak – Saturday 14 November 2020 We departed Wakefield on a calm, mild morning to Inwood Lookout. The track that winds its way up through pine forest from the Wai-iti Valley was rougher, mainly at the bottom, than when I had been up a few weeks earlier, so we were relieved to have 4WD and high clearance vehicles. Arriving at Inwood Lookout carpark (1058m) the temperature was far…

An interesting loop Booths Cottage – Saturday 7 November 2020 The weather forecast was looking very wet for Sunday (the date scheduled in the programme) but better for the Saturday. After much debate and checking of several websites, the leaders decided to change the day rather cancel the trip. Only eight were booked in which indicated that many had decided not to come after looking at the…

Going for gold Waikakaho - Cullen Creek Crossover – Saturday 31 October 2020 Friday was rainy and Sunday was predicted to be rainy again but Saturday the sun was shining as a group of 21 met at Havelock to switch cars for a crossover trip between Cullen Creek and Waikakaho Valley. The three high ground clearance vehicles went to Cullen Creek end as there was a ford to drive through to get to…

Wearing out the shoe leather Cobb Valley Day Walks - Friday 23 - Monday 26 October 2020 Labour Weekend - finally, a long weekend after a long winter! We chose to make it even longer by voyaging over the Takaka Hill to the Cobb Valley on Friday afternoon, to give us two full- and one part- days of tramping. Our destination was Trilobite Hut at the end of the narrow and windy Cobb Dam Road. Two…

A Bird Watcher’s Delight Motueka Sandspit - Sunday 4 October 2020 Our easy walk from the Saltwater Baths to the end of the Motueka Sandspit and back was timed to coincide with the return of the Bar-Tailed Godwits (Kuaka) after their non-stop six-to-eight-day 12,000km flight from Alaska. This epic feat is the world’s longest non-stop bird flight. We started our walk at 9.30 and were finished about…

Great views & history Mt Malita to Champion Mine – Saturday 26 September 2020 Fourteen trampers walked a clockwise circuit along the Roding River to the Champion Mine and morning tea. From there it was a scramble up a dry rocky stream bed and a scrubby spur to the ridge for lunch. A restored track through wind-thrown trees then led to the Mt Malita Hut. Downhill from there along the forestry…

Easy walking & excellent views Kina Peninsula – Saturday 12 September 2020 An easy trip with a new track, close to home and with a great weather forecast - those must have been the conditions to entice a recent record number of 30 trampers on this outing. We started at 8.45am at the end of Deck Road (off Aporo Rd in Tasman) and took the new track down to the beach. We turned left and walked along…

Snow-capped peaks in the park Mt Robert Circuit – Sunday 20 September 2020 Mt Robert is located in the Nelson Lakes National Park. Although one of the lower summits in the park, the views overlooking St Arnaud are impressive, the tracks to it are well marked, and people of average fitness can do this loop. It takes around 90 minutes’ drive from Nelson to reach the start at the carpark on Mt…

Waterfalls, Mountains & Ambulances Hanmer Springs Day Walks - 4-6 September 2020 As we had quite a distance to travel, three days was just the ticket for our Hanmer Springs weekend. We travelled down on Friday morning and booked into our accommodation at the Forest Lodge. What great facilities for a group! By 1pm 12 of the 16 of us had rendezvoused and were ready for an afternoon walk. We drove…

Short walks aplenty Lake Rotoiti Walks – Sunday 30 August 2020 On a fine but very windy day 16 trampers met at the Gladstone Road carpark. The numbers rose to 17 as Marie decided that our trip was better than the Nelson Tramping Club trip to Beebys Knob who were gathering at the same time, so she defected to our trip. We drove to Kerr Bay and set off on the Peninsula Nature Walk. It’s a very nice…

Golden Bay exploration Kaihoka Farm Stay – 15-16 August 2020 This weekend trip was planned around a stay at the old homestead of the Kaihoka Farm in Whanganui Inlet. On Friday afternoon six trampers went already to the homestead. On Saturday morning, the second group had a quick drive of two hours from Richmond, with no waiting at the Takaka Hill traffic lights. We all met at the Pakawau Memorial…

Spectacular views Mt Campbell/Pukeone – Sunday 9 August 2020 A large group of 27 trampers travelled up Motueka Valley Highway, across Alexander Bluffs Bridge then turned up Rocky River Road. We parked at an old skid site, good room for our six vehicles, 8km up the road, altogether 50 minutes from Richmond. We set off up a steeper section of road for a further kilometre, past a smaller parking…

A grey day Mt Evans Circuit – Sunday 2 August 2020 On a grey winter’s morning twenty six trampers, including five non-members, departed Richmond bound for the Canaan carpark. We walked in light drizzly rain up to Wainui Saddle where we stopped for a rather late morning tea and then continued on to Moa Park Shelter for lunch. The old Mt Evans track leaves the main Inland Abel Tasman Track just…

Havelock heights Wakaretu Bay – 24-26 July 2020 Thanks to Jeff Lukey, the club could spend a weekend at Wakaretu Bay on Pelorus Sound near Havelock in warm comfortable accommodation. On Friday members travelled to this location and settled in, either in the house or in 'The Hut'. Just before dark we walked the Peninsula Track, a 15 to 20 minute circuit. The evening was very social with people…

A most enjoyable day City Heights Circuit – Saturday 18 July 2020 The group members were convinced that meeting at the Botanics sports field at 9am would mean starting at the Botanics sports field at 9am…… No, no, no, half the drivers were expected to take their passenger filled cars down the road to Founders Park where the trip actually started. From Founders we had a leisurely start ambling…

Ideal mid-winter trampingChrome Track Circuit – Sunday 12 July 2020 We all started from the Hacket carpark about 9:30am. An hour later we were halfway up to the saddle, on the Chrome Track, having morning tea in warm sunlight. Once we made the saddle, I checked out the water supply for the weed spraying, before we walked the Chrome Road to the picnic table where we checked out the second water…

An easy day Barnicoat Range from Marsden Valley – Saturday 4 July 2020 Twelve keen participants met at the end of Marsden Valley Road at 9am in what turned out to be a sunny day. The group split into two with Julian taking six people up the Involution Track and I took six up the Barnicoat Walkway with the idea that the two parties would meet at Involution Corner around the same time. Barnicoat is…

A big turnout for a long flat course Magical Mid Winter Mystery Tour - Saturday 27 June 2020 Tahuna Beach / Airport Perimeter Track / Great Taste Trail / Railway Reserve Loop The Mid Winter Mystery Tour is always an easy one culminating in a cafe lunch. This year in lieu of being easy in regard to time, it was easy in regard to terrain - it was absolutely dead flat! There were a few who thought…

Mid-winter sunshine Holyoake Clearing Shelter – Saturday 20 June 2020 After a wet week it was indeed pleasing to get a sunny, calm day for the trip. Twenty people assembled at Marahau and prepared for the ascent to Holyoake Clearing. We were on our way by 9ish. We strung across the causeway and entered the National Park in good style, mindful of the fact that the track would be slippery where…

A great day out Cable Bay Walkway – Sunday 14 June 2020 After a confused start that worked out well for all in the end, we arrived at Glenduan soon after 9am and after a brief upper body warm-up, we were off up Airlie Street then up the Waihi Creek track to link with the main Cable Bay Walkway track and on up the airstrip to have morning tea at the picnic spot at the top of the airstrip. It was a…

First Post-Lockdown Tramp Flora / Lodestone / Arthur Hut Circuit - Sunday 7 June 2020 On top of Mt Lodestone All covered with snow, The team from Waimea A-hiking did go. While the land below us basked in early winter sunshine, it was a tad brisker and whiter up in the hills. This was our first tramp in almost two months because of the Covid 19 lockdown, and 11 of us enthusiastically fronted up…

Happy to have made it Captain Creek Hut, Mt Richmond Forest Park – Sunday 15 March 2020 We left Richmond at 7:30am on a bit of a cloudy day. After the rather long drive we set off with the cry that if the 50 Plus could get there and return in a day, then so could we. The walk to the Emerald Pool was under some very grey skies. So the pools lacked their intense colour and lacked their normal…

A fun challenge Champion Mine Circuit – Sunday 8 March 2020 Location awareness was the special focus of this trip. Pete had us locate ourselves on our map at the Roding carpark, showing us how to orient it from prominent features. Map in hand, we followed the 4-wheel drive track, stopping frequently as Pete related terrain features to the map or asked us where we were. Estimating distances and…

Leap day loop Wainui Hut Circuit – Saturday 29 February 2020 An excellent aspect of the days tramp was the lunch stop. C’mon, c’mon you say, WTC is a tramping club not an eating club. The large grassy area outside Wainui Hut with its picnic table is ideal, though for any size tramping party at lunchtime and as well the stream is close by to replenish dwindling water supplies. There’s even shade…

Fabulous weather Rainbow – St Arnaud Range traverse – 23-24 February 2020 This tramp was delayed by one day because of bad weather forecast for Saturday. There were two groups for this tramp, day walkers and overnight trampers. Both groups met at Richmond and Wakefield at 7.30 and 7.45 respectively. We proceeded to Lake Rotoiti where we left two vehicles, then everyone went in two 4WDs up to the…

Exquisite views Mt McRae, St Arnaud Range – Sunday 23 February 2020 Six trampers headed up to the Rainbow skifield for a day trip also transporting five club members round from Kerr Bay who were on an overnight trip camping on the St Arnaud Range. We managed to all squeeze into two vehicles and easily motored the 25km from SH94 on a good road to the skifield carpark. Both groups went west of the…

Girl Power! Mt Owen, Kahurangi National Park - 14-16 February 2020 Five ‘chicks’ enjoyed a fabulous bloke-free extended weekend to knock off Mt Owen, Kahurangi National Park’s highest mountain. At 1875m this massive lump of limestone looms large over the landscape in Kahurangi’s Marino Range. We approached via the ‘standard’ western route from Courthouse Flat on Friday morning. We launched…

Beautiful views Penzance Bay - Elaine Bay, Marlborough Sounds – Sunday 9 February 2020 After a long and winding drive we arrived at Penzance Bay. It was a beautiful cloudless day. We set off on Archers Track which winds its way round Penzance Bay and drops down to Deep Bay where we stopped at a private bach for a drink and toilet stop. The track along to Deep Bay is in dense bush which gave…

A satisfying four days Lookout Range & Mt Owen – 7-10 February 2020 This trip began as an overnight tenting trip on the Hope Range, south of Conical Hill. However all six participants agreed on three nights out. On the Friday morning two vehicles drove to Courthouse Flat. Cattle, a helicopter and tourists delayed our journey. One vehicle was left there to allow us the option of exiting that way…

A warm weekend Hapuku - Kowhai circuit, Kaikoura – 1-3 February 2020 Our group of five left Richmond at 7.30am and drove to Hapuku with a couple of stops along the way. We turned off SH1 onto Parsons Road and drove to the Hapuku “carpark”, which is an unmarked area close to a ford across the Hapuku River. Two of our group planned to go up the Hapuku to Kowhai Saddle and along the tops to Mt…

A great summer trip Pearse Valley - Sunday 26 January 2020 Fifteen trampers met at the Badminton Hall carpark at 8am and drove as far as the ford in the Pearse Valley. Although the last kilometre was a bit rougher it was reasonable for higher clearance vehicles and saved us walking along this dusty road. The first ford was relatively easy to walk across, being shallow and without many slippery…

Breath-taking views Red Hills Hut and Plateau - Sunday 19 January 2020 We left the Richmond carpark at 7.30am and drove to the Red Hills carpark with a brief pick-up and car swap in Wakefield. The weather forecast was looking good, perhaps even a bit on the hot side. We were ready to start our day tramp by 8.45am. There were quite a few new people among the twelve trampers (New Year’s…

Ideal tramping Lake Rotoiti circuit - Saturday 11 January 2020 This tramp was the first club day trip of the new year and the new decade. It was a fine, still and warm day both in Nelson and at the lake so ideal for tramping. A keen bunch of eleven returning trampers along with four visitors met at 7.30am at Richmond. As we had four drivers it seemed a great idea to have two cars driven directly…

An old goldminers’ trail Wakamarina Track crossover - 4-5 January 2020 Ten trampers embarked on a crossover trip on the Wakamarina Track between the Wairau Valley and the Wakamarina Valley. At Canvastown we swapped the two cars with each group of five trampers starting from each side. The group of five starting from the Wairau Valley side headed up Onamalutu Road which continues as Kiwi Road and…

An out of the way valley Lake Alexander Loop Track, South Marlborough – 14-15 December 2019 On a fine weekend four trampers travelled 14km up Waihopai Valley Road then 7km along Avondale road. Opposite letterbox no 756 we drove through a gateway and a further 7km on farm roads needing a high clearance 4WD. This avoided a 1¾ hour walk. We visited the private Tummil Hut on the hillside above the…

A fine day tramp Billies Knob, Kahurangi National Park – Sunday 24 November 2019 The trip picked up people at Wakefield and Tadmor for a relatively early start at Courthouse Flat. Climbing up the ridge we made the forest edge before it got too hot and we achieved the saddle for a noon lunch stop. The top of the hill looked cloudy but about half the party decided to continue toward the top. Three…

Exploring the heart of the "Quartzopolis Goldfields” Big River, Victoria Forest Park - Labour Weekend 26-28 October 2019 25kms drive from Reefton is the abandoned gold mining town of Waiuta, home to 600 people in its 1930’s hey-day. The town is a history-drenched treasure trove of restored buildings and information boards, but we had a smaller, more remote, objective in our sights. From Pro Road…

A cycling outing Wakefield to Kohatu and back, cycling the Great Taste Trail Sunday 13 October 2019 20 wheels spun their way along the Great Taste Trail taking in the newly opened Wakefield to Wai-iti section. After the uphill stretch from the Belgrove Tavern to the Spooners Tunnel, a breather was welcome beside the interesting information board at the tunnel entry. Spooners Tunnel is the…

A Kahurangi traverse Flora - Asbestos crossover – Sunday 6 October 2019 It was five years since the club had done this crossover trip, so it was high time to do this trip again. On a partly cloudy day we had a good turnout of 18 trampers, of which eight left from the Asbestos Track carpark on the Cobb Dam Road, while ten started from the Flora carpark, at the end of the Graham Valley Road. The…

Impressive rocks Conical Hill – Saturday 28 September 2019 The trip was done on the Saturday as the weather forecast for Sunday was poor. A 7:15am start from Richmond meant we set out walking at 8:40. The trip was a bit challenging as we had about one hour of off track in order to get onto the DOC track which we got to at morning tea. We then climbed up to the ridge, stopping for lunch on the…

A triple crossover Rocks Hut crossover – 21-22 September 2019 A curious fact is that Rocks Hut is about 12 kilometres in a direct line from Nelson city centre, the closest DOC backcountry hut to any city in New Zealand, very convenient for Nelson trampers. Nine people met by the Prince Albert Hotel and exchanged cars, with Alison’s group of four starting from the Brook Valley and Robert’s group…

A close to home walk Richmond Hills from Easby Park– Saturday 14 September 2019 Our Sunday walk was changed to Saturday to accommodate the bad weather prediction. However, a pleasant day was had following a circuit of some of the many tracks on a deviously long 10.6km route with the fire lookout as the high point. We also managed to cover considerably more than the height gain needed to get to…

So much sun, so few people! Bark Bay to Marahau – Saturday 7 September 2019 Spring is a wonderful time to visit the Abel Tasman National Park, when the influx of summer tourists is yet to descend on this gem of a track, but the weather is usually kind. Or in our case, simply stunning. We had a private water taxi charter booked for an early departure ex Marahau, but the requisite minimum of 10…

Stunning views Lake Sylvester – 31 August-1 September 2019 Nine trampers left Richmond in three cars at 7:30am and arrived at the Cobb Dam lookout in sunny but cold windy conditions. After a brief stop to admire the view we continued to the Lake Sylvester carpark, loaded up and started the climb up to the hut at 10:15am. We were pleased to see only one other car in the carpark. We first reached…

A big crowd Dew Lakes & Maungatapu Saddle – Sunday 25 August 2019 Knowing it was a long day we made an early start, meeting at the Botanics Reserve at 7:30am. A record number of 19 trampers turned up. From the carpark just below the Maitai Dam we headed uphill through a block of recently felled pine forest stopping briefly at the Rush Pools then again at the Maori Argillite Quarry. Here we…

A very pleasant tramp Marsden Valley – Sunday 18 August 2019 In bright sunshine, sixteen trampers gathered around the map display at Marsden Valley carpark. Their choice was to ascend the valley by the gentle but longer Involution Trail or the shorter but steeper Scout Track. Six opted for the former and ten for the latter. When we re-met some two hours later everyone seemed happy with the choice…

It’s Snoooooooow Time! North Peak, Mt Richmond Forest Park – Saturday 10 August 2019 Originally the plan was for an overnight trip to Hunters Hut, but a dire weather forecast and subsequent lack of enthusiasm saw the trip altered to a Saturday hike from Inwood Lookout. Even then, a showery forecast saw only four enthusiastic souls venture out. What a shame as we had a super day. Yes, there was…

A pleasant winter’s walk Whispering Falls – Saturday 3 August 2019 Despite dire predictions of a southerly blasting its way up from Antarctica a large contingent of trampers headed off to the Hacket carpark where they were pleasantly surprised. Contractors had just finished upgrading the carpark, complete with new toilets. It was cold walking up the shaded valley but we made good time and were…

Easy walking Motueka Sandspit – Saturday 27 July 2019 We started at 8:00am from Richmond and drove to the Saltwater Baths at Motueka. Ten people were on this trip. Once again we had very pleasant weather with light winds and patches of sun. Morning tea was ten minutes early at the usual place ¾ of the way out to the end where we nestled down looking out to sea, sheltered from the light southerly…

A busy track Centre of New Zealand circuit – Sunday 21 July 2019 It was a cloudy day with the threat of rain and those that do not tramp in the wet pulled out. However it was good weather, though underfoot it was quite wet and slippery. We gathered at Paru Paru Road and made our way across the footbridge then via the pathway past the skateboard park and the Grove Railway Station, then past the…

An excellent adventure Blue Hill – Sunday 7 July 2019 On a fine sunny day it was a short drive to Hira where our group of 17 trampers parked at the Cable Bay Adventure Park. After we signed in individually, we started off across the Wakapuaka River, then past the paintball area and ambled uphill on a vehicle track at a pleasant gradient. We soon reached a bend in the road beside the splintered…

A most agreeable tramp Mid-Winter Mystery Tour – Saturday 29 June 2019 David W and I arrived at the Botanics by 9am on a cold, frosty and fine winter morning. Our walking companions had their packs on and were ready to start. Where did they presume they were going? It hadn’t occurred to any of them that maybe the Botanics would be the finish of the trip rather than the start. Trusting ladies that…

Magnificent tops Mataki Lodge – 21-23 June 2019 Cold bleak mornings were a good way to ensure that all trampers had adequate warm clothing with them for a venture above the bush line and down a shady creek bed. Departure time from the lodge was 8am, and by 11am we were emerging into the warm sunshine at the bush edge. By now we had stripped off a few layers, as the steady uphill climb in the bush…

Rain and warmth Goat Hill & Okiwi Bay Hill – Saturday 15 June 2019 With forecasts for Nelson (sun, cloud, chance of a shower) and Marlborough (afternoon rain), what would the weather actually be at Okiwi Bay? Cool, wet, no wind? It turned out better than some expected and possibly worse than some were prepared for. Goat Hill track, built 2008, is well graded and not at all muddy. Marian led the…

Great coastal scenery Cable Bay Walkway – Sunday 9 June 2019 We departed from Richmond at 8am and Paruparu Road at 8:20am and arrived some time later at The Glen. It was fine in most part but a wee bit chilly so we quickly got underway and before long made out way up the Waihi Creek track then the involuting bush-clad farm track, coming out to the high sloping pasture that stretched up to the…

Stunning but Steep Parachute Rocks, Saturday 25 May 2019 It was a stunning blue-sky morning in Kerr Bay as we watched the mist rise eerily off Lake Rotoiti. A temperature of minus-one had us rugged up against the chill, but soon our party of 13 were off up the hill and layers began to be discarded. All the way up through the forest we were captivated by the fabulous display of toadstools, all…

An enjoyable trapping line Lodestone & Mt Hodder – Saturday 11 May 2019 The weather forecast for Sunday was not very good, but several people still contacted me, keen to go. Most of them were able to go on Saturday instead, and so I decided to change the day. I hadn’t been up Mount Hodder before and was pleased to have three experts with, and together with the notes from previous trips we had no…

A diverse day Red Hills - Maitland Ridge circuit – Sunday 5 May 2019 With the days quickly shortening the meeting time was brought forward to 7.30am. This meant that after a stop to pick up two people in Wakefield, the main group was able set off up the four wheel drive road to Beebys Knob at 8.45am. The initial pace was fairly slow as we waited for the four drivers to catch up after shuttling…

A happy band Mt Evans – Sunday 28 April 2019 After overnight rain the skies cleared to enable a happy band of eighteen to have an enjoyable day conquering Mt Evans. This was part two of the club's exploration of the route. Part one, from the south, was led by Robert last November. An early start from Richmond meant we could have morning tea at the Moa Park Shelter, after following the well-used…

An eventful Easter Boyle Lodge, Lewis Pass area – Easter: 19-22 April 2019 A carload of four keen trampers headed off to the scenic Lewis Pass area for Easter weekend and set up residence at the spacious 65 bunk Outdoor Education Centre in the alpine hamlet of Boyle Village. Lewis Tops: We picked the best fine day to head up to the Lewis Tops. Driving back to the pass, we walked from the St James…

A bonus track Editor Hill, Marlborough Sounds – Sunday 14 April 2019 A fine calm day was enjoyed by ten people in the hills of the Marlborough Sounds. After one hour’s drive from Nelson we parked at Opouri Saddle at 500m on the road to Duncan Bay. We followed a track with blue triangle markers, climbing steadily at first, then steepening before reaching the first highpoint at 930m with a view out…

Arthur Range circuit Kiwi Saddle Hut – 6-7 April 2019 We started out from Rolling River at 9:10am in fine weather but with a chill in the air. At the lake halfway up, we counted about 14 whio in two groups of seven. After 3½ hours we reached the Wangapeka swingbridge and we had lunch just over the Kiwi Creek swingbridge. With lunch done, we headed toward Kiwi Saddle and about 20 minutes up the…

Lucky for eight Sclanders Creek, Maitai Valley – Sunday 31 March 2019 We found plenty of variety in the bush up the Maitai River. Parking near the dam, we walked up the south branch, then on up Sclanders Creek towards the Maitai Caves. Just before the caves we continued up the creek on the old (closed) track, then puffed up a trackless spur on the true right of the creek, which took us to a lunch…

Wonderful sights Beebys Knob - Sunday 24 March 2019 It’s always a tight squeeze to do the left hand turn up into Beebys carpark just before the Tophouse Road, but once there, the track beckoned us through the trees. It was a warm sunny day, but once out of the bush and up on the tops there was a sneaky cold breeze. From the carpark the track sidles across and around a bushy knob and then after…

A tour of tracks Rotoiti walks – Saturday 9 March 2019 We parked up at the DOC centre, put on our boots and away we went to begin the Peninsula Nature Walk. Just before West Bay we peeled off and headed up towards Rotoiti Lodge. The Black Hill Track beckoned us. We perched on mossy rocks for a snack stop and then descended, following the tracks towards the Moraine Walk. The Buller River was low,…

Circling the Tablelands Weekend 2-3 March 2019 We started our walk at the bottom of the Bullock Track on the Cobb Reservoir Road on a beautifully sunny Saturday morning . After heading up the hill to Peat Flat, one of the party who had been jettisoned from the car at the Cobb Lookout to walk the Cobb Ridge Track caught up to us, as we traveled along Peel Ridge to the Myttons Track junction.…

A birdwatching walk Motueka Sandspit – Saturday 16 February 2019 Nine trampers met at Richmond Badminton Hall at 10am; soon sorted into two cars and off to Motueka Saltwater Baths to park and meet our tenth member. Low tide today was about 2pm. It was a very warm sunny day with a morning southerly breeze, changing to a northerly breeze before midday and then to a very strong, blustery northerly…

A hot walk Trig K – Sunday 3 February 2019 After a month with little rain it was at least possible to go to the Pelorus Scenic Reserve. It was a hot day and we made our way around the lower track. Fortunately we had Julie with us who has had a long interest in the bat work in this area and was able to fill us all in on these incredible mammals and show us the location of some of the roost trees.…

Rugged but rewarding Robinson - Christabel circuit, Victoria Forest Park – 2-5 February 2019 Fine weather was on order for eight trampers as we travelled 3kms west of Springs Junction on SH7 then 17km to the end of Palmers Road. On our way we left one vehicle at the start of Lake Christabel Track for a car shuttle. The Robinson River Track skirts left around the farm at the end of the road,…

Wind worries Lake Lockett – 26-27 January 2019 Ten keen trampers set off early on Saturday, on the planned trip from the Cobb Dam over Iron Hill to camp by Ruby Lake, but a gale above the bushline made us change the plan. Instead we followed cairns down a tussock lead through stunted beech to Iron Lake Stream. We left the cairns and went down on the true left side of the stream through scrub,…

Swims for six Browning Hut – Saturday 26 January 2019 Six of us chose the correct weekend day for this tramp considering the heatwave Nelson was experiencing at the time. Most likely we had a mid-20’s day. We all knew that the following couple of days were forecast to be over 30 degrees and that’s indeed what happened. The highlight for all of us was not the tramp itself rather the swim…

A pleasing combo Doom Creek & Devils Creek Hut – Sunday 20 January 2019 Gold was discovered in the Wakamarina Valley in 1860 and was one of NZ’s richest goldfields with about 2800 miners working in the area until the boom ended in 1865. An interesting history for 14 trampers to contemplate who left the end of the Wakamarina Road on a fine warm day, but with a strong south-west wind. After 30…

Pretty plateau Red Hills Hut & plateau – Sunday 13 January 2019 We assembled in Richmond at 8am and made our way to Red Hills carpark. There was some parking difficulty because of some thoughtless parking but we managed to squeeze in. Then we began with careful negotiation of the creek for those who did not want to continue with wet footwear for the rest of the journey. We quickly came onto a…

Tarn tenting Klondyke circuit, Victoria Forest Park – 12-13 January 2019 Eight keen trampers met in Wakefield at 8.15am on Saturday morning and travelled down to Rahu Saddle by 10.30am. We were surprised at the number of cars in the carpark but at least we knew we would not be competing for bunks and there was plenty of room to park. In very pleasant warm weather we headed up the Klondyke Spur…

A perfect day Lake Rotoiti circuit a.k.a. Loop-The-Lake – Sunday 6 January 2019 The first Sunday tramp for 2019 attracted 14 starters keen to burn off some excess calories from their Xmas and New Year indulgences. We left Richmond early and motored up to St Arnaud where a car was strategically deposited at Kerr Bay. We then headed around to West Bay and up the Mt Robert Road to start the day…

West walks Westport – 29 December 2018 - 2 January 2019 Four keen trampers left sunny Nelson over New Year to explore some of the walks and tracks in the Westport area. We arrived on the Saturday afternoon at the Westport Holiday Park and quickly settled into our comfortable chalet accommodation. Then, it was off to view the lighthouse and seal colony at Cape Foulwind, 16km west of Westport. This…

A very pleasant pre-Christmas tramp Easby Park - Marsden Valley crossover – Saturday 15 December 2018 Although on the day unable to come Alison’s clear planning helped ever-y-one. She’d dotted the i-s and crossed the t-s A short local crossover trip it must be Leaving most of the afternoon free. From Easby Park five climbed a steady incline To rest at the Forest Lookout with view sublime To chat…

A magnificent sunrise Angelus Hut – 8-9 December 2018 Everyone who was busy with Xmas busy-ness missed out on an awesome weekend to Angelus Hut. For a start, it was The Best weekend weather for quite some time. A small amount of high cloud on Saturday produced some amazing formations, including impressive flying saucers, whereas Sunday was almost cloudless. After initial beech forest from the…

Good tramping weather Kings Creek Hut – Sunday 2 December 2018 From Rolling River in light misty drizzle at 9:15am we started out on a soggy track which the long grass had recently been cut, which made the journey so much easier. Good time was made to the morning tea break, just past the gate at 10:30, when the weather cleared. We then continued to the large slip where the group split with two…

Enjoyable Plan B tramping Mt Arthur – Sunday 25 November 2018 The long range forecast for Sunday was miserable-bordering-on-terrible all week, which didn’t bode well for our planned Mt Arthur summit bid. But not to worry - there is a Plan B lurking patiently in the wings. Things started improving, and by the time Sunday morning rolled around, it was actually looking rather promising, and nine…

Hidden trails Mt Evans – Saturday 17 November 2018 Three carloads parked up on the roadside 5.2km along the Canaan Road, 300m past Canaan Saddle. The start of the track is rather obscure, but is marked with a tin lid nailed to a small tree on the roadside, 20m back up from culvert signpost 34. The track is unmaintained but mostly well marked with orange tin lids. The first section of the track…

Satisfying summit Mt Starveall – Sunday 11 November 2018 This trip really started with the paperwork to get the key and entry permit for the forestry roads from Action Forest Management in Richmond. We were required to email evidence of all three cars having WoF, current registration and insurance with minimum cover of $10 million liability. Not so bad when you know exactly what is required but…

A new trip with great views Wakaretu Bay & Mt Oliver – 3-4 November 2018 Saturday morning was murky and damp as the remaining two cars turned up at Wakaretu Bay to join those who had arrived late on Friday night, swelling our numbers to nine. Late morning, after everyone was settled in, we walked along the road to the next creek toward Kaiuma Bay. Here we entered the wet bush and followed up a…

Rock formations at their best Mt Hope – Sunday 28 October 2018 Sunday morning, an early 7:30am start at Richmond Badminton Hall and a promising looking day, after heavy rain on Saturday. After an hour’s drive we parked at the small grassy area next to the Boulder Creek on SH6, 4km south of the Moonlight Road intersection and 3km north of the Kawatiri Junction, and ten trampers were ready to go.…

Enjoyable but tiring Old Man Hut circuit – Labour Weekend - 20-22 October 2018 Eight of us set off from Richmond in two vehicles at 8am on Saturday morning and drove for just over three hours to reach the Lake Chalice carpark. This did include a stop to enjoy the short walk to Enchanted Lookout. With the dry conditions it was a very dusty drive for 22km along Staircase Road. From the carpark it…

Further than you think Gordons Knob – Sunday 14 October 2018 This tramp should be done once a year. It’s a classic and with easy access, like Parachute Rocks or Wooded Peak. There were nine participants on a nice day, but one where you put layers on, then take off. The start is from Inwood Lookout off Wai-iti Road, which looks like half a lighthouse and is not manned now. So we headed along the…

Unique countryside Dun Mountain – Sunday 6 October 2018 A bunch of eight trampers departed from the Maitai Dam carpark on a fine spring day. We set a steady pace along the well-used Dun Mountain Trail up the South Branch Maitai Valley towards Dun Saddle. The track left the pleasant forested banks of the river and climbed up the completely different terrain of the harsh mineral belt. Underfoot…

Enjoyable tramping Awapoto Hut crossover – 29-30 September 2018 All nine trampers meet at Joy’s lifestyle block in Tasman. We departed about 8am and our group headed to Pigeon Saddle. A quick warmup walk into Wainui Falls for about 40 minutes started the day perfectly as we ended up just after noon at the preferred lunch spot overlooking Wainui Bay at high tide. We passed a couple coming out who…

Idyllic beaches Holyoake - Anchorage circuit – Sunday 23 September 2018 A big group of twelve trampers participated on this trip in Abel Tasman. The new enlarged carpark at Marahau was still a work in progress and the new shelter has been somewhat controversial with its ‘bus-stop’ shape. Very quick progress was made along the Coast Track amongst the lush seaside bush until we reached the junction…

Beauty and bounty Boulder Bank – Saturday 15 September 2018 “The walk to the Boulder Bank Lighthouse is a walk that everyone should do”, the locals told me when I first arrived in Nelson. Before adding knowingly, “but you’ll only do it once.” Never one to turn down a challenge like that, I felt compelled to do it twice this year, the second time with a band of twelve Waimea TC hikers on a…

Bluebird day, crisp snow, excellent instruction Snow day at Rainbow ski field – Saturday 8 September 2018 After intros, briefing and gear check, we were crunching over the snow by 9.20am. Pete re-introduced us to making steps and using ice axes as we traversed to a frozen tarn. On the slopes we practiced self-arrests with and without ice axes. After lunch and cramponing practice we climbed the…

A special setting Speargrass Hut – Sunday 2 September 2018 Mt Robert carpark was the starting point for our tramp to Speargrass Hut and return the same way. Regardless of the wet weather, eleven trampers set off at 9am for the hut. Rooty would best describe the majority of the trail and the Speargrass Creek needed to be forded due to a section of the track being destroyed by a significant slip…

Bushline at its best Bushline Hut weekend trip – 25-26 August 2018 Chris, Jo and Joy set off from Richmond soon after 8am and arrived at the lower Mt Robert carpark just as the day trippers were about to leave. Having loaded up our overnight packs complete with snow shoes, we set off up the Paddy’s Track where we caught up with the others at their morning tea stop. The walk up Paddy’s was very…

Busy Bushline Bushline Hut day trip – Saturday 25 August 2018 We left Richmond at 8am on a fine and sunny Saturday morning and arrived at the Paddy’s track carpark. We made our way up Paddy’s Track. One of our group was finding it a struggle so two went back to the car park and eventually caught up with us. There were glorious views of the lake on the way up. Scattered on the track were huge bags…

Sunshine on golden sands Apple Tree Bay (and beyond) – Sunday 19 August 2018 What a stunning winter’s day! Ten of us enjoyed a lovely walk from Marahau to Akersten Bay and back, under a cloudless sapphire-blue sky. The trip was actually advertised as Apple Tree Bay and return, but it was unanimously agreed that this was a tad on the short side, and we would forge on further. Low tide on the…

An introductory overnight tramp Lakehead Hut – 11-12 August 2018 Good company, beautiful views, gentle pace and perfect weather sum up this trip. Sharing ideas plus chatting with people we met all contributed to an enriching experience. Some things I (re)-learned... Being over-ruled I’d offered to carry a DOC axe to the hut. The axe was too heavy and the question of ‘fitness for purpose’ of both…

A trio of trips Spooners Tunnel, Shedwood Bush and Jeff’s Sherry River Bush – Sunday 5 August 2018 Six of us met at the foot of Spooners Range to begin the walk along the old railway line to the tunnel. The two drivers took the vehicles over Spooners and walked towards the tunnel from the southern end. Sue joined them, so that trio were headed north to meet us heading south. When we met, we all…

A pleasant stroll Centre of NZ to Bay View Road – Saturday 28 July 2018 Eleven people set out from the Wakapuaka Cemetery gates, climbing up into the cemetery exit via the back gates. Then it was through the gardens across the road and on to the Botanics and up to the Centre of NZ to arrive on the dot of 10am so Pat could have her morning tea break on time. With good views we then headed north…

Splendid coastal views Cable Bay Walkway – Sunday 15 July 2018 It was a cloudy day for four trampers who were keen for an outing, despite a forecast of some afternoon rain. We departed from the carpark at Glenduan and viewed the badly eroded shoreline, a result of the recent summer storms. From the road end we picked the inland loop and headed along a vehicle track, up a small valley beside…

Hill, lake and beach walks Mangarakau – 29 June-1 July 2018 On Friday eleven club members travelled at various time to the Friends of Mangarakau Lodge situated at Mangarakau, Whanganui Inlet, with the last people arriving around 8pm. A prearranged pot-luck meal for dinner was enjoyed by all. On Saturday the morning was cold mixed with sunshine. The plan for the morning was to walk to the top of…

Mid-winter at Wakaretu Wakaretu Bay, Pelorus Sound – 15-17 June 2018 Starting on Friday afternoon we headed to Jeff Lukey’s bach at Wakaretu Bay. This allowed some to explore the tracks in the bay before we settled in to enjoy the night with a good warm fire. Saturday we got away at a respectable hour with one party doing the Wakaretu Bay circuit while the other drove through Havelock and…

A pleasant day out Browning Hut – Sunday 10 June 2018 We set off from Aniseed Valley in cool conditions, but quickly warmed up negotiating the well-used track up Hacket Creek. At the junction with Browning Creek we had our morning tea, then made our way up the Browning track which crosses Browning Creek several times. Some fancy footwork saved most dry feet. We negotiated the steep dry-weather…

Sounds and scenery D’Urville Island – 2-4 June 2018 French Pass is about 100 km from Nelson, which will take approximately 2½ hours to drive. A sign facing in the wrong direction sent three of our vehicles towards Cissy Bay rather than French Pass. Fortunately a sense of direction prevailed and the error was realised before too long. We took four vehicles (two trips of two vehicles) and a bike…

Camping at lunchtime Barnicoat Range crossover – Saturday 26 May 2018 This trip richly deserves to become a Waimea TC favourite in my opinion, particularly during the short day time of the year where the day starts and finishes crisply while the sun shines exquisitely in between, as it did on this trip when a party of 16 crossed over the range, half in each direction. Crossover trips like this…

A worthy plan C Dew Lakes – Sunday 20 May 2018 The scheduled trip to Mount Hope was deferred then altered to Dew Lakes due to continuing poor weather in the western ranges. Nine people were still keen to get out so we left from the Maitai Dam carpark at 8.30am in fine weather. The first section has taken on a complete change in appearance due to forest harvesting in recent years, making for a…

A walk with a difference Grampians – Saturday 23 June 2018 On 2018’s shortest Saturday, at 9.30am a keen group of seven Waimea Tramping Club members met at Victory Square. It was fine and sunny while still chilly and cold. Heads covered, hands covered, with everything covered except our faces and Julian’s legs, we headed up the Railway Reserve. We crossed into Bishopdale and along Market Road…

A relaxed trip Riordans Hut – 5-6 May 2018 This trip had to be changed, due to the Cobb Valley Road still being closed for repairs, months after the February storm, and that’s why a select group of three lucky people set off up the benched Kill Devil Track from the Takaka Valley on a pleasantly overcast but dry day. We had good views to the Takaka and Waingaro valleys from our lunch spot on the…

Awesome views Dun Saddle and Coppermine Saddle circuit – Sunday 22 April 2018 Our group of nine trampers set off from the Matai Dam carpark round 8.30am in the cool of the morning. We decided to walk to Coppermine Saddle first, then cross to and descend from Dun Saddle. The idea was to avoid having our backs to bikers speeding down the track from Coppermine for some of the walk. It may have…

Exploring the karst country Takaka Hill Walkway & Harwoods Hole – Sunday 15 April 2018 Our group of 14 departed the Takaka Hill Walkway carpark at 9.15am to walk the Big Loop. After a few minutes we detoured to an old dilapidated hut to see the resident mummified cow. A group of heavily laden cavers scooted past us on their way for a training session but we headed up to the TV antennae for a…

Delightful surprises Goat Hill and Okiwi Bay Hill – Saturday 7 April 2018 Bringing up the rear, Robert and I speculated about the fluorescent green lines painted across the Goat Hill track. Ahead we could hear chatter and peals of laughter from the nine trampers ahead. Julian joking, I speculated. It was a warm, sunny day, the gradient steady and the rata in bloom. There was a beautiful sea view…

A changed coastline Kaikoura – 30 March-2 April 2018 - Easter Friday: Cape Campbell On Good Friday ten members met at Paru Paru road and travelled in three cars to Marfells Beach. From there we walked in perfect weather along the coast to the lighthouse at Cape Campbell. Due to the Kaikoura earthquake the coast has risen and there is now no need to wait for low tide to negotiate along the shore.…

A fun trip North Peak – Saturday 17 March 2018 The aim of this trip was to spend a couple of hours on the glorious tops of the Gordon Range admiring the numerous peaks which I for one only usually see from inside a commercial aircraft while flying into or out of Nelson. Conveniently the clouds lifted for us to be able to do this with only slight to moderate winds. As well we could look out to…

The giant’s sandpit Hope Range – 10-11 March 2018 The planned destination was John Reid Hut, but with high river levels and no high four wheel drive vehicles to get us over the Dart Ford, and with a fine weekend ahead of us, we decided to do a different tramp. Which was going up to the Hope Range and tenting. We set off from an old lime works road, on private property, and followed up a route to…

The best plan B Beebys Knob – Saturday 3 March 2018 Plan B swung into action for this tramp with the original intention being the Wainui Hut circuit in the part of Abel Tasman National Park accessed from Canaan Road off the top of Takaka Hill. The hill still had single lane convoys, one early and one late as a result of the damage from Cyclone Gita. The best plan B I reckoned was to go tramping…

City, sea and mountain views Marsden Valley circuit – Sunday 25 February 2018 Marsden Valley is one of Stoke's treasures. Leaving the carpark at 9am, we climbed the gentle Involution Trail zig-zagging through manuka then red beech to the Barnicoat Ridge Road. Here we stopped for elevenses and a chat with three trampers who'd climbed the steeper Scout Track. Any members of our party who had…

Medium sweet Marlborough Meander – 17-18 February 2018 Medium sweet could be used to describe a popular wine, or may be used to describe the leader, but definitely used to sum up this weekend. Five of us left Nelson around 11am Saturday morning to have lunch in Havelock around 12.20pm. We chose a nice rounded table near the church overlooking the harbour. With flasks and tasty morsels out, a…

Walking in the rain Maitai Caves – Sunday 11 February 2018 Six of us left Maitai carpark in light drizzle. For some a chance to avoid housework, for others a chance to try out wet weather gear – but most of all we just felt like a Sunday morning tramp in a beautiful area. Given that the rain was forecast to get considerably heavier in the afternoon, we agreed to shorten the original trip and not…

An interesting day out Whispering Falls and Chromite Mine – Sunday 4 February 2018 The forecast was fine, but there was a steady drizzle when we gathered in Richmond. We took off to the Roding River but we were informed by the caretaker that logging operations were taking place in the area and although they were not working at the moment, there was a risk of moving logs so we were not permitted…

An iconic peak Mt Fell Hut & Richmond Saddle Hut crossover – 27-29 January 2018 Ten trampers in two carloads travelled 31km along the Northbank Road to the Te Rou Road turnoff where we transferred to the other vehicle so we could travel home in our own vehicle. The Toyota ute headed 3km up to the Timms Creek carpark at the end of Te Rou Road on the Mt Fell side. The high clearance Range Rover was…

Long and hot but well-appreciated Elaine Bay to Penzance Bay – Saturday 20 January 2018 It was a fine, warm weekend morning full of promise when the group met at Paru Paru Rd at 8am. Some of us were oh so keen to get out tramping again after so many days of hot and very wet weather putting pay to carefully laid tramping plans. This trip had been postponed from a week earlier and only went ahead…

A trio of tracks Trig K, Pelorus Bridge – Sunday 7 January 2018 A cloudy, wet day meant only six people turned out, however the group still had a very good day exploring all of the tracks in the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve. First off we started on the Circle Track crossing the high suspension bridge and followed the river track. There are great views of the river from high up on the bank. At…

Entertaining thunderstorms Mole Tops – 16-17 December 2017 Six trampers made an early 7.30am start from Richmond and headed south towards Murchison. About 30 minutes after turning left onto the Mangles Valley Road and then right onto the Tutaki Road we reached the start of the track. This is opposite Mataki Lodge which belongs to Nelson College (available on Book-a-Bach). It was a warm sunny day…

A satisfying circuit Beebys Road / Maitland Ridge / Red Hills Hut circuit – Saturday 9 December 2017 After a period of unusually warm weather, the possibility of a damp forecast was good news. Having expected heat, most of us made a prompt start at 8.30am, while Chris and Rob organised a vehicle at Red Hills carpark. As we expected, it wasn’t too long before they joined us. Since our last visit,…

Curious caves Salisbury Lodge and caves – 2-3 December 2017 Perfect weather was on order as an elite group of four trampers headed to Salisbury Lodge for the weekend. Good time was made along the well-worn but pleasant Flora Track with welcome stops at Upper Gridiron Hut for morning tea and Growler Shelter for lunch. A highlight for all of us was the wildlife sightings on our way in. At Flora Hut…

A Country Calendar on a Saturday Kaituna Ridges Ramble, Havelock – Saturday 25 November 2017 Well let me just say it was more than a ramble. The group met 8am at Paru Paru Rd to get to the registration before the 10am deadline. On arriving around 9.40am, things were very well organised with signposting to parking and arrows pointing to the sign in. You get a number and write it on your hand, that…

A classic weekend tramp Kirwans Track and Waitahu Valley, Victoria Range – 17-19 November 2017 Three days of fine sunny weather on the West Coast was a special treat for eight trampers. At Cronadun 12km north of Reefton on SH69 we travelled 6km along Boatmans Road to the Capleston carpark to start our trip. But first we organised a car shuttle to the end of Gannons Road at the other end of the…

Cut the mustard 2 (let me show you a few tricks) Mt Riley & Mt Sunday – Sunday 12 November 2017 It is not very often you get to climb two peaks in one day, so a good challenge was on the cards for the four of us. Meeting on the Saturday evening around 6pm at the end of Onamalutu Road on the DOC campsite, we were surprised on how big it was, a lovely spot and very quiet, with just three other…

Good views Dew Lakes & Maungatapu circuit – Sunday 5 November 2017 14 trampers met on a sunny morning at Paru Paru Road carpark at 7.30am from where we carpooled to the Maitai Dam. The first part of the walk was up a forestry road, bare from recent logging, until we reached the signposted track to the Rush Pool and Dew Lakes. The climb to Dew Lakes was steady, through native bush and some…

Bird spotting Motueka Sandspit – Sunday 29 October 2017 We started at 8:00 from Richmond and drove to the Saltwater Baths at Motueka. Eight people were on this trip, half the number of three months earlier. This trip was planned mainly to view the birdlife on the spit. With Noelene our bird lady, we quickly viewed the busily feeding godwits from a distance, as that is all they do here in NZ. We…

Stunning views Mt Stevens, Golden Bay – Sunday 22 October 2017 Twelve keen trampers met in Collingwood at 8am and headed off in four cars to the track start, which was 28km from Collingwood inland along the Aorere River. Putting on our boots we looked to Mt Stevens’ top which unfortunately was covered in a thick mist. Oh well we can’t be lucky with the weather all the time and we’re here now. At…

Rewarding views Ben Nevis – Sunday 15 October 2017 A fine but breezy day greeted eleven trampers attempting an ascent of Ben Nevis. We travelled up the Wairoa Gorge Road then the Left Branch, until a sign indicated a turnoff up forestry roads with the correct roads well indicated with orange triangle markers on poles at intersections. We parked 15 minutes walk before the normal carpark, rather…

A circuit with variety Parachute Rocks and trapping line – Saturday 30 September 2017 Weather forecasts during the week had been marginal, but on Saturday morning, there was neither extensive cloud nor snow on our ridge, so plan A began. Fifteen trampers left Kerr Bay soon after 9.30am. We were off to a good start with no one charging along to Lake Head! As usual, it was a pleasant climb up…

A very pleasant wander Booth’s Cottage, Howard Valley – Sunday 24 September 2017 With it being the day after the election and the first day of changing to daylight saving the meeting time was delayed to 8.30am. Fortunately all thirteen club members were on time and we were away promptly. Knowing there is little difference in distance between driving via St Arnaud or over the Spooners Saddle we…

A local loop with good views Fringed Hill via Third House circuit – Sunday 10 September 2017 A group of 13 keen trampers set of from OK Corral at 8.15am, walking up the old Dun Mountain railway route to Third House for a very pleasant morning tea break sitting in warm sunshine. From Third House it was a short walk to the junction where we branched off the Dun track and onto the more demanding…

More a social outing Wakaretu Bay, Pelorus Sound – 2-3 September 2017 There we were on the Saturday night, Jeff Lukey’s eight Waimea Tramping Club house guests, relaxing in his warm open plan lounge heated from the genuine wood stove in the kitchen. We’d dined in style on a succulent, shared meal around the authentic wooden dining table which had been lovingly sanded and polished by Maria on an…

A good Nelson Lakes loop Mt Robert circuit – Sunday 27 August 2017 The weather didn’t look very promising with rain when we left home but it was dry by the time we reached the meeting place in Richmond. Twelve keen trampers in three cars arrived at the Mt Robert car park at 8:30am and we were on our way up the Pinchgut Track at 8:45am. The track has been improved over the last couple of years…

A good substitute trip Hacket Hut – Saturday 12 August 2017 Do we or don’t we? That is a decision that all trip leaders grapple with when the weather is probably, but not definitely wet. So it was for the planned trip to North Peak. Fifteen people could be wet and cold and have a miserable day on a high peak with no view. On the morning of the trip, rather than cancelling we decided to try for an…

Bird watching bonus Motueka Sandspit – Sunday 30 July 2017 We started at 8:30 from Richmond and drove to the Saltwater Baths at Motueka. 16 people lined up in a cold wind and there was a bit of a wager between Colin and Julian as to if a mussel buoy would be found. 13 of the group stayed on the high path in the wind while three of us enjoyed it out of the breeze on the beach to start out. On…

Sherry River Bush track clearing – Sunday 23 July 2017 I recommend hot pumpkin scones dripping with butter for a winter’s morning tea. That’s exactly how our day started at Sherry River! Followed by birthday cake! Well feed and sorted with loppers, secateurs and saws we entered the bush some 50m from Jeff’s house and began the day’s task. By midday we were heading down the centre track, after…

An ideal mid-winter circuit Black Hill, Teetotal and Anglers Walk – Sunday 16 July 2017 A party of nine trampers travelled to West Bay Lake Rotoiti on a mostly cloudy day. Firstly we headed up the track to Rotoiti Lodge then veered up Black Hill, only taking 30 minutes to reach the summit, 126m above lake level. We were amazed to be told by Julian that Black Hill is actually a volcanic rock but…

The three D’s did the double P’s Picton Pastures – Sunday 9 July 2017 You got that right. Di, Donell and David did Picton Pastures on a pleasant winter’s day. Here’s how it panned out: arriving at 3pm on Saturday afternoon we ambled along the Picton waterfront and streets taking in the flavour of this lovely town, sun shining and everyone relaxing. At around 4.15pm we settled in at my friend’s…

Cloudy views Beebys Knob – Sunday 25 June 2017 We started at 7:30 from Richmond and drove to the carpark before Tophouse, with some drizzle on the way. At 8:40 in overcast weather we started up the track with eleven people, Maria at the front and myself at the back. We had ideal conditions to climb to the ridge, which was achieved at 11:20 with a morning tea stop about two-thirds of the way up.…

An enjoyable winter walk Grampians – Saturday 17 June 2017 We’d sauntered over the hills and had fine views of city and sea having started at Victory Square at 9.30am, walked up the Railway Reserve and over through Bishopdale to the Market Rd entrance to the Grampians. From there we climbed the Kahikatea Track to the top then carried on along the Grampians walkway itself. By that stage the party…

An easy winter stroll Spooners Tunnel – Sunday 11 June 2017 David, Alison, Julian, Lily, Lesley, Linda, Marie, Marian, Jocelyn and Jo took advantage of the stunning weather and signed up for this winter stroll through the Spooners Tunnel. We met in the carpark opposite the Belgrove Hotel at the civilised hour of 9.30am. We had just crossed the main road when one member of the party decided that…

A right royal long weekend Reefton – 3-5 June 2017 How appropriate to be tramping in the Victoria Range - presumably named after Queen Victoria - on Queen’s Birthday weekend - a happy coincidence! Our accommodation was at the Reefton Backpackers (also called the Reefton Old Breadshop), a cheap $18 per night. Trevor the friendly owner also runs the local movie theatre. Two people also stayed at…

An excellent start to winter Jenkins Hill – Saturday 3 June 2017 There we were without a care in the world, or so it felt at the top of Jenkins Hill on a gloriously fine winter’s day looking out over the sparkling waters of Tasman Bay. We felt especially privileged as originally this trip had been planned for a week earlier, then postponed until the Saturday of Queen’s Birthday weekend, the…

An 8-hour day at time and a half Wooded Peak – Sunday 21 May 2017 Eleven people including four visitors turned up on a chilly but fine autumn day. The start of the track was just before the Brook Motor Camp. We only had two hills to deal with, unfortunately the first one was right at the start. After meandering in the bush for a bit, out we came into the open to follow the predator-proof fence to…

Off-track adventure Lodestone - Mt Hodder circuit – Sunday 14 May 2017 Twelve keen trampers met at the Badminton Hall at 7.30am for an early start to a reasonably long day hike. Fortunately the road up to the Flora carpark was in good condition and we started up the Lodestone Track from the carpark at 8.45am. It was a cool, almost frosty morning but we soon warmed up with the climb up Lodestone.…

A memorable trip Porter Rock – Saturday 6 May 2017 By meeting at 7.30am in Richmond it meant that we were walking from Canaan by 9am. A beautiful clear, still day made this a memorable trip for all eleven participants. By morning tea time we were at the lookout point above Wainui Saddle. From here it was all mainly walking in the bush with the exception of a more open area around Moa Park…

Beautiful vistas Red Hills Hut – Sunday 23 April 2017 We made an early start, leaving Richmond at 7.30am. It was a clear morning but quite foggy through Golden Downs, only clearing when we got to Tophouse. The turn off to the car park is not well signposted, but we spotted it in time and managed to fit our cars into the quite restricted car park. We set off through the bush track with the first…

A piece of history Maungatapu Track – Sunday 9 April 2017 The day before this crossover trip the leader undertook an hour or two of serious planning to sort 17 people and which cars they were to start in, either going to the Maitai Dam or the Pelorus Valley, and then the cars they were to return in. Transport costs were also calculated by averaging the cost of both road-ends and paying 20% to the…

A decent day out Lake Rotoiti circuit – Saturday 1 April 2017 There were five of us ready to partake on an easy but long hike around Lake Rotoiti on a cloudy but fine day. A powerboat regatta was going on for the weekend, but it did not interfere with our plans. After a short car shuttle, off we went from Kerr Bay on the Lakehead Track. This part of the track is mostly in bush and was very wide.…

A unique landscape Mt Arthur – Sunday 19 March 2017 The popularity of the Mt Arthur and the Tablelands area was evident as we squeezed our vehicles in at the near-full Flora carpark of 32 cars. The twelve of us set off in sunshine, above the cloud below in Tasman Bay. The wide and newly upgraded surface was a breeze as we quickly made our way up to Mt Arthur Hut for our first cuppa. But by now…

Beautiful countryside Paske Hut – 3-5 March 2017 On Friday morning ten keen trampers travelled up the Rainbow road, which required good 4WD vehicles on the rather rough surface. We paid the $25 road toll for each of our three vehicles at the old Rainbow Homestead. We were disappointed to be told we would have to pay again on our return on Sunday. Unfortunately staying any longer than overnight…

Hot but enjoyable Hacket - Browning circuit – Saturday 25 February 2017 Due to hot weather, the trip was changed from Dun Mountain to the Browning Hut circuit from the Hacket in Aniseed Valley. Eight happy trampers set off along the track about 8.30am. Before long we met a couple of parties returning from their early morning walk before the heat of the day set in. After stopping for morning tea…

New walkable track Historic Chrome Road loop track – Saturday 18 February 2017 On a cloudy but warm Saturday, five Waimea Tramping Club members met at Richmond at 8am, meeting two others at the Hacket car park soon after. From there we walked up to the start of the new loop track that we have been working on for some time. Progress is sporadic, as we have needed to wait on DOC as and when they…

Cut the mustard Mt Robertson, Marlborough – 4-5 February 2017 There were four of us signed up for this challenge on a fine and warm weekend. We travelled to Picton on Saturday afternoon arriving about 3pm, where I had a friend’s house for us to stay in, just up from town. After getting settled in we decided to do a 90 minute walk from Victoria Domain over the bridge and on to the Bob’s Bay Walk,…

West Coast classic Croesus Track – 28-31 January 2017 Seven of us left Wakefield at 8.15am on Saturday morning in perfect weather and drove the 3.5 hours to Barrytown with a refuelling stop at Berlins. We arrived at Jill and Murray’s home in time for lunch and settled in to their luxurious accommodation. The afternoon was filled with a very steep, but pleasant climb up Mt George. The track was…

Beautiful track Trig K, Pelorus Bridge – Sunday 8 January 2017 The day was windy in Richmond but quite still and clear by the time we drove to Pelorus Bridge. We departed from the very full campground and wound our way up the track to Trig K, stopping several times to take in the magnificent views down the Rai Valley, arriving at the summit at 417m a little after 11.30 where finding enough shade…

Sunday 11 December 2016 After a very wet spring and beginning of summer it was great to be greeted with fine weather. We motored off to Marahau and began the well-trodden track to Apple Tree Bay. There is very good scenery looking out over the bay which looked pristine with a high tide and very little wind. The track although in great condition was a little wet in places soft and soggy. We had…

2-4 December 2016 Friday and Saturday (from the poetic writings of Sweet Pea): Four keen trampers ready to rumble; Everyone is happy and no need to mumble Bushline hut was the goal for the night; The wind chill was up, had a bit of a bite Our hut became full of international folk; Including two Irish lads who were cracking a joke Saturday’s mission was to Angelus Lake; With beautiful scenery and…

Stunning scenery– Sunday 20 November 2016 A large group of 16 trampers travelled along the Tadmor Glenhope Road until we reached Tui where we turned onto the Tui Road, then after 1½kms turned off onto Hodgkinsons Road. The rule is to follow this forestry road for about 4km to a skid site at the end, staying left at each intersection. At one junction we turned off in the wrong direction but soon…

A pleasing circuit– Saturday 5 November 2016 Eight trampers set off from the Canaan carpark to Wainui Saddle via a track through the farm that DOC recently has purchased and added to the Abel Tasman National Park. This meant our tramp was a loop from start to finish. We enjoyed a chorus of birdsong as we ascended Wainui Saddle –thanks to our local community of trappers. The group stopped for…

A local scramble to immense trees – Sunday 30 October 2016 14 club members and visitors spent a fine day walking from Easby Park to the historic Richmond Reservoir and then up Reservoir Creek to a 500 year old kahikatea tree. Morning tea was had here at the base of the tree. Getting there was a bit of a scramble up the creek, comprised of crossing the creek several times and going from rock to…

Incredible views– Labour weekend - 22-24 October 2016 With a good weather forecast for the first two days but rain predicted for Monday, the four of us set off from Richmond at 7.30am on the Saturday morning. After a 2.5 hour drive we reached the well signposted turn off from the Lower Buller Gorge Road (SH6) to the Buckland Peaks Track. The car park is about 1km up this rather rough track. We…

An interesting Tableland tour– 15-16 October 2016 One carload of five trampers visited the beautiful Tableland for a weekend trip. From Flora carpark it was a quick hop over Flora Saddle to the historic Flora Hut. It is certainly worth a good viewing after being renovated recently by Nelson TC. We tramped further along the wide Flora Track and stopped at Upper Gridiron Hut after a little steep…

Medium sweet- – Sunday 9 October 2016 When one is heading to the town of Murchison, on the left about 20 minutes out you can see a transmission tower up on the hill, so when that happened to me two years ago I found out I could get up there, and well the rest is history. Firstly though you do need permission from the farmer David James, as the start is on his land, but he was pretty good about…

A short overnighter– 24-25 September 2016 It must be a very select group when the whole crew plus packs can fit in my 1300cc shopping trolley. So Nolene, Robert and I left the Maitai dam carpark at 8.45am on a beautiful spring morning. Soon we were reduced to short sleeves – what a lovely day! At 10.15am, we stopped for morning tea at the usual place – a small layby off the track. Then onwards up…

A back yard walk – Sunday 11 September 2016 Eleven members and two visitors met near the Brook Visitor Centre just before 9am on a calm sunny morning. We all headed through the new gate in the animal exclusion fence behind the centre and walked up the valley floor to the ridge track. The walk up Falcon Spur soon got us warmed up and before long most of us had to stop to remove a layer or two of…

A worthwhile day trip – Saturday 3 September 2016 The Dew Lakes were stunningly gorgeous and a surprise to the eye as the landscape had been consistently dry for quite some time before we arrived. Fourteen of us walked from the Maitai Dam (the track signpost points left and uphill shortly past the dam itself) towards the Rush Pond and Dew Lakes. I thought the Rush Pond which we came to after an…

A great snow trip– Wednesday 31 August 2016 With the original leader ill and poor weather the previous Sunday, it was fortunate that this trip went ahead. Meeting at Richmond Badminton Hall at 8am under a cloudy sky, we loaded up and were on our way. With much chatting, the kilometres passed comfortably and quickly. Around Tophouse patches of blue sky were seen and from Rainbow Road on it was all…

Mining history – Saturday 21 August 2016 As it’s quite a drive to the Waikakaho end of this tramp we decided to leave Nelson at 7.30am. This meant that by 9.15am at the Cullensville end and 10am at the Waikakaho end, trampers were on the track. Cullensville was a thriving gold mining centre in the late 1800s, complete with bakery, bank, stores, blacksmiths and hotels. Interestingly the hotels ran…

All seasons in a day – Saturday 6 August 2016 Snowflakes were settling on us as we ate lunch at the picnic tables on Mt Cawte (426m), but being on the lee side, we were out of the bitterly cold wind. Our views to Kaiuma Bay and down the Pelorus Sound were obliterated, however the snow showers soon passed and the sun came out and our view returned. It wasn’t long before the other half of our…

A grand short walk– Sunday 31 July 2016 Nine trampers started at the lower entrance of the Goat Hill Track near the corner of Wharf Road and the main road in Okiwi Bay (the first side road in the village), but the signpost is not easy to see from the main road. The track climbs at a good gradient on broad zigzags in luxuriant bush, but the track surface was very greasy and slippery in places. We…

Some rain and wind – Sunday 24 July 2016 The day presented a challenge to go or not to go. The forecast was for clearing weather but showers and wind. However we all decided that it was best to go, as we would suffer cabin fever if we stayed home. When we arrived at The Glen, the high tide, a huge swell and strong northerly winds had thrown boulders and driftwood all over the road, so we had some…

History and scenery– Saturday 9 July 2016 After a cold week it was great to be greeted by a fine day. We arrived at Fry’s Farm at the end of Moss Road at about 9am and after brief introductions our happy party set off up the quarry road. Crossing Holyoake Stream was a slippery ordeal owing to loose slippery rocks. Fortunately only the trip leader fell in. Then it was up the track. It was…

Steep but short – Sunday 3 July 2016 A party of thirteen departed from Nelson at 8.30am and headed north on SH6. About 7km past the Whangamoa Saddle a large roadside signpost indicated the Mt Duppa track a further 6km up a forestry road. The road has become rougher over the last few years and the roadside vegetation desperately needs cutting back in places. From the carpark we followed the…

Cityscape hike– Saturday 25 June 2016 I decided to call this pleasant outing at midwinter’s weekend a hike as it felt far too close to town to be considered a genuine tramp. Six of us ladies met at Victory Square at 9.30am on a true winter’s day. It was as still as still can be and completely dry with heavy cloud cover to make a change from last year when it rained all the way. It was only…

A new track – Sunday 19 June 2016 On a cloudy bleak day, twelve warmly dressed trampers met at the Hacket carpark, where we were joined by Philip from DOC. Philip had a discussion with us on safety factors and the requirements of safely working in the area, as Waimea Tramping Club were to carry out maintenance on the Old Chrome Road, in conjunction with an agreement with DOC. The plan was to cut…

Cold crisp scenery – 4-6 June 2016 The weather was magic with the tops decked out in white. What more could we want? Starting from the DOC St Arnaud office just after 8am, six of us ventured out into the frost with a couple of stops to enjoy the views around Lake Rotoiti, while our seventh member went up by boat with her husband - our advanced guard. We made Lakehead Hut before lunch and…

An extra tiki tour – 14 May 2016 After a week of somewhat variable weather, Saturday dawned beautifully clear and stayed that way. Expecting a fairly long day, we left the Maitai carpark at 8am heading towards the Coppermine Saddle. Chris pointed out the miniature mistletoe, which is not readily noticed. The mineral belt gentian was still flowering well. We had our first break about 9.30 at the…

A complete circuit – Sunday 1 May 2016 hirteen trampers in fine fettle departed from Flora carpark taking one hour to reach Mt Arthur Hut. The track was being beautifully resurfaced and had barely any roots visible, making for very easy going. Directly in front of the veranda was a two metre high mountain of dirt ready for spreading on the track. From the hut we headed up the open ridge amongst…

A super weekend away– 23-25 April 2016 Over the long Anzac weekend, eight walkers took the opportunity of joining Jeff at his bach at Wakaretu Bay, 12km from Havelock. With a choice of a two or three night stay, people either arrived on the Friday afternoon or the Saturday morning. On Saturday, the early birds took time out on Wakaretu Bay with some early morning kayaking or rowing. Then, once…

A great place to hang out – Sunday 17 April 2016 On a nice pleasant sunny day seven of us met at Richmond Badminton carpark for the drive to Lake Rotoiti I was apprehensive about two things: first,there was supposed to be the Loop-the-Lake Race on the same day and the carpark would be full, second, Helen wanted to get back by 5.30pm so she could go to the movies and I couldn’t guarantee we’d get…

The pleasure and the pain – 9-10 April 2016 Five hardy trampers enjoyed a weekend trip to John Reid Hut on the Arthur Range in Kahurangi National Park. We parked the vehicle beside the Wangapeka Road a few kilometres past the Dart Ford. We put on old shoes and crossed the Wangapeka River at about knee or thigh height then strapped on our dry boots and left the wet shoes for our return. We climbed…

A splendid circuit – Easter 25-28 March 2016 Eight keen trampers left our meeting point at the junction of Schultz Road and SH6 at 8am and headed off to Windy Point in the Lewis Pass. After a quick bite to eat most of us were off up the lower Hope Valley while the drivers took advantage of the secure parking and shuttle service offered by the staff at the Boyle Lodge. This was a reassuring…

Misty views – 20 March 2016 At 1330 metres high and visible from Motueka, Mt Campbell with its communications tower stands out indeed. Julian and I did a recce a week before in perfect weather, no wind and warm conditions. Alas on this trip it was not to be, but we didn’t have to put on our raincoats and frankly the cooler weather and mist made the trip more comfortable. Eleven hardy souls turned…

An interesting crossover trip – 12-13 March 2016 This was run as a crossover trip. While the walk into Lake Daniell from the Marble Hill campsite is familiar to most people, no one had tried the northern route via Station Creek. We met and swopped vehicles at start of the road to Diggers Creek, which is nearly opposite the bridge over the Maruia River to Woolley Road. There are no signs and we…

A superb summer day – Saturday 12 March 2016 Nine of us had a delightful tramp on a superb Indian summer day. It was just a little cool to be tempted to jump from the bridge at the start of the track into the pool and swim out. We admired the teenagers’ brave attempts instead; they liked the recognition. We left Richmond at 8.30am and the cars at the car park by 9.15am. We were so prompt that I…

A satisfying crossover – Sunday 6 March 2016 This trip was done as a crossover working in with Motueka Tramping Club. Our meeting point was the Beebys Knob carpark above the Tophouse-Korere Road where the Waimea team dropped off their two cars, picked up two cars from the Motueka members and drove them ten minutes around to the carpark at the start of the Red Hills track. Having done this we were…

Six short walks - Saturday 27 February 2016 There were nine of us including four visitors on this pleasant relaxing day. We would start and finish from the West Bay carpark as the power boat races were on at Kerr Bay. We started on the Brunner Peninsula Walk which has a good variety of native plants and twice crosses the Alpine Fault. After 40 minutes we arrived at Kerr Bay for morning tea and…

A memorable trip – 5-8 February 2016 Looming above the Matiri Valley are the fortress-like bluffs of the 1000 Acre Plateau, the oldest land form in New Zealand and the destination on this long weekend. Day 1: Two carloads travelled to the Matiri Valley on the Friday night to meet up at Lake Matiri Hut around 6pm. Some tented in front of the hut but others slept inside. The place was abuzz with…

An attractive bushwalk – Saturday 30 January 2016 This lovely bush walk is also part of the Te Araroa. The other trampers we talked with were walking the track as part of the trail as was the case with the people David Wheeler and I talked with when we’d reccied the trip a month previously. Because he and I had left town too late, at 8.30am, to actually get to the hut and back in reasonable time,…

An ideal summer trip - Sunday 24 January 2016 Leaving Richmond at 8am our group of 17 parked about 15 minutes short of the end of Pearse Valley Road. Walking was preferable to negotiating our vehicles through the last part of the road which is eroded and lined with large rocks. The bridge at the end of the road no longer exists, so a knee or thigh deep crossing (depending on leg length and actual…

A commanding panorama - – Sunday 17 January 2016 A small group of three keen trampers travelled 11km past Takaka, then 2km to the end of Ward-Holmes Road to a small car park, to climb the 1249m Parapara Peak. We crossed the small Pariwhakaoho River then walked along the track between the river and farmland. We soon entered Copperstain Creek, a narrow rugged creek bed, lush with tutu, with the…

Reports from 2015 - Waimea Tramping Club Contents 1 Arthur’s Pass – 31 December 2015 - 4 January 2016 2 Wooded Peak, Bryant Range – Sunday 20 December 2015 3 Richmond Hill – Sunday 13 December 2015 4 Lodestone & Mt Hodder, Kahurangi National Park – Sunday 6 December 2015 5 Pyramid Rock, Mt Richmond Forest Park – Sunday 22 November 2015 6 Jenkins Hill, Bryant Range – Sunday 8 November 2015 7…

Christmas BBQ - Rabbit Island – Sunday 14 December 2014 The weather gods were extremely kind and we had sunshine with very little wind as we celebrated the Christmas season with members of the Nelson and Motueka tramping clubs, and visitors joining us. There were about 30 people - hard to get a head count as nobody seemed to stay in one place for long. We met from 2.00pm onwards in the Manuka…

Reports from 2013 - Waimea Tramping Club Contents 1 Blue Lake and Moss Pass – 26-30 December 2013 2 Champion and United Mines – 22 December 2013 3 Lees Creek Hut – 14-15 December 2013 4 Sherry River – 30 November 2013 5 Cable Bay Walkway – 24 November 2013 6 Balloon Hut crossover – 23-24 November 2013 7 Old Ghost Road – Lyell to Ghost Lake Hut – 8-11 November 2013 8 Mt Robert – 28 October 2013 9…

Reports from 2012 - Waimea Tramping Club Contents 1 Slaty Hut – 15-16 December 2012 2 Hori Bay – 9 December 2012 3 Asbestos Cottage – 2 December 2012 4 Brook Sanctuary – 11 November 2012 5 Beebys Knob – 4 November 2012 6 Blenheim – 19-22 October 2012 – Labour weekend 7 Maungatapu Track – 30 September 2012 8 Nydia Track – 22-23 September 2012 9 Rabbit Island BBQ – 16 September 2012 10 St Arnaud…

Contents 1 Westport – 31 December 2011-4 January 2012 2 Little Rocky and Big Rocky, Sherry River – 17 December 2011 3 Fenella Hut – 9-11 December 2011 4 Mt Owen – 26-28 November 2011 5 Balloon Hut – 29-30 November 2011 6 Mt Starveall from Lucy Creek – 16 October 2011 7 Mapua and Ruby Bay walkways – 9 October 2011 8 Booths Cottage and Porika Lookout – 2 October 2011 9 Marahau Marble Quarry – 25…