What is Bushcraft
As a TTC member, one of the best ways of learning the skills needed for going into the hills is to attend a Bushcraft Instruction course run by the Club. The course is for people who are new to tramping or just want to build their confidence. It’s also a great way to meet new people. Participants are required to be a member of the Tararua Tramping Club.
Photo: Leonore Hoke
Bushcraft 2026
Bushcraft 2026 will run during September and October for 3 weeks, starting on Tuesday the 29th September and finishing on Sunday the 18th October.
It involves several theory presentations and practicals, focusing on using map and compass, equipment used in tramping, trip planning, leadership, safety, and first aid.
We will meet in the TTC clubrooms, in the library, on Tuesdays from 5-7pm. Saturdays following Tuesdays are day trips, outings, when theory is put into practice with a focus on river crossings during the 2nd outing. The course finishes with an overnighter, tramping and camping, on Sat - Sun 17-18th October. Should the weather be bad, this overnight trip can be moved by one week to 24-25th October.
Once you have enroled for 2026 bushcraft course, using the online bushcraft enrolment form you will be contacted and given further information. Participant numbers are limited to 10.
If you want to find out more about bushcraft - whether or not you are a club member:
- just contact Leonore Hoke -> mailto:ttc [period] bushcraft [snail] ttc [period] org [period] nz?Subject=Query from TTC website
- there will be a presentation on bushcraft on New Members’ evening on 26th May 2026.
Photo: Matt
Cost
TTC Bushcraft costs $120 this year.
- the course fee covers items such as a pack liner, in-course handouts, maps, and van transport.
- food and the club membership fee are not included in the cost.
Registration form and payment details
The completed enrolment form, course fee, and club membership are required to secure your place on the course.
- please use the online bushcraft enrolment form
- please pay your bushcraft fee ($120) by internet banking: 02-0500-0022732-00.
- under the Statement Details put Bushcraft and your Name for Bushcraft fees
- not a member of the TTC: please visit our TTC membership Joining page, complete the online membership application form,
- pay your membership fee using the details above, except under Statement Details put Membership and your Name .
Preparation and important links
An overview covering part of the Bushcraft course is given in the MSC Bushcraft Manual available as a free download.
A compass is necessary equipment for this course. We recommend Silva adjustable dial compasses as they offer good design and build quality at a competitive price.
How fit do you need to be?
Participants need to be able to complete a walk of about 10km per day, including walking uphill, carrying a light weight backpack on a day trip, and a heavier pack for the overnighter.
Equipment
TTC has a gear room for the benefit of club members which stocks gear (over 400 items) needed on trips. Hire equipment is free and includes: tents, tent flies, billies, insulation mats, axes, ice axes, ice hammers, crampons, packs, first aid kits, avalanche transceivers, personal locator beacons, InReach devices, dehydrators, and more.
Bushcraft leader's information
- Bushcraft Organisation Bushcraft structure and resources
- Leader Notes Bushcraft instructor's notes
- Lectures Bushcraft checklists, handouts, and instructions
- Pre-course Planning Planning required prior to running the Bushcraft course
- Student Notes Single page of resources for Bushcraft participants
TTC links
- Activities What we do
- Clubrooms Locating the TTC clubrooms
- Introduction Welcome to Te rōpū hikoi o te pae maunga Tararua, the Tararua Tramping Club
- Join How to become a club member
- New Members Evening Information on TTC's new member's nights