2025-02-12 < Weekly activities > 2025-02-26
Activity summary: Wednesday 2025 February 19 to Tuesday 2025 February 25
Catchpool Wander/Nga Taonga Nature Trail and Clay Ridge Loop/Whareroa including new Western Hills Track/Another Belmont Bounder/Sayer Hut/Winzenburg Hill/Te Akau Tangi - Evans Bay Coast/Wanaka & Environs/Whanganui River
Wednesday
Ramble ‘Catchpool Wander’, led by Peter Nixon, Wed 19/02 3M
Despite unpromising weather forecasts, three members showed up at Woburn station. We enjoyed a sheltered lunch at the main carpark followed by a delay while a torrential rain shower passed. Then it was a walk in sunshine back to the cars or via the Gold Card back to Wellington.
E Trip ‘Nga Taonga Nature Trail and Clay Ridge Loop’, led by Diana Barnes, Wed 19/02 8M
Our group came on to the Nga Taonga Nature Trail and Clay Ridge Track through beautiful bush with many tall trees. The rain started just as we finished morning tea, and continued off and on, with the sun coming out only as we approached the main Catchpool carpark. However, an enjoyable time was had by all.
EM Trip ‘Whareroa including new Western Hills Track’, led by Marg Pearce, Wed 19/02 9M
Despite pouring rain, nine members turned up at Whareroa car park ready to start the trip. Although very windy most of the day, it stayed dry but expected panoramic views were mainly of cloud. We covered about 13 km around Whareroa from the new Western Hills Track through Campbells Mill Road to the Tī Kouka Rocks and Ramaroa Forest. Trip members made some very nice comments about the lovely native forest that has sprung up through the work of volunteers, and the variety of tracks. Time: 4 hours 45 mins.
M Trip ‘Another Belmont Bounder’, led by Cheryl McDonald, Wed 19/02 12M
Another great day out in the Belmont Hills, for 12 intrepid trampers. In the morning, it was rather foggy and occasionally soggy but not too windy, as we ascended from Takapau Station, and got over all barriers (some expected, some not) on the way up to the Trig. We then enjoyed the stroll down to Cornish Street and arrived at Petone Station in plenty of time for the train back to Wellington.
SF Trip ‘Sayer Hut, with off-track circuit’, led by Mary Kane, Wed 19/02 6M
The group travelled to Mangaturere Valley in a large 'limousine' to tramp to and from Sayers Hut. We found the route slippery with wet tree roots and steep descents throughout the first 7 hours so we were grateful that the sun accompanied us for the last hour. One member, the leader, tripped over a hooked root and has probably broken some ribs and Jim Gibbons took some wonderful photos on the ridge line. Overall a satisfying but tiring day.
Weekend
EM Trip, ‘Winzenburg Hill’, led by Dave Reynolds, Sat 22/02 5M
The group enjoyed the climb to Winzenburg Hill in clear warm conditions. Overnight rain had left the bush wet and the small stream crossings up a bit in the morning.
E Trip,’Te Akau Tangi - Evans Bay Coast’, led by Chris Horne, Sun 23/02 6M
The trip took 4 hours, and highlights included visiting the NZ Army saluting battery site above Point Jerningham / O-maru-kai-kuru, the seaward side of NIWA, Cog Park - site of former Patent Slip and Trans-Tasman flying-boat operations, and a cuppa and scone at the Crazy Rabbit Cafe, Hataitai.
Multi Day
MF Trip, ‘Wanaka and Environs’, led by Janette Roberts, 17 - 24 Feb 8M
Eight TTC members travelled to Wānaka in the club van to explore the area. Seven people completed a five day traverse of the lovely Dingle Burn valley from Lake Hāwea to the Ahuriri River, in perfect weather. We also did day walks to Rob Roy glacier and the Roaring Meg pack track. Many thanks to Paul Maxim for maintaining the club van and to shuttle driver Tricia French, both of whom made this trip possible
‘Whanganui River’ journey, led by Mark Edwards, 21 - 23 Feb 5M/2NM
The Whanganui river was navigated from Whakahoro to Pipiriki by 5 club members and 2 others. Journey completed, rapids navigated (mostly without incident), and possums fought off, in generally very good weather with rain on one afternoon. Wonderful wilderness trip reeking with history and culture.
Total 62 members and 2 non members