This article was published in Tararua Tramper November 2025
0-6 grandparent trip
30 September-1 October
This trip to Matiu/Somes Island was the perfect inaugural outing for this group, comprising two grandmothers, two mothers and five children aged from five months to six years.
The forecast was not good and we enjoyed strong northerlies for our whole visit. The kids loved the boat ride, especially baby Roy, then we were met by the ranger, who kindly took our bags up to the historic caretaker’s cottage in his trailer.
The kids ran around finding beds in this very comfortable accommodation before we set off to circumnavigate the island. Those in the front spotted kākāriki feeding on the grass and their excitement ensured those at the rear did not.
Dinner was demolished as children discovered tramping is hungry work, red headlights were sorted and the four older children and adults had a fun walk in the dark down to the beach, attempting to spot the kororā coming ashore.
Everyone had a great time and we keenly planned our next adventure on the boat ride home. (J R)
Janette Roberts and Karen Baker (leaders), Laura Cooke, Alice Cooke-Harvie. Children (in descending age order): Lilian, Annabelle, Ada, Arthur, Roy.