| Sat 29th November - Sun 30th November North Mangahao Biv Easy-Medium Chris Parker 027 341 0091 This replaces the trip to Poutaki Hut, which is currently affected by logging. It will be a relaxed trip from Gordon Keer forest through some scrubby sections to the biv, which is the southern-most hut in the Tararuas. Well worth a visit but only has room for two so we will be tenting nearby. |
| Sun 30th November Supper at Rangi Easy Verity Elder 021 260 1885 If Sunrise Hut is a Ruahine must-visit of the east, Rangi is the same for the west. Situated perfectly for a sunset view and a delicious supper/dinner, we will aim to walk the easy benched track in mid to late afternoon, arriving for an early supper and the option of exploring the tops above the hut, before making our way back down during the early twilight hours (sunset is predicted to be 8:30pm). Bring warm clothes for cooler evening temperatures. Depart from Milverton Park at 2pm. Contact Verity no later than Friday 5pm. |
| Sat 6th December - Mon 8th December Love Our Huts Medium Janet Wilson 027 341 8945 As part of FMC's Love our Huts campaign, we want to give some love to Mid-Poh and Leon Kinvig huts. The trip will be a joint project between PNTMC and RWP (Ruahine Whio Protectors). We need a good group of people as we will also be servicing the Pohangina river trap lines. The timing is not fixed - it will be fitted around weather, river levels and people. There is a possibility of flying in. If so, there are limited places for trappers, those wanting to just go to the hut will need to contribute to the cost. If interested, contact Janet well beforehand. Expressions of interest by 30 November. |
| Sun 7th December Ashhurst Explorer Easy-Medium Robyn Wheeler 06 356 1998 There's more to Ashhurst than great Ice Creams. Explore the reserves and walkways right in our own backyard. Depart Milverton Park 8.00am. |
| Sat 13th December - Sun 14th December Kawhatau Base-Colenso Peak Medium Blair Petersen 027 600 4263 My mission for this year is to go to all 6 places in the Ruahines that are named after William Colenso. This is the last one! Saturday is from Rangitane Rd, following the Kawhatau River to Kawhatau Base, with possibly a trip across the cableway. Sunday morning we’ll go up to Colenso Peak & then retrace our steps the same way back to the vehicle with a coffee or ice cream stop at Awastone near Mangaweka. lease contact me by the Wednesday before. |
| Sat 31st January Beginner Workshop 1: The Fern Walk Easy Verity Elder 0212601885 Saturday morning walk and Beginners Workshop 1: This loop walk moves through original podocarp forest, including giant lowland totara, mata and kahikatea as old as 1000 years, and up to 68 species of fern (hence its name). An easy, close to home walk, this trip is a short, in-situ introduction to map reading and orientation. Contact Verity Elder no later than 5pm Friday 28th January: 0212061885. Track grade: Walking track. (T?tara Reserve, Pohangina Valley). Walking time: 3 hours (loop) Fitness level: low to moderate Workshop: map reading and orientation prior to walk, 15-20 min approx. Meeting point: Milverton Park, 8am Travel time: 40 minutes approx one way. |
| Sun 15th February Beginner Tramp 1: Mikimiki Track Easy Verity Elder 0212601885 The Mikimiki track follows an old logging tramline and passes over a low saddle into the Mikimiki watershed. This trip provides an introduction to low land forest tramping in the Tararua’s and stream crossing. Return via the same track. NB: In the event of heavy rain prior to this trip we will shift to plan B and tramp to Atiwhakatu Hut from Holdsworth carpark (similar grade track and walking time). Contact Verity Elder no later than 5pm Friday 13th February. Track grade: Walking track. (Kiriwhakapapa camping area and car park). Walking time: 5 hours return Fitness level: low to moderate Meeting point: Milverton Park, 7:30am Travel time: 1hr 30 minutes approx one way. |
| Sun 1st March Beginner Tramp 2: Rangiwahia Hut Easy Verity Elder 0212601885 The Rangiwahia hut track begins at 800m in the carpark and climbs to 1300m above sea level for, on a clear day, fantastic views of the wider Rangitikei area and Mount Ruapehu. We will aim for early lunch at Rangiwahia Hut with the option, for those keen, to continue onto the tops and the Whanahuia Range. Return via the same track. Contact Verity Elder no later than 5pm Friday 27th February. Track grade: walking track / tramping track (Renfrew Road, Rangiwahia). Walking time: hut: 5 hours return, Whanahuia Range: an additional 1-2 hours. Fitness level: moderate Meeting point: Milverton Park, 7:30am Travel time: 1hr 30 minutes approx one way. |
| Sun 22nd March Beginner Tramp 3: Blue Range Hut Easy Verity Elder 0212601885 This is a typical backcountry tramping track. Expect a rough and unformed track surface and an uphill climb with a fantastic reward. The very cute and happily situated Blue range hut looks out over the Waingawa river valley and peaks beyond. Contact Verity Elder no later than 5pm Friday 20th March. Track grade: tramping track. (Kiriwhakapapa Road end). Walking time: 5-6 hours return Fitness level: moderate to fit Meeting point: Milverton Park, 7:30am Travel time: 1 hr 30 minutes approx one way. |