| 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. |
| Sat 21st February - Sun 22nd February Lake Surprise Loop and Tihia Loop Medium Adam Matich 022 358 8062 We head north across Sunset Ridge from the Turoa car park to eventually cross the Mangaturuturu River above the 56 m waterfall and sidle up onto the around-the-mountain track. After dropping down through Lake Surprise we will visit the 23 m waterfall, downstream of the hut, and then spend the night at said hut. On day two we make our way back to the vehicles and take the long way home via the Rotoaira Road (SH47) towards Turangi. Across the road from Lake Rotopounamu is Tihia, a peak with a loop track over the top, and which will make for a nice day trip. |
| Sun 22nd February Stanfield Hut Easy Woody Lee 0210 444 552 A nice mix of easy bush and stream travel to this hut up the east branch of the Tamaki River. Depart Miverton Park at 8.00am. |
| 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. |
| Sat 7th March Maharahara Medium Woody Lee 0210 444 552 A good steady climb up this beautiful Ruahine forest track to the bushline, with great views on a clear day. |
| Sun 15th March Ohau Gorge Easy-Medium Warren Wheeler 06 3561998 Another classic summer river trip with a sure chance of a swimin at least one of several pools. We start from Poads Road carpark behind Levin, cross paddocks to the Tararua Forest Park and take the sidle track above the river for less than an hour before crossing Blackwater Stream bridge and head downriver for another 3 hours or so. Depart 8.00am Milverton Park. |
| Sat 21st March - Sun 22nd March Wainuiomata: The Peak – Paua Ridge Loop Medium Fit Adam Matich 022 358 8062 We will head from the Catchpool Road End into and down the Orongorongo River to camp somewhere near Peak Stream, for the night, so not a long day. Next day, bright and early, we will climb the spur all the way up to “The Peak” and head NE along the tops to Tapokopoko, from which we will return to the river, via Paua Ridge, and out. |
| 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. |
| Sun 29th March Sheridan Creek Easy Richard Lockett 06 323 0948 Otaki Forks was the centre of a thriving timber industry. We will wade across the Waiotauru River to explore the old tramway and other logging relics up this side creek. Depart 8.00am Milverton Park. |
| Sun 5th April Paekakariki Escarpment Walkway Easy Nicola Wallace 021 209 0720 This popular scenic walkway has steep steps in places but offers outstanding coastal views from high on the escarpment above the old main highway. We will start at Paekakariki and return by train from Pukerua Bay. Bring cash for the ticket. Depart Milverton Park at 8.00am. |
| Sun 12th April White Cliffs Boulders Easy Kirstie Priddle 027 779 0738 These are our very own version of the famous Moeraki Boulders, beside the Rangitikei River. There is a signpost on the main road near Ohingaiti that leads us there, via a windy gravel road to the carpark in the farmers terrace paddock. There is a small charge for access. An easy but steep walk down the terrace track takes less than 30 minutes to get to the boulders. Bring swimming togs. |
| Sun 19th April Anne's Day Trip TBA Medium Anne Lawrence 027 450 4212 Details to come. Watch this space. |
| Sun 26th April Field Hut Medium Richard Lockett 06 323 0948 This classic Tararua trip from Otaki Forks up to the bushline climbs steadily up the Judd Ridge track to this old Tararua Tramping Club hut, which has been kept in good condition since being built over a 100 years ago. If keen we can carry on up to Tabletop for great views on a fine day. Depart 7.30am Milverton Park. |
| Sun 10th May Mountain House Loop Easy-Medium Kirstie Priddle 027 779 0738 A delightful and varied trip. From Holdsworth carpark we take the Gentle Annie track up to Mountain House shelter and look for the old Mountain House site. We make it a loopy trip by going down the ridge track to the Atiwhakatu Track and follow the stream back out. |
| Sun 17th May Anne Day Trip TBA Medium Anne Lawrence 027 450 4212 Details to come. Watch this space. |
| Sun 24th May Archey's Lookout Plus Medium Nicola Wallace 021 209 0720 This relatively easy Tararua walk behind Levin is part of the Te Araroa Trail. It follows an old logging haulway upstream and offers a delightful variety of bush, small stream crossings and views out from the Horowhenua Lookout, which is a short distance past Archey's Lookout. Depart 8.00am from Milerton Park. |
| Sat 30th May - Mon 1st June Kings Birthday Coastal Classic All Janet Wilson To be confirmed. Watch this space. |
| Sun 14th June Hemi Matenga Kohekohe Walk Easy-Medium Nicola Wallace 021 209 0720 Up behind Waikanae, this coastal forest walk starts off steep, but on reaching the ridge it is easy going to a lookout, then nicely zig zagged down to the Kohekohe Loop where we can expect to see lots of tuis in the flowering kohekohe trees. We walk back along the streets to where we left the cars. Departy 8.00am form Milverton Park. |
| Sun 21st June Anne Day Trip TBA Medium Anne Lawrence 027 450 4212 Details to come. Watch this space. |