Upcoming Tramps and Events

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• North Piha Beach, Marawhara Track, Waitakere Ranges - extremely special tree planting

  • When
    6 Jul 2025
  •  
    8:15 AM
  • Location
    7 The Strand, Takapuna

  Register

  Confirmed time added, at Thursday 26th June.   
  EVENT:  LEAVING TAKAPUNA, 8.15AM, SUNDAY 06 JULY 2025
  
  Join us for a very special opportunity to plant trees in an area you wouldn't normally have the chance to plant trees.  Planting kicks off at 10am.
  In the massive floods back in 2023, the Marawhara Track was wiped out by a huge slip, approximately 1km long and basically the breath of the valley, so very wide.  This slip took everything in it's path, including a large number of extremely old, substantial large trees, all ended up in huge mess of bare earth!
  
  So our mission is join in this big community tree planting project to try and re-stablish some trees.  We're expecting this tree planting to be fairly easy as the ground is very wet now and most of the ground in the valley is now yellow silt. 
  
  Most community planting events are about 2 hours and tools are usually provided, but suggest bringing your own gloves, $5 gloves will be ok (can purchased at The Warehouse, Mitre10, Bunnings etc).  
  
  Please tell, family and friends so they come help too.  We'd love to have lots of people there to get lots of new trees in, making new food sources for the birds and others and to help stablise this huge slip.
  
  We will also go for a walk after planting.  With low tide around 12.24pm, depending on weather on the day, we may head to the very tall, spectacular 4 tiered waterfall, Kitekite Falls or perhaps explore sea cave, as long as the swell is calm. 
  
  PLEASE ENSURE THAT ALL YOUR GEAR IS CLEAN & that you bring clean shoes & warm fresh clothes for the trip back.
  
  Organiser:     Imogen  0272899440  (Please all non-financial members, please phone the organiser to assess suitability).   
  Bus departure from:  7 The Strand, Takapuna
  (Massey University please phone the organiser to register & to organise pick up).
  Driver:    TBA

  Cost - Special planting price:
  $15   Financial Members
  $20   Non Members
  $5     Juniors  (18 and under)
  N/A   Massey University 

  DEPARTURES:
  8.15am from Takapuna
  7.40am SHARP from Massey University
   

  
   

  
   

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Mt Tamahunga, Rodney

  • When
    13 Jul 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    The Strand Takapuna

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  Mt Tamahunga

  Sunday 13 July 9.00am 

  This is a section of the Te Araroa trail. Extensive predator trapping has been carried out and Kiwi have been released in this area. The track offers views of Matakana, Omaha, Pakari, and a guaranteed hill climb. This track will be slippery in places, so good footwear is recommended. Expect 4 plus hours tramping.

   Provided we have two drivers, we will drop one party to start at about 839 Matakana Valley Road, they will head in an easterly direction towards the weather satellite station and up on to the summit of Mount Tamahunga 439m.

  The other parties will start at the opposite end at Bathgate Road, Pakari. The track leads up a steep ridgeline through farmland for 2.5 kilometers, this part will offer fantastic views of the Pakari coastline, before heading west towards the Mount Tamahunga summit and carry on to Matakana Valley Road.

  If we only have one driver, it will be an out and back route, and there are other options on the day to shorten the route, but please be prepared for the full Monty on this one.

  Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf
  

  Depart:

  • ·         9.00 am The Strand, Takapuna 
  • ·         9.20 am Silverdale Park & Ride bus stop

  Cost: $20 members, $25 non-members

  Organiser:  Robert Brown  020 408 79525

  Non-members: Please phone the organiser to check suitability of the tramp

  Driver/s: Arletta

  Maps: Online/Printable/GPS
  

  To access the printable maps, download the zipped file, and either:

  open the zipped file, then drag the files to a new location OR

  press and hold (or right-click) the zipped file, select

  Extract All, and then follow the instructions

  
  
  

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• Mt William to Mercer

  • When
    27 Jul 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    The Strand, Takapuna

  Register

  MT WILLIAM TO MERCER

  Members please register so we can assess attendance numbers. 

  Mt William and Te Araroa from SH2 to Mercer.  Start in Auckland and finish in the Waikato! 

  This is a two-part walk; mostly flat but with some steady but easy farmland climbs in the first section.

  The first part takes in the highest point of Mt William, descending into attractive bush. There are a couple of climbs but nothing too serious, the descents can be slippery after rain.  The second part includes part of the Te Araroa walkway which follows the Mangatawhiri river.

  Starting at the Mt William Walkway we traverse through private farmland following the hills to Mt William (373m the highest point of the day), providing great views in all directions. Keep an eye out for the friendly sheep. A steady descent through bush, with some well-maintained stairs takes us to the bus waiting for us at McMillan Rd. Duration around 2 hours.

  We will take an early lunch break before getting back on the bus. Distance approx. 5km.

  A short shuttle trip along SH2 takes us to a drop-off point past the Mangatawhiri River bridge, on the Te Araroa route on its way to the Waikato River.  After a 100m or so walk along the road we hit the farmland following the Mangatawhiri River from the SH2 bridge south-west to the exit at McIntyre Road. This section is open, flat farmland walking alongside the canal.

  From there a short road walk takes us to a further section of the trail, (walking below the main state highway) to Mercer service centre and the waiting bus.

  Duration around 2.5-3 hours. Distance approx 11km.

  Total distance for the day 16km.

  Be prepared for cold winds at the high point and along the open farmland sections. Please  ensure you have a change of footwear with you and a bag for dirty boots.

  Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf
  

  Depart: 9.00 The Strand, Takapuna

  Organiser:  Chris Bilham 022657 3837
  

  Driver:  TBC

  Cost:   $15 members, $20 non-members

  ·         Non-members: Please phone the organiser to check suitability of the tramp.  No texts please.

   Maps   Online / Printable / GPS 

  To access the printable maps, download the zipped file, and either:

  ·         open the zipped file, then drag the files to a new location OR

  ·         press and hold (or right-click) the zipped file, select Extract All, and then follow the instructions

  
  

  Day trip policy: Minimum number of participants for trip to proceed is 10 for trips less than $20 and 12 for trip more than $20.

  
  

  
  

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• Okura Walkway

  • When
    10 Aug 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Ara Weiti Road

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  Okura Walkway     10 August  9am

  We will meet at the large, sealed carpark on the left, about 3kms down Ara Weiti Road, just before the big stone wall entrance to the private housing development at 9.00am.

  Low tide is around 2.50am. From the car park we will head east out towards the coast and cross a small stream to Dacre Cottage before heading south along the beach towards what is known as Dacre Point and explore a little way down the Okura River before returning to the cottage. (The rocks around Dacre Point can be slippery). The next stage will involve a small hill to climb with some very appealing views, before heading north towards Stillwater for an explore around before returning to the carpark. An easy tramp  that should suit all levels of fitness.

  Cost:  Free   No Bus today.

  Time: 9.00am

  Maps :Printable/Online/GPS

  Organiser: Amber Gladwin 027 838 9483

  ·         Non-members: Please phone the organiser to check suitability of the tramp.  No texts please.

  
  

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• Xmas Trip Dec 2025 - Jan 2026 - Mt Somers

  • Start
    27 Dec 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • End
    4 Jan 2026
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • Location
    Christchurch Airport

  NSTC Christmas Tramp 2025/26

  Mt Somers

  
  

  Below is our draft plan for the Christmas trip for 25/26, which will be edited as necessary as time goes on, so please check the website regularly for updates. We are at this stage unable to firm up a price until about late June, but we envisage the price to be in line with previous years. Bookings online will at this stage open at 9.00am July 12^th, 2025.

  In the meantime, if you are interested in attending the Christmas trip please email Chris Peard capeard@xtra.co.nz an indication as to what party you would prefer so we can have an idea of numbers, before June 6^th would be good!

  Introduction

  The Christmas tramp this year will follow the same format as previous years. The dates are 27th December 2025 to 4th January 2026, and we will assemble at or before 11 am on the 27^th at Christchurch Airport.

  Home party at this stage will consist of 12 members & out parties will consist of 8 members.

   We will conclude with a group feast at Stronechrubie Restaurant (own cost)  on the evening of 3 January and return to Christchurch Airport on the morning of 4 January. 
  

  Tramping will be the Craigieburn and Hakatere Conservation areas. These are areas not known to most club members and provide us with a diversity of options for both Home and Out parties.

  The Craigieburn Forest Park extends from Waimakariri River to the Wilberforce River-with braided rivers, beech valleys, tussock grasslands, alpine screes and rugged mountain peaks topping 2300 meters.

  Hakatere Conservation Park, in mid Canterbury, is centred around the Ashburton Lakes District between the mighty Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers. It covers nearly 60,000 hectares of rugged mountain country, tussock lands, beech forest and sparkling clear rivers.

  Mt Somers (Mt Somers Holiday Park) will be our base for the duration of the expedition, a 1.5-hour drive from Christchurch Airport. Both Out parties will be required to have a minimum of Medium Fitness standards for these tramps, as some tramps will require off-track travel, river crossings, and navigation skills, and may involve travel of five and up to nine hours daily.  You also will be required to carry tents for the duration of all the tramps (we will endure to book huts as practical where we can, but there will be no guarantees at this stage of planning). It is envisaged that the Out Parties will consist of 8-10 people total and splitting for the first section of the Craigieburn area - Stage 1, then combining into one party if practical for the Hakatere area - Stage 2. If you require extra accommodation at Mt Somers Holiday Park due to weather events or shortened tramps, there will be an extra charge from the final quoted price.

  Detailed Itineraries

  HOME PARTY

  Leader: Peter Wortman

   Day Walks:
  Mt Somers Track Brochure

  • Mt Somers Summit. (1687m). Up & back from Sharplin Carpark. Full day.
  • Mt Somers- Woolshed Creek. 3-hour circuit. 5 km.
  • Mt Somers -Pinnacles Hut. 3 hours. 5.2km.
  • Lake Heron-Double Hut Track. 20km in and out tramp to Double Hut.
  • Lake Heron- walk around the Lake. 15km. Need two parties to swap van.   
  • Mt Barrosa Summit. 1364. Up & back. Off Ashburton Gorge Road.
  • Potts River-Mystery Lake-Lake Clearwater. Full day 20km.
  • Mt Alford Summit 1171m. About 6 hours return. 
  • Lake Emma. Walk around the Lake. 10km.
  • Lake Clearwater. Walk around the Lake. 12km.  
  • Lake Clearwater. Walk around Lake & climb Mt Guy (1319m). Full day.   
  • Rakaia Gorge Walkway. Gentle 3-hour circuit.
  • Lake Coleridge walks. Lake Lilian 6 hours, Peak Hill 3-4 hours (great views), Kaka Hill Walk 3-4 hours & need to relocate the van. One of these trips could be done by the party picking up the TA Party on day 3.

  Two Day Trips:

  Hakatere Conservation Park Brochure

  ·  Hakatere/Bucks Bridge/Boundary Creek Hut/ Lake Clearwater.

  ·  Stour Track from Barrosa to Manuka Hut and out to Lake Clearwater.

  ·  Cameron Hut. Start near Lake Heron. 15.6km tramp in & out to Hut.

  OUT PARTIES 

  Craigieburn Forest

  Out Party 1 - Stage 1

  Topo maps BV20, BV21, BW20

  Leader: TBA

  Cass – Lagoon Saddle Craigieburn Forest

  27^th December: Cass Hut,

  Starting from the signposted carpark at the east end of Cass Road bridge, opposite Cass settlement, SH73. We initially follow a 4-wheel drive for about 1.5k and depart on to the track which follows the Cass River crossing it several times and climbs gradually before we camp at or near Cass hut. 3 Bunks, about 3-4 hrs.

  28^th December: West Harper Hut,

   From the camp head up over the Cass Saddle and past Hamilton hut to the confluence of the Hamilton creek and the Harper River, head in a northerly direction along the Harper River passing several swimming holes along the way to West Harper hut. 5 canvas bunks, about 5 hours.

  29th December: West Harper Hut to Road end,

  West Harper Hut we carry on in a northerly direction bagging Lagoon Saddle Hut, A Frame Hut, and Bealey Hut, and out to the van at Cora Lynn Road. About 5 hours. drive to Harper Road at the top of Lake Coleridge & pick up Out Party 2 before driving back to Mt Somers Holiday Park for the night.

  Out Party 2 - Stage 1

  Leader: TBA

  27^th December: Lagoon Saddle Hut, A Frame Hut,

  Starting from Cora Lynn Road on the Waimakariri River we follow the TA trail through the Craigieburn Forest, first passing Bealey Hut and then initially an easy to moderate climb to Lagoon saddle (2 bunks) and A Frame Hut (2 bunks) to camp the night. About 3 hours.

  28^th December: Hamilton Hut,

  We follow the Harper River passing several swimming holes along the way to Hamilton Hut. 20 bunks bookable about 5 hours.

  29th December: Hamilton Hut to Road end,

  From Hamilton Hut we head to the Pinnacles for a short side trip and out to Harper Road at the top of Lake Coleridge about 5 - 6 hours and wait for pickup from Out Party 1 and drive back to Mt Somers for the night.

  Hakatere Conservation area

  Topo maps BX18, BX19, BW18, BW19

  OUT PARTIES COMBINED - STAGE 2 

  Leader: Chris Peard

  30^th December: Boundary Creek Hut, From the Hakatere Potts Road carpark by the Potts River, take the TA trail heading past Lake Clearwater after about 10 kilometres head up the Mystery Lake track, Mystery Lake Link track, and onto the Potts Hut Track towards Boundary Creek Hut for the night. 8 bunks, about 6-7 hours 20km.

   31^st December: Potts Hut, from Boundary Creek Hut we retrace our footsteps back along to the Potts Hut track to the intersection of the Mystery Lake Link track and continue along the Potts Hut track over the Dogs Range to Potts hut for the night. 10 bunks, about 15km 5–6 hours.

  
  

  1^st January: Top Hut, from Potts Hut we go off-track, over the Big Hill Range heading briefly upstream from Potts hut on scrubby flats and climb the 1st spur north of the 1st side creek above the hut. This will lead us onto a broad saddle east of pt1319. Head north over the saddle and, avoiding dropping into the gorged valley beyond, sidle upriver on gentle terraces / slopes around the 1200m contour. Once the gorge ends, drop onto the valley floor and follow the tussock / scree valley floor upriver. At the forks, take the middle fork (NE) to reach the saddle with Stumpy Stream after a 1km scramble up stable scree.

  A short scree run takes you into the head of Stumpy Stream, which can be followed all the way to the South Branch Ashburton River - visible below. Top Hut is out of sight behind a small terrace 1km downstream. 10 bunks, about 10km 5-6 hours.

  2^nd January: Cameron Hut, we head off track again over The Wiled Mans Brother Range, crossing over the Southern Ashburton River we climb a spur up loose scree up to a pass at pt1432 from here we descend over more scree and vegetation that will be scrubby in places, a little over 3km we will dissect the roughly marked Cameron Hut track, taking us up to the hut situated in the Arrowsmith Range. 9 bunks, about 10km 5-6 hours.

  3^rd January: Cameron Hut to Road end, from the Hut we retrace our steps head down the track following the Cameron River passing the private Highland Home hut, before eventually coming to a 4-wheel drive track to take us to the road end to return to Mt Somers Holiday Park.   About 15.5 km 5 hours.

  A non-refundable deposit of $100 must be paid by 31 July and the balance by 31 October. For cancellations after 31 October, trip costs will be refunded only if a replacement takes up the place.

  Booking

  Booking will be available with effect from 9 am on Saturday 12 July – online only on our website, no texts or emails. Only paid-up members of the club are eligible to participate, and applications will be approved in order of receipt but only if the applicant is considered to have an appropriate level of physical fitness and experience. In the event of over-booking, unsuccessful applicants will be waitlisted and allocated to a trip if there are any cancellations.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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