North Shore Tramping Club upcoming events

Tongariro National Park Kings Birthday (29 May 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Tongariro National Park – Kings Birthday May 29^th – June 1st

Friday Departure Como Street: 4.00pm

You will need to book by 18^th May for this trip to proceed!

Cost: $290

We have bad weather contingencies if the weather doesn’t play ball! Two drivers or more is ideal for this trip.

A good standard of medium fitness will be required!

Accommodation will be at the Manawatu Tramping Club/Ski Lodge.

https://mtsc.nz/lodge/

NOTE

All participants must be fully equipped for winter conditions – warm clothing, gloves, a good rain jacket and waterproof over-trousers.

Topo Maps; BH34, BH35, BJ34

We have plenty of options for you on the upper slopes of the mountain, bring extra money if you would like to try the Sky Waka gondola! Below are several other options, we will mix and match as per the weather and interest.

Tongariro Crossing

For those who don’t mind crowds, good medium fitness will be required and of course suitable weather! Approx 6 – 8 hours.

Scoria flats – Mangatururturu hut: For those you haven’t quite completed this section of the Round the mountain, on our previous adventure we will pass Lake Surprise on the way and exit out at Ohakune Mountain Road. Approx 7 hours.

Stanton Memorial Loop: 1931 saw was one of the largest search and rescue missions in New Zealand history from the slopes off Mt Ruapehu for 14 university students. From Scoria Flats car park, this will involve off track tramping, and we will see if we can locate the Stanton memorial bronze plaque, we should get some great views. Approx 5-6 hours.

Tama Lakes: A good replacement for the TRC if the weather doesn’t play ball, but this time we can travel a little further up to the top of Tama hill, or those wanting an overnight adventure off track if we get enough takers, bring your tent for this one. Approx 6 hours.

Other smaller trips are below.

Meads wall: https://www.visitruapehu.com/see-do/walking-hiking/meads-wall

Skyline Ridge: https://www.visitruapehu.com/see-do/walking-hiking/skyline-walk

Knoll Ridge: Combined with the Meads wall (Keep your eyes out for Gollum) and skyline ridge.

Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf

Organiser: Robert Brown 020 408 79525

Drivers: Chris / Arletta

Please pay a $50 deposit on booking.

Matakana-Omaha Return (7 Jun 2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Matakana-Omaha Return

Sunday 7^th June; 8.00am. Please note new departure point

Please ensure you have the correct cash - do not rely on change being available

Members: $25 (includes temporary $5 Fuel surcharge)

Non-members $30 (includes temporary $5 Fuel surcharge)

This 16km return trip makes use of the Matakana Cycle Trail to walk from Matakana Village to Omaha beach and back again. As we’ll be walking on a cycle path, we may be sharing this with cyclists! The track is predominantly a gravel surface through farmland and bush with a small amount of on-road walking, mostly flat, with a couple of short climbs. Ceramic markers along the route feature stylised maps of the area’s topography.

We’ll have lunch at Omaha Beach, with the opportunity for swim, so bring your togs if you’re brave enough for an autumn swim. A walk along the end of the beach takes us to the Bird Sanctuary where we might have a chance to see some wading and shore birds. To Do – Omaha Beach

There’s a café at Omaha Beach where you can get coffee and snacks. Bring plenty of water, ideally 2 litres as there is limited options for topping up until you get to the beach.

Registration: Members/MUTC members please register online by 7pm Friday 5^th June.

Non-members and Massey University Albany Tramping club members who haven’t tramped with the club before must contact the organiser to check suitability of the tramp.

Depart

8.00am Carpark on the Eastern side of Poenamo Hotel 31 Northcote Road - opposite the netball courts

NSTC Member – Northcote pick up – note new pick up point

Massey Uni - Massey pick up

NSTC/Massey l Member – Silverdale pick up

Cost: $25 Members, $30 Non members.

Pay on the bus, please bring the correct cash.

Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf

Driver: TBC

Organiser Amber 027-838-9483. No calls after 8.30pm please.

Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf

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.

Takapuna - Devonport loop - Urban Walk (14 Jun 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Location: Takapuna - Devonport loop

This is an easy/medium urban walking route, on beach, clifftop, parks and streets.

Starting from The Strand in Takapuna, (where the bus parks, opposite Cafe Presso). We will head along Takapuna Beach to Clifton Road. From here, we will head up to Takapuna Grammar and make our way along the top of the clifftop fields, and connect down to Narrowneck Beach. We will pass through Cheltenham to North Head. Beautiful views from the top overlooking the city and East Auckland. We will walk into Devonport Village and stop for a coffee before heading up Mount Victoria. Again amazing views, but seeing Auckland from a different angle from the city out to Waitakeres. We will then make our way along a bush trail and link up with the Bayswater boardwalk, with views to the harbour bridge. From here we will make our way back along Hauraki Corner and Takapuna beach to the starting point. We will stop for lunch somewhere along the way. This is a good trip for new members.

Total distance 18.5km

Queries text Tania 021 902048

Registration: No need - just turn up, BUT can new members please call Tania.

New members, please phone organiser Tania 021 902048.

Cost: FREE

Gear: Please bring PLENTY of WATER, and some lunch. Poles can help on the beach/rocky areas.

Expected return time : 2:30pm

Xmas Trip Dec 2026 Jan 2027 Kahurangi/Abel Tasman (27 Dec 2026)

Sat, 26 Dec 2026 22:00:00 GMT

NSTC Annual Christmas Tramp 2026/27

Kahurangi/Abel Tasman

The Christmas tramp will be slightly different this year.The dates are:

Home Party:

Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks: 27th December 2026 to 4th January 2027.

Assemble at or by midday on the 27^th at Nelson Airport - 11 members.

Out Parties: Kahurangi National Park. We will meet one day later - from 28th December 2026 to 5th January 2027. Assemble at or by midday on the 28^th at Nelson Airport. One out party will consist of 6 members, and the other 5 members.

Organiser: Eric Skilling

Costs:

Home: TBC Approx $620.00 - includes accommodation Motueka but excludes kayaking/water taxis in Abel Tasman

Out Party 1: TBC Approx $520.00 Includes all accommodation including huts during tramp

Out Party 2: TBC Approx $345.00 Includes van and 2 nights accommodation in Cobb Houses, but does NOT include cost of huts while out tramping

Transport costs are shared equally across all participants, as it was last year.

Home party: Allow about 1.5 hours for the drive to the Airport. Don't book for an early flight.

Out Parties: Allow about 3.5 hours for the drive to the Airport, Don't book for an early flight.

Tramping will be based in the Kahurangi National Park - the setting of several LOTR scenes. These are areas not known to most Club members and provides us with a diversity of options for both Home and two Out parties.

The Home Party will also spend 3 nights in Motueka, allowing us the opportunity to explore the famous Abel Tasman National Park . Activities such as kayaking and water-taxis are not included in the cost.

Kahurangi National Park extends west of Motueka to the West Coast -with braided rivers, beech forests, tussock grasslands, alpine screes and white limestone peaks. It includes Cobb Valley, Lake Peel, Balloon Hut (sponsored by NSTC), Mt Arthur, Gridiron Shelter, Horseshoe Basin, Gordon's Pyramid, and Salisbury Lodge.

Home Party:

We will base ourselves in large houses in the Cobb Valley for the first 5 nights, and then Motueka for the next 3 nights. Motueka is just over an hour from Nelson, and Cobb Valley a further 1.5 hours. There are numerous spectacular day walks in the valley. We are hoping to offer the group the opportunity for two overnighters, firstly a two-hour walk to Sylvester Hut, and a second 5 to 6 hour walk to Balloon Hut. Both huts are bookable so there will be no need to carry tents. There should also be plenty of time for a grocery shop before heading to the Cobb Valley on arrival.

Out Parties: Both Out parties will be required to have a minimum of Medium/Fit Fitness standards for these tramps. Some tramps will require off-track travel, river crossings, and navigation skills, and may involve travel of up to 8 hours for OP1, and up to 9 hours for OP2.

A. OP1: Medium/Fit Out Party:

We are planning to book all huts, so there will be NO need to carry tents for the duration of all the tramps.

The plan is to join the Home Party in Cobb Valley for the first night , 28th Dec, before setting out for an overnighter to Sylvester Hut next day.

Back to Cobb Valley and a hot shower, then set out for 4 nights.

B. OP2 Fit Out Party: We will need to carry tents for the duration of all the tramps. Plan is to join the home party in Cobb Valley for the first night on the 28th Dec before setting out for an epic 7-night exploration of Kahurangi Park.

Back to Cobb Valley and a hot shower and comfy bed before returning to Nelson Airport on 5th.

Trip Grading: https://www.nstc.org.nz/useful-info

Detailed Itineraries

HOME PARTY E/M (Easy/Medium Fitness) Limit 11

Cost $

Leader: tbc

Note - Cooking equipment is to be carried for the Home Party Two Day Trip options:

A: Kahurangi National Park - Cobb Valley:

Numerous trips ranging from 4 to 8 hours depending on energy levels and curiosity, but inlcuding:

- Sylvester hut : 5 to 6 hours return including views of nearby tarns, Iron Lake and Iron Hill. Beech forest and tussock.

- Lake Peel: 6 to 7 hours return. A variety of travel through beech forest filled with streams and birds, sub-alpine vegetation, into a wide valley with the glacial Lake Peel at it's zenith. Views of the famous Kahurangi tablelands. Look out for Kea.

- Gridiron Shelter: 7 to 8 hours. Enjoy the calls of kaka, piwakawaka, tui, bellbird and more thanks to excellent work by Friends of Flora foundation. Peaceful and quiet, this is a real "forest bathing" experience.

Two Day Trips: Four places have been booked at each hut.

1. Sylvester hut and lakes: A high quality hut with easy access to nearby tarns.

2. Balloon Hut: Sponsored by NSTC, the hut is nestled in the magnificent tablelands, with plenty to explore.

A: Abel Tasman - based in Motueka:

There are many options for activities for the 3 nights accommodated in Motueka, including walking, kayaking and swimming in Abel Tasman Park. These will need to be booked and paid for separately. It is less than 20km from Motueka to Abel Tasman National Park.

OUT PARTIES

All registrants required to have completed a River Crossing Course

Out Party One - "OP1": Cost $ per person. Limit 6

Topo maps BP24 & BQ24

Leader: tbc

M/F (Medium /Fit): 5 to 8 hours per day. Off track and above bush line travel to be expected. Varied and occasionally challenging terrain. Experience, fitness and stamina necessary. No need to carry tents.

28^th December: Arrive NSN airport by midday for trip to Cobb House

29 December: Warm up by travelling for about 2 hours through the beech forest, on a 4WD track, to Sylvester Hut. Empty packs of overnight gear, then meander to the nearby tarns, and summit nearby Iron Hill to survey the regions to be explored in the next week.

30 December: Back to Cobb house for the night to resupply and hot shower before the next 5-day adventure.

31 Dec: 6 Hours and about 600 metres elevation to Salisbury Lodge. Via Lake Peel and Balloon hut. Nestled in the Tablelands, this hut is famous for the caves nearby, so best to plan for an early start to allow time to explore. Just quietly - this hut is also famous for it's solar-powered toilets. Intrigued? You should be!

1st January: Saddle up early for a 7.5 hour, 750 metre climb to Mt Arthur Hut. Enjoy many highlights of this renowned area of Kahurangi. From peaceful forest festooned with Aaron's beard, onto a challenging climb up Gordon's Pyramid. Into the bizarre landscape of Horseshoe Basin, the inspiration for LOTR scenes. Then 400 metres down to the hut, with expansive views across to Nelson. Look out for Kea.

2nd January: Take day packs for the rewarding 600 metres ascent to the summit of Mt Arthur. Return to the hut in time for afternoon tea. Relax before a big day on the 3rd.

3rd January: Another early start for the 8-hour journey to Balloon Hut via the historic Flora Hut and Gridiron shelter. Enjoy more spectacular views of the Tasman Sea towards Nelson in the occasional breaks in the forest. Follow the river for much of the trip, enjoy the many birdcalls and waterfalls.

4th January: More descent than ascent, the final five hours back to Cobb House takes you across the Tablelands, past Lake Peel and down to the valley floor. Then it's a leisurely hot shower, relaxing dinner and appropriate refreshments with OP2.

5th January: Allow 3 hours for return to Nelson

Out Party Two - "OP2": Cost $ per person. Limit 5

Leader: tbc

F (Fit): 8 to 10 hours per day. Off track and above bush line travel to be expected. Varied and occasionally challenging terrain. Experience, fitness and stamina necessary. MUST carry tents.

Dragon Teeth Low Route, Douglas & Lockett Range.

Extreme Medium Fit to Fit Out party!

Tents to be carried

Topo maps BP23, Bp24

Trip Leader T.B.C

You need to study Topo maps thoroughly as well as do your own research before signing up to this trip, most of this is off track on crudely marked and unmarked routes, with lots off exposed tops travel, steep accents & descents on rough terrain, scree, & alpine scrub. It will require a good weather window to proceed the section from Anatoki Folks hut to Fenella hut which involves 3 days of travel and have no exit routes between Anatoki & Fenella huts, for an idea of this section watch this linkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyc7r4nCLqE you may also like to take a look on google earth and zoom into the terrain you will cover.

28th December: Meet at Nelson airport and drive to Anatoki track road, from here we set off a long the Anatoki track where we can expect to encounter windfall, slips, and some water courses to cross before arriving at Anatoki bend where we should be able to find a camp the night.

29th December: This will be much the same as day one, continue along the Anatoki track to arrive at the Anatoki forks hut to rest up for the night as tomorrow is going to ramp upsomewhat, expect about 4 hours. Anatoki Folks hut: 6 bunks, 1 blue ticket.

30th December: We follow a roughly marked track up into the bush and a relentless climb of about 800 meters, up onto a narrow ridge ☹ to take us over Pts 1270, 1355, and 1422, and on to Yuletide Peak, from there we aim to go between Pts 1488 and 1563 where we thread what is

known as the Needles eye before a steep descent of about 300 meters to Adelade Tarn and

onto the hut for the night, expect about 7 hours. Adelaid Tarn hut: 4 bunks, Basic Bivi, free.

31st December: From Adelaid Tarn hut we ascend the flanks of Mt Douglas, from here we take the low route and pass below the infamous Dragons Teeth, we drop sharply down 350 meters

and follow from the headwaters of the Anatoki river about 2 k before a steep ascent of 750 meters ☹ between a couple of peaks known as the Drunken Sailors to the southern intersection

of the high route of the Dragons Teeth before dropping down another 300 meters to Lonely Lake

hut for the night, expect about 8-10 hours. Lonely Lake hut: 3 bunks, Basic Bivi, free

1st January: It starts with another climb back up onto the spine of the Douglas range and

heading in a southerly direction passing Pts 1610 and 1512 and sidling below and around

Kakapo peak and onto Waingaro peak to descend 300 meters to Fenella hut for the night,

expect 7 – 8 hours. Fenella hut: 12 bunks, booked.

2nd January: from here we can take the easy route out down the Cobb valley about 5 hours to

the northern road end, but for us wanting more we climb back up to the Waingaro Peak track

and head south over the Lockett range tops to set up and camp the night at Ruby Lake, expect

about 6 – 7 hours.

3rd January; From Ruby Lake we continue south passing Diamond Lake, Lake Little, Iron Lake, Lake Sylvester, and Sylvester hut, and carry on to Cobb house for a hot shower, expect 6 – 7 hours.

4th January: Cobb House - rest day and party, and possibly a light day walk for tomorrows pick up back to Nelson airport.

5th January: Allow 3 hours for return to Nelson.

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 27th June – 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.

N.B: Before booking your air tickets please ensure your Registration has been approved by the Club’s Health & Safety Guide.

Notes Applicable to All Groups

It goes without saying that all trips are subject to weather conditions. Trip leaders should have a plan B in case inclement weather makes the original plan impractical.

All members of the Out Party Two should be equipped with tents.

For the minivans we have to provide our own drivers. An ordinary Class 1 driving license is sufficient, no need for passenger endorsement.

Please indicate to the Trip Organisers if you are willing to be a driver.

Final trip routes subject to change depending on weather, track conditions and logistics requirements.
Successful applicants will be required to pay a deposit of $100 by 31 July with the balance on or before 31 October.
Refunds for cancellations are subject to the usual Club rules.