Masterton Tramping Club Inc. Winter Trip Schedule 2017

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1 Brief Trip Schedule July 2 Manawatu Gorge Ben Parsons 5 Club Night Photo Competition 8-9 Mangatainoka Hot Springs Jason Christensen Lake Angelus Julie Millar 23 Blue Range Hut Nigel Boniface Reef Hill Dayle Lakeman 2 Club Night Five Passes - Julie Masterton Tramping Club Inc. Winter Trip Schedule Mystery trip Terry Simmonds Mitre Flats hut Nigel Boniface 20 Cone Circuit Stan Wilton 27 Te Mara from Kiriwhakapapa Graeme Pederson September 2-3 Blue Range O/night Barry Paget 6 Club Night Ross Cottle Wetlands restoration 9 (Saturday) Finis Track working party John Rhodes 16 (Saturday) Western Lake Barry Kempton 24 Pinnacle Ridge-Atiwhakatu hut Paul Carson 30 (Saturday) Pigeon Bush John Rhodes October 4 Club Night Burn hut construction video Jason 7-8 Penn Creek Hut Clayton Fairbrother 8 Hidden Lake Graeme Pederson Spanish Heath-Tutuwai Julie DOC November 18 Our 60th anniversary dinner Manawatu Gorge Whatonga

2 Masterton Tramping Club, c/o PO Box 699, Masterton, 5840 Website: Club Officers Patron Nancy Sharp President Jason Christensen Secretary Janet Hayes Club Captain Nigel Boniface Treasurer Denise Stagg The Club meets at 7.30pm, on the first Wednesday of each month, except January. Venue is the Masterton Community Centre, 41 Perry Street. Prospective members are welcome to come along on Club nights. For further information contact one of the above officers. We suggest you take part in at least two trips before joining, to make sure you enjoy yourself! Those wishing to go on trip need to contact the leader on, or before, the Thursday prior. Trips leave from the car park opposite the Red Cross in Church St. Travel costs are approximate, it depends on how many are in a vehicle, and the price of petrol! If a party is overdue, contact one of the above officers, or the Police (111). Trip Gradings Easy 3-6 hours, little climbing. Suitable for beginners. Easy+ 3-6 hours, probably some short hills. Average 5-8 hours, some experience required, almost certainly some hill work. Fit 6+ hours, Good fitness required, may go off track. Stops for lunch and smoko. Gradings are a guide only, weather and track conditions may make trip harder. All potential members are urged to start with an easy trip so as to judge their fitness, confidence and ability. If in doubt check with the trip leader. The Club has some gear for members to borrow: 1 each 2 & 3 person Macpac Tent. 1- four person fly. 1- two person fly. 4 pairs of Crampons and & Ice Axes. Contact Nigel Trip Leaders are reminded to collect the Locator Beacon from Ian & Lorraine Anstis, and arrange to return it to them. Leaders should also notify Carol McCabe, Graeme Lenihan and Heather Pederson of the numbers on the trip and any other useful information for RCC. If you take your own beacon inform your contacts. July 2 Manawatu Gorge Always a popular walk, interesting bush, wind turbines, and the Balance Café, which is a possible venue at the end of the walk. Leader: Ben Parsons Ph Grade: Easy+ Cost: $15 5 Club Night Club Photo Competition (10 minute-sleeping bags) Submit your photos, max. 2 in each category, to the Club prior to 1 July. 7 Today our local DOC office moves, temporarily, to the old Departmental Building in Chapel Street. (back to where they used to be) 8-9 Mangatainoka Hot Springs Friday night start to travel up to Kawekas. Camp at the road end and then an overnight trip into Te Puia Hut ($15) or camp out at the Mangatainoka hot Springs and return back home on the Sunday Leader: Jason Christensen Ph Grade: Easy Cost: $40? Lake Angelus A long weekend to Nelson Lakes is search of snow. Maybe walk in along the Roberts Ridge, a number of routes back to St Arnaud. Leader: Julie Millar Ph: Grade: Fit Cost: $? 23 Blue Range Hut Maybe time for a short working bee at our Club Hut Leader: Nigel Boniface Ph: Grade: Ave Cost $ Reef Hill An easy walk into this private accommodation, take your togs for a dip in the hot tub. An organised pot luck dinner. Max. 8 persons. Leader: Dayle Lakeman Ph: Grade: Easy Cost: $ 2 Club Night (10 minute-snack food recipes) Earlier in the year Glen & Julie headed south to walk the Five Passes circuit starting near Glenorchy. Come along to hear the story and view photos from their fine weather journey. 6 Mystery trip Leader Terry Simmonds Ph Grade:? Cost? I have come across this website, some interesting trip ideas:

3 12-13 Mitre Flats hut Spend a night at our Club hut on the Waingawa river. Maybe a mid winter organised pot luck dinner Leader: Nigel Boniface Ph: Grade: Ave Cost $8 20 Cone Saddle Circuit Starting & finishing at Walls Whare, this loop walk takes you along the Waiohine river, before climbing up to the Saddle and return to the cars. Leader: Stan Wilton Ph.: Grade: Ave Cost $10 27 Te Mara From Kiriwhakapapa an off track route to the summit of Te Mara, maybe visit Blue Range hut on the return. Leader: Graeme Pederson Ph Grade: Ave Cost $8 September 2-3 Blue Range Hut (10 minute-hut etiquette) A gourmet meal at our Club hut, followed on Sunday by a walk along the Blue Range Ridge top to Fernhill Farm., and maybe afternoon tea at Jason's. Leader: Barry Paget Ph Grade: Ave Cost $10 6 Club Night Our guest tonight is Ross Cottle from Ducks Unlimited. He will be talking about the restoration of the wetlands around Lake Wairarapa. There may be an opportunity to help with some plantings in the near future. 9 (Sat) Finis Track A Saturday working bee with SWTC, help reopen this track behind Featherston. Leader: John Rhodes Ph Grade: Easy + Cost: $12 16 (Sat) Western Lake with SWTC Join Barry and SWTC members on a coastal walk. Either Onoke Spit and the Caspian Tern colony, or along to the Mukamuka Stream Leader: Barry Kempton Ph Grade: Easy Cost: $15 24 Pinnacle Ridge A good loop walk from Holdsworth Lodge, views the Wairarapa from Pinnacle, then continue along the ridge and return via the Atiwhakatu Hut and valley. Leader: Paul Carson Ph Grade: Ave. Cost: $8 30 (Sat) Pigeon Bush There is usually plenty of bird song in this area of the Rimutaka Forest, join SWTC to explore the area. Leader: John Rhodes Ph Grade: Easy + Cost: $12 October 4 Club Night Burn hut, in the Western Tararuas, was built by the local community and Deer Stalkers Club. Tonight we have a short video of the building process. 7-8 Penn Creek Hut A rare visit to the Otaki Forks road end and this 6 bunk hut. Visit historic Field Hut, good views to the south island on a good day. Leader: Clayton Fairbrother Ph: Grade: Ave Cost: $20 8 Hidden Lake Timed, hopefully, to avoid lambing and see the Kowhai at their best, with Tui enjoying the nectar. An easy farm walk. Leader: Graeme Pederson Ph: Grade: Easy Cost: $ Spanish Heath Join the team controlling this invasive week in the Tauherenikau valley. Stay at Tutuwai Hut for free, all tools provided by DOC. Walk in from Walls Whare via Cone Hut. DOC liaison: Julia Brady Ph Grade: Ave. Cost: $ Labour Weekend November 18 Our 60th anniversary dinner More information at Club nights Trip Reports Paekakariki escarpment Te Aroha Walk 15 April 2017 After the s were flying from me on the Western side of the Tararaua's to the Club members on the eastern side of the Taries it was the Westerners who prevailed and took on the mighty Te Aroha Trail from Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay. Leaving Tokomaru late morning in rain we were not holding out much hope for the forcasted Clear weather but alas the further south we travelled the better the weather was. We parked at the Paekakariki train station and hit the foot path heading south along SH1 to the start of the track. We were soon climbing steadily southwards getting ever so higher above SH1 and the main trunk line. After gaining more altitude and some steps we stopped for a break and to admire the views to the south, north and Kapiti Island. After more upwards steps were conquered we had reached the high point of the trail where the breeze was steadily blowing at us but nothing like the classic Tararua tops wind. Next was the many stairs heading downwards towards the swing bridges and more stairs. Ever so gradually we lost altitude and found ourselves walking along the Main trunk line towards the Pukerua Bay Train station where we boarded a Train for Paekakariki. 10 mins later we were back at our car after a 3 hour walk. Members were Ben, Ronnie, Scarlett (8), Bob (7) and Vinnie (4). Excellent time had by all.

4 Kapakapanui Jason Christensen On Saturday 6th May the club trip was to Kapakapanui hut. Two members Jason & Sandra left Masterton at a leisurely start of 10am. We drove to Waikanae where we meet the other two Becks and Ben. It was then off to the Ngatiawa road end. A short walk across farm land saw us into the first of the stream crossings. Lunch was had and the track junction in the sun before the climb up to the hut. The trip up to the hut took 2.45min. A quick cuppa tea, at the hut then we were off to the bush edge to watch the sun go down over the Kapiti Coast. The views were amazing. Mt Ruapahu to the north, Mt Taranaki/Egmont to the west and the Kaikoura Mountains to the south It was a quick retreat back down to the hut before dark. We were glad to have put our sleeping bag on our bunks as on return found there was ten of us staying in the hut tonight. Everyone was very welcoming and we had a great night chatting and telling stories Sunday dawned overcast but clear. A late start again and we were off over the top today and heading back down to the cars. The view was not as clear today but fantastic never the less. We got back to the cars in time as it started to rain. The drive home and back to the sunshine of the Wairarapa. A great weekend was had by all. Kaiparoro Trig May 21 Nigel Boniface The weather forecast was true and, after a dull Saturday, Sunday dawned a fine sunny day. Six of us initially met up at Jason s, where we delivered some plants, before continuing to the road end at Kaiparoro. Initial excitement in seeing a bridge over the stream was dampened by a sign saying the facility was closed until an unnotified date. So after a pre-trip photo we crossed the stream, initially we had a problem finding the start of the track, forestry logging had changed the scenery a bit. Once on the track it was a steady climb through unlogged pine trees and eventually the native forest, where the wide logging track became a narrow walking track. The track out to the open tops on Kaiparoro was well padded with a number of unofficial markers, it was good to get out into the warmish sunshine. An early lunch was taken among the tussock, after which various landmarks we pointed out, it being interesting how they are seen from a different angle. About it was time to head home, we took the normal loop track, going back down in a clockwise direction once we regained the original track. It took slightly longer than normal as we came across a number of areas of felled pine trees over the track, which added to the interest of not losing the track. By the time we arrived back at the cars we decided that the sign on the bridge probably really meant the whole area was closed! We were not the only ones to make this error as there were two other people we also met on the route. On the way home we found time to stop at Pukaha for a warm drink, a great end to a pleasant day. Those on the trip: Thea, Denise, Janet, Flo, Jay and Nigel The Pouakai Crossing June 2-5 By Stephanie Foote On the western tip of New Zealand s North Island lies the quietly picturesque region of Taranaki. Garnering attention as a hub for the arts, world-class events and unspoilt natural beauty, it is also being recognised for an incredible hike: the Pouakai Crossing. The 19-kilometre trail through Egmont National Park is being heralded as the country s newest great walk, as it ascends the two peaks of Mount Taranaki and the Pouakai Ranges by way of dramatic vistas and landscapes. We started off after introductions to our party of 7 and the group photo from the Kaiauai carpark at 9.15am. The sky was clear no wind and the perfect winter sun at just the right temperature. We were treated to the occasional glimpse of the mountain through the bush and the occasional peep of a fantail or call of the Tui and we heard the wood pigeon s wings flapping through the air. We stopped for lunch before tackling Henry peak which seemed like never ending steps and occasional ladders. From the viewing platform at summit of the Henry peak viewing we were able to see Mt Taranaki in all its glory. We reached the Pouakai tarns at approx. 4.30pm and decided to set up the tents and camped about 150m from the Tarn. We had dinner at the viewing platform by the tarn and sat here for 3 hours watching the sunset and the stars come out. Day two: Up early with a slight drizzle, we had breakfast and packed up the gear and headed to the Pouakai hut to re stock our water. We were pleased to have camped out as the hut and camp site had 70+ stay there the night before. We next headed out to Holly hut taking our time along and down the Ahukawakawa track, passing through the swamp along board walks and enjoying the views along the way, except when my boot went in knee deep in mud! We made it to Holly Hut for lunch. Then the party decided to head to the Bells falls. We ditched our packs at the hut and made an afternoon trip to the falls. Back at the hut we managed to dry some our gear our and sleep in bunks for the night. Day three: After hearing rain fall throughout the night I knew we were in for a wet walk out I layered up with merino before we set off. We finally made it to the razor back for the decent down to the north Egmont visitors centre carpark I had tears of joy we had made it! Members were Stephanie, Tracy, Jason, Barry, Paul, Mike, and Laura

5 Rovers Hill a joint production by SWTC & MTC 1 April by Nigel Boniface Plans for this weekend were, changeable. Vicky Brooks (SWTC) was supposed to take the trip to Rovers Hill, but she was not well, John Rhodes (SWTC & MTC) was supposed to take a MTB trip on Sunday, but was unable to get permission to go on the selected route. So, on Saturday Barry Kempton (SWTC) led a trip to Rovers Hill (near Kiriwhakapapa), with John as navigator (he had been there before), and Nigel Boniface & Jay Just (both MTC) making sure they stayed close to the script. Trip grading was also confused, SWTC had a hard grade, MTC an Easy+, we all survived! Early navigation instructions were simple, follow the track to Blue Range Hut until it starts to climb, then veer right and climb through the bush until we crossed a stream and got onto a ridge. As we climbed through beech and supplejack the going became easier for a while especially when we came across old bulldozed tracks and some grassy clearing. Saving New Zealand's birds The concluding paragraphs from the introduction, by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, to her report. What, for instance, do we seek to achieve? Taking the country back to a prehuman state is not possible or desirable we are here now. And when we have decided what it is we seek to achieve, how do we go about getting there? It is my view that one of the things we should seek to achieve is the restoration of abundant, resilient, and diverse birdlife on the New Zealand mainland. Let us aim for much more than bird museums on offshore islands that few can ever visit. Nearly 50 years ago, like many young people at that time, I was a moderately serious tramper. More accurately, I trailed in the wake of moderately serious trampers doing my best to keep up. I clearly remember the joy of the dawn chorus on the Wangapeka Track. Can we not bring this experience back for young New Zealanders? Please think about trips for the October to December period and let me know as soon as possible. Hopefully I can get much of the Spring schedule done before I go overseas at the end of. Thanks, Nigel Following a cuppa it was lights, action and on up the hill, a feint ground trail coming and going. Lunch was taken at the summit of Rovers Hill, not much of a view, but no wind made for a pleasant stop. From the summit we headed to HP 810, then, following some study of the map, down through a saddle and up onto the Blue Range ridge. It seemed to take ages to near Blue Range Hut, (lots up small ups and downs, or maybe we were just tiring), where we took various shortcuts to get to the track leading to the hut. At the hut we met 3 guys from Palmerston staying the night. After replacing the rat baits and measuring up the door for a new catch it was time for the final act, down to the carpark which we managed in about 1.5hrs.