November 2015 - Auckland Tramping Club

Volume 85, No 10
NOVEMBER 2015
Auckland Tramping Club Inc, PO Box 2358, Shortland St, Auckland 1140
Website: www.aucktramping.org.nz email: secretary@aucktramping.org.nz
Club Night 19th November 2015 – Kaimai Update
It is over a year since we signed the ATC – DOC Partnership Agreement to
promote the “Kaimai Concept” plan for the improvement of backcountry
facilities in the Kaimai Range. In the last year a major amount of work has
been done, and our future plans have been refined, so join us to share in
what lies ahead for this major backcountry area so close to home.
And … Interim Trip Briefing
For those of you booked into the interim trips that are running between
January 16th and Jan 31st, this is your chance to talk through the detail of the
various trips with the leaders of those trips. This includes the daily
itineraries, gear, bad weather options, reprovisioning requirements. If you
are not able to attend the club night briefing, please contact your leader for
an update.
ATC
90th
Club nights are held on the third Thursday of each month (except January). Venue is at the Remuera
Bowling Club, 6 Market Rd, Remuera. Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm START. Light refreshments are
available at 7.00pm. New members are most welcome.
What to Bring for Weekend Trips
Bring your own food, sleeping and cooking gear,
tent, topo map, compass and storm gear (parka,
overtrousers, long johns, warm hat and gloves).
Clothing, etc, should be adequate for the likely
conditions.
For full details see ‘Weekend Trip Information’ at
www.aucktramping.org.nz
Contact the leader with any concerns or gear shortfalls (you may be able to share items).
TRIP INFORMATION
1. Trip Grading
This is a guide only. Weather and track conditions
can make the trip harder.
Sunday trips
Easy: 4-5 hours tramping, suitable for beginners.
Medium: 4-6 hours tramping, good fitness.
Long/Fit: 6-7 hours, fast pace, high level of
fitness.
Weekend trips
Easy: 4–6 hours - usually on tracks, easy pace.
Medium: 6–8 hours - sometimes off track,
experience needed.
Fit: 7+ hours - experienced trampers only.
4. *** TRIPS RETURNING LATE ***
Tell family or friends to ring the Search & Rescue
Officers for information:Ross Thompson 636 4224 or 0274 720 463
Stephen Fowler
534 8697 or 0274 338 912
Or:- John Dalley
827 4325
Committee Members
2. Day Trips — no need to book
If this is your first trip with the club, please phone
the leader beforehand for advice.
Always bring: Day-pack with plastic liner
 Parka, gloves
 Fleece or wool jumper
 Torch
 Spare batteries
 Lunch, snacks
 Water, at least 1 litre
 Sunscreen
 Sunhat, warm hat
 Toilet paper
 Hand sanitizer
 First-aid kit
 Change of clothing and shoes, and plastic bag
for dirty boots (can be left in the bus or car).
5. Cancellations
If you are unable to go on a trip you have booked
for, please notify the Booking Officer and leader as
early as possible. Refer to our website
www.aucktramping.org.nz for the refund rules and
application process. (Follow the Bookings link from
the Weekend Trips page.)
6. ATC SnowSports Lodge Trips
Fees. Cover accommodation and food.
Booking. John Dalley
1 Email: (preferred)
SnowSports@aucktramping.org.nz
2  (09) 827 4325 (between 7.00pm and 9.00pm)
Payment. Once booking has been made, an invoice
will be emailed or posted. Invoice gives all payment
methods and details.
1 Internet Bank (preferred method). Ensure you
quote invoice number on payment reference.
2 Cheque: To Auckland Tramping Club
c/- John Dalley, 12 Kelston St,
New Lynn, Auckland 0600
Bookings are not confirmed until payment has been
received and has cleared.
Non-members’ Bookings Welcome. Bookings
from non-members can be made at any time.
Warden Weeks. During weeks when a warden is
on duty (check with John Dalley for dates), all
people are welcome and bookings may be made at
short notice.
Hut Duties will be allocated to all by hut leader.
SnowSports Lodge Phone  (07) 892 3800
Outgoing calls toll barred.
Wear boots or stout shoes, shorts (not jeans),
shirt, polyprop or wool layers (according to
weather).
A waterproof parka with a hood is essential for
all trips.
3. Weekend Trips
Discuss trip with leader; numbers are limited.
Book online OR phone the Booking Officer
Kay Willcocks,  634 2449
66 Pleasant St, Onehunga, Auckland 1061
Email: bookings@aucktramping.org.nz
Make cheques out to Auckland Tramping Club.
Direct credit to:
Payee:
Auckland Tramping Club
Account no: 02-0100-0024675-00
Particulars Code
Reference
Enter: Weekend
Your Name Trip number
Your details required via letter or email are:
Name, phone number(s), an emergency contact
*name and phone number(s), trip name and party
option, and trip date.
Bookings are required by 7.00pm the Wednesday
before departure or, for longer trips, a week before
departure.
7. Waitakere Hut (Ngaro-Te-Kotare)
Private and group bookings to: - Penny Firth,
48 Carter Rd, Oratia, Auckland,  (09) 818 6434.
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News & Views
The deadline for the December Wanderlust is Friday 13th Nov 2015.
Please send contributions to wanderlust@aucktramping.org.nz with
Wanderlust as the subject. The deadlines for contributions each month can
be viewed at: www.aucktramping.org.nz  News  Wanderlusts
President’s Welcome – 90th
Anniversary Celebration – Oct 18th
Welcome to the 90th anniversary celebration of the
Auckland Tramping Club. It is great to see so many
of you here, and also, true to form, on the various
walks that we scheduled for this morning.
After all, a little birthday celebration is not a good
enough excuse for missing one of our tramping
Sundays !
A club like ours is only as strong as the willingness
of its members to play their part in ensuring we have
an appealing range of events and facilities – and I
know so many of you have done that over the years.
Let’s see – put your hand up if you have ever been on
the main committee.
Or have been on a sub committee or held other non committee officer
positions ?
Or have been involved with the club bus as a driver or bus officer.
Or have organised or led any of our tramping trips.
Thankyou very much to all of you – it is because of your efforts, and of the
people before you, that we are here today to celebrate our 90th anniversary
of that first trip to the bottom of the crater on Rangitoto on October 18th,
1925.
What amazes me in looking back through the club’s archives, is how quickly
the club became an outdoor force to reckon with, and how quickly we set to
constructing our first hut – Ngaro Te Kotare – on our own piece of land in
the Waitakere bush. That was an epic activity compared to today’s
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construction process – felling trees and hand cutting the logs for the piles,
carting building materials to the site from a railway station many miles away
– and at a time when Saturday morning was part of the standard working
week.
The Waitakere Ranges continues to form the home base of the ATC and the
many other Auckland groups that have followed our lead in encouraging
people from all walks of life to get out there and learn to appreciate our
special places. So it is very fitting that this is today’s venue.
Change was underway even in those times, and soon NTK was not remote
enough because the roads and transport options into the Waitakeres
improved rapidly. So soon enough another hut project sprung into life – Te
Hapua in the Hunua Ranges, upstream from the Upper Mangatwhiri
Reservoir that was constructed in the 1960’s, causing the demise of that hut.
It was great though to go on a rediscovery trip there last year to gain an
appreciation of what an idyllic hut location it would have been – the digest
of Hunuas trips of that time shows a huge number of tramping routes that
have passed on with the Te Hapua Hut – and few would know now where to
start looking for them again.
And then in the 1950’s we set our sights on a bigger target in a much less
hospitable location – a tramping and ski-ing hut on Mt Ruapehu. Memorial
Hut, now ATC SnowSports Lodge, has served a number of generations of
ATC members well, and countless days of our members’ time went into
maintaining and expanding it into a real ski lodge. Being in an alpine
location at an altitude greater than any of the Tararua peaks, it is a great
place just to sit and watch the sunrises and sunsets, even before you start
planning your next expedition out into an all year round mountain
playground.
The evolution of our bus transport is evidenced by some glorious pictures
from our archives – from bench seats on the tray of an open truck through to
the superb new Big Blue we have today. It is hard to beat that camaraderie
built by chatting on our way to and from trips, and from that elbow in your
back trying to sleep on a Friday evening on one of those only too popular
weekend trips. Kaimanawas with a full bus this Labour weekend – here we
come !
Our bus operating record is a real credit to our bus officers and our drivers,
especially given those narrow, winding and rough roads that our trips take us
to.
What more dramatic evidence of change in our 90 years of tramping can you
find than in our tramping equipment - clothing, packs, food, tents, cooking
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equipment, lightweight gear, GPS devices, PLB’s, cellphones and satellite
phones.
Ninety years in today’s fast changing world is a very long time, and
especially notable from the club records in the last few decades has been the
impact of the change in how people relate to clubs such as ours.
Most of our new members today are people in the middle age group, joining
after their children have some degree of independence, and for these new
members participation in club life is only one of the many activities in their
busy lives.
As a consequence, the average age of our membership continues to increase,
and the number of members participating in our core tramping activities is
significantly less than our total membership.
NTK Hut and ATC SnowSports Lodge are now used by only a small
number of our members, with our continued ownership being justified in the
short to medium term by these superb facilities being available for wider
community use. Their longer term position as club assets presents a
significant challenge, being highly dependent - as they are today - on the
club’s ability to physically and financially continue their maintenance.
Today’s occasion celebrates the 90 years of our existence as evidenced by
all your collective memories of club activities, of club life, from lifetime
friendships over the last many decades, and by the large array of
photographs on display.
As a club we have a firm place in providing collective experience and
knowledge of what constitutes a challenging and enjoyable backcountry
experience, and we will evolve to continue to meet and encourage the needs
of tramping enthusiasts in their appreciation of our wonderful country.
In conclusion I would like to thank Jim Morrow, Terry Chubb and Russell
Allen for helping to organise today’s occasion, and all of you for coming
along to be here with us.
An especial appreciation to those of you who have travelled from outside the
Auckland area to join us for the day.
Thankyou
Tony Walton
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Sister Club – Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club
Both clubs have now approved a sister club arrangement, whereby club
members of either club can now participate in the other club’s events at
members rates.
Members of each club who meet eligibility criteria will enjoy limited
member benefits of the other club (ATC or HTMC), subject to space
availability and safety considerations. The benefits include:
• Participation in members-only hikes and social activities at members
rates
• Use of facilities at members rates
Eligibility
Eligibility for the reciprocal benefits described above is extended only to
members who meet all of the following criteria
• Must be a member of one club in good standing for at least one year,
or otherwise approved as a bona fide member by the HTMC Board /
ATC Committee
• Must be paid in full for the upcoming year
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be willing to follow all club rules and regulations
Check out the HTMC at http://www.htmclub.org/
We will advise introductory reciprocal events for the clubs during 2016.
In the meantime for those of you who are regular Sunday trippers, you may
already have met Jeanne Furukawa from the HTMC – her work regularly
brings her to Auckland. Please make her especially welcome, and quiz her
about the exciting tramping options in Hawaii !
Trips Planning for 2016
Recently we have held two trip planning meetings with the trip coordinators
and other interested people – one for day trips, and one for weekend /
extended trips.
For Sunday trips Russell Allen now has a rough Sundays schedule for the
year ahead, and for Wednesday trips Linda Webber is similarly organised.
Key topics of conversation included balancing trips to different areas in
consecutive weeks, private car trip options when the bus is away, and
avoiding adjacent double ups between Wednesday and Sunday trips
(although acknowledging that this looks more of an issue on paper than
impacting the small number of people who regularly attend both.
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The biggest topic of conversation was related to concerns around the impact
of kauri dieback related restrictions for closed track and off track tramps,
with the reluctant conclusion being that both of those have to be off our
agenda for the foreseeable future, with this now already forcing changes to
some of our more popular trips.
Running as we do around 50 Sunday and 24 Wednesday day trips per year
that thoroughly traverse all options in the Auckland region makes it hard to
substitute for trips that are no longer available. We are actively looking for
new or varied tramping opportunities, so if you have any suggestions, please
do discuss these with Russell, David, Tony or other regular trip leaders.
On the weekend trips front we now have an exciting trip programme
pencilled in for all of 2016 – see Looking Ahead later in this publication.
There are so many enticing options that we had to force ourselves not to
continue on past 2016 !
ATC Christmas Party
Our full club Christmas party will again be at the popular Ryders Cinema.
Thursday December 17th
Venue open 6.30 pm for a 7.00 pm start
Ryders Cinema, 177 Riversdale Rd, Avondale
Our website has a link to a map, otherwise use Google Maps.
Note that the venue is up entranceway, which is the only road
frontage
Meal
The meal is a standard roast dinner - vegetarians are suggested to
bring something extra. It is a BYO function
Movie
"What We Do in the Shadows" - a very funny NZ movie by the
versatile Taika Waititi (who also did "Boy") and Jermaine
Clement (of Conchords fame).
Cost
$20 per head – pay in cash on arrival please
Booking Please send your name through to Tony – walton.th@xtra.co.nz
OR Ph 630 2591 to confirm you will be attending.
Date
Time
Address
Map ?
Veterans Christmas Lunch - Saturday 28th Nov.
VENUE: Iona Presbyterian Church Hall, 38 Donovan St Blockhouse Bay
(nearly opposite Countdown). $5.00 entry
TIME: 11.30am – 12.30pm Happy Hour (Fruit Punch provided)
12.30pm Lunch.
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Please bring a plate of Christmas fare, savoury or sweet to share, and your
own plates and cutlery. Tea, coffee and cake will be served. Lucky door
prize.
This is an opportunity to meet up with friends (all past and present members
welcome ) and remember the trips, interesting areas and safaris enjoyed over
the years.
Enquiries to Ann & John Simpson  816 9116
New Members
This month we welcome Peter White as a new member
Nepal Trek with Himalayan Trust
The Himalayan Trust Nepal Rebuild Challenge 2016 is a 17-day trek
through the stunning Everest region – from Lukla up to Ama Dablam base
camp – in support of the Himalayan Trust’s Earthquake Rebuild Appeal.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to visit the schools
and hospitals built by Sir
Edmund Hillary and the
Himalayan Trust and to help
the Trust with the rebuild of a
local high school – one year
after the first devastating
earthquake hit Nepal.
Other highlights of the trip include a day exploring Namche Bazaar, a visit
to Thyangboche monastery and breathtaking views of Mt Everest and the
surrounding peaks. Throughout the trek you will experience the legendary
warmth of the Sherpa people, which drew Sir Ed back to this region time
after time.
Spaces are limited, so book now: http://himalayantrust.org/trek/
Photo credit: Gerry Walsh
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Christmas and Interim Trips
There are 6 trips scheduled
Christmas Trip 1
Christmas Trip 2
Interim Trip 3
Interim Trip 4
Interim Trip 5
Interim Trip 6
28th December to 6th January
South Coast etc
th
th
6 to 12 January Lake Monowai/Green Lake etc
16th to 31st January Haast to Glenorchy (Fit)
16th to 23rd January Motatapu Alpine Trail (Med)
16th to 23rd January Young / Wilkin (Medium)
24th to 31st January Matukituki rivers (Medium)
These trips are suitable for experienced multi day trampers only – you
should now have booked in with the leaders – if not, contact them asap to
determine whether you can still join the trip.
Trip 1 – Medium party – 9 days – 28 December to 6 January
Leader : Pieter Holl, phone 361 6671, email: pieter@phaal.co.nz
Trip 2 – Medium party – 5 days – January 6 to January 12
Leader : Pieter Holl, phone 361 6671, email: pieter@phaal.co.nz
Trip 3 – Fit party – 16 days - from Haast to Glenorchy cross-country
Saturday January 16th to Sunday 31st
Leader : Andrew Murdoch, phone 021 489 206
Email: livingscapes@hotmail.com
Trip 4 – Medium party – 1 week – Motatapu Alpine Trail
Saturday January 16th to Saturday 23rd
Leader : Keith Ayton Ph 630 7010, email keith_ayton@hotmail.com
Trip 5 – Medium party – 8 days – Young / Wilkin with side trips
Saturday January 16th to Saturday 23rd.
Leader : Tony Walton, phone 09 630 2591, email: walton.th@xtra.co.nz
Trip 6 – Medium party – 7 days – Matukituki Valleys and side trips
Sunday January 24th to Sunday 31st
Leader : Tony Walton, phone 09 630 2591, email: walton.th@xtra.co.nz
BackCountry Food Order – Urgent – Order Now !
Once again this year, the ATC is partnering with Back Country Foods to
offer our summer tramping crew some great offers on dehydrated food. This
year Lee McKay has volunteered to master the ordering software created by
Brent Rose a few years back. Lee is now ready to accept your orders.
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Send an email to Lee at leemckay@clear.net.nz asking him to email you the
order form and instructions.
There is a lot of work involved in this process, so :
1. Fill out the form quickly and then email it back to Lee. You may not
change your order after that point, so please check it carefully before
sending
2. Lee will collate all orders and email you an order conformation. This will
indicate sum owing, including GST and freight (3% of order total) and
banking details
3. You must pay Lee by Monday 9th November, 5pm - so don't delay - get
onto it NOW !
4. Lee will then place the total order with Back Country Food
5. Back Country Food will send the total order to Lee, who will then prepare
everyone's individual order for distribution
6. There will be a few options as to when you can collect your order,
including ATC club night on Thursday, November 19th
NOTE This is only available for current ATC members, and any non
members already registered for our Christmas, Interim or Safari trips. The
prices on the form are what we pay to Back Country Food..
ATC Kokako Project – Club Volunteers Needed
We are now into a new season of baiting on land adjoining Rangitoto Station
in the King Country. We have an excellent group but can always use more
volunteers.
Carpooling cost: $30, comfortable farmstay accommodation $20 total for 2
nights.
Come and join us for a fun weekend away from the city and help DOC with
a major conservation project. Regular volunteers are very valuable but even
one weekend is really helpful - so don't be shy!
Our dates are Oct 30-Nov 1, Nov 27-29, Mar 4-6
Please contact: Liz Ware ph. (09) 524 7409, email plware@xtra.co.nz
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Kaimai Project Update
Track maintenance work continues on a number of fronts in this superb
backcountry area so close to home.
The club trip up the new track proceeded as planned on Sept 20 th, despite the
say starting with inclement weather .. but it soon cleared up and the weather
along the tops was perfect – sunny with no wind.
We are keen to have you on any one or more of the days scheduled as future
work weekends:
November 13 – 15
December 11 - 13
These provide you with the opportunity to get out there and help bring some
new and not so new tracks back into circulation – call asap to discuss what
is involved and book yourself into the schedule
Contact Tony Ph 630 2591, walton.th@xtra.co.nz
Come along to our next club night to get an update on what we have
achieved, and what is on the agenda for the coming year.
Up to date information, operating information and ongoing updates are
provided by a website at http://www.sportsground.co.nz/kaimaicommunity or go to www.sportsground.co.nz and search for “Kaimai Community”.
You can subscribe to “Notices”, meaning you will receive an email advice
every time a new newsletter is provided.
Do also encourage your friends and other clubs to become involved – it is so
important that as trampers we do take some responsibility for maintenance
of back country facilities that would otherwise be lost to us.
Gear Left in the Bus After Trips
There is an accumulation of over 30 items left behind after trips and
awaiting collection at the garage.
Some of the gear has been in the garage for years and other gear left on the
bus quite recently. The gear ranges from street gear and spare clothes to
jackets, wet weather gear, sleeping bag liners, stuff sacs, hats, socks, single
socks, gloves, gaiters, women’s boots, socks, reading glasses and cases,
drink bottles and even a wok!
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Have a look at home, are you missing any gear? These may be items you are
going to need again.
If we are able to return these items to the owners and reduce the clean up of
bus items then Keith would like to reduce the pile of 'stuff ' in the garage.
Collect your forgotten items or contact Keith before some of these things
end up in the rag bag or op shop.
Please contact Keith Ayton  630 7010
And…………….thanks for your old boots
Keith and Jean had a great response and 9 pairs were delivered to DOC at
Kawau Island and another 13 pairs are on their way for use by various
volunteer groups.
In the Park Notes section of the just published quarterly 'Kookaburra'
magazine of Kawau Island is a photo of donated boots lined up on the
Mansion House Wharf and a special thanks to the Auckland Tramping Club.
Multi Day Trips Programme
Subject to change – check our website for the latest updates
Whangarei Heads
6-8 November
Outstanding views of Whangarei Heads area
Saturday: Easy from Urquhart Bay walk around coast via Busby Head to
Smugglers Bay return to bus. Drive to Ocean Beach, walk along Ocean
Beach Road for 10 mins. Peach Cove Track up to ridge and down to Peach
Cove Hut. Return to ridge. Either continue on along Te Whara Track to
Ocean Beach or return down Peach Cove Track 4.5 hours or longer via Te
Whara Track 6 hours. Leader: Diane Dowle  021 1443 471
Saturday: Medium from Urquhart Bay walk around coast via Busby Head
to Smugglers Bay, up to ridge and track junction above bay. Te
Whara/Bream Head Track to Ocean Beach with side trip to visit Peach Cove
Hut 7-8 hours. Leader Russell Allen  276 8770 or 021 048 0380
Sunday: Easy Mt Manaia Track to summit, return same way 3 hours.
Leader: Diane Dowle  021 1443 471
Sunday: Medium from end of Odys Road, over Odys Farm (permisson
given from Ody family) onto and along track on ridge to summit Mt Manaia.
Descend down Mt Manaia Track 4.5 hours. Leader: Russell Allen  276
8770
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Sunday: Easy to Medium Abbey Caves - explore Organ, Middle and Ivy
Caves with outstanding limestone formations. Plus a short walk in Abbey
Caves Reserve 1-2 hours.
Transport: Club Bus Drivers: Laurence Beard & Garry Williams
Transport Cost: $51 members $63 non members
Trip Nº 1368
Destination: Manaia Baptist Camp, 26 Mc Donald Rd, Whangarei
Accommodation: Two nights in Litherland and Sherburd Lodges at Manaia
Baptist Camp, bring your own bedding.
Accommodation Cost: $22 per person for two nights. Please add to your
transport cost and pay online.
Note: No alcohol at camp.
Departure: Friday 7.00pm, Club Garage 31 Sandringham Rd, behind
Mobil
NO DINNER BREAK ENROUTE
Napier Mon 9 – Sun 15 November
A week of tramps and walks in the Hawkes Bay area staying at Affordable
Westshore Holiday Park.
We will be travelling in the new ‘Big Blue’ and have two drivers.
Enquiries Brian Bowden Ph 576 9774.
Homunga / Orokawa Bays Coastal Walk
5-6 December – 2 day trips
Saturday - Wentworth Valley
A popular coastal walk in the western Bay of Plenty.
In days gone by the Maratoto was an important route across the Coromandel
from Hikutatia to Wentworth Valley, Whangamata.
Easy: Wentworth Valley Track to Wentworth Falls and up on to Wires
Plateau to explore. Return down valley Also short walk visiting two mines.
4 hours . Leader: TBA
Medium: from Maratoto valley Old Wires Track up onto Wires Plateau to
explore, The Loop Track (4WD)/ Maratoto Track and descend Wentworth
Valley Track. 5 hours. Leader: Vicki King  816 8859
Sunday - Homunga Bay/Orokawa Bays Coastal Walk
A popular coastal walk in the western Bay of Plenty
Easy/Medium: from Ngatitangata Road to Homunga Bay, around
headlands to Orokawa Bay, 20mins inland from Orokawa Bay visit William
Wright Falls, return to Orokawa Bay and on around headlands to Waihi
Beach. 3.5 hours. Leader: Vicki King  816 8859
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Note: Early return to Auckland
Weekend Coordinator: Vicki King  816 8859
Accommodation: Wentworth Valley Campground in bush setting 5 kms up
Wentworth Valley Road. $10 per person per night. $2 for hot showers. free
gas barbeque or Whangamata Motor Camp, 104 Barbara Ave, Whangamata.
 07 865 9128. Cabins $70 per two people per night. $20 for each extra
person per night. Make own enquires and bookings. Camping $18 per
person per night.
All camping to be paid at camps on the weekend.
Note: Please let the weekend coordinator know your preference of camping
so numbers can be given to camps.
Transport: Club bus Driver: Athol Berry
Destination: Wentworth Valley / Whangamata
Transport Cost: $45 Members $56 Non members Trip Nº 1388
Departure: Saturday 8.00am, Club Garage 31 Sandringham Road.
And further Ahead …
Veterans New Year’s Day - Friday 1st January 2016
MEET: Craigavon Park 11,00am, corner of Portage Road and Connaught
Street with car park entrance off Connaught Street.
Our Barbecues are no longer suitable for this function, so this year we will
have a "Picnic In the Park"
We will provide ham and buns. Pleaase bring salads to share, your own
liquid refreshments, plates, cutlery and deck chairs. We will need to
purchase the ham and buns, so please contact us before the 30th of
December. A walk is arranged for after lunch.
Enquiries: John & Ann Simpson  816 9116
Motu Trails (MTBing) and Urutawa Forest Reserve
(tramping)
January 23-24
Mountain Biking
Saturday: Shuttle from Bushaven to Matawai or Motu. Cycle Motu Coach
Road mostly downhill to the coast, Dunes trail to Opotiki. Shuttle pickup
to return to Bushaven. 70kms
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Sunday: shuttle from Bushaven to Motu Hill. Cycle Pakihi Trail/Track
through to Bushaven. 40kms.
Leader: Margaret Law  021 255 4124 or 298 5699
Grade 4 mountain biking due to remoteness of area and a few short sections
of drop offs above river. Easy graded track no less than 1.2 metres wide.
Information:
www.motutrails.co.nz
http://youtu.be/8PBvsUZalml
http://www.facebook.com/motutrails?fref=ts
Tramping
Easy: Saturday shuttle from Bushaven to Motu Hill, walk 9 kms of scenic
historic Motu Coach Road to pick up Pakihi Track/Trail to Pakihi Hut (6
bunk and camping) 3.5 hours. Spend the afternoon relaxing/swimming by
the river.
Sunday walk Pakihi Track/Trail to road end 2 hours, 11km road walk to
Bushaven or leave a car at road end early Saturday? Leader: TBA
Medium/Fit: Saturday shuttle from Bushaven to Motu Hill, walk 9 kms
of scenic Motu Coach Road to pick up Pakihi Track/Trail to Pakihi Hut,
return up stream three crossing to true left to pick up Route over to TeWaiti
Hut (8 bunk and camping) set by TeWaiti River 9 hours (one long day).
Sunday return up river to Stag Flat, walk up Tokenui Stream to explore,
return to TeWaiti Hut for lunch. Walk 6.5kms down track and road to
Bushaven. Leader: TBA
Transport: Private cars. Costs to be shared.
Destination: Bushaven, TeWaiti Stream Road, Urutawa Reserve (18kms
from Opotiki) www.bushaven.co.nz
Weekend and Extended Trips – 2016
Contact Margaret Law Ph 298 5699 margaret.j.law@gmail.com if you are
able to organise / lead any of these trips. Details subject to change.
February Waitangi weekend. Feb 5-8
March
Mar 5-13
April
May
June
July
August
Mountain Biking Mar 18-20
Easter Mar 24-28
Apr 8-10
Anzac Apr 22-25
May 6-8
May 28-29
Queens Birthday June 3-6
June 18-26
Ngatuhoa Lodge July 1-3
Aug 19-21
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Northern Ureweras – streams
Raukamaras, Ruahines,
Tararuas or other through trip
Te Ara Ahi
Southern Kawekas
ATC SnowSports working bee
ATC SnowSports day trips
Pirongia
FMC Workshop – a national
forum for “Tramping in the
North”
Cape Brett
Heaphy - Wangapeka
Mamakus
ATC SnowSports winter fun
September Sept 9-11
October Whole month + some
Labour weekend Oct 21-24
November Nov 18-20
December Dec 9-11
Mt Taranaki climb / tramp
ATC Nepal Expedition
Cape Reinga
Waikato tramping and caving
Kauaeranga / Rangihau
ATC Nepal Expedition 2016
We are presently in discussion with Project Himalaya in Nepal regarding the
possibility of an ATC party trekking the remote area of Upper Dolpo, north
west of the Annapurna Trail.
Briefly, the region is still undeveloped, no road access to the north and
restricted numbers in parties are allowed.
The trek would be around 30 days duration, probably flying into the starting
point. No serious mountaineering involved, several high passes up to
5000m, so likely some snow. Trekkers will carry day gear, all other
equipment carried by animal teams or porters.
Maps and any photos available show this area to be a must see, before the
crowds arrive!
Numbers will likely be restricted to 12 trekkers. No firm costs as yet, the US
dollar is not doing travellers any favours right now!
We don’t need any money yet, but register your interest soon with the
leader.
Jim Morrow,  834 4227, email jwmorrow@slingshot.co.nz
Day Trips Programme
Sunday 1 November
CANCELLED
Rangitoto Island
Medium: Rangitoto Wharf to Islington Bay on the coastal track, then
head up the gentle incline to the summit for fabulous views over the city &
islands of the Hauraki gulf. After lunch head down to McKenzie Bay and
follow the coast back to Rangitoto Wharf. Don’t forget to see the pretty
Kidney Fern Glen near the wharf.
Various shorter walk options are available if preferred. Pick up a DOC
map brochure from the ticket office at the Ferry Building. Torch useful for
caves. Take all your own food and drink, no rubbish disposal on the
island.
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Note: Some of these tracks are over broken lava fields and the footing is
rough and uneven. Good footwear is essential.
Leader: Karen Wesley  575 2800
Transport: Ferry
Departure: 9.15am Ferry Terminal, Downtown. Ferry also calls at
Devonport
Fare: $30.00 adult return, $15.00 child
Return Meeting Point: Information Shelter adjacent to Rangitoto Wharf
Sunday 8 November
Cascades
Medium: Whatitiri track, Long Rd, Wainamu Bush, Kuataika Trig,
Smythes Ridge, Long Rd, Simla, Fenceline Track to Cascades.
Short: Could be shortened to return from Smythes Corner on Upper
Kauri Track.
Leader: Jim Morrow  834 4227
Transport: Private Cars
Destination: Cascades, carpark at end of Falls Rd.
Departure: 8.30 a.m. Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Road, behind Mobil.
8.45 a.m. Gymnasium carpark, Olympic Park, Portage Rd, New Lynn
Cost: $10 to driver
Wednesday November 11
Piha Area
From the car park, take tracks Home, Centennial, Piha Valley, Home,
Winstone, Kauri Grove, Marguerite, Home back to car park.
Leader: David Holl  309 4906
Transport: Private Cars
Meet: 9.30am Home Track car park (on your right on Piha Road)
Note: This is a longer tramp than usual - approx 5½ hours
Note: NO shorter/alternative option today.
Monday 9 Nov to Sunday 15 Nov
Napier
A week of ramps and walks in the Hawkes Bay area staying at Affordable
Westshore Holiday Park. We will be travelling in the new “Big Blue” and
have two drivers.
Departure details TBA. Enquiries Brian Bowden  576 9774
Karamatura – Whatipu
Sunday 15 November
Medium: Karamatura Loop Walk, Fletcher, Donald McLean along to Mt
Donald McLean. Climb the peak for fantastic views, then return and tramp
down Karamatura, Tom Thumb Track and along the road back to carpark
along the Loop walk.
Leader: Brian Delbridge  373 2707
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Long: Karamatura Loop Walk, Fletcher, Donald McLean, Puriri Ridge,
Kura to Whatipu. Then up Gibbons, Walker Ridge to Orange Peel corner, on
to Karamatura Forks, Donald McLean, down Karamatura Track and back to
carpark.
Leader: Russell Allen  276 8770
Transport: Private cars
Destination: Karamatura carpark, off Huia Rd
Departure: 8.30am Club garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, 8.45 am Gymnasium
carpark, Olympic Park, Portage Rd, New Lynn
Cost: $10.00 to driver
Sun 22 Nov
Mercer Bay / Coastal Waitakeres
Medium with some climbing: Mercer Bay ,half way between Piha and
Karekare,is accessible only at low tide and in good weather. Quite a
challenge to climb down the steep 160 metre cliff that is rope assisted in
three sections. Getting everyone down to the beach takes close to an hour
with the climb back up taking roughly half that time. The object of the
exercise is to visit the magnificent Cathedral Cave. To get there involves
going through a pitch black 100 metre sea cave that looks more like a tunnel.
As you exit the other side the sea rushes in to meet you. You need to wade
around the corner to get into this most impressive natural structure beneath
the highest coastal cliff in Auckland. Part of the very high ceiling has caved
in allowing cascading golden sunlight ( if a sunny day ) to stream onto the
rockfall below.
This trip can only be done on a very limited number of days per year as the
tide needs to be just right to attempt it, so if you haven't done this one before
and want to experience something quite different make sure you come along
as you will be most impressed.
Don't forget to bring your camera and a torch for the sea cave.
Leader: Ian W Morris  480 0919 mob 021-115-7766
Transport: Club Bus Driver: Laurence Beard
Destination: End of Log Race Rd, off Ahu Ahu Road, off Piha Road.
Departure: 9.30am Club Garage,31 Sandringham Road,behind Mobil
9.45am Gymnasium Carpark,Olympic Park,Portage Rd,New Lynn
Cost: $10 members $15 non members
We have invited the Howick Tramping Club to join us on this tramp.
NOTE THE LATE START TIME AN HOUR LATER THAN NORMAL
TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEED TO ENTER THE SEA CAVE AND
CATHEDERAL CAVE JUST BEFORE LOW TIDE.
Alternative Easy Trip
Piha
Two options – Tasman Lookout and Byers Track or Beach, Garden Road,
Beach, Laird Thomson, Whites Beach, Lookout, back along beach to cars,
Leader to decide on day.
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Leader: Jeanette Howie  815 4160
Meet: 10.00 am Carpark South end of Piha Beach
Wednesday 25 November
Parau/Huia
Huia Road, Pipeline Road, Pipeline track, Nihotupu Dam Rd (turn left and
follow temporary Hillary Trail signs) to a junction with Parau track, now
continue on Parau to Lower Huia Dam Rd and bus (now shifted)
Leader: Linda Webber  817 5111
Transport: Club bus Driver: Bryan Taylor  624 1036
Destination: Owens Green Reserve 436-438 Huia Rd Laingholm
Departure: 9.00am Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, behind Mobil
9.15am Gymnasium carpark, Olympic Park, Portage Road, New Lynn
Cost: $10 members, $15 non-members.
Note: Shorter/Alternative option available
Sunday 29th November
Hakarimata
Short/Easy: Starting from Parker Rd at the Huntly end of the walkway, we
climb up past a lovely kauri grove and head south along the range, which
has good views of the Waikato area. After passing trig (374m), turn left on
Te Araroa trail to Ngaruawahia and wait for bus. Appox 10k, 400m climb
Leader: Appointed on the day, both parties mostly together.
Fit/Fast: continue past the Ngaruawahia turnoff along ridge through to
Waingaro Rd and bus Approx 12k, 400m climb.
Leader: Andrew Murdoch ph 021 489 206
Transport: Club bus Driver: Suresh Nanu
Destination: Parker Rd carpark (off Hakarimata Rd) south of Huntly
Departure: 8.00am Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Rd.
8.15am Marewa Rd. Greenlane (behind Countdown)
Cost: $20.00 members $25.00 non-members
Note: Early start & late finish
Sunday 6th December
Destruction Gully
Long: Start at Donald McLean Rd car park. Puriri Ridge, Omanawanui
track, follow coast line from Whatipu (involves rock hoping) to Destruction
Gully, Gully track then back to car park via Puriri Ridge.
Leader: Jim Morrow  834 4227 mob 021 264 6085
Medium: Start at Whatipu car park. Whatipu, Gibbons, Muirs to Pararaha,
return along beach to car park.
Leader: Tony Walton  630 2591
Transport: Private Cars
Destination: Donald McLean Rd for long trip; Whatipu car park for
medium tramp
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Departure: 8.00am Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Rd. 8.15am Gymnasium
Carpark, Olympic Park, Portage Rd, New Lynn
Cost: $10 to driver
Note: Early start & late finish
Wednesday 9 Dec
Hunuas - Mangatawhiri
Lilburne Road, Ernies track, Waterline Road
Leader: Liz Ware  524 7409
Transport: Club bus
Driver: Brian Alexander  622 2138 or 027 433 0050
Destination: Mangatawhiri Dam car park – end of Moumoukai Rd Road
Hunua
Departure: 9.00am Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, behind Mobil
9.15am cnr of Omahu & Lillington Rds Remuera (off Gt.South Rd)
Please Note this pick up point
Cost: $10 members, $15 non-members.
Note: Shorter/Alternative option available
Sunday 13 December
Hunuas, Waharau Ridge, Mangatangi Stream
Medium Wet: From Waharau, ascend the southern access track to the
Whakatiwai Ridge Track. Head south along the ridge track as far as the
Workman Campsite. Take an old vehicle track to the Mangatangi Stream.
Follow the stream bed north for about 2 hours, to the foot of the Jews
Clearing. Find the start of another old vehicle track and ascend this to the
Waharau Ridge Track and take the southern access track back to Waharau.
Total time 6 hours.
Notes: Trampers must be competent in stream wading. This trip is
dependant on a low stream water level, otherwise we join the dry group.
Leader: Terry Chubb  940 7453
Medium Dry: Like the wet party as far as reaching the Mangatangi Stream,
then return to Waharau the same way, or continue on a bit further and return
by Waharau Ridge track if time permits. Time 5 -6 hours
Leader: Vicki King  816 8859
Transport: Club bus
Driver: Jim Morrow
Destination: Waharau visitors centre carpark
Departure: 8.00am Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, behind Mobil
8.15am Marewa Rd, Greenlane, behind Countdown
Cost: $15 members $20 non-members
Note: Early start & late finish
Alternative Easy Trip
Waitawa
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A newish Regional Farm Park with history/paddocks/lots of up and downs
and wonderful views.
Directions: Drive to Clevedon and continue along the Clevedon
/Kawakawa Road. Watch for “Waitawa Regional Park 600m” sign on your
left. Enter park and drive right through down to Mataitai Bay to park there.
Leader: Pauline Lawes 473 9719
Meet 10.00 Mataitai Bay
Trip Report
ATC 90th Celebration – Sunday, October 18th
The president’s address is printed earlier in this publication. In addition to
the full group on this month’s cover, a few photos follow – these will be on
our web site soon.
First photo – our older members – just think how many trips they
collectively have done with the club ! .Keith Williamson (seated mid left),
first tramped with the club in 1945.
Over one hundred present and past members were there for the occasion, to
chat to new and old friends, for the very well catered “bring a plate”
afternoon tea, and to view photo archives from our first 90 years – both on
display on the walls, and in a rolling slide show.
A younger group :
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The Arataki Visitors Centre proved a fitting location for our 90 th
anniversary, being located as it is in the Waitakere Ranges – the home of
Auckland Tramping.
And this group somewhere in between
There is also another photo of around 10 members present who have been
awarded their 50 year boots, to celebrate their 50 years’ continuous
membership of the ATC. Check out our website for that one.
Saving Kokako: Rat-baiting Weekend Oct 2-4
It's that time again, when ATC's conservation volunteers head off each
month to the Tunawaea catchment, up Owawenga Rd east of Otorohanga, to
service bait stations to kill rats so that kokako can nest safely.
Following last month's baiting, the first for the season, we were keen to find
what the bait uptake had been, and convert it to a corresponding estimate of
dead rats.
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A total of 12 workers and one cook with a leg in plaster were the ATC
volunteers: John Minson, Lee McKay, Vicky King, Kay Willcocks, Anna
and Ian Roberts, Gary Pervan, Natasha Hulston, Graeme Pollock, Antal
Kalocsai, Anne Stone, Keith Ayton and Jean Barton (cook and scribe).
Wallace Narbey, our guiding light, met us there.
Happily, our numbers coincided exactly with the number of available beds.
Keith, John and Anne drove down together on Friday morning, put in a good
afternoon's work despite solid rain for the last 20 minutes and were already
back at the house when the "Driving Miss Daisy" show of Graeme and Jean
arrived.
It rained off and on during the evening as we awaited the others. Lee, Vicky
and Kay didn't get there till around 10pm, by which time we had started the
briefing before everybody followed Ian's example and dozed off. Eventually
all pairs, tracks and gear were sorted ready for the morning.
With much better weather in the morning, people were kitted up in their hivis vests ("something for the hunters to aim at"), packs full of baitbags and
off by 0800 in several vehicles for the 30-minute drive to the site. Every
team did great work, some also doing repairs and improvements as they
went. Meanwhile, back at the homestead, I had the place to myself, and all
day to get dinner sorted. Wallace had brought beautiful home-kill rump
steak, so there was little chance of getting it wrong, even though nobody was
able to tell me much about using the slow-cooker. Once that was under way
I had a nap in the sun on the sofa, before setting up my work station to peel
5kg of spuds, with leg correctly elevated.
People began turning up on foot or by car, once they'd done their baitlines,
until with dinner preparations well advanced, all were home and showered
except Antal and Natasha. Slightly concerned, Wallace and Keith drove
back up, and met them striding happily
down the road, neither wearing a
watch. "What time is it - about 4pm?"
they asked, and were astonished to
learn it was after 6pm.
Dinner turned out well, with Kay and
John coordinating in fine style to
present a 3-course meal, while the socalled cook watched admiringly.
Graeme had worked his usual magic,
creating from the simplest of
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ingredients a superb dessert, for which "bread pudding" was an entirely
inadequate description. Nobody needed rocking to sleep that night.
Did I mention Anna and the pig? - love at first sight! We had to guard our
food as Anna went round surreptitiously collecting unattended plates and
taking the food out for her mate. Photos show her feeding it coconut cream
on sliced oranges!
On Sunday, the A (Antal's) team of Antal, Natasha, Vicky and Lee went
back up to finish off 3 lines which had been intentionally left in case we ran
out of bait. The B (for bait) team addressed the leftover bait, rebagging it
into 300g lots, while the C (cleaning) team restored the house to a clean and
tidy state.
The B and C teams were done by 10am and left, leaving Kay to await the
others' return around 1230.
On the way home we stopped at the excellent newly-opened cafe in the old
Tihiroa Hall (1953) which stands alone in the middle of nowhere. Among
the interesting decor items is the original board of rules for hall users, which
include putting all rubbish in the offal pit, all cigarette butts in the
incinerator and so on. The food and coffee were first-class - we'll be back!
And we'll do it all again in 4 weeks' time - book now to avoid
disappointment!
And how many dead rats? You work it out - 500g bait in each of 540
stations, 52% uptake, 18g is lethal dose.
Makorako in the Kaimanawas
10-14 October
Our mission was to reach and climb Makorako at 1726m, the highest peak in
the Kaimanawas. To help with route planning we had downloaded GPX files
from Marcus Bai of the New Zealand Alpine Club who had done part of the
the route in 2011.
Armed with a permit from Helisika to enter the area, tramping gear and ice
axes we left Auckland early Saturday afternoon headed for Turangi where
we were to spend the night at Darrell and Jose Couchman’s (ATC members)
property who are now living in Turangi.
After Indian curry at Taupo (Andrew’s recommendation) we arrived at the
Couchman’s. On our arrival Josie was busy dealing with swarming bees,
beekeeping being her new found hobby. We were shown our
accommodation in the mezzanine floor of their shed and then enjoyed an
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entertaining evening where much of the discussion centered around their
ascent of Rabbit Pass in the South Island a few years previously. All four of
us are headed that way on the interim trip in January 2016 that gave us
something to contemplate before heading off to sleep.
Sunday: Up early the next morning and after a quick breakfast the four of us
plus Josie headed up Kiko Road in Andrew’s vehicle. Spare clothes and ice
axes were left behind as a previous phone call to Helisika had ascertained
that any snow on the tops would
have melted by the time we would
arrive .We started walking at
7.55am along the track to
Ngapuketurua. The day consisted of
fine weather with a slight breeze.
We dropped from Ngapuketurua to
the source of the Rangitikei. We did
some heavy bush bashing,
emerging on the shoulder of Te
Kohatuakaiuru, going via 1429 to
1345 where we camped. We found
water about 5 minutes away down
the northerly slope from camp. A kiwi was heard in close proximity during
the night. Sunday was a nine and a half hour day
Monday: Headed south over 1470,west at 1575 to Te Wetenga then south
towards Makorako. We dropped the packs at 1699 and climbed Makorako.
Fine weather and not much wind. Returning to our gear at 1699 we
descended the spur to 1466 and from there headed west, just touching the
northern end of Island Range before heading north to Te More, north past Te
More and then west into the bush towards the confluence of the Ignimbrite
stream and Rangitikei river. We waded through the river and camped on the
north side.. Another nine and a half hour day.
Tuesday: We observed two rare
blue ducks (whio) by the camp
first thing before heading off just
as light rain began to fall at 7.45
am. Following GPS co-ordinates
up towards Junction Top we
arrived at Waikapihi hut at 11.45
am. Into the hut and on with the
fire where we were comfortable
for the rest of the day. Fortunately
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there was some reading material there and Andrew spent time going over the
finer points of map and compass navigation with Alex. There was steady
rain throughout the afternoon.
Wednesday: we set of about 8.00am am keeping our feet dry as we crossed
the Waipakihi river and set off along the Umukarikari ridge track guided by
Alex using her new navigation skills. We reached the road end car park five
hours later to find Andrew’s vehicle in place having been dropped off by
Josie and Darrell. Weather during the morning was breezy with some mist.
This was an interesting trip covering some new country and we were
fortunate to have good weather.
Special thanks go to Josie and Darrell Couchman for their hospitality and for
helping with vehicle logistics and also to Helisika for allowing access to this
privately controlled block.
We were Alex Sancho, Andrew Murdoch, Terry Chubb and David Holl
(scribe)
Don’t make me start having to nag for trip reports
– we love receiving them and all contributions are
welcome – club or private trips!!
Ed……
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Auckland Tramping Club Contact List
President:
............ Tony Walton ........... president@aucktramping.org.nz ...................  630 2591
Secretary:
............ April Glenday .......... secretary@aucktramping.org.nz ...................  631 0057
Treasurer:
............ Noel Ashton............ treasurer@aucktramping.org.nz ...................  622 3381
Trips Co-ordinator: ... David Holl ............... trips@aucktramping.org.nz ...........................  309 4906
Sunday Trips: ............ Russell Allen .......... russell_allen84@hotmail.com .......................  276 8770
Weekend Trips: ......... Margaret Law ........ margaret.j.law@gmail.com ..................... 021 255 4124
Wednesday Trips: ..... Linda Webber ......... - ....................................................................  817 5111
Veterans’ Trips:......... John Simpson......... - ....................................................................  816 9116
Transport:
............ Keith Ayton ............. transport@aucktramping.org.nz....................  630 7010
Membership Admin…Liz Ware ……...……membership@aucktramping.org.nz ..............  524 7409
Distribution: ............ Colin Wright............ distribution@aucktramping.org.nz ................  620 6713
Editor:
............ Sally Johannesson . wanderlust@aucktramping.org.nz ................  443 1155
Website:
............ Tony Walton ........... website@aucktramping.org.nz- ....................  630 2591
Social Convenor: ...... TBA – contact Tony Walton- .........................................................  630 2591
Huts officer: ............ Jim Morrow............. huts@aucktramping.org.nz ...........................  834 4227
SnowSports Lodge: .. John Dalley ............ SnowSports@aucktramping.org.nz ..............  827 4325
No calls after 9.00pm please.
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