Wanganui Tramping Club Inc - St Johns Hill

MAKING TRACKS with Scroggin

The Waipakihi Valley is on the Wanganui Tramping Club’s agenda at least once every summer. And for good reason. The valley, reached from the Desert Road, is an easily accessed beautiful bush area. The river is usually low-flowing at this time of the year and it is pleasant to wander upstream, crossing many times.  Numerous camping spots are passed with evidence of camp fires. The club hasn’t stayed overnight in the valley for some time but on day trips there is always time for a dip in one of the many deep pools. 

One of the great things about this valley is the peace you feel there - no road noise, no planes going overhead, no pylons. As a getaway spot, it’s one of the best and is very suitable for a family outing.

July is not the best time to visit the Waipakihi Valley, given the many river crossings, but it is a time to think of mountains and the club has two events focussed on Tongariro National Park in July — a day trip to Whakapapa and a snowcraft course on Mt Ruapehu.

The club’s full weekend programme for July is:

2 Sat, Whakapapa walkabout, leader Cherry

8-10 Fri-Sun, Hutt Valley walks, leaders Dave and Jacky

16 Sat, Winter dinner, leader Esther

17 Sun, Zeke’s hut, leaders Allan and Graham

23 or 24 Sat or Sun, Turakina Beach, leader Laurel

30 or 31 Sat or Sun, Oz Track, leader Dave

30-31 Sat-Sun, Snowcraft course, leader Mike

Make all enquiries about trips to Pam phone 022 457 2097 or Dorothy phone 345 7039 or email: [email protected] 

The midweekers have a full programme of interesting trips.

There is a trip every Wednesday. The Wednesday contact is Trish, phone 021 127 3862. Call by 6pm on the evening before the trip.

Those who get out on Thursday are in two groups, with a longer walk on 14 and 28 July  for the TT1 group. There are shorter walks for the TT2 group on 7 and 21 July. The Thursday contact is Anne, phone  345 4776. Call by 6pm the night before for TT1 trips.

To join weekend trips call the leader by the previous Tuesday at the latest. 

As some trips have limited numbers, leaders have the final say about who to take as they are responsible for the safety and well-being of everyone on their trips. 

For further information visit our website  www.whanganuitramping.org.nz

The next club meeting is on Tuesday 5 July at 7.30pm in the Veandercross Lounge at the Whanganui Racecourse and will feature an illustrated talk by Janet Wilson, chair of the Ruahine Whio Protectors, a trust which runs predator trapping operations in the Ruahine Range. All welcome.