Trips, Tramps & More...
2024 Programme
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Saturday Walk - Waharau Ridge Track, Hunua Ranges - Sat 4th May 2024
The Waharau Ridge Track has been re-opened. It was closed for Kauri Dieback and then Cyclone Gabrielle and 2023 Anniversary weekend storm damage. Tracks 3B and 3C which go across the valley linking the loop for a shorter tramp remain closed. This 11.9-km loop track takes us through the tree fern forest and alongside a stream. It is a moderately challenging walk. Walking poles are recommended. Estimated time four and half hours. Bring your lunch and drink. Leaders – Sue and Brian FitzPatrick. For meeting time, more details and to be advised of any changes to the plan please contact – Sue FitzPatrick – suzette@knockbane.co.nz or 021 1115356.
Waitākere Hut - Manaaki and inter-cultural exchange with Afghan women in the outdoors (women's only event) -Sat 11th to Sun 12th May 2024
Just over two years ago, a group of Hazara Afghan families who had worked alongside the NZ army and MFAT, were evacuated by our government when the Taliban took power of the country. Many of these Afghans were involved in outdoor education and enterprise (much of which was focused on women and girls’ empowerment) in Bamyan province and beyond. Following an excellent presentation by the group at last month’s club night, the club wants to build a long-term relationship with this group, which shares a love of the outdoors. As a first step, we have invited the women from this group to the Waitakere hut for 24 hours of walking, storytelling, and sharing food.
This time will provide these women with a well-earned break from their kids, an opportunity to experience the beautiful Waitakere bush and build relationships with other women from the club. Kate and Harriet will lead this initiative, but they need a few other women to join them to manaaki this group into our club.
If you are interested in coming along to what will be a beautiful time of intercultural exchange, please email Kate for more details at kateemmasewell@gmail.com
Ruapehu Food Drop - Sat 18th to Sun 19th May 2024
Come and join the fun annual Food Drop at Ruapehu! Drive down on the Friday night (share a car with fellow club members and have a good yarn) and sleep the night on the mountain. Wake up on Saturday morning and help carry food up to the hut so our pantry is nice and full for the winter season. The food will be delivered to the Top of the Bruce by New World Tūrangi, so we only have to carry it up the mountain path. This usually only takes a few hours, then you can relax and socialise, cook a nice dinner and enjoy some walks in the area. Sunday morning could include a walk and a leisurely return home. Contact Gemma Seddon to register gemmaseddon17@gmail.com
Small People on Big Hills - Purewa Valley Family Walk - Sun 19th May 2024
Women’s Overnighter - Winter Solstice Overnight Waitākere Hut Adventure - Sat 22nd Jun to Sun 23rd Jun2024
School Holiday Fun - Join us for one of two jolly jaunts to experience Whakapapa Winter Wanders on Mt. Ruapehu this July!
Embrace the wintery wonders of Ruapehu with ASC members - whether it be in celebration of Matariki, Winter Solstice, a nostalgic northern-style ‘Christmas’ or just the great, white (hopefully!) outdoors!
Come down for some fun with friends and/or all the family and experience the wonders of NZ winter with snow play, igloo-building, sledding, snow sports, games, feasts and general communal cozyness.
The hut will be open throughout and our lovely Hut Warden Gemma Seddon will be there.
More info to follow but for now, please save the date and get booking your bunks on [www.alpinesports.org.nz] for either of the following dates: 11-14 July 2024 or 18-21 July 2024
We'll operate the usual first-come; first-served approach to bunk bookings. However, we kindly request that you only book for members - and for just one of the two weekends at this stage - so all ASC families have a chance to plan for the school holidays.
For the real Snow Hounds, feel free to extend your holiday plans to make use of a whole week before/after. However, it would be great if you could hold off on booking a second, separate weekend until after 30th May (if bunks remain), to give everyone a chance to enjoy the mountain!
NB: Kids under 10 season ski lift passes at Whakapapa are free until 15 May - just need to pay $5 for the card
Snowcraft Weekend - Fri 2nd to Sun 4th Aug 2024
Come and learn the skills required for above the bush travel and alpine crossings. An introductory course focused on gaining the skills and confidence for moving on snow and ice including ice axe and crampon use, self arrest , use of basic avalanche equipment . This is based at our cosy Ruapehu Hut but Saturday night will spent higher up the mountain at the Alpine hut on delta corner. Course includes one evening introductory session approximately 2 weeks prior to the course which will cover gear options. Cost $340 per person (members) or $490 non-member ( includes main meals and accommodation). Transport is not included but will be co-ordinated between participants , travel down Friday evening back Sunday. Participants need to have or hire a helmet, ice axe and crampons ($25/ set for the weekend).
Contact: Mark Roberts mark2005roberts@yahoo.co.nz
RECURRING WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Thursday Walks – Walks are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month (except January and December).
We use a separate communications list with full details of trips for those regularly taking part. If you wish to join the list and come on the walks, send us an email on the link below.
For further information or to join the list, contact Clive Bolt thursday.walks@alpinesport.org.nz.