Join members on a weekend of activities in or around Tongariro National Park to explore remote corners, see some "secret" places, note the Society's accomplishments or simply relax with like-minded people. Everyone is welcome to come along, although members may get preferential bookings where space is limited. More details of upcoming weekends can be found in the Society's recent newsletter.

FIELD TRIPS 2009/10

NOTE Costs: Each field trip will be priced at a cost determined closer to the time. Please contact the office or the trip coordinator for the price. Payment is required in full on booking.

Booking: Telephone or email the contacts to show your interest. A booking form and trip information will be sent out to everyone about 3 weeks prior to the trip. It is to be returned with the payment to the trip coordinator.

 

TRIP: WALK A HISTORIC ROUTE TO TUROA 
WHEN: 27-28 February 2010

Friday For those who require accommodation, we can book you in at ‘The Park Travellers’ Lodge’ in National Park village. Great meals there too.

Saturday Explore some of the old routes that were used in the early days to access the ski fields and Ruapehu summits prior to the opening of the Turoa road in 1963.

The walk will start on the Turoa mountain road (Blyth Hut track car park at 11km mark). We will have morning tea at the Historic Mangaiti Hut. There will be several stream crossings and some off-track walking using rough routes only and in some places no route at all. We will eventually meet up with the Horopito track as it approaches the east end of Mangaturuturu valley. Total walking time approx 5 hours. Grade 5.

The trip will be lead by Terry Burrell who is a member of TNHS and Tongariro Tramping Club (TTC).  We may have some members from the TTC join us on the walk, so we can perhaps snag a few new members, and vice versa. Dinner back at the Park Travellers Lodge at your cost.

Transport: Meet at the Ohakune DOC field centre and carpool to Turoa Mountain Road then Matai shuttles will meet us at Horopito and bus us back to our cars. 

Cost:

• Matai Bus:to be confirmed
• Accommodation: A bed in a 6 bed dorm with ensuite is $30.

You can also book your own rooms if you prefer as they have a full range.
Just mention you are a Tongariro Natural History Society member and we receive      a 20% commission.

Should there be any queries regarding this trip, please contact:
Shirley Potter,
11 Brook St,
Lower Hutt,
Ph 04 569 3407         
Email: shirley.potter@opus.co.nz

 

TRIP: A VISIT AND WALK WITH MEMBERS OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATURE ASSOCIATION ON OHAKUNE OLD COACH RD
WHEN: Saturday 6 March 2010

We are hosting this group from 1-10 March 2010. TNHS invited them to come and explore our park.

On 6 Marchwe plan to walk the entire 14 kilometres of the Old Coach Rd from Marshall Rd in Ohakune to Horopito. It is expected that the new cycleway track will be very close to completion at that time.

This group will be staying at the Park Travellers Lodge in National Park village and so we will arrange accommodation there for anyone else joining us.

TRIP: WELLINGTON HARBOUR! – MATIU/SOMES ISLAND

WHEN: 1 -2 MAY 2010

Friday:night stay at Hutt Park Motor camp, dinner at local Petone restaurant.

Saturday: Karori Sanctuary should need no introduction. Where else can you get up close to Kaka, Hihi and Tieke, to name a few, in the middle of a city. Take a walk as far as you want around the sanctuary. We will then catch the 3.15pm or 4.15pm ferry from Days Bay across to Matiu Somes for an overnight stay in the middle of Wellington harbour. Bring own linen/sleeping bags – showers available.

Maori have occupied this island for generations. In more recent times, Matiu/Somes Island has served as a human and animal quarantine station, an internment camp, and a military defence position. Thanks to the dedication of numerous individuals, groups and organisations, such as the Lower Hutt branch of Forest and Bird, Matiu/Somes Island Charitable Trust, Friends of Matiu/Somes and Eastbourne Forest Rangers, Matiu/Somes Island once again represents a refuge, this time for wildlife and our cultural heritage. We can wander the island freely at night and view the Giant Cook Strait weta as they boldly stroll around, we may even see one of them become a tasty dinner for a Tuatara.

Sunday: Ferry back to cars and for those who want a walk you can join Terry while she checks her possum traps and rat bait stations on the hills behind Days Bay. This area is part of the Wellington regional Council ‘mainland island’ restoration area.  Or you can enjoy a morning tea at one of the nice local cafes before heading home.

Costs:

• Friday night - Basic Cabins 3 or 5 people approx $20 per person per night.  There are plenty of good cheap restaurants in Petone (3 mins away by car)
• Karori sanctuary Approx $30 including the New Zelandia exhibit, we have been given a 20% discount.
• Ferry Days Bay to Matiu Somes $21 return
• Saturday night Accommodation on Island  $20 per person
• Food all self catering – except Saturday night Shirley will find people to help her prepare a meal for all. Dinner $20.

TOTAL in the region of $120 per person.

Transport: Own cars.
Please book early as there are limited places on the Island overnight.

Should there be any queries regarding this trip, please contact:

Shirley Potter,
11 Brook St,
Lower Hutt 
Ph 04 569 3407
Email: shirley.potter@opus.co.nz