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.

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.

 

A visit to the wildside of Mt Ruapehu and a chance to stay high on the mountain at Tukino Skifield (1600m). Alpine plants, great views.

Accommodation: Tukino Lodge - $25 per night; Alpine Club members & students $15. Other costs to be advised in January (4 wheel drive up mountain road, dinner & breakfast).

Saturday
Meet at DOC in Turangi at 8am. Finalise transport.  Drive to Tukino. Trek up close to the base of the Mangatoetoenui Glacier. Those who want to can climb up to the glacier ice and search for remnants from the wreck of an Oxford plane (1951). The plane emerged about 600m down the glacier about three decades later indicating the glacier was moving at an average speed of about 20 m per year.

If there is any interest, the group could divide up with Harry taking anyone keen on sidling over the moraine to drop down to Whangaehu Hut then return to Tukino. Grade moderate: 2-3½ hrs steady climbing/roundtrip time 5-6 hours.

Saturday alternative - low level/poor weather option
Walk to the Bund built as part of the lahar works at the mouth of the Whangaehu Gorge to prevent lahars from entering the Tongariro River catchment. Grade easy: 2 hours round trip from Tukino Mountain Road.

Sunday
Pancakes for breakfast. A wander around Tukino ski field and a visit to Harry’s lahar monitoring site. Leave Tukino at 10.30ish. Drive down the Tukino Mountain Road until approximately five km from the Desert Road. Everybody out for a very easy return walk to the Desert Road - except for a driver or two who will be need to take vehicles out to the Desert Road. It’s all downhill and a chance to explore the alpine plant communities of the Rangipo Desert - the edge of the desert is expanding and smothering vegetation. See 2000 year-old toatoa trunks lying where they were felled by the blast of the Taupo eruption.

Trip leaders: Roy Lynch and Harry Keys. Diary the date if you are keen. Email Harry fire.ice@xtra.co.nz

Let us know:

• the number of people in your group

• if you have a 4 x 4 vehicle (the road is in good condition)

• the walking options you are most interested in

CLICK HERE to view a slideshow of cool Tukino pics to get a taste of what you will see on this trip!

 

 

One of the North Island's best mountain bike rides which includes a jet boat ride.  Project Tongariro is going to make a weekend of it. 

Total Cost per person $225 including 2 nights accommodation, meals and transport by shuttle and jeboat.

CLICK HERE to find out more including links to the Programme.

 Info coming soon...

 

A weekend experiencing Cascade Kauri Park in the Waitakere Rangers Regional Park.  Programme includes volunteer activites with local Forest & Bird members, a variety of scenic bush walks, presentation by Ark in the Park and listening to the early morning dawn chorus. 

Staying at Karanga Camp, adjacent to the Cascades Kauri Park. Cost for 2 nights accommodation and all meals is $55.00 (assuming that we have an average of 20 people staying each night)

CLICK HERE to find out more including links to the Full Programme and Registration Form.