Saturday, 22 November 2025
We’re thrilled to be returning to the Forest & Bird (F&B) Ruapehu Lodge, Whakapapa Village for this year’s Annual General Meeting. Join us for a weekend of events kicking off on Friday 21 November, with the AGM taking place at 4pm on Saturday 22 November, followed by our annual raffle and dinner.
At this stage, our AGM weekend will go ahead as planned. Should any changes be necessary due to the Tongariro National Park wildfire situation, we will notify members via email.
Dinner bookings close Sunday, 16 November 2025
Accommodation
We have booked the entire Forest & Bird Ruapehu Lodge for Friday and Saturday. Accommodation bookings can be made through our website. For those staying with us at the lodge, please remember to bring all food (except Saturday night AGM dinner if you have purchased a ticket), bedding and toiletries.
Schedule of events
Friday 21 November 2025
Planned Road Closure: Please note SH47 will be closed on Friday 21 November between the start of SH47 Saddle Road intersection (near Tokaanu) and the SH46 (Papakai/ Tongariro Holiday Park) intersection. If you are travelling from Tūrangi, please take SH1 south, then take the right hand turn onto SH46 Rangipo (just before the Desert Road gates), taking about 15 minutes, then you rejoin SH47 at the Papakai intersection.
2:00pm onwards - Arrive at F&B lodge
2:30pm - Field Trip: Whakapapa Village Working-bee
Dinner - Self cater at F&B lodge, BYO
Saturday 22 November 2025
Breakfast - Self cater at F&B lodge, BYO
10:00am - Field Trip: Erua Mill & Cuff Road Loop Track
Lunch - Self cater on field trip, BYO
4:00pm - Annual General Meeting @ Forest & Bird Ruapehu Lodge, Whakapapa Village
5:00pm - Happy hour, nibbles & annual raffle (BYO cash)
6:00pm - Shorty: Leaving a legacy in your will
Dinner - Catered by Michelle McGill
7:00pm - Lesley Mochan: ‘The Big Five Monitoring Project' through Bijane Trust in Zimbabwe
Sunday 23 November 2025
Breakfast - Self cater at F&B Lodge, BYO
9:45am - Field Trip: No. 2 Drive Building
2:00pm - Goodbyes and depart for home
Field Trip: Whakapapa Village Working-bee
What to expect
Gardening and vegetation trimming around Ferguson’s café and/or the Visitor Centre and cleaning Tongariro National Park stone sign on SH48 (heading into Whakapapa Village).
Details
Start time: 2:30pm, Friday 21 November 2025
Meeting Location: TBC
What to bring:
Gardening gloves
Field Trip: Erua Mill & Cuff Road Loop Track
What to expect
Join Murray Wilson and Karen Grimwade to explore two fascinating heritage sites connected to the Marton Sash & Door Company — the historic tramway network and the sawmill site, offering a glimpse into the region’s industrial past and its gradual return to nature with Murray Wilson and Karen Grimwade.
The Tramway Walk (approx. 4 km, around 2 hours when we include stops and talking points) follows part of the original tramway network, where we’ll visit sites of interest including a well-preserved skid site, old log bridge remains, a fatal jigger crash site, experimental exotic plantings, and a deep, steep cutting through beautiful native bush.
The Mill Site visit (approx. 1–2 hours including our lunch stop) explores the unique remains of the Marton Sash & Door Company’s sawmill, quietly preserved in the undergrowth. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of Project Tongariro’s work to interpret this historic site, which includes remnants such as breaking down benches, engine blocks, a Dutch oven, moveable water tank, in-ground rails, unloading bank, and preservation treatment bath.
Details
Start Time: 10:00 am, Saturday 22 November
Meeting Location: Waimarino Stream Road bridge 1.5 km approx. from SH4 for introductions and organising. Start to slow down before Erua Village, and look for the flag on the road junction at Erua, travel down Erua Road a little way and you will see us.
Duration: 4-5 hours depending on interest and group size, participants may travel together in one group to both sites or divide into two smaller groups. This will be decided on the day.
Trip Grade: 2 (Easy)
What to bring:
All weather gear (waterproof and windproof clothing)
Walking shoes or tramping boots
Sunglasses/sunscreen/hat
Lunch, snacks & drink
Personal medication
Personal first aid kit
Field Trip: No. 2 Drive Building
What to expect
Join us for a fascinating field trip led by Mark Davies, former DOC Manager and long-time advocate for the Tongariro region, as we explore this historic Whakapapa building - a cornerstone of Mt Ruapehu’s skiing heritage. Once owned by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts and now under DOC management, the building faces significant structural and environmental challenges. Enjoy a free ride on the Rangatira Chairlift up, hear about plans to protect and restore the building, the collaborative effort to honour its heritage values, and Project Tongariro’s intention to secure its future through registration with the NZ Heritage List, then walk back down.
Details
Start Time: 9:45 am, Sunday 23 November
Meeting Location: Whakapapa Ski area (in front of the retail shop) for an introduction, quick chat about hazards and organisation Rangitiara chairlift ride up.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Trip Grade: 2/3 (Easy/Intermediate). Please ensure you're able to walk comfortably for 2-3hours and be able to handle (at times) steep, rocky terrain.
What to bring:
All weather gear (waterproof and windproof clothing)
Walking shoes or tramping boots
Sunglasses/sunscreen/hat
Lunch, snacks & drink
Personal medication
Personal first aid kit