Trip intentions

Every year we like to head up Mt Ruapehu & learn a bit about alpine hiking. 
We learn how to use an ice axe, crampons & some info about safety in winter conditions. 

We stay at the TTC Lodge on the mountain, which is one of the most incredible places to watch the sunrise & sunset.

You must have boots that are compatible with crampons (at least a 3/4shank).
We will discuss this at a meeting in June, but if you're super keen & want to make sure your boots are good enough then talk to someone on the committee or bring them to a meeting! 

On Friday evening we will meet at the gear shed to sus ourselves out, then start driving North.
Bulls is about halfway & has a bangin' curry spot so maybe pop in for dins on the way, or elsewhere (up to your driver really)
Should hopefully get to Ruapehu before midnight, then we have to walk about 20min from the carpark to the lodge. 

Saturday morning we will rise at a reasonable hour & sort the day's gameplan.
We will split into groups all with a somewhat experienced leader & possibly a co-leader who will be instructing.
Spend the day on the mountain learning the skills, & checking out some cool scenery.
Head back down to the lodge for a mean feed & a bit of socialising. 

Sunday morning we have to tidy up the lodge but otherwise we can decide what we want to do. 
There's potential for extreme things like more snow stuff, or maybe a trip to the hotpools or other locations on the way home. 
 

A comprehensive list will be sent out to those attending, but here's a rough outline of the kind of gear you need:
Waterproof jacket, pants & gloves
Prob gaiters if you don't want snow in your boots
Boots that are compatible with crampons 
Sleeping bag
Warm clothes - thermals, fleece etc
Headtorch

VUWTC will supply helmets, ice axe & crampons

Cost will be calculated depending on fuel prices & cost of the lodge, but expect between $100 - $150
(you also must pay this fee before the trip or else your place will be given to someone else) 
((also anyone bringing a car will pay a bit less for fuel than non-drivers))

Due to the popularity of this trip it will not be FIFS - priority will be given to members that are currently active in the club (coming to meetings/going on trips) & wanting to go on MidWinter
There are 32 bunks in the lodge so that will be the trip capacity. Feel free to sign up to the waitlist though!  
There will probably be a snowcraft 2 later in the year for anyone those that miss out, but crampon/axe experience is required for MidWinter

*I shamelessly copy and pasted all of this from Kathleen's 2022 trip #plagiarism

Avalanche stuff - If you're doing snowcraft or midwinter you should probably take this course:)

https://rise.articulate.com/share/E8y2HjI41iXpw2R3LR8EhkzonCgW5b8O#

New Zealand avalanche forecasts:

https://www.avalanche.net.nz/education/online-avalanche-course/

Help the Kelburn Conservation Network to restore Pukehinau reserve!

Meet on the back lawn of 22 Hadfield Tce by 2pm, spend a couple of hours weeding/planting, and have a cup of tea and some baking afterwards. Super chill, everyone welcome. 

Something pretty chill because I'm still waiting for my knee to heal. Looks like a cute hut in the ruahines to explore. This does mean it's gonna be a ~3h drive. It will be BYO food. We are going up the stream way not the DOC track way (although the stream way seems to be a popular route). We have a gear list if you're unsure of what to bring, or you can just ask me! https://www.vuwtc.org.nz/resources/gear-list 

Neil Forks Hut.

Saturday/Sunday overnight trip.

Plan: From waohine road we walk over cone, maybe via a fun side spur. From Cone it's up to Neil and down the 'infamous' spur to Neil Forks Hut. Lovely and cosy. Then back to the Waiohine valley the next day.

^ This could be you! ^

                                    *More drivers needed to get people to the trail, More People = More Cheese :))

Wine & cheese most likley at Waiopehu hut (Tho hut still subject to change)

Aim of the game is that we head up to a nifty hut with a neat view or in a pretty spot. Sit down with cheese, crackers, and wine, and have the fanciest feed out in the ranges. Depending on weather and hut, canvasses and paints will be brought so that we can capture the killer view, or even do some beautiful still life artworks of our majestic feast.

Every participant MUST BRING:

1xCheese 

1xCrackers

1xWine (And a cup)

Lets make a killer charcuterie board

Due to the hubub of this trip having lots of signups already (And becasue we will be getting canvasas and paints) You will need to talk to Bryn or Meike at one of the Tue tramping meetings to get moved off the waitlist. People with their own paint brushed and paints are very welcome!

If weather is bad, the trip will be postponed till the weekend after.

Besides all that, standard stuff. Bring a sleeping bag and food lol.

(Also a sleeping mat may be advised, as this hut can be busy)

It's holidays now so this may not happen every week as will be away for parts but, 

THIS WEEK, climbing is ON! I will try and organise some transport (if you have a car please bring it) otherwise we may be hopping on the train. 

Be at Hunter Carpark at 6pm! 

Climbing gym costs $16 including shoe hire. 

Climbing is open to everyone, whether you have experience or not. Climbing in the gym is the best way to get prepared to climb outdoors when the weather is nice! 

Any queries txt (0221013920) or email me (meikepnz@gmail.com) 

cheers, 

Meike.