2016
5 January
Clubrooms closed
12 January Summer barbecue
7.30pm start at the clubrooms.
Catch up with other members and talk about your Xmas/New Year adventures.
Bring your own food and drink. Barbecue to cook on supplied.
19 January A non-hiking adventure
Bob Stephens didn't tramp too much in South America!
He found that giant tortoises and sloths didn't require much chasing.
This presentation focuses on Quito, the Galapagos, the Upper Amazon in Peru, the Middle Amazon near Manaus, the Pantanal, Iguassu Falls and Rio.
Bob will also explain why he wasn’t very active in Kruger National Park(approve sites) and the Kimberley area in Western Australia.
26 January New members’ information evening
An evening for prospective members to come along and hear presentations on the Club’s range of outdoor activities and instruction courses.
Find out how to join trips, what you need to take and why the TTC is a great club to belong to! All welcome.
2 February The Cape to Cape Track, Western Australia
In 2014, after completing the Bibbulmun for the second time(approve sites), Susan Guscott took on the challenging 135 km Cape to Cape(approve sites) track which runs from Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste along the Western Australian coast through the Margaret River area.
9 February A tad chilly in Taranaki
Last July, a hardy group of TTC trampers led by Chris Munn undertook the perfect winter trip - a circumnavigation of Mt Taranaki(approve sites).
Yeah right! The weather forecast for the trip was “rain, snow, rain, rain, rain and just for a change snow”.
It more than lived up to expectations and the intrepid party had to battle gales, torrential rain, hail and snow before successfully completing the circuit.
16 February Intriguing Iran
In April 2015, Sally and Andrew Carman went on an Intrepid tour of Iran and discovered the many delights of this fascinating country including Shiraz, the bazaar in Isfahan, and the capital Tehran.
23 February Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail
John Hill and his friend took eight leisurely days to ride from the Hermitage, Mt Cook village, to Oamaru(approve sites).
They travelled through a wide variety of scenery from Lake Pukaki, through Twizel to Lake Ohau, on to Omarama and down the Waitaki Valley to finish on the coast at Oamaru.
1 March Hiking in the European Alps and Patagonia
Southern Exposure Tours(approve sites) offers small-group hiking trips in the Alps of Europe and Patagonia.
Andrea Basler shows some highlights, from the mountain scenery, alpine flowers and ancient citadels of Europe, to Patagonia’s grand scenery and wild open spaces.
8 March Tramping in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
Last year Pete and Trish Smith spent a month travelling in the Baltic countries, a fascinating part of the world with beautiful scenery and a torrid history, and walking in many of the national parks.
15 March Te Araroa - the long New Zealand trail
A moment of madness in their senior years found Rob and Debby McColl embarking upon the adventure of a lifetime - walking from Cape Reinga to Bluff on the Te Araroa trail(approve sites) through
some amazing landscapes.
22 March Nepal after the ‘quake
On 25 April 2015, Nepal was struck by killer earthquakes which destroyed heritage sites and tourism infrastructure, and set off a mass departure of tourists.
Five months later, Bharat Pancha did his bit to boost visitor numbers by leading a group of Wellington trampers on a trek to Poon Hill in the spectacular Annapurna region.
Nepal is once more open for business and safe to visit, and has been included in National Geographic Traveller magazine’s Cool List for 2016(approve sites).
29 March
New Year goings on at Tararua Lodge
Lynne Pomare takes an entertaining look at Carol Kelly’s highly successful 2016 New Year trip, featuring great walks from Tararua Lodge and other goings on.
Nepal with a broken wrist
David McCrone went to Nepal with Bharat Pancha's group to do some trekking. Hours after arriving in Kathmandu he fractured his wrist. After an operation in a local hospital he went to Pokhara with the group and found other interesting things to do while they were trekking.
5 April Around Europe with Topdeck
Last year Bethany van Gelderen did a Topdeck tour of Europe. A highlight for her was Croatia’s Plitvice National Park, famous for its 16 terraced lakes interlinked by a series of waterfalls and cascades.
12 April Topographic mapping in New Zealand
Google, smart devices and rapid change in technology have had a big impact on map production and map use. Chris Kinzett of Land Information New Zealand looks at recent developments in topographic mapping and the future need for maps, especially paper maps.
19 April The Pyrenees – walking the GR 10
In June 2015 Christine and Peter Whiteford, Cheryl McDonald and Carol Kelly set off for a two week hike in the Pyrenees from Etsaut to Bagnères-de-Luchon. The weather was wonderful, views spectacular, flowers magnificent, and staying in demi-pension accommodation a fantastic way to go hiking.
26 April Advocating for cyclists
Patrick Morgan is a project manager with Cycling Action Network (CAN), a national network of advocates for a better, safer cycling environment. In 2011 Patrick received a Winston Churchill Fellowship to travel to Europe to study best-practice cycle training programmes and advocacy.
3 May A return to Angelus
Nelson Lakes National Park has long been a favourite of Hugh Barr. In June 1983 he did a trip via Speargrass Stream to Lake Angelus and Mount Angelus (named by early climbers after the name of a devotional prayer). Over Labour weekend last year, he led a trip to the Angelus Basin, Hukere Stream and Travers Valley.
10 May Sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in Japan
To mark a significant birthday in September 2015, Amie Claridge and Piers Harris spent five days walking some of the pilgrimage routes of the Kii Mountain Range in Japan, visiting sacred Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Local Japanese food and soaking in onsen at the end of each day were a nice break from dehy and a quick splash in an ice-fed river.
17 May Tales of Raoul and the Kermadecs
Steve Gentry, author of the first history of the Kermadec Islands, has some fascinating stories to tell about New Zealand's northernmost territory. Last year the Government announced plans to create a new and very large Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary. Copies of Steve's book Raoul and the Kermadecs: Historical tales will be available for sale for $55.
A reminder that club night programmes commence at 7.30 from tonight.
24 May Winter activities evening
Join the Club’s winter sports enthusiasts for a glass of gluhwein, then sit back and hear how the Club can help you to plan and enjoy some great adventures in the snow.
Please note the earlier start time of 7.00pm for 7.30pm and $4 entry charge.
31 May The Quest for Ivory Lake
In March this year, Peggy Munn and six TTC members set off for the West Coast to tramp to Ivory Lake at the head of the Waitaha Valley. As with all true quests, it was a mighty challenge underlined by hut book entries of many aborted trips by other parties. This was a one-off attempt to get somewhere special and it lived up to expectations!
7 June
A trek, a safari, and beach-blobbing in Tanzania
Rosemary Wilson's three week holiday in Tanzania included a trek in the beautiful Usambara mountains, a safari through four National Parks, and beach-blobbing in Zanzibar. The Usambaras offer a unique experience and proved a great alternative to slogging up Kilimanjaro.
The Hunter Valley the easy way
No snow-blocked high passes, no rain or storms. Alan Graham recounts his six fine days of tramping up the glorious Hunter Valley.
14 June Quiz night
Come along and support the TTC Quiz evening - come as a team or as an individual and we will find you a team. Questions that will make you think and prizes that include the kitchen sink! It will be a fun evening. We need your support.
21 June Yoga for trampers
Megan Sety teaches yoga to help others prevent and recover from injuries. Come along and learn some simple yoga that you can do at home or on the track to help with balance, flexibility, strength and recovery.
28 June Ghost sharks under threat
Melissa Marquez, a conservationist and postgraduate student at Victoria University, is researching the ecological role of ghost sharks (chimaeras) as part of a study of the resilience of shark populations to the increasing impacts of commercial fishing.
5 July A winter in Squamish
Bill Allcock spent the Canadian winter of 2013 - 2014 in British Columbia’s coastal town of Squamish, experiencing some of the popular tourist attractions and many outdoor activities on offer. He was joined there for a few weeks by Dave Reynolds.
12 July The changing face of Aotearoa
Dr Kevin Norton discusses how revolutions in cartography, geology, chemistry, and physics have led to major advances in our understanding of the evolution of New Zealand’s landscapes.
19 July Awe inspiring and immensely beautiful: A voyage to Antarctica
In early 2016, Ian Armitage voyaged to the Ross Sea, visiting the heritage huts of Scott and Shackleton, Cape Bird on Ross Island, and the new Korean Antarctic Station in Terra Nova Bay.
26 July Coordinating search and rescue missions
The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) coordinates major maritime and aviation search and rescue missions, and land-based rescues initiated by the use of distress beacons. Paul Craven takes a look at how distress beacons work, how to get the best out of your PLB, and the merits of other distress-alerting devices.
2 August The New Zealand storm petrel rediscovered
In 2013 a team of researchers made the stunning discovery that the New Zealand storm petrel, a tiny seabird once thought to be extinct, was nesting on Little Barrier Island. Graeme Taylor from DoC describes the efforts being made by a dedicated team to determine its conservation status on the island.
9 August East of Lake Brunner
Cone Hut restorer Barry Durrant was intrigued to learn of the existence of the Cone Creek Hut in remote backcountry east of Lake Brunner. In April, with Colin Cook and Grant Timlin in tow, he set out to visit it and four days in the Haupiri and Crooked River catchments ensued. Gaining access via the Gloriavale Community, they approached the hut using a recently restored Permolat track and came out via Lake Morgan and the Morgan Tops.
16 August Annual General Meeting
Come along and have a say in the running of your Club.
23 August Pests of national significance
Measures taken to control common wasp and German wasp populations in New Zealand are estimated to cost about $133 million per year. Phil Lester of Victoria University discusses a research project being carried out as part of the National Science Challenge to combat these pests of national significance.
30 August Fossil-free public transport for Wellington?
Cr Paul Bruce looks at decisions being made by the Regional Council and argues that renewal of our present trolley buses and development of modern light rail transport along the high-capacity route through Newtown to the airport is both a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly strategy.
6 September Film evening: Qinghai Tibet Railway
The battle to build the highest railway in the world across one of the most extreme environments on earth, to lay 1000 kilometres of track in a remote wilderness, to drive seven tunnels through rugged slopes and to raise 675 bridges over valleys and rivers.
13 September The Te Araroa Trail through the Wellington region
In the Wellington region, the Te Araroa Trail meanders through the countryside and city from Levin to Island Bay. One of the highlights is the newly-completed Paekakariki Escarpment track, with its spectacular coastal views. John Craig of the Te Araroa Wellington Trust looks at its development and the Trust’s future plans.
20 September September Nga Haerenga - the New Zealand Cycle Trail
Since its origin in 2009 as a partnership project between the Government and the Green Party, the New Zealand Cycle Trail has breathed new life into old tracks, roads and railways. Evan Freshwater tells the story of this network of off-road Great Rides and on-road Heartland Rides and discusses some exciting recent developments.
27 September Annapurna adventure
In April, Alan Graham and Liz Martin trekked to the Annapurna Base Camp in the heart of the Annapurna Massif. As well as the magnificent views of the Himalayas, highlights included learning about Nepalese farming techniques and the unexpected pleasure of soaking in hot pools while watching Red Monkeys swinging through the trees.
04 October The magnificent national parks of the United States
In April and May Peter Smith and Trish Gardiner-Smith visited 20 national and state parks and national monuments in the United States. In the first part of their trip they explored the Colorado Plateau and some of the magnificent landscapes of the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, Canyonlands, Arches and Bryce Canyon.
11 October Tararua Tramping Club: The first 100 years
Back-country historians and authors of Tramping: A New Zealand history Shaun Barnett and Chris Maclean have been commissioned to write a history of the Tararua Tramping Club to celebrate its centenary in 2019. Tonight they report on progress in researching and writing the book.
18 October 2016 TTC Photo Competition
Photo: Amie Claridge
Photo: Peter Barber
Photo: Marg Conal
Photo: Judy Alexander
Photo: P Whiteford
The annual photo competition is an opportunity to view the best photos taken each year by the Club's photographers, and to pick up some tips on how to take great photos of the outdoors. This year club member Geoff Marshall is the judge.
25 October The different faces of Persia: Travels across Iran
Its diverse ethnicity, rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes make Iran a rewarding destination for travellers. Dr Hamish McGregor, an expert on Iranian culture and history, has travelled widely in this exotic and fascinating country, from the deserts of the central plateau to the lush forests of the Caspian coast.
01 November Life and 50-year members’ evening: On Me Bike
As a young man in the 1930s and ‘40s, the well-known theologian and member of the Order of New Zealand Sir Lloyd Geering went on some intrepid cycling journeys around New Zealand. At the prompting of his wife Shirley, he has written a book, On Me Bike, about his experiences.
Lloyd will have a few copies of his book for sale at the reduced price of $20.
08 November Self-sustaining kiwis in the Rimutaka Forest Park
The goal of the Rimutaka Forest Park Charitable Trust is to have a self-sustaining kiwi population under active predator control. Melody McLaughlin explains how a project of this size and complexity has been initiated, funded, project-managed and delivered by this volunteer, community-based organisation.
15 November The mountains, canals, and fiords of Tierra del Fuego
Join Paddy Gresham on the yacht “Pelagic Australis” for a voyage from the Beagle Canal through the canals and fiords of Tierra del Fuego to Punta Arenas in the Straits of Magellan.
22 November Tour de Mont Blanc
During summer in Europe this year Christine and Peter Whiteford, Carol Kelly and Doreen Launder completed the Tour de Mont Blanc, a classic long distance walk around Mt Blanc. Travelling through France, Italy and Switzerland they experienced three cultures while staying in mountain refuges with magnificent views and enjoying the company of fellow walkers.
29 November The magnificent national parks of the United States - Part II
Tonight Peter and Trish’s journey continues from the Colorado Plateau to the Californian National Parks of Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia and Death Valley, and on to Big Island to explore the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
06 December Christmas sing-along
An evening of Christmas cheer to celebrate the end of another successful tramping year. Come along, have some Christmas cake, and sing Christmas carols with the Salvation Army Band. Please bring a small Christmas gift for a child.
13 December
Photo: Fiona Mc Kinney
Clubrooms closed
20 December Seasons greetings
Photo: P C
Photo: Kobus Boshoff
Clubrooms closed
27 December Happy New Year
Photo: Alan Knowles
Clubrooms closed