Centenary Dinner Menu 
Saturday 6th July, 6pm, Pipitea Marae, 55 Thorndon Quay, Wellington
- Medium rare roast beef served with red wine gravy (gf,df)
- Chicken breast with tomato, capers, olives and red onion (gf,df)
- Creamy pumpkin and spinach penne pasta (v)
- Roast vegetable medley with garlic and herb butter (v,gf)
- Steamed bok choy, green beans, broccoli (v,gf,vg)
- Greek salad (v,gf)
- Mini Sweet Buffet – pavlova (gf) & brandy snaps garnished with seasonal fruits
- Havana filter coffee and tea infusions
Cash bar – by glass or bottle
Centenary Tramp
In October 1919 the newly formed Tararua Tramping Club ran its first trip from Johnston Hill in Karori, to Mt Kaukau in preparation for the first trips into the Tararuas. Not so straightforward back then, eight hours was allowed and two people went the wrong way in mist and ended up in the Ōhāriu valley.
As part of our Centenary Celebrations we are going to re-run this trip, on Sunday the 30th of June, without losing anyone. You are all invited to participate in this unique celebration.
The trip
The trip planned to arrive at the Kaukau trig station at 12:45, for a group photo and lunch. We will return down the Simla Crescent track. If conditions are too unpleasant at the top, we will proceed down to the Woodmancote Road picnic area.
We will leave the Johnston Hill carpark at 9:45 am for leisurely walk of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours along to Kaukau. This route is very exposed to wind and anyone undertaking this walk will need to be sensibly dressed. Leggings/overtrousers, hat, gloves and a parka is required. See Skyline walkway for more info about the route.
There were also opportunities for people to arrive at Kaukau from other starting points if time and distance is a concern. For people leaving from the immediate area at Khandallah, allow 45 to 60 minutes to reach the top. Warm clothing, parkas, gloves and hats are still required.
The short walk option
Meet at Awarua St railway station at 10.15 - train leaves Wellington at 10am. We will walk up Bell's Track and then over to Mount Kaukau to meet up with the main group for the photo and lunch. Contact Lois Hope if you'd like more info about the short walk option.
How to get to the start line
Parking at the Johnston Hill carpark is limited and we do not want to overwhelm the limited parking available to other users of the track. We urge you to bus to the Marsden Village bus stop which is on Karori Road near Lancaster Street, and walk to the start point west along Karori Road then turn right into Hatton Street.
The Number 2 bus will get you to Karori. Allow 10 to 15 minutes to walk to the carpark. To give you time, the latest you should arrive at Marsden Village is 9:20 am, buses depart from Lambton Quay North stop A at 8:31 and 9:04, arriving at 8:41 and 9:14 respectively.
How to get home
There are regular train services on the Johnsonville line leaving at 8 and 38 minutes past the hour from Simla Crescent railway station to the Wellington railway station. The time to descend to Simla Crescent from the trig station is about 30 to 45 minutes. The Simla Crescent railway station is only 5 to 10 minutes from the track entrance in Simla Crescent.
Food
Snacks, drinks, plus a lunch. We were sponsored by Whittakers Chocolates and there were several Chocolate Angels on the route.
Final words
Bring all your usual stuff: first aid kit, phone (there is mobile coverage along the top), poles etc if you use them. There is no need to register beforehand for this tramp. Just turn up on time.