3188 Matariki Weekend and 75 year celebration

Over this long weekend, we will have three different celebrations combined, to make for an interesting and active three days. 

Matariki 

Friday 20 June this year is a significant day of celebration in Maori culture, as Matariki is the Pleiades star cluster which rises in late June or early July.  The rising marks the beginning of the new year in the Maori lunar calendar. Hopefully, this night will be clear so we can observe the seven stars in this cluster.  We will have a special Matariki dinner on this day. 

Waikato Tramping Club is 75 years old! 

Yet another milestone has been achieved in our Club history. In 2021 we (belatedly due to Covid) had our 70th anniversary a year later than planned.  We did manage to have a rewarding get together at Pirongia Lodge, but many could not attend at that time. The 75th will be less involved but we will have walks based at our Ruapehu Lodge this time.  Those unable to attend the 2021 event now have to opportunity to come and tramp or stroll with both old-time members and those new to the Club. (As an aside, for those unable to attend this event, we will hold a special Club Night at our usual meeting place in Hamilton on Wednesday the 4th of June. We’ll have old photos, memorabilia etc for those interested in catching up with past Club events and people). 

Our Hut/Lodge had its major additions 50 years ago! 

This is another important milestone.  There are just a few members with us today, who helped with the major refit and gave our hut/lodge, the shape and size it is today. Thanks to the dedicated members we have a wonderful amenity that we can all share and of course there have been other significant upgrades up to now. 

THE PROGRAMME 

There will be 3 nights of accommodation at our Lodge (Thursday-Friday-Saturday).  On each of the 3 days, we plan to do several walks of different levels. If it snows, we may even have a chance to get to the crater using snowcraft skills.  Otherwise, you can have a leisurely weekend based at the lodge.  On Sunday, we leave earlier than normal and travel to Taumarunui where we will have lunch at a café and enjoy a talk from a local Maori woman well versed in the significance of Matariki to her people. 

Food :  Two dinners plus 3 breakfasts. Details later and you may have to bring your own lunch/walking food (TBA)       

Gear list and more info in follow-up group emails after registration