If it’s your first tramp with the club, you’ll be briefed by the trip leader or club captain.  If you are not sure of anything, please, please ASK!  

Make sure that a family member/friend knows where you are going and what time you will be back.  Advise them of WTC contact details in case they become concerned.

Trip Grading

Whilst trips are graded, NZ terrain can be challenging and you should develop your fitness with some extended walks before a trip.

Please be sure you are fit enough for the trip described.

Easy – Up to 4 hours per day, pace slower than E/M, formed tracks, suitable for beginners, frequent rests

E/M – Up to 5-6 hours per day, pace slower than M, formed tracks and less formed bush tracks

M – up to 6-7 hours per day, at standard walking pace, bush tracks and off-track routes, can involve river crossings, short sections of steep terrain, some experience required, good fitness, regular rests

M/F – up to 7-8 hours per day, pace faster than M, bush tracks and off track routes

F – over 8 hours per day, pace faster than M/F, mixture of bush tracks and off track routes, high level of fitness and experience required

Booking

If a trip interests you, give the leader a call to discuss, book, or ask for more details.  Use the booking 'Register' button at the base of the trip description page to provide your name, home and cell phone numbers, email and an emergency contact (name and phone) as requested in the form.

Bookings and cancellations for all trips must be made by the Tuesday night before the trip to allow appropriate transport to be arranged.  Any person withdrawing after this day without good reason will be charged the full cost of the trip. A person withdrawing from a trip they have booked on prior to the Tuesday may be charged a cancellation fee. Here is a copy of the full Cancellation Policy.

Trip Meeting Place

For Sunday day trips, we meet at the car park at 1 London Street, Hamilton, parking needs to be on the street and is limited.

For full weekend trips, we meet at the University of Waikato, Gate 1 on Knighton Road. Parking is at the rear of the large car park on your right as you come in, near the security compound for University vehicles. Parking is monitored and secure. 

Unless otherwise stated:

Weekend Trips leave on Friday nights at 7.00 pm sharp.

Day Trips leave Sunday mornings at 8.00 am sharp

Payment

Internet – Waikato Tramping Club, 03-1555-0091625-002, use your name and trip number as reference.   Please make sure reference is updated for each payment.

Cash –give to the leader after the trip.

Transport

On most trips a hired bus is used with a designated driver.  The hireage and fuel costs are covered by the transport fee.  Where private cars are used, a fuel cost is calculated and transport costs will be advised.  All money is paid into the account.

Although muddy gear can be unavoidable while tramping please help keep the vehicles clean.  No muddy boots inside, bring a plastic bag to store dirty boots, bring a change of clothing for after the tramp.

Good Tramping Practice

Generally, we tramp together as a party.  However if the party splits, stay with the group that best suits your abilities – fast, medium or slow.  If you are new to tramping, stay with the slower folks until you know your pace.  Always be in sight of the persons in front and behind you.

Do not go off on your own.

Tell someone if you need to stop or leave the track for a toilet stop.  Leave your pack on the track.

Always stop at all track junctions, windfalls and stream crossings – do not continue until the party has reassembled. 

Carry your own first aid.  If you have any medical conditions, taking medication or recovering from illness please let the trip leader know prior to tramping.

Clean and dry your boots between trips, particularly before and after tramping in Kauri country.

Safety

A PLB and first aid kit are carried on all trips. 

If you are unsure of anything, talk to the trip leader.  The Club does its best to provide safe trips, however outdoor activities attract some risk.  You are responsible for your personal safety.  Please make sure you choose a trip suited to your level of confidence, experience and current fitness.  Make sure you have the required gear and tell the leader of any medical condition.

If someone is concerned because a trip is late back, contact either Club Captain, President, or a committee member.

For information on safety or furthering your knowledge with courses NZ Mountain Safety is a valuable resource - http://www.mountainsafety.org.nz/

Environmental Code

“Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints”

Protect the environment for your own sake, for the sake of those who come after you, and for the environment itself

"The land is the property of a great family, some of whom are living, a few of whom are dead, most of whom are yet to come"

Protect Plants and Wildlife – Treat NZ’s forests with care and respect.  They are unique and often rare

Remove Rubbish - Plan your visits to reduce rubbish, and carry out what you carry in

Keep Streams and Lakes Clean – Clean and wash well away from water sources.

Toilet Waste - In areas without toilet facilities bury your toilet waste in a shallow hole well away from tracks, huts, camping sites

Take Care with Stoves and Fires – Portable fuel stoves are less harmful to the environment and are more efficient than fires.  If you do use a fire, keep it small, use only dead wood and make sure it is out before leaving.

Camp Carefully – Leave no trace of your visit

Respect our Cultural Heritage – Many places have a spiritual and historical significance.  Treat these places with consideration and respect.

Keep to the Track – Where one exists to lessen the chance of damaging fragile plants

Consider Other People - People visit backcountry and road-end areas for different reasons. Be considerate of other visitors who want to enjoy that natural environment.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/plan-and-prepare/care-codes/