3177 Music Festival at lodge

Following on from our successful inaugural WTC Mountain Film Festival last November, we’ve decided to have another big event at our Lodge on Mount Ruapehu. This time, its music, with some nice walking to round out the weekend.

THE DATES.

Although the main event will happen on Saturday night (5^th), our guest musician Jon Sanders, will be present Friday night (4^th) for a short session for those who area able to attend. On Saturday, there will be some easy walking and after dinner, Jon will perform, along with his guest singer Sarah Marlowe Spence. The following day (6^th), weather permitting, there will be some more easy walks. The event will conclude after the lodge is cleaned up in the usual manner, and the latest departures from Whakapapa will be about 3.00 pm.

OUR GUEST MUSICIANS

Jon Sanders.

(From his website).  “The quantum leaping music of Jon Sanders has circumnavigated the globe many times over the past 30 years, entertaining thousands of listeners along the way. His compositions for drop D guitar, bouzouki and ukelele have been covered by bands and used in film, television and radio and he has performed in an impressive number of bands in the modern acoustic scene – see Bio page Jon Sanders Music.

Sarah Marlowe Spence.

((From her website in summary).” I Help people uncover their true potential with a variety of healing and music modalities”. Sarah is multi-talented and of most relevance to this event are her music performances. She is also a qualified yoga teacher and can offers classes during the weekend if there is a demand.

AUCTION

As we had a financially rewarding and fun auction at the Film Festival, we’ve decided to have another one, so be prepared to bid.

THE WALKS

Two WTC members well-versed in what Whakapapa has to offer, will lead hut-based trips and will pick out their favourite walks sure to please everyone. The walks will be easy-medium at most.

ACCOMMODATION

Primarily, the WTC Lodge and nearby (closer to the Top of The Bruce) Rotorua Ski and Tramp. Both Huts hold 32 people.  The WTC Lodge is about a 15–20-minute walk up and down a rudimentary track that has some large scoria boulders. Once you have booked, a check list will be sent to registrants asking which hut they would prefer to stay at. There is a SAFETY aspect involved, as those staying in the WTC hut will have to make their own way up and down between huts (for some several times over the weekend also in darkness at some point). In particular, after the music event late Saturday night. We have to check people in and out in the event of bad weather for example. More about that later once you register.   The cost is $25 per night for adults (17 and over) and $15 for those younger.  The same price for Rotorua Hut. We’d love to see family groups at this event. The WTC is fully serviced with comfortable bunks (double and single), reading lamp, curtain on each bunk. Good showers. Sorry, no Wi-fi. You do not need to bring any cooking gear as we have it all. For those walking, a check list will be given once you register.

FOOD

For those who will be staying both nights or just the one, the meals on offer will be two breakfasts (Saturday and Sunday) and one dinner (Saturday). As people will be arriving at different times, for those who want breakfast it is $10.00 per time and dinner will cost $20.00. We will not be providing lunches so bring your own. No dinner Friday night as well. More about meals on registration and we cater for your dietary needs.

TRANSPORT

Vans will be provided leaving at different times ex Hamilton depending on what registrants want to do. The cost is below (estimate depending on loading). Otherwise feel free to take your own car and meet up at Whakapapa.

REGISTRATION

Everyone attending this event MUST register at our WTC online site. Note that it is Trip Number 3177. Even if you are just coming for the music on Saturday night, you must also register (again it is a safety issue as we don’t want people getting lost on leaving our Lodge). When registering we need to know contact details about next-of-kin as we are in a high alpine environment. You must also register as an individual so we can keep track of actual numbers attending (eg – no “Sarah Smith and friend”). This helps differentiate between WTC members and non-members.

THE MUSIC COST

$40 per head for adults, $15 per head those under 17. Please note – although this event is family friendly, we recommend it should only be for kids over 5 years, due to the location of our lodge, closed quarter- accommodation etc.

Event Co-Ordinator : Allan Wickens (027 950 9546 but prefer email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to keep track of participants)

Grade: Easy walking but there may be something a bit more strenuous on offer if decided.

Cost: As above.       Transport : Van (Member $60-70 ; Non-member $70-80) and private vehicles

We recommend you register early as this event will be open to the wider public realm. If you want to stay in the WTC Lodge, then this is a priority consideration.