Tramping question for Kiwis

S

storyville

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[Not sure if this is the correct forum. If not, moderators, plz feel free to move it...]

Greetings Kiwis,

My gal and I will be visiting New Zealand in August for 2-1/2 weeks, and we plan to do a little tramping (what the "rest of us" call backpacking or trekking) :) while we're there. Nothing hardcore, probably the Kauaeranga Kauri trail near Auckland, the Totara Flats track through the Tararua Forest, possibly a 1-day alpine tramp if the weather permits.

I'd appreciate any general advice or wisdom you have to share about tramping in NZ, but I'd be especially grateful if anyone can answer some questions re: the Totara Flats track. Mainly, how far is it from Wellington proper to Holdsworth Lodge, and what is the best means for getting there from Wellington? Friends have suggested hitching. If this is the case, can we expect enough traffic there in early August to reliably hitch a ride? We would like to start out from Holdsworth Lodge either 6 or 7 August (Saturday or Sunday); but if a weekday would be better, we could plan for Friday or Monday.

Again, any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much and best regards --

Glen
 
Here's a good insiders tip....

1) Go to a shop that sells rugby merchandise - canterbury is the most popular retailer. 2) Look for a bright gold shirt (jersey) with a green wallaby logo on it. If you are still confused then just ask for a 'Wallaby Jersey'.
3) Wear this during your entire New Zealand holiday. In fact I suggest you and your ladt buy 2 jerseys each so that you can always have a clean one to wear. It's especially imortant that you wear these if you go out for a beer.

Although the Kiwi's will all tend to wear all black rugby attire, it's a well known fact they ther are especially hospitible to people wearing Wallaby Jerseys.

Good luck....
 
Kia ora mate!

You might want to ask in the australasian forum too, for more answers.

I haven't tramped at those two tracks, but in regards to the Tararua forest track, that's going to be tougher than the one around Auckland.
In Wellington go to the nearest DOC-(Department of Conservation) office and buy a detailed map. I think it's about 14 nzd. Also, ask them for any tips for the area you'll be tramping in.
They're very helpful and knowledgeful, trust me.

Also, weather changes VERY quickly and drastically here.

That's the number one mistake tourists, and even many hunters, make when out in the bush. Wear layers of clothes, so you can put clothes on or take them off depending on the weather.
More people get lost and die in our bush than they do in Australia, eventhough in Australia their animals are slightly more dangerous.(we don't have any insects or animals that kill, just a tough terrain)

Remember, August is winter here. That means it'll rain a lot.
While the temp in Aukland or wellington isn't too cold, it can be pretty cold at times up in the hills.

Re. hitchiking:
Do you really want to be stuck trying to hitch-hike in the cold pouring rain?
Rent a car if you can afford it.

Actually, you might want to think about buying a very cheap car in Auckland or Wellington, and selling it when you leave.

Have fun. Tramping here in NZ is really amazing, our bush is truly different than anything you've ever seen(or heard).
Just take care too.
 
Thanks for the tips -- definitely plan to check in at the local DoC. As for bad weather and other problems, we'll take some big knives and that should solve anything. :p

We expect it'll be wet, and perhaps a little breezy esp. in south North Island, but we're interested in the Totara Flats and Kauaeranga Kauri since both are supposed to be relatively easy (2-3 days each, clear trails, well-maintained huts). As for weather turning -- yeah, we'll try to prep accordingly. We're both fairly experienced trekkers, or experienced enough at least to "plan for the worst but look forward to the best," etc. (We're good at tramping, too, although that means something altogether different in the US.) :p

As for that gold-and-green jersey suggestion, in All Blacks turf... Hmmm, I'll have to check on that one! :)

Thanks again for the tips!

Glen
 
Clear trails are a good thing(most problems start when people stray off the trails), and since you're experienced you'll be great.

Also remember not to bring any animal or plant products over the border.

The customs people are really anal about these things here in NZ, you could end up with a hefty fine.

If you have any questions bring this thread back to the top, or just email me anytime.

Stay sharp mate!
 
Hi Glen,

I do a LOT of tramping in NZ generally, and the Tararua Ranges specificially, so please feel free to ask for further info if the following doesn't apply.
storyville said:
Nothing hardcore, probably the Kauaeranga Kauri trail near Auckland, the Totara Flats track through the Tararua Forest, possibly a 1-day alpine tramp if the weather permits.
Click to expand...
Totara Flats track is a great walk. But please make sure you do check with DOC before you do it... last I heard one of the main bridges was out and people were having difficulties at that river crossing. A really nice alternative if that is the case (and it would also give you a semi-alpine walk) would be to go to Powell Hut, which is a 4-7 hour (one way)walk also starting at Holdsworth Lodge. Very comfortable hut, awesome views.
storyville said:
I'd appreciate any general advice or wisdom you have to share about tramping in NZ
Click to expand...
Always take a raincoat and warm clothing!!
storyville said:
but I'd be especially grateful if anyone can answer some questions re: the Totara Flats track. Mainly, how far is it from Wellington proper to Holdsworth Lodge, and what is the best means for getting there from Wellington? Friends have suggested hitching.
Click to expand...

Wellington to Masterton is about 100 kilometres (60 miles?). Masterton to Holdsworth Lodge is another 16 or so kilometres. You may get lucky hitching but I wouldn't bother. Public transport - there is a good rail service between Wellington and Masterton http://www.transmetro.co.nz/TimeTable.aspx From Masterton, catch a cab.

For a really good basic outline of what to expect in the NZ bush, the NZ Mountain Safety Council publishes a book called "Bushcraft". This is pretty much the tramper's bible here.

Like I said, if you have any more questions, please just ask. Me or Emanuel (kia ora mate!) might be able to answer - I can only endorse Emanuel's comments about the weather, and the rugged nature of the Tararuas.

Have fun, and stay safe!
Sean (Chomo)
 
Thanks for all the tips, Emanuel and Chomo -- really appreciate it! We'll definitely check in with DoC in Wellington. Been told by others also to take the train to Masterton and taxi to Holdsworth Lodge from there. Boots, raincoats, layers; will brush everything clean before packing up, too. If I have other questions, I'll drop you an email before then. If you think of anything else, please do email me or post them here. Looking fwd to the trip, first time to NZ. Thanks much, mates! Glen
 
I don't know how far south you'll be getting, but if you are near Christchurch and want tramping buddies then come check out the CTC (www.ctc.org.nz). We have trips running every weekend. We always welcome new people.

As to advice for tramping in New Zealand, well, the most important is to carry warm clothing. New Zealand is a small island in between two big oceans. We have a maritime weather system meaning that weather can and will change very quickly. I'm not kidding - I've seen clear blue skies and warm weather turn to rain and cold in 20 minutes then to storm in another 30 to 40 minutes.

If you are from the middle of a great big continent (for example the USA) then this sort of wether will confuse you.

So, carry warm clothes.

Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be out.

And follow the outdoors code: take only photographs, leave only footprints.

Above all, have fun
Craig
 
I wouldn't wear that Wallaby's jersey if I were you!! Unless you want plenty of practice at full contact sparring! Normally the Kiwis are pretty hospitable but an Australian rugby top just might set them off!

Good luck on the hiking! Acolyte.
 
Ming65 said:
Here's a good insiders tip....

1) Go to a shop that sells rugby merchandise - canterbury is the most popular retailer. 2) Look for a bright gold shirt (jersey) with a green wallaby logo on it. If you are still confused then just ask for a 'Wallaby Jersey'.
3) Wear this during your entire New Zealand holiday. In fact I suggest you and your ladt buy 2 jerseys each so that you can always have a clean one to wear. It's especially imortant that you wear these if you go out for a beer.

Although the Kiwi's will all tend to wear all black rugby attire, it's a well known fact they ther are especially hospitible to people wearing Wallaby Jerseys.

Good luck....
Click to expand...

Bwaaa Haaa!!! LOL!! :D That's just mean.
Good one-
Mike


LOL!!
 
One piece of advice , dont make eye contact with any sheep whilst any NZ male is in the vicinity as this will be seen as a challenge and lead to violence.
 
Here's a true story from an SAS combat survival course on the mid eighties. I wasn't there but have a good friend who was.

After surviving the WA desert for three weeks with nothing but boots and an old potato sack for clothing, the team had lived quite well on Kangaroo, Wallaby and Emu meat. A couple of American Green Beret's on the course were complaining however, of the gamey taste of the local meat and wanted something more familiar. Although it was strictly against the rules of the exercise the men decided to kill a sheep. (although it was desert they were actually on one of West Oz's huge sheep stations).

They spotted an old ewe and used all of their special forces skills to stalk and encircle the unsuspectng sheep. They sprung as one but the sheep, with a sidestep that would have done David Campese proud, evaded the circle of advancing cavemen and took off with the gang in hot pursuit.

The old sheep had some ticker because slowly, one by one, the men dropped out of the chase and collapsed to the ground exhausted, leaving only my mate Don still chasing but steadily losing ground on the sheep. Don collapsed on all fours in the dust, gasping for breath as the sheep disapeared over a small hill. As Don kneeled there in dispair he heard pounding footsteps behind him. Turning he saw his friend Dave running at full speed, knees lifting and beard flying in the wind. Somehow he had reached deep inside himself for one last effort and he flew over the hill. The next thing Done heard was Dave yelling "C'mon Bro's, come and hilp me kell the bloody thung eh"

You see - Dave was a Kiwi, only he could muster the will to catch that sheep.......

True story :D
 
hahahaha!! superb story. and you know it is true cos the kiwi wanted to kill the sheep, whereas an aussie would want to... :eek:

<good to see some fellow antipodeans here providing the good info for out northern hemisphere brothers.> I am looking forward to hearing how your walk went Storyville - you had some some good weather for it!! good Tararua weather, that is!! :D
 
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