The Wellington Tramping Group

What are We Going to Do:
We will meet at Simla Crescent train station and enjoy a quick walk up to Mt Kaukau, an exhilarating walk from Simla Crescent, giving a unique view from Mt Kaukau of Wellington Harbour at night. Enjoying some time up at Mt Kaukau before following a different track back down to Simla Cres.

A beautiful walk right on our doorstep!

Difficulty:
5/10 (Mt Kaukau is steep, reasonable level of fitness required)

What to bring:
Wind and waterproof outer, warm clothing - layers, snacks, water, sturdy shoes.
Headtorch or torch

Time:
1hr of walking (approx 5km) + time at the top

How to get there:
We'll meet at the Simla Crescent train station where there is free parking. Can also get there by train from Wellington. Train leaves Wellington station at 5:47pm and arrives Simla Crescent at 6.01pm. Train returns from Simla Crescent at 8.08pm or 8.38pm.

Please ask questions if you are not sure about anything.

Stan's Hut is one of the smallest dwellings I have ever been to. Room for a single bed and that's it. It's warm and dry and cute. We park at Karamu St Eastbourne and head to Butterfly creek along the well-formed Kereru track at Muritai Park. We sneak off track and hut bag The Rangers hut along the way. Have a snack at the picnic tables, then climb a ridge above the creek. It's off track at this point following a series of pest control markers. Eventually we meet the Mt Hawtrey track and turn left. This takes us back to the benched Butterfly Creek track and down to the cars. No streams to cross and it's suitable for a winter's day. If it has been raining the ridge will be a bit slippery so wear shoes with a decent grip.
Grid references;
Stans E1759637 N5426016,
Rangers E1759027 N5425296
Everybody is responsible for their own safety. Be properly prepared for a late autumn day tramp. Whistle, torch and emergency blanket are compulsory items on all trips. It may be cold and wet. I expect participants to do their own basic research regarding the right gear to bring. If you are new or need further advice, ask questions in the comments section. This is looking to be a large group. I will be asking the more experienced people to buddy up with the newbies particularly off track. This is not a trip where it is ok for fast people to dash off. We will travel as a team, helping others along the way.

TRIP INTRODUCTION
Let‘s do Jumbo Holdsworth Circuit midwinter as a day walk and enjoy some snow.
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/wellington-kapiti/places/tararua-forest-park/things-to-do/tracks/mt-holdsworth-jumbo-circuit/

THE PLAN

1. Friday: option to camp at Holdsworth Campsite for an early start (TBD)
2. Saturday(12 hrs DoC time): Holdsworth car park - > Atiwhakatu Hut - > Jumbo Hut (via Rainguage) - > Mt Holdsworth - > Powell Hut - > Holdsworth car park

TRIP DIFFICULTY
Grade 3ish, check Trip Grades here:
https://wellytg.home.blog/trip-grades/

ATTENDANCE LIMIT
8 people maximum

RSVP
to RSVP you will need to

1. Be comfortable walking in the dark / in the snow.
2. Be able to keep up with the group - can finish the circuit in 8ish hrs in summer.
3. RSVP and answer the questions, you’ll then go on a waitlist.
   *Note that you will not be considered if you don't answer RSVP questions.

TRANSPORT
To be sorted before we go

WHAT TO BRING
Food:
Lunch x 1;
Snacks;
Water & extra Emergency Rations

Gear:
PLB: I'll bring a PLB, bring yours if you have one;
Might need some snow gear depending on the weather/track condition;
Map and compass;
Personal First aid kit and medication;
Other regular tramping gears, you can find a gear checklist here: https://wellytg.home.blog/gear/

Etiquette:
https://wellytg.home.blog/policies-etiquette/

CANCELLATIONS
We will go if the weather is good enough.