The Wellington Tramping Group

Come with me as I do a walk up a track in the Orongorongos and clear/rebait the stoat traps along the way. We are keen to recruit some more trappers so this is your chance to see what trapping is all about.

What's the plan?
We'll leave from the end of Sunny Grove, Wainuiomata, at 9:05am sharp. We'll walk up the Whirinaki track - it's a well formed track but a bit steepish in places - stopping frequently to clear the 8 traps along the way.

Then we'll go off track down into the Turere Creek catchment via the unofficial "Kiwi Access Track". There is a rough track in most places but make sure you've got good trailrunners or tramping boots because it will be rough and slippery. There are six traps down here we'll clear and rebait.

How hard will it be and what will it be like?
We go up a formed steepish track (400m ascent over 4km or so) with slippery clay bits, followed by an off track route. I'll also be pulling dead rats (and maybe a stoat!) out of the traps so be ready for that, it's a bit gross.

How will we get there?
Let's car-pool from Wellington. I can take 3 people, please offer rides in the comments. It's about 45-60min to drive from Wellington to Sunny Grove.

What do I need to take?
Bring: good sturdy trailrunners or boots; some warm and waterproof layers; lunch and snacks; water; sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
Koha for your driver to cover petrol and running costs

What about cancellations?
I'm limiting numbers so if you can't go, PLEASE change your RSVP so someone on the waitlist can come in your place. I'll mark you as a no-show if you don't turn up.
We will be going rain hail or shine - I have to do the traps regardless! I may postpone to Sunday if the weather is bad but improving.

TRIP INTRODUCTION
We are training for the coming Xmas trip and you are welcome to join us for a loop trip to Arete Folks Hut.
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/wellington-kapiti/places/tararua-forest-park/things-to-do/huts/arete-forks-hut/

THE PLAN

1. Saturday (8-10 hrs): Kiriwhakapapa Campsite car park - > Blue Range Hut (option)- > Cow Creek Hut - > Table Ridge pt 1478 - > Arete Folks Hut (stay overnight, buy 1 Standard Hut Ticket or use your hut pass)
2. Sunday (8-10 hrs): Arete Folks Hut- > Cow Creek Hut - > Kiriwhakapapa Campsite car park

TRIP DIFFICULTY
Grade 4ish, check Trip Grades here:
https://wellytg.home.blog/trip-grades/

ATTENDANCE LIMIT
4 people maximum

RSVP
This is not a beginners walk - you are expecting minimum 8 hrs walk and an elevation gain of 1600m minimum each day, with a moderate pace and only occasional rests.

To RSVP you will need to:

1. Be comfortable walking in the dark
2. Navigation skills preferred
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:
Breakfast x 1
Lunch x 2
Dinner 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.

We start at the Kaitoke Camp Waterworks road. Tramp into the Eastern Hutt catchment and up the river to or near the hut for the night. 10 easy kms. Start midday for a relaxing walk in. The hut has been recently done up with 6 comfortable looking bunks. The sign says emergency use only. Use your initiative into how you interpret this. Bring tents or bivy bags. Sunday is the big day. Some gear may be left at the hut as this is planned to be a big day walk. Start early to climb the ridge behind the hut. 1000m straight up 4km to eventually link up to the top of Quoin Ridge. It appears to be well used so there may be some markers, but it is off track and will be hard yacker. Reportedly no leather wood, but I have not tramped this ridge before. I will be very slow but steady. The group needs to stick together so everyone stays with the slowest person. We summit Alpha, turn right on the Southern Crossing track to Alpha Hut and a late lunch. Then head down the track to Hell's Gate. Push through the top supple jack and descend into the head waters of the Eastern Hutt river. From there it should be easy going back to the hut for our second night. Monday is a straight forward return to the car and out at midday. Fair weather only, we postpone if the Hutt River is up.
For experienced well equipped trampers only. Do your own research, know where we are going, take responsibility for your own safety.