THE TAUMARUNUI TRAMPING CLUB was formed during the "Come Alive" campaign in 1975.

WHY we tramp - It is the attraction for the out doors and nature, to be with people with a common interest - for some it is a way of keeping fit and healthy - an opportunity to get away from work and civilization.  For some it is the challenge to walk and see places and to use their bushcraft skills to get from one point to another. There is always a feeling of achievement to successfully overcome a challenge. Members’ ages vary from students to senior citizens, photographers, rock hounds, ornithologists, horticulturists, geologists, and historians. Within an hour’s drive we can be in forest reserves, fording streams or climbing mountains. The creation of the cycle ways in our area has added new areas to explore with easy access. Members are taught to respect the environment, other people’s property and to ensure permission is obtained before going onto any farmland.

HOW we organize tramps - Leaders of trips are responsible for the safety of their party and club rules are very strict.  Safety is taught to members as well as bushcraft which includes map and compass work. A regular updated programme can be found on the website. Members can pick and choose the listed tramps according to their interests and fitness and asked to ring the leader at least one day before the tramp, to organize numbers and carpooling.

WHERE we go - We have done most of the mountain walks in the Tongariro National Park; the climb to the top of Hikurangi is an annual favorite. Over towards Lake Taupo there are the walks to Mt. Tihia, Mt. Pihanga, Lake Rotopounamu and the tracks around Turangi and Waihi.  Other objectives are in the Pureora forest park, Waihaha, Titiraupunga, Motere, the Hauhangaroa range, and of course Pureora peak.  Closer to Taumarunui is the Mangakahu valley, the old bush tram tracks around the Ongarue area. Our longer weekend trips have included Mayor Island, from Whakahoro to the Mangapura Valley and the Bridge to Nowhere, Tramping from Waitaanga to the old abandoned Tatu coal mine, Kiritihere and Whitecliffs Walkway. LOCAL - Rangaroa Ridge, Ohinetonga, Te Maire and Sunshine Scenic reserves, Kururau Hill and farm walks in the Hikumutu, Otunui, Owhango and Kakahi areas.  We always have one or two social summer tramps which are combined with barbeques. Other activities have been canoeing and mountain biking. FEES, -annual subscriptions are $20.00 per family, $15-00 individual. We use private transport and members pay the driver 15c / Km on each trip. For short day trips a small pack, a parka, and a pair of sandshoes are the basic requirements.  For longer trips, heavy soled boots are recommended.  For over-night trips, a sleeping bag and camping equipment would be an additional purchase.  The club has a supply of gear that can be loaned out to members at no charge.  These include billies, tent flies, one person tent, ropes, cooking utensils, maps, compasses, first aid kit, thermette and Tramping packs. We welcome new members.