The very best North Island weekend tramping!

Want to go hiking in superb locations in NZ’s North Island?

Then join us on one of our fantastic weekend tramps:

- overnight (2 day) tramps on a standard weekend

- 2 night, 3 day tramps on long weekends

- 3 night, 4 days at Easter

- occasionally a little longer, requiring some time off work

 

All our weekend tramps are small group, meticulously planned, with highly experienced leaders. They can be on or off track, hut based or camping.

Where do we go? To all the very best North Island hiking locations, mostly into our superb regional and national parks.

Join us! You’ll be blown away by the our amazing array of bush, river, alpine and coastal trips.

Note: Non-members are welcome on our weekend Club tramps - but priority will be given to members.

Check out the further info below!

 

 

Preview of a typical ATC North Island overnight tramp

Friday, 7pm. Everyone clambers aboard Big Blue and we’re off. The bus is in sleeper mode, so we can all lie down and snuggle into our sleeping bags. There’s animated chatter, maps being scrutinised, an air of anticipation. 

Gradually quiet descends as people fall asleep, and a few hours later we’re at the roadend. The keen ones pile out and set up tents. The rest doze off again.

6am and the early risers are up. Breakfast, briefings, packs rearranged. Then we’re away! Off for two days of stunning North Island hiking. Bush, rivers, tops – what will the next two days have in store this time?

Want to know how these overnighters work out? Then read our members’ accounts of weekend tramps.

Want to line up your next weekender? Check out our weekend tramps calendar.

 

Fantastic extended North & South Island tramps

The Kaimanawas, Kawekas, Ruahines, Tararuas. One of these magnificent ranges will be the playground for our annual extended North Island tramp.

These are normally challenging 5-8 day tramping expeditions through spectacular and more remote country. They’re suitable for the more experienced (and fitter) tramper.

PLUS, every summer we have a fantastic programme of multiday tramps in the South Island – check out our Extended Summer Tramps page for details.

But wait, that’s not all …

Most years we also have a hut-based mid-winter tramp or tramps not too far from the white stuff down south. Totally different to summer tramping, these give a different perspective of invariably stunning landscapes and with fewer people about.  Fantastic!

Want to know what’s coming up? Keep an eye on our Extended Summer Tramps Calendar and Multiday Tramp Calendar – and get in real fast so you don’t miss out ! 

Multiday tramp gradings

Easy:	4 - 6 hours tramping	Usually formed tracks, easy pace
Medium:	6 - 8 hours tramping	Suitable for those with some experience and good fitness
Long / Fit:	7 hours and over	Experience and a high level of fitness necessary

 

Trip Gradings are given as a guide only. Weather and track conditions can make the trip harder. Steep hills can occur for all trip grades. Read the trip description in the trips programme and discuss your intended tramp with the leader before booking.

How to join an ATC weekend tramp

1. Phone the leader to discuss the tramp and confirm this is a suitable tramp for you.

2. Leader approval is required before you can join a trip - the leader's decision is final.

3. Ensure you have the correct gear.

4. Book and pay for the tramp – see how here.

5. Arrive at the bus departure point before departure time – see pickup locations and maps.

6. Tell your leader if you have any medical conditions - in case a problem arises during the tramp.

Weekend tramp transport – Club Bus

Even before you start tramping, travelling in our Big Blue is an adventure in itself! Check out our guide for sleeper bus travel.

Gear - Tramp Essentials

• Bring your own food, sleeping and cooking gear, map and compass.

• Clothing should be adequate for the likely conditions. We suggest three layers of clothing. Lightweight fabrics that retain body heat (even when wet) are recommended. e.g. polypropylene, wool or fibrepile.

• A waterproof rain jacket with a hood is absolutely essential for all tramps.

• On all winter tramps or when specified, bring full storm gear, e.g. over trousers, warm gloves, over mittens, warm hat or balaclava and thermals

More info: see our extensive guidance on what gear to buy and our multiday tramping gear checklists.

Food

• Your food should be high in energy value, quick & easy to prepare, lightweight, and enjoyable.

• Keep food dry in plastic bags. Screw-top plastic containers can be used for spreads etc. Cans and bottles should be avoided.

• Carry extra food for emergencies.

Suggestions

• Dehydrated, dried, or just dry-ish foods that cook fairly rapidly (or can be soaked).

• Fresh vegetables, fruit and meat (if temperature permits), but bear in mind weight, bulk, and perishability.

• Breakfasts: Muesli, rolled oats, rice, noodles, dried fruit (this can be soaked overnight).

• Lunches: Bread, crispbread, cabin bread, butter/margarine, cheese, salami, honey, peanut butter, jam, marmite, muesli bars.

• Dinners: Ready-packaged meals (eg freeze-dried meals), rice, pasta, noodles, fresh vegetables (e.g. onion, carrot, broccoli) dried vegetables, flaked potatoes, instant soup, flavourings.

• Desserts: Instant pudding, cheesecake mix, flaked rice, fruit cake, custard.

• Scroggin/Snacks: Dried fruit, nuts, raisins, chocolate, barley sugars, snack bars, Tararua biscuits.

• Miscellaneous: Milk powder, beverages, sugar, salt, powdered drinks, etc.

More info: the food trampers typically take on multiday tramps and a bunch of tried and true dehy recipes our members recommend.

Tramps Returning Late

Please refer to our Contacts Page.

Important Notes on our Multiday Tramps  

• As a Tramping Club, the tracks/routes we take may be different from those typically used by less experienced walkers. On any tramp you may encounter hilly terrain, muddy tracks with tree roots and other obstacles, and un-bridged stream crossings, so please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

• A leader may exclude a person from a tramp if it is considered they are inadequately equipped or are not considered to have the necessary fitness or ability to complete the tramp.

• As with all outdoor activities there is associated risk.Your Safety is Your Responsibility. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct equipment and are fit and able to undertake the planned tramp.

• We highly recommend this 7 minute video The Outdoor Safety Code – 5 Simple Rules. It's a must see for both beginners and experienced trampers.

• Dogs and firearms are not permitted on any club trips.