Tag: tramping camps

2023 Junior Tramping Camp

Posted on by Tim Wiel
  • 8am Saturday 23rd September - 8pm Tuesday 26th September 2023
  • Co-Ed in School Years 7 - 10 in 2023
  • 280 (discounts may apply)
Enrol for the Waiting List

CAMP FULL: Enrol to be put on the waiting list

Our junior tramping camp is heading into  the stunning Caples River Valley near Queenstown. It’s for anyone that  is keen on giving real tramping a try in the New Zealand backcountry.

As beginner tramping you will need to have reasonable level of fitness (so start training now) and will need to carry all your own food and gear with you as you tramp.

Location

We are tramping up the Caples River Valley in Mt Aspiring National Park.

We will be tramping 16km on the first and last day with day walks each day in between. We are staying in a private Deerstalkers Hut. The track is a reasonably good condition track with incredible views of the nearby mountains.

 

Our Tramping Camps Feature...

Backcountry Huts and Tents

We will be staying in a private back-country huts in the remote wilderness - these huts give us some shelter but are often cold meaning warm clothing is a must. But the scenery is oh....so amazing!

Fun and Games

With no power or cellphone coverage*, we have plenty of time to play cool games like "The Most Awesome Game in the World" and make our own fun in the wilderness.


* we have a satellite communicator for emergencies

Good Food

Tramping is all about walking, good company and eating food. Lots of snacks to build up your energy for tramping

Testimonials from previous tramping camps...

The tramping camp down the Hollyford [in 2019] was one of the best CYC camps I've ever been on.
Anon
2019 Junior Tramping Camp Camper
It was my first tramp and I had no idea what I was doing but that tramping trip down the South Coast was one of my best memories as a teenager. Now I'm in my twenties I'm still doing lots of tramping
Anon
2013 Tramping Camp Camper
I just wanted to thank you very much for the tramp in the Hollyford. [My daughter] loved it and she has been talking about it a lot since ... [she] came back further encouraged spiritually
Anon
2019 Junior Tramping Camp Parent

Essentials to know before you enroll...

These are essentials to know before you enrol in this tramping camp:

  • You will need good fitness and be able to walk at least 10km each day on the flat. You can start building fitness now by going for increasingly long walks each week.
  • You will need to carry all your own gear and food in a tramping pack. We will not carry your food, clothes or even your hairbrush for you. As an group tramping camp we will also be carrying shared equipment which you will need to carry your share of.
  • There are some essential gear requirements for tramping. These include the following non-negotiable items to keep you warm and safe in the wilderness:
    • Good boots with ankle support
    • Warm Sleeping Bag (not a “cheap warehouse one”) – ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL IT IS RATED TO -10oC or greater 
    • Waterproof rain jacket (not a “nylon parka”)
    • Good thermal layers (base, mid and top)
    • Waterproof dry bags or pack liner
  •  Our leadership consists of leaders with a combined total of over 100 years tramping experience in the wilderness.

2022 Backcountry Tramping Camp

Posted on by Tim Wiel
  • 12.00pm Saturday 10th December - 8pm Wednesday 14th December 2022
  • Boys and Girls in School Years 10 - 13
  • $280 (includes transport)
Enrol Now!

About this tramping camp

Our backcountry tramping camp is for older teenagers that have a bit more stamina. This year we head into the Mt Aspiring Wilderness up the Wikin River Valley near Lake Wanaka.

As an older teenage tramping camp you will need to have reasonable level of fitness (so start training now) and will need to carry all your own food and gear with you as you tramp.

Lake Crucible
Map of our tramping location

Location

We are tramping up the Wilkin River Valley into Mt Aspiring National Park. We will be staying in Siberia Hut in the midst of the mountains. 

We will be casually tramping on average 20km each day to a booked DoC hut along a tramping track. 

Over the four days of the tramp we will jetboat across the Makarora River, tramp up the stunning Wilkin River Valley to Siberia Hut. Take day trips to the beatitful and secludded Lake Crucible and tramp up to the Gillespie Pass with amazing mountain views of Mt Awful … so called because it fills one full of awe!

Itinerary

Coming soon…

Upper Siberia Valley

Our Tramping Camps Feature...

Backcountry Huts

We will be staying in a booked DoC backcountry hut we have spaces booked in.

Fun and Games

With no power or cellphone coverage*, we have plenty of time to play cool games like "The Most Awesome Game in the World" and make our own fun in the wilderness.


* we have a satellite communicator for emergencies

Good Food

Tramping is all about walking, good company and eating food. Lots of snacks to build up your energy for tramping

Testimonials from previous tramping camps...

The tramping camp down the Hollyford [in 2019] was one of the best CYC camps I've ever been on.
Anon
2019 Junior Tramping Camp Camper
It was my first tramp and I had no idea what I was doing but that tramping trip down the South Coast was one of my best memories as a teenager. Now I'm in my twenties I'm still doing lots of tramping
Anon
2013 Tramping Camp Camper
I just wanted to thank you very much for the tramp in the Hollyford. [My daughter] loved it and she has been talking about it a lot since ... [she] came back further encouraged spiritually
Anon
2019 Junior Tramping Camp Parent
Daises on the way to Lake Crucible

Essentials to know before you enroll...

These are essentials to know before you enrol in this tramping camp:

  • You will need good fitness and be able to walk at least 20km each day on the flat. You can start building fitness now by going for increasingly long walks each week.
  • You will need to carry all your own gear and food in a tramping pack. We will not carry your food, clothes or even your hairbrush for you. As an group tramping camp we will also be carrying shared equipment which you will need to carry your share of.
  • There are some essential gear requirements for tramping. These include the following non-negotiable items to keep you warm and safe in the wilderness:
    • Good boots with ankle support
    • Warm Sleeping Bag (not a “cheap warehouse one”) – ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL IT IS RATED TO -10oC or greater 
    • Waterproof rain jacket (not a “nylon parka”)
    • Good thermal layers (base, mid and top)
    • Waterproof dry bags or pack liner
  •  Our leadership consists of leaders with a combined total of over 100 years tramping experience in the wilderness.
View of the Siberia Valley from Gillespie Pass

2021 Backcountry Tramping Camp

Posted on by Tim Wiel
  • 10.00am Friday 10th December - 8pm Tuesday 14th December 2021
  • Boys and Girls in School Years 10 - 13
  • $280 (includes transport)
Enrol Now!

About this tramping camp

Our backcountry tramping camp is for older teenagers that have a bit more stamina. This year we head into the glorious Greenstone and Caples Valleys near Fiordland.

As an older teenage tramping camp you will need to have reasonable level of fitness (so start training now) and will need to carry all your own food and gear with you as you tramp.

View of the start of the Caples Gorge
Map of our tramping location

Location

We are tramping up the Caples Valley and back down the Greenstone valleys with a side trip into Steele Creek.

We will be casually tramping on average 20km each day to private huts along a very good condition track down. We pass over the stunning Mckellor Pass and will explore side valley of Steele Creek. Along the way we will see  breath-taking views of Mt Tutoko (Fiordland’s highest mountain), the Caples Gorge (with beautiful hidden swimming hole) and Lake McKellor (a back-country lake only accessible by foot).

 

Itinerary

Coming soon…

View from Caples Valley into Fraser Creek

Our Tramping Camps Feature...

Backcountry Huts

We will be staying in two private back-country huts* we have booked in the remote wilderness - these huts give us some shelter but are often cold meaning warm clothing is a must. But the scenery is oh....so amazing!

Fun and Games

With no power or cellphone coverage*, we have plenty of time to play cool games like "The Most Awesome Game in the World" and make our own fun in the wilderness.


* we have a satellite communicator for emergencies

Good Food

Tramping is all about walking, good company and eating food. Lots of snacks to build up your energy for tramping

Testimonials from previous tramping camps...

The tramping camp down the Hollyford [in 2019] was one of the best CYC camps I've ever been on.
Anon
2019 Junior Tramping Camp Camper
It was my first tramp and I had no idea what I was doing but that tramping trip down the South Coast was one of my best memories as a teenager. Now I'm in my twenties I'm still doing lots of tramping
Anon
2013 Tramping Camp Camper
I just wanted to thank you very much for the tramp in the Hollyford. [My daughter] loved it and she has been talking about it a lot since ... [she] came back further encouraged spiritually
Anon
2019 Junior Tramping Camp Parent
View down the Greenstone from Passburn Saddle

Essentials to know before you enroll...

These are essentials to know before you enrol in this tramping camp:

  • You will need good fitness and be able to walk at least 20km each day on the flat. You can start building fitness now by going for increasingly long walks each week.
  • You will need to carry all your own gear and food in a tramping pack. We will not carry your food, clothes or even your hairbrush for you. As an group tramping camp we will also be carrying shared equipment which you will need to carry your share of.
  • There are some essential gear requirements for tramping. These include the following non-negotiable items to keep you warm and safe in the wilderness:
    • Good boots with ankle support
    • Warm Sleeping Bag (not a “cheap warehouse one”) – ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL IT IS RATED TO -10oC or greater 
    • Waterproof rain jacket (not a “nylon parka”)
    • Good thermal layers (base, mid and top)
    • Waterproof dry bags or pack liner
  •  Our leadership consists of leaders with a combined total of over 100 years tramping experience in the wilderness.

2021 Junior Tramping Camp

Posted on by Tim Wiel
  • 11.00am Friday 8th October - 8pm Tuesday 12th October 2021
  • Boys and Girls in School Years 7 - 10
  • $280 (includes transport to and from location and main meals)
Enrol now

About this tramping camp

Our junior tramping camp is returning to the stunning Hollyford Valley where we ran our first Junior Tramping camp. It’s for anyone that  is keen on giving real tramping a try in the New Zealand backcountry.

As beginner tramping you will need to have reasonable level of fitness (so start training now) and will need to carry all your own food and gear with you as you tramp.

Location

We are tramping the first part of the Hollyford Track in Northern Fiordland.

We will be casually tramping on average 9km each day to DOC huts along a reasonably good condition track down the Lower Hollyford river valley. This brief-taking track takes in views of Mt Tutoko (Fiordland’s highest mountain), Hidden Falls (a stunning hidden waterfall) and Lake Alabaster (a back-country gem of a lake only accessible by foot).

 

Our Tramping Camps Feature...

Backcountry Huts and Tents

We will be staying in public DOC back-country huts* in the remote wilderness - these huts give us some shelter but are often cold meaning warm clothing is a must. But the scenery is oh....so amazing!

* we also take tents just in case there is no room for us in the huts

Fun and Games

With no power or cellphone coverage*, we have plenty of time to play cool games like "The Most Awesome Game in the World" and make our own fun in the wilderness.


* we have a satellite communicator for emergencies

Good Food

Tramping is all about walking, good company and eating food. Lots of snacks to build up your energy for tramping

Testimonials from previous tramping camps...

The tramping camp down the Hollyford [in 2019] was one of the best CYC camps I've ever been on.
Anon
2019 Junior Tramping Camp Camper
It was my first tramp and I had no idea what I was doing but that tramping trip down the South Coast was one of my best memories as a teenager. Now I'm in my twenties I'm still doing lots of tramping
Anon
2013 Tramping Camp Camper
I just wanted to thank you very much for the tramp in the Hollyford. [My daughter] loved it and she has been talking about it a lot since ... [she] came back further encouraged spiritually
Anon
2019 Junior Tramping Camp Parent

Essentials to know before you enroll...

These are essentials to know before you enrol in this tramping camp:

  • You will need good fitness and be able to walk at least 10km each day on the flat. You can start building fitness now by going for increasingly long walks each week.
  • You will need to carry all your own gear and food in a tramping pack. We will not carry your food, clothes or even your hairbrush for you. As an group tramping camp we will also be carrying shared equipment which you will need to carry your share of.
  • There are some essential gear requirements for tramping. These include the following non-negotiable items to keep you warm and safe in the wilderness:
    • Good boots with ankle support
    • Warm Sleeping Bag (not a “cheap warehouse one”) – ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL IT IS RATED TO -10oC or greater 
    • Waterproof rain jacket (not a “nylon parka”)
    • Good thermal layers (base, mid and top)
    • Waterproof dry bags or pack liner
  •  Our leadership consists of leaders with a combined total of over 100 years tramping experience in the wilderness.

2020 Back Country Tramping Camp

Posted on by Ministry Coordinator
  • 10am Friday 11th Dec - 8pm Tuesday 15th Dec 20
  • Co-Ed School Years 11 - 13​
  • $280 (includes transport to and from location and main meals)
Enrol Now!

About this tramping camp

This backcountry tramping trip takes us along the spectacular yet rugged South Coast Tramping track in the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island. We head into the remote reaches of Fiordland National Park.

The amazing thing about this tramp is there are no hills – just lot’s and lot’s of mud and roots!

We are heading to the same location that the Junior Tramping Camp is heading but don’t be fooled into thinking it will be a “dawdle in the park”:

  • The distances are bigger
  • The track is rougher in places
  • It’s a extra day!

However we will still tramp along golden beaches (which often includes seeing Hectors Dolphins close to shore), and old bush tramways which are dead flat (but also sometimes quite muddy!)

We walk still cross all the wooden viaducts including the Percy Burn Viaduct (the tallest wooden viaduct in the Southern Hemisphere).

To finish the tramp off on the last day we get to travel on the Wairaurahiri Jet for 90 minutes up the Wairaurahiri River and across Lake Hauroko ( NZ’s deepest lake at 632m and the 17th-deepest of the world’s 5 million lakes). The Wairaurahiri River is also known as “New Zealand’s longest waterfall” as it drops 200m in its 27km length.

Location

We are tramping “as much as we can fit” of the South Coast Track near Tuatapere in Southland.

The actual tramping track takes us along the southern boundary of Fiordland National Park along the rugged coastline of the Southern Ocean.

Itinerary

Our intended plan is:

  • Friday 11th December
    We travel from Waihola to Lake Hauroko to catch the Wairaurahiri Jet for our ride down to the Wairaurahiri river from the Lake Hauroko road end. The boat ride lasts 90 minutes and is one of the most spectacular jet boat trips in the world as we drop around 200 metres of altitude over 34kms of Grade 3 rapids. This river is the fastest-flowing navigable river in New Zealand and is a breath-taking ride! We stay in the Wairaurahiri Hut.
  • Saturday 12th December
    Start tramping early we head to the Waitutu Hut (6 hours, 13km) where we will stay the night. The forest we travel through on this leg of our trip is some of the most spectacular in the country. The bird song is astounding as we are greeted with Kaka, Tui and Bellbird song. Once we’ve arrived at the Waitutu Hut In the afternoon we will explore the surrounding area.
  • Sunday 4th October
    A big day trip to Westies Hut at Prices Harbour. This crazy hut is built in sea cave and is on my bucket list to visit. We then return the same way back to Waitutu Hut for another night (10 hours, 24km).
  • Monday 5th October
    Tramp back to Wairaurahiri Hut for a late lunch / afternoon tea and then on through to the Percy Burn Viaduct Hut. (7 hours, 20km). We sleep the night next to the Percy Burn Viaduct that is 36m high and 125m long.
  • Tuesday 6th October
    Our final day has us tramping past Port Craig through to the Rarakau road end. Past beaches featuring hectors dolphins and gemstones. (8 hours, 26km)

CYC Waihola Tramping Camps Feature...

Backcountry Huts and Tents

We will be staying in public DOC back-country huts* in the remote wilderness - these huts give us some shelter but are often cold meaning warm clothing is a must. But the scenery is oh....so amazing!

* we also take tents just in case there is no room for us in the huts

Fun and Games

With no power or cellphone coverage*, we have plenty of time to play cool games like "The Most Awesome Game in the World" and make our own fun in the wilderness.


* we have a satellite communicator for emergencies

Good Food

Tramping is all about walking, good company and eating food. Lots of snacks to build up your energy for tramping

Testimonials from previous tramping camps...

"I really really loved the tramp up the Huxley valley - it was so fun. I so wish I was able to go again!"
Anon
2012 Tramping Camp Camper
"It was my first tramp and I had no idea what I was doing but that tramping trip down the South Coast was one of my best memories as a teenager. Now I'm in my twenties I'm still doing lots of tramping"
Anon
2013 Tramping Camp Camper
"I just wanted to thank you very much for the tramp in the Hollyford. [My daughter] loved it and she has been talking about it a lot since ... [she] came back further encouraged spiritually"
Anon
2019 Junior Tramping Camp Parent

Essentials to know before you enroll...

These are essentials to know before you enrol in this tramping camp:

  • You will need good fitness and be able to walk at least 20km each day on the flat. You can start building fitness now by going for increasingly long walks each week.
  • You will need to carry all your own gear and food in a tramping pack. We will not carry your food, clothes or even your hairbrush for you. As an group tramping camp we will also be carrying shared equipment which you will need to carry your share of.
  • There are some essential gear requirements for tramping. These include the following non-negotiable items to keep you warm and safe in the wilderness:
    • Good boots with ankle support
    • Warm Sleeping Bag (not a “cheap warehouse one”) – ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL IT IS RATED TO -10oC or greater 
    • Waterproof rain jacket (not a “nylon parka”)
    • Good thermal layers (base, mid and top)
    • Waterproof dry bags or pack liner
  •  Our leadership consists of leaders with a combined total of over 100 years tramping experience in the wilderness.

2020 Junior Tramping Camp

Posted on by Ministry Coordinator
  • 1.00pm 2nd October - 8pm 6th October 2020
  • Co-Ed School Years 7 - 10
  • $280 (includes transport to and from location and main meals)
Enrol Now!

About this tramping camp

This tramping trip takes us along the spectacular yet rugged South Coast Tramping track in the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island. We head into the remote reaches of Fiordland National Park.

The amazing thing about this tramp is there is no hills. We tramp along golden beaches (which often includes seeing Hectors Dolphins close to shore), and old bush tramways which are dead flat (but also sometimes quite muddy!)

We walk across several large wooden viaducts including the Percy Burn Viaduct (the tallest wooden viaduct in the Southern Hemisphere).

To finish the tramp off on the last day we get to travel on the Wairaurahiri Jet for 90 minutes up the Wairaurahiri River and across Lake Hauroko ( NZ’s deepest lake at 632m and the 17th-deepest of the world’s 5 million lakes). The Wairaurahiri River is also known as “New Zealand’s longest waterfall” as it drops 200m in its 27km length.

Location

We are tramping the first part of the South Coast Track near Tuatapere in Southland.

The actual tramping track takes us along the southern boundary of Fiordland National Park along the rugged coastline of the Southern Ocean.

Itinerary

Our intended plan is:

  • Friday 2nd October
    We travel to Riverton to stay overnight at a crib ready for an early start the next morning.
  • Saturday 3rd October
    Start tramping early from Rarakau carpark to Port Craig Hut (7 hours, 20km) where we will stay the night. It’s easy tramping along a beach and bush track. In fact this is actually day 1 of the Humpridge track. Each time I have tramped this route I have seen dolphins.
  • Sunday 4th October
    We tramp from Port Craig Hut through to Wairaurahiri Hut (6 hours, 16km). This is the day we cross at 4 large wooden viaducts. The Percy Burn is 36m high and 125m long. The tramping this day is along an old bush tramway and is completely flat for nearly the whole day only dropping down 2 river terraces as we near the hut.
  • Monday 5th October
    A day trip towards the Waitutu Hut (we probably won’t get to this hut however). The forest we travel through on our day trip is some of the most spectacular in the country. The bird song is astounding as we are greeted with Kaka, Tui and Bellbird song. We will try to find the old live deer capture pens on the ruggedest beach you’ve ever seen. There is no land between these beaches and Antarctica.
  • Tuesday 6th October
    We explore the Wairaurahiri river mouth and beach before meeting the Wairaurahiri Jet for our ride to the Lake Hauroko road end – the boat ride lasts 90 minutes and is one of the most spectacular jet boat trips in the world as we climb around 200 metres of altitude over 34kms of Grade 3 rapids. This river is the fastest-flowing navigable river in New Zealand ​and is a breath-taking ride!

CYC Waihola Tramping Camps Feature...

Backcountry Huts and Tents

We will be staying in public DOC back-country huts* in the remote wilderness - these huts give us some shelter but are often cold meaning warm clothing is a must. But the scenery is oh....so amazing!

* we also take tents just in case there is no room for us in the huts

Fun and Games

With no power or cellphone coverage*, we have plenty of time to play cool games like "The Most Awesome Game in the World" and make our own fun in the wilderness.


* we have a satellite communicator for emergencies

Good Food

Tramping is all about walking, good company and eating food. Lots of snacks to build up your energy for tramping

Testimonials from previous tramping camps...

"The tramping camp down the Hollyford [in 2019] was one of the best CYC camps I've ever been on."
Anon
2019 Junior Tramping Camp Camper
"It was my first tramp and I had no idea what I was doing but that tramping trip down the South Coast was one of my best memories as a teenager. Now I'm in my twenties I'm still doing lots of tramping"
Anon
2013 Tramping Camp Camper
"I just wanted to thank you very much for the tramp in the Hollyford. [My daughter] loved it and she has been talking about it a lot since ... [she] came back further encouraged spiritually"
Anon
2019 Junior Tramping Camp Parent

Essentials to know before you enroll...

These are essentials to know before you enrol in this tramping camp:

  • You will need good fitness and be able to walk at least 20km each day on the flat. You can start building fitness now by going for increasingly long walks each week.
  • You will need to carry all your own gear and food in a tramping pack. We will not carry your food, clothes or even your hairbrush for you. As an group tramping camp we will also be carrying shared equipment which you will need to carry your share of.
  • There are some essential gear requirements for tramping. These include the following non-negotiable items to keep you warm and safe in the wilderness:
    • Good boots with ankle support
    • Warm Sleeping Bag (not a “cheap warehouse one”) – ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL IT IS RATED TO -10oC or greater 
    • Waterproof rain jacket (not a “nylon parka”)
    • Good thermal layers (base, mid and top)
    • Waterproof dry bags or pack liner
  •  Our leadership consists of leaders with a combined total of over 100 years tramping experience in the wilderness.

2020 Mid Winter Tramping Camp

Posted on by Ministry Coordinator
  • 4pm Friday 29th May - 4pm Monday 1st June 2020 (Queen's Birthday Weekend)
  • Co-Ed School Years 9 - 13 (must have reasonable fitness)
  • $180 (includes transport to and from location and main meals)
Enrol Now!

About this tramp

This new tramping camp for 2020 opens up our regular leaders winter tramp for campers to attend as well. It's great to get away into the hills in the winter. The air is crisper and the crowds are few.

This is the camp for those with good physical fitness and want to give back-country tramping a go in the winter..

This tramp will involve tramping on established tramping tracks to stay in huts.

Location / Itinerary​

We'll be heading in the mighty Greenstone Valley on the boundary of Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Park near Queenstown.

We'll be tramping about 18km each day and staying in the Mid Greenstone Hut (which is a private hut we've booked for ourselves).

The plan is as follows:

  • Friday: Travel to Queenstown and stay the night
  • Saturday: Tramp into Mid Greenstone Hut from the Kinloch end
  • Sunday: Day walk to McKellar Hut near Lake McKellar and possibly a side trip up Steele Creek
  • Monday: Walk back to the cars at Kinloch

Tramping Camp Features

Backcountry Huts

We will be staying in huts in the winter - this means warm clothing is a must. But the scenery is oh....so amazing!

Fun and Games

With no no power or cellphone coverage, we have plenty of time to play cool games like "The Most Awesome Game in the World" and make our own fun in the wilderness.

Good Food

Tramping is all about walking, good company and eating food. Lots of snacks to build up your energy for tramping

Essentials to know before you enrol

These are essentials to know before you enrol in this tramping camp:

  • You will need good fitness and be able to walk at least 12km each day. You can start building fitness now by going for increasingly long walks each week.
  • You will need to carry all your own gear and food in a tramping pack. We will not carry your food, clothes or even your hairbrush for you. As an group tramping camp we will also be carrying shared equipment which you will need to carry your share of.
  • There are some essential gear requirements for tramping (especially in the winter). These include the following non-negotiable items to keep you warm and safe in the wilderness:
    • Good boots with ankle support
    • Warm Sleeping Bag (not a “cheap warehouse one”) – ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL IT IS RATED TO -10oC or greater 
    • Waterproof rain jacket (not a “nylon parka”)
    • Good thermal layers (base, mid and top)
    • Waterproof dry bags or pack liner
  •  Our leadership consists of leaders with a combined total of over 100 years tramping experience in the wilderness.