August 2012 Issue - Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ

Club ProfileCynthia Gavey introduces the Whangamata Tramping ClubThe Whangamata Tramping Club grew out ofthe enthusiasm of a group of local trampers ledby the late Jack and Helen Stewart, about 40years ago.Formally established in 1983, the clubmet mostly on a Sunday with an average of10 members per tramp. At that time, the totalpopulation of Whangamata was not muchmore than 500. Trips covered all the maintracks in the Coromandel and areas aroundPaeroa and Kati Kati, and a keen, fit group alsoorganised trips as far afield as Great BarrierIsland, Tongariro National Park, Mt Tarawera,Lake Waikaremoana, Mayor Island and otherplaces.During the late 1980s, a decline in clubmembership led to the remaining keen membersjoining Chook Sutton from Kati Kati who,with his group, was a frequent walker in theWhangamata area.By 1994 the club had grown again, andnow has a membership of about 40 activetrampers. Many others continue to keep theirassociation with the club even though they nolonger live in the district.Tramps are arranged on the first and thirdSundays and fourth Monday of each month.Each year the club also organises an away tripof about five to seven days, often in the SouthIsland, and also makes use of the huts in our areato have longer local trips.For several years, the club has arrangedday trips over the Christmas period, suitable forfamilies and less experienced people, and aimedto encourage visitors to get to know some of thedistrict’s better maintained tracks.Whangamata is mainly populated byretirees, so like many others we are an aging clubbut welcome and encourage new members. Theclub is in good heart with an enthusiastic bandof leaders and organisers.If you are in the district and would like an outing, contact clubpresident Mike Morrison (ph 07 864 7823), or secetary ChrisConroy (ph 07 865 7228).FMCWhangamata Tramping Club members at Trilobite Hut in the Cobb Valley, February 2012, part of a seven-day tripover the Douglas Range to Bainham. Photo: Whangamata Tramping ClubAugust 2012 • FMC Bulletin 47