Photo Gallery

A big group (we think about 50 but the kids wouldn't stay still long enough to be counted!!) gathered at Winston's place to celebrate Guy Fawkes. The energetic ones went for a walk - including a visit to the famous "Bum Tree" - followed by a BBQ and bonfire. Everyone brought fireworks to share, and the show seemed to go on for ever. Eventually the fire died down enough to toast marshmallows - how could you not... The Adventure Club camped out in the woolshed for the night and was treated to tea and toast the next morning. Thanks Winston for a fabulous night.

We had a fantastic end to the season. By the end of the weekend we had 21 people enjoying a beautiful blue sky day. Despite the patchy weather to start with, the kids got to dig and sleep in a snowcave, Maureen and Graham did some lovely walks, and we all got to enjoy the rugby on a very big screen (two sheets sewn together!!) Amazing that we made it out at all on Monday morning after celebrating the All Blacks' victory with members from the Puketoi Club!! Very sad to drive away on Monday afternoon - thanks to everyone for an unforgettable weekend.

A bunch of us enjoyed the first two semi-finals from the comfort of the Lodge lounge!! Checking out the technology for streaming in the semifinals and final over the next two weekends, we settled in for the games - managing to fit dinner in quickly inbetween! This time it was Nik's laptop as we were missing a crucial connection to use the projector. Never fear - it will be the big screen for the big game! Thanks Nik for the technology knowhow!

A small group donned our packs (and leaving the rugby behind) for a great walk into the Whirinaki. We were just settling into the Skips Hut (yes - almost taking the easy option after having to scramble over several slips!) when we were invaded by a miniature army (well so it seemed..) from the Lynmore Scout Group. Sharing Rogers Hut with the two hunters ahead of us was a much quieter option - which is what we did. Fascinated by their dog Jane, her little tent and her backpack, we spent a lovely evening feasting on a wonderful three course shared meal - all gluten free - and accompanied by mulled wine. The next day we made it back in time to watch the Irish play Russia from Judy and Ian's garden (thanks guys!!) I'm sure we spotted the leprechaun at the end of the rainbow...

We had a full house for the Primary School Ski Champs this year. Two teams from Lynmore School and one from Mokoia Intermediate competed. Everyone had a great time, with everyone completing clear runs. Making banners for each school was a great way to fill in a snowy cold day... Congratulations to all for giving it a go and we hope you all compete again next year.

Sarah and Kierin spent one week at the lodge from the 8-12th. On Wednesday 10th August they hiked to Te Heuheu Peak along the Tukino Peak and into the Plateau for lunch. They continued across the Plateau to climb Cathedral Rocks, down into the Whangaehu Glacier and up to the Crater Lake. The day was finished by tobogganing down the Whakapapa Glacier and back to the Lodge.

On a cold and very windy day, 40 of us gathered at the Top of the Knoll to race for the 2011 trophies. Great fun was had by all - even if we nearly got blown off the course before we even started!! Thanks Simon for the photos.

At -15C outside with a horrible gale blowing, cold or not, we were pleased to be sheltering inside when avalanches closed the access road. During a great day's skiing on 40cm of new powder, the wind had been gradually blowing the snow around the corner to dangerously load up slopes above the road. With a sleeping bag and emergency blankets - we were better off than most - and being on TV the next day made it a real adventure!! The staff were fantastic. Clark, Alison, Quinn, Tessa, Heidi and Elena.

How can you beat it? New season snow right down to the Lodge - beautiful clear skies - and a chance to stretch the legs at night..

After a ten day winter storm the skies cleared just in time for a trip in the Kaimais. Pete led a weekend trip from the Wairongamai track to stay at the Waitawheta Hut and then to walk out on the Lindeman Track. Bruce and Delia went over on Sunday to walk the Lindeman Track and to pick up the overnight trampers. The weather was perfect with clear skies, and calm conditions. The overnighters were rewarded with Winston's freshly baked blueberry muffins!

The weather is calming down a bit. The Waterfall express opened today, hopefully over the weekend more lifts will be opened up while the snow is still soft. It looks like there is a fair amount of snow up top.

We have had some more snow overnight and it seems there is more to come. 100km/h winds are forecast over the next couple of days but with the amount of snow and moisture at lower levels im sure that when the weather clears there is going to be some great skiing to be had on the upper mountain.

A few die-hards made it down to the mountain to open the Lodge for the season. Snow has been falling for a few days, and is forecast to continue. No chance of skiing, but still time to do a bit of self-arresting practice with the ice axes.

What a great place to have a winter getaway. Thirty of us enjoyed the hot pools - they were wonderful. Great place, great food, great company, great walks. Thanks Carla for organising it.

Exploring in and around National Park - dodging the rain!

Plenty of hard work, plenty of fun, and the Lodge is ready for the start of the season..

Six of us competed in the awesome T42 race - Clark did the 45km mountainbike race, Sue and Margaret did the 24km run/walk and Alison, Quinn and Tessa did the 6.5km run walk. The awful weather broke to a beautiful warm day. We had a slippery course with lots of mud, but the event was a huge success.

This trip was different, fun and challenging. The walk was timed to catch the low spring tide to walk across the mud flats from the end of Matahui Road to Matakana Island and back again...

If you've never done it - walk into the Whakarewarewa Forest from Selwyn Road - and the side of the track is lit up like the night sky - fabulous on a still and quiet night..

The weather was bad, but we still had fun, sailing on Lake Tarawera.

Fourteen kids and ten adults spent a weekend exploring Tongariro National Park. We had one night in the chalets and one sleeping under the stars - then spent the day biking, walking and swimming - awesome fun!

Tramping Club Trip at Anniversary Weekend

Some great outfits as everyone got into the dress-up spirit