>> GOOD TIPS FOR LEADING TRIPS <<
TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS:
NZ Topomaps https://www.topomap.co.nz
WAMS (best aerial photography) https://www.wams.org.nz/
Maps from DOC http://www.doc.govt.nz/maps
Maps past http://www.mapspast.org.nz
LINZ: http://www.linz.govt.nz/land/maps/linz-topographic-maps/map-chooser
(http://www.locusmap.eu for mobile phone and google earth for impressing people)
TRACK INFORMATION:
DOC http://www.doc.govt.nz - or call / inquire within visitor centre
Greater Wellington Parks/walkways http://www.gw.govt.nz/parks/
Te Araroa https://www.teararoa.org.nz
(look for distance, altitude, vegetation, track conditions, river/alpine travel and determine required skills and whether trip is desirable/suitable for group / weather-conditions / time budget)
TRIP DATABASES, BLOGS
http://climbnz.org.nz / http://www.windy.gen.nz / http://www.ttc.org.nz/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/TararuaFootprints/HomePage
Old VUWTC website: http://old.vuwtc.org.nz/cs/forums/20/ShowForum.aspx
Wilderness Magazine, Heels (our annual publications), Get inspiration from hut book entries.
Ask people and search for other tramping (club) trip reports (aka ask google!)
TIME ESTIMATES:
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driving time: see https://www.google.co.nz/
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tramping Trip times: From track info / trip reports (be aware of intended audience).
FMC SAFETY IN THE MOUNTAINS FOR TRAMPING TIMES (PAGE 3):
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Time to leave hut after getting up 1.5 hr
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Time to leave camp after getting up 2 hr
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Well formed tracks 4-6 km / hr
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Well-formed tracks with children/picture taking 2-3 km / hr
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Tramping tracks 2-3 km / hr
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Off-track, open bush 1-3 km / hr
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Off-track, scrub 100m - 400 m / hr
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Off-track, rugged country 6-10 km / day
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Climbing on tracks, or open country Add 1hr per 300-350m of height gain
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Descent, open country 300-600m height / hr
WEATHER:
FORECASTS:
Metservice http://www.metservice.com/mountain/brief-mountain-forecast
MetVUW http://metvuw.com/forecast/
RIVER FLOW (MAINLY TARARUAS):
Wellington, Wairarapa: http://graphs.gw.govt.nz
Manawatu http://www.horizons.govt.nz/environment-data
AVALANCHE ADVISORY/FORECAST:
If you're heading to the mountains (South Island / central North Island) during the winter, it's essential to check this.
FOOD, GEAR, FITNESS & SKILL
FOOD:
GEAR:
FITNESS SCALES:
SKILL LEVEL:
Navigation required? River Crossing Skills? Experience with adverse conditions?
Will everyone need the skills or do you have skilled party members/leader?
Tramping: walking and scramble only. (Mt Cook system: Grade 2)
Alpine scale: http://climbnz.org.nz/faq#n7164 (e.g. Mt Cook system)
COST ESTIMATES:
(yes, these dependent on taste and time of year!)
- Dinner: $5 per person
- Breakfast: $2ish Per Person
- Booze: don’t ask…
- Fuel: $2 to $2.4 per litre – 1 l per 10 km (depending on load, hills, driving style)
- DOC hut (standard $5 or serviced $15 per night), annual pass (87NZD with FMC discount)
- Rental Cars: $20 – $40 per day, see ACE or Omega