AVON TRAMPING CLUB

What you need: If you are just starting, don't buy expensive equipment until you are sure you will like tramping, and know what is needed. The essential equipment you need:

• Strong & comfortable footwear; preferably leather boots. Light footwear doesn't last on rocky surfaces or in rivers. If you have tender feet, try wearing two pairs of socks, a smooth light pair on the inside.
• Raincoat- must be wind and rain proof.
• Warm clothing - several warm underlayers is best. Polypropylene is good, or wool.
• Hat, sun cream,, sun glasses, gloves.
• First aid kit (eg for sprains blisters or cuts)
• Liquid - and plenty of it! Two to three litres in summer, half that in winter
• Food - lunch and plenty of snacks.
• Dry footwear, a change of clothes and a bag for dirty or wet boots.

Everyone must be equipped for all weather conditions.

How do I go about joining the Club?

Ring the trip leader a day or two before the tramp so you are expected, and to confirm details. As a visitor you can go on two or three tramps to see if you like tramping (and us!) You are then welcome to join the Club. What does it costs? Transport is organised by pooling cars, and each passenger pays up to TEN cents per kilometre to the driver which covers petrol costs. Approximate car distances are included in the two-monthly tramp calendar. Typically, costs are $10-$15 each.
Subs are a bargain at $25 for an annual subscription, which includes your registration with Federated Mountain Clubs. Family subscriptions are available at $25 for the first and $20 for any subsequent members living at the same address.

What is expected of me when I go tramping?

You must stay with the party and co-operate with the leader, otherwise just enjoy yourself. Don't worry if you're slow, we'll wait - everyone knows what it's like starting off. If you have a medical condition, or are having difficulty, tell someone; don't suffer in silence. If you need any other help, feel free to ring our

Membership Officers:

Judy Eden phone +64 (3) 384 4857

John Hinton +64 (3) 358 3192

Definition of graded walks:

Half day: Usually starting between 9 and 10am and finishing around 2 to 3pm. Mainly on the crater rim or Port Hills following well marked tracks and walkways. A small amount of uphill may be involved but good breaks during the day.
Easy: Usually starting between 8 and 9am and finishing around 3 to 4pm. May be either on the Port Hills or up to 1 and ½ hours drive from Christchurch. Walks are normally on well marked tracks with some up hill involved, but good breaks during the day. Average fitness required.
Moderate: Usually starting between 8 and 8:30am and finishing around 3 to 4pm. Most likely to be up to 2 hours drive from Christchurch , following routes, tracks or riverbeds with some uphill to the tops involved. Average to good fitness required.
Hard: Usually starting between 7 and 8am and finishing around 4 to 6pm. Up to 2 hours drive from Christchurch, and would involve broken trails, rivers, bush bashing and steep scrambling. Winter or snow conditions would involve ice-axe and crampon skills being needed. Good fitness and navigation skills required.
Please note that weather changes and unforeseen conditions can change the definition of a trip on the day. If unsure, always check with the leader first.