Next Event
Firstly, a Happy New Year to you all! We hope you had a pleasant and safe break, and that 2012 is a good year for all our members.
FIRST OUTING OF THE YEAR – SOMES ISLAND VISIT – Sunday 12 February: We tried once before but the weather did not oblige, so we are having another go! Weather permitting, members are invited to take a trip on the Eastbourne ferry to Somes Island in the middle of Wellington harbour for a visit to this DOC scientific & historic reserve. In earlier years the island served as a quarantine station, a camp for enemy internees, and a gun emplacement in WWII. Today volunteers have extensively replanted the island with natives and wildlife abounds.
A gentle track takes you around the island with views back to the mainland, or you can climb up to the lighthouse built in 1900. Visitors must check their bags through the visitor’s centre; toilets are provided, and you need to bring your own water/food. No pets or bicycles allowed!
The fare on the ferry is $22 return, children half price (seniors travel free). Depart from the city (Queens Warf) at 10.00am, 12.00 and 2.30pm and Days Bay at 11.10am, 12.40 and 1.10pm. Return to the City is at 12.50pm, 1.20, 3.10 and 4.25pm with other services back to Days Bay. We suggest taking the 12.00 city and 12.40 Days Bay services, unless you want to start earlier.
NOTE: This is weather (& wind) dependent – check with the Secretary if in doubt! You can view a DOC brochure on Somes Island at http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/wellington-kapiti/wellington/matiu-somes-island
ENTHUSIASTS PLEASE NOTE: Sven Slager is planning to hold a week-long run in the Waikato next year, following the success of the 404 Anniversary Run in 2010. The Peugeot x04 Rally will start in Raglan on April 9th and finish in Taupo on April 14th. Expressions of interest are all that is required at present to sven@slager.co.nz, or click here.