In this section:
- HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
- WHAT TO BRING?
- EVENING TALKS
- SAFETY
- TRANSPORT
- WHEN AND WHERE DO WE GO FROM?

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?

Some trips do not involve long walks, eg most trips organised by the Historic Places Trust or the Kauarapaoa Valley event. However, other trips may involve walking on sandy beaches, through grassland or uphill. The trip description will note any special requirements but do check with us if you are unsure whether your level of fi tness will suit your preferred trip.

WHAT TO BRING?

All trips can be subject to rapidly changing weather. You need to bring:

• Sunhat and sunscreen.
• Water and other drinks as required.
• Food for the duration of the trip. For a full day trip bring your lunch as well as morning & afternoon tea; just bring your afternoon tea for trips leaving after lunch. If any food is being provided as part of the event this will be noted in the trip description, eg beach barbecues. Some trips allow for a snack stop on the way back, so you may want to bring money for ice creams, etc.
• Any medication you require including insect repellent.

For all trips where you will be venturing away from the bus for much of the day make sure you have:

• Solid footwear (not jandals).
• Warm, waterproof jacket. This is especially important for trips involving boat rides.
• A small day pack to carry all your gear.

EVENING TALKS

These will be at the Davis Lecture Theatre, Whanganui Regional Museum, Watt Street, Wanganui. Talks cost $4 adult, $2 child with payment made on the night; no bookings are necessary.

SAFETY

Guides and leaders on your trips are experienced at taking parties on Summer Programme trips including bush walks and tramping expeditions. There will be trained first aiders and first aid kits on hand. The guides will have a cell phone although coverage cannot be guaranteed. Please advise us in advance if you have any medical conditions, including allergies to stings, etc. During the course of the day, if you are experiencing any difficulties, please let us know so we can act quickly to ensure your safety and comfort.

TRANSPORT

For bus trips we normally use a 45-seater air-conditioned bus on hire from Tranzit Coachlines.  Once again, Ridgway Lythgoe will be our driver for all the bus trips.

WHEN AND WHERE DO WE GO FROM?

All bus trips depart from and return to the Whanganui Riverboat Centre on Taupo Quay. There is all-day free parking in the neighbourhood and public toilets in the Riverboat Centre and nearby at Pakaitore/Moutoa Gardens (not open early morning). You must report to the trip leader who will wait by the bus to tick you off the list.  All efforts are made to return by the advertised time but delays are possible, so try to avoid making other commitments close to the return time. 

Some events, such as guided walks, have different departure or meeting points as noted in the trip descriptions.  

It may be possible to arrange for the bus to pick you up en route, eg in Marton, Sanson, Raetihi, Ashhurst or Himatangi depending on the trip destination.  Please ask what arrangements are possible for the trip you wish to go on.