BEGINNER TRAMPS - WORKSHOP 1: Map Reading - The Fern Walk

This is the first event on the Palmerston North Tramping and Mountaineering Club 2026 Beginner Tramp Programme. Our programme involves a graduated series of tramps and workshops. Suitable for youth and above, those who've never tramped through to those who want to get back into tramping, we aim to introduce you to tramping gradually.

The Fern Walk is a loop walk which moves through original podocarp forest, including giant lowland tōtara, mataī and kahikatea as old as 1000 years, and up to 68 species of fern (hence its name). An easy, close-to-home walk, this trip is a short, in-situ introduction to map reading and orientation.

To express interest or to make inquires contact Verity Elder no later than 5pm Friday 13th February: 0212061885 / [email protected]

Track grade: Walking track. (Tōtara Reserve, Pohangina Valley).
Walking time: 3 hours approx. (loop)
Fitness level: low to moderate
Workshop: map reading and orientation prior to walk, 15-20 min approx at start of walk.
Meeting point: Milverton Park, 8am
Travel time: 40 minutes approx one way.

NB: There is no requirement to join PNTMC in order to participate in our beginner programme. We carpool, with a petrol share paid to the driver (cash on the day) to reduce our carbon footprint. The petrol share $ is confirmed 1 week in advance of the trip (contact the trip leader for information). A recommended gear list and track information are also shared.