Newsletter - 21st December 2025
A word from...
The forecast for Wednesday was for rain and a Hazy Day, but a fair number of people decided that Fortune Favours the brave and gathered in Khandallah for the start of the walk. Half-way around the loop Helen looked up and said “Good George! Is that a Kereru”. “No” said Jane, “you’re having Double Vision. It’s not even a Kaka” (the bush Parrot, Dogs frighten them away in the suburbs). Fortune did indeed favour the brave and we walked in the dry. In fact, it wasn’t until we arrived home and were driving into the Garage, Project completed, that the rain started in earnest.
The Thursday walkers also had good weather and walked in Croften Downs and Ngaio, including some of Trelissick Park, enjoying the backdrop of the Shining Peak of Mt Kaukau in the setting sun at dusk.
Gary’s planned walk for Friday was uncharacteristically short, with uncharacteristic gentle ascents and descents, and on uncharacteristically good tracks. Much of the route was recently built and we Saw Millions of Epic opportunities for future walks. Twenty walkers took advantage of this surprise Christmas bonus knowing that Gary’s festive generosity would not extend into the new year and we would soon be back to the Behemoth challenges of rock scrambles, stream crossings, mud and roots. However, for the meantime the festive spirit remained and the Friday walkers ended their year with crafty beer at the Inn Keeper.
Thank you everyone for your company throughout the year. My best wishes for the festive season, whatever your plans might be, and may 2026 bring us all a year of great walks, exercise, friendship and laughter.
David Pegram, Convenor
Editor’s Comment: One might have suspected that our dear Convenor had imbibed one drop too many of Pernicious Weed and had been Supercharged, but knowing his zero-alcohol proclivity I suspect he was just taking a Tiny Free Ride at our expense!
Calendar of Events
Wednesday January 21st 1st Wednesday Walk of 2026
CPCW Photos
Wednesday Walkers
A big thank you to all those who have provided photographs of the various walking groups throughout the year. It is greatly appreciated.
David and Helen made a great call on Wednesday despite the threatening weather. The walks around Khandallah were executed with perfect timing.
Please try and remember to take a group photo and send it to info@cpcw.co.nz
SSs: Thanks to Stu Rowe for this week’s photo of the SSs preparing to “summit” the next speed bump.
PPs: And to Mike Drain for his photo of the very select group of two.
FFs: Bill Gaudie provided this photo. He apologises for cutting SWMBO from the photo – it was not intentional!
Thursday Walkers
Our regular Thursday photographers – Hue Ng and Gillian Mills – provided these two photos of the group in Crofton Downs. Thanks to you both.
Friday Walkers
Friday’s walk was close to home with Gary Dick leading his team from Johnsonville into Churton Park and then up onto the Chippenham/Erlestoke track that we have walked many times. But half-way along he ignored the “No public access beyond this point” sign and took the group onto the new track which is clearly visible from CP. From there walkers headed down the new track to cross Ohariu Valley Road and then head up the new track (still a work in progress) and back into Johnsonville. This new track is a northern extension of the Skyline walkway and is close to completion. Thanks, yet again, to Hue Ng for the photo.
