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BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2011 SEASON, SEE THE PROGRAMME & TRACKS & TRIPS PAGES
Milton Rotary and the Otago Youth Adventure Trust, have for many years taken independent tramping groups on many of our "Great Walks", and other tracks.
"Independent Walking" is the low cost "no frills" way of tramping, (as compared to the commercial guided trips available on some tracks). Independent walkers carry all their own equipment, clothing, sleeping bag, food (we supply the food), etc and assist with the domestic chores. The trips are suitable for people of a wide age group, provided they are healthy and prepared to attain a good standard of tramping fitness. One needs to have access to suitable tramping equipment (We supply a list) and can carry a pack of about 12 kg for 3 or 4 days.(less weight on Aspiring, Borland, Catlins, Huxley and Cycle Trail trips). Generally we do not recommend that children under 13 years of age participate, though that can depend on the individual. As party leaders we reserve the right to exclude unsuitable persons. We stress that people participate on our trips at their own risk, and anyone who doubts their ability to “freedom walk” should consider the excellent Guided trips run on the Milford, Routeburn and Greenstone Tracks by Ultimate Hikes Ltd.
Over the past 24 seasons over 13,000 people have joined our trips (some with little tramping experience) and so far all have survived the trips! We assemble a full party for each trip and provide 3 or 4 experienced trampers to give "low key " leadership. We organise all transport (Dunedin return), all the food, permits, hut fees, track & boat fees etc, and our charges only just cover all these costs. We also endeavour to brief everyone thoroughly before the trips, (fitness , equipment etc). and provided those who are inexperienced will heed our advice, we generally encounter few problems.All the Leaders and Organisers from the Milton Rotary Club and the Otago Youth Adventure Trust are volunteers, and receive no renumeration for their efforts.
DoC regulations require us to run our trips on a “cost recovery” basis only, but we do hope to receive voluntary donations (Which are tax rebatable), from participants
We start the trip as a group of strangers, but soon find that by sharing the accommodation, the scenic beauty, the adventures, some hardships, the odd tear and the many laughs, we make many new friends. A renewed appreciation of our great outdoors, and a sense of achievement, encourages many to continue such activities. Participants in our trips are required to join the tramping club, in the year of the trip(s)($35) (See membership application form)
Full details on all trips and costs can be found in the tracks/ trips and other sections...