Leading a trip

Scroll down to see more content

If you have done some tramping and are keen to get more involved in the club you should consider leading a trip – it’s really rewarding!

We highly recommend you review the Code of Conduct, which details all the responsibilities you’ll have as a trip leader, as well as the responsibilities of your trip members and drivers. But in short, here’s an outline of what you’ll need to do:

1. Come up with a plan

Planning the route across the Zampa tops. Photo: Luke Whitehead

The best part about running a trip is that you get to choose where you go. If you need some inspiration try talking to other club members for ideas or else take a look online:

You’ll need to think about the hazards on your trip, especially if planning a hard tramp. Check out our safety code of practice and risk register. Also make sure you check the weather right up to when you go – Metservice & Metvuw.

If you have any concerns or are unsure, talk to the safety or trips officer (trip@cutc.org.nz, safety@cutc.org.nz). We can help give you advice for planning your trip, and potentially arrange for an experienced club member to go on your trip.

2. Advertise your trip

To advertise your trip you can chuck a post up on our FB page CUTC – All Things Trips. Also get in touch with the publicity officer (publicity@cutc.org.nz) who can advertise the trip on social media for you. When advertising your trip you’ll need to describe:

  • Where the trip is going
  • How difficult it is (see Trip Grading)
  • Fitness level and experience required
  • An estimate of the cost & how to pay for the trip
  • Gear required

3. Arranging the trip

Decide who you’ll take on the trip –  it is best to keep the group to a size that you think is manageable. For everyone that you take on the trip make sure you know emergency information – print a copy of this and take it with you on the trip. You’ll need:

  • Name, phone number, email
  • Emergency contact name and number
  • Medical conditions

Ensure everyone clearly understands what gear and food they need to bring. If they are missing anything they can hire it from the gear locker. You also need to get a first aid kit and TROG book from the gear locker to bring.

As trip leader, you need to make the necessary transport and accommodation arrangements for the groups. Talk to the trips officer for help on this – trip@cutc.org.nz.

Finally, before you leave submit a BASE form!

4. On the trip

As a trip leader it is important that you communicate well with your group, are aware of other people’s problems, and keep your group together. You need to be flexible and willing to change your plans based on the capability of the group and the weather / track conditions. In the event of an accident you need to take charge.

The Climb. Photo: Marco Tyler-Rodrigue

5. After the Trip

  • Contact the safety officer as soon as you are out
  • Submit a trip report and some photos for TROG! (and in doing so, inspire countless generations of future trampers to follow your weathered footsteps across the mountains!)