Day and weekend trips to locations in the Wellington region are usually held on the first Saturday of each month. For upcoming events, see our calendar.
If you wish to join a day trip, please tell the trip leader by Thursday night at the latest. For weekend trips, please tell the trip leader on Wednesday night at the latest. This way, the leader can:
- contact our hosts, if we are visiting a private area, to confirm the visit
- print enough copies of a plant species list, if one has been prepared for the site
- let you know any changes to the trip’s plan, like where and when we’re meeting or if the trip is cancelled from weather.
If a field trip has to be postponed because of bad weather or other reason, it will happen the following Saturday, or a later Saturday.
Non-members are welcome to join us on our field trips.
What to bring
Remember the weather can be changeable on field trips. Sun hat, balaclava, waterproof/windproof parka, may all be used on a day trip – maybe even the same trip! Footing can often be slippery or uneven, so good shoes/boots are needed – basically, everything you’d need for a day’s hike.
It’s useful to bring a hand lens, pencil/pen and notepaper and a camera (phone is fine). The trip leader may send out a plant list for you to print off.
Most trips include lunch, so bring lunch, as well as water and snacks.
Health and safety
You are responsible for you own first aid kit. If you have an allergy or medical condition, please carry your own anti-histamines and medications, tell the trip leader of any problems you may have and how to deal with them.
You are responsible for keeping with the party. If you have any doubts about your ability to do this, you must check the trip conditions with the trip leader, who reserves the right to restrict attendance.
Fitness and experience
Our field trips vary considerably in the level of fitness and tramping experience required. Although our main focus is botanical, our programme sometimes offers trips which, in the pursuit of our botanical aims, are more strenuous than others. Although leaders take care to minimise risks, everyone participates at their own risk. If you have any questions about whether you are fit enough for a particular trip, please contact the leader well beforehand.
