Bishopdale Weekly Tramping Outings

Get Involved: Weekly Tramping

The Bishopdale Tramping Club warmly welcomes newcomers with a reasonable level of fitness who enjoy walking on hills. Operating since May 1985, the club arranges a full day tramp each Wednesday, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded people in the Christchurch community. These outings foster social bonds while immersing participants in New Zealand's stunning outdoors, helping you build fitness and discover local trails together. 🥾

Each tramp involves a bus trip starting from the car park at Bishopdale at 8:30am (or occasionally 8:00am), with the group returning by about 5pm. The duration is around 540 minutes, including time for walking 3-5 hours on varied terrain, often with hill climbs similar to those from Princess Margaret Hospital to the Sugarloaf or the Bridle Path. An alternative pickup and dropoff point is offered weekly, depending on the day's route—check the club's programme for specifics.

Tramping is pay as you go, with fees paid online for each outing you join, plus a minimal annual subscription reviewed yearly. Members have priority booking until 5:00pm on the Monday before the tramp, making it easier to secure your spot. New members need some prior tramping experience and must complete 3 qualifying tramps to confirm membership; intending members can only use the alternative option for these. All members must participate in 10 tramps per year (1 April to 31 March) to retain full status. Entry fees are to be checked with the club, as they vary by tramp.

These weekly sessions are suitable for ages 18-29, 30-49, 50-64, and 65+, offering a supportive environment to stay active and enjoy nature's benefits, like improved wellbeing and new friendships. For more details on upcoming tramps, visit the club's website.

• Who it's for: Adults with moderate fitness able to handle hills and 3-5 hours of walking
• Key features: Full-day bus outings every Wednesday, with alternative pickup options
• Benefits: Builds community connections, enhances outdoor skills, and promotes physical health
• Requirements: Some tramping experience; new members need 3 qualifying tramps
• Accessibility: Priority for members; open to visitors after Monday cutoff
• Pricing notes: Pay per tramp online, plus minimal annual fee—check with club for current rates

Where to Find Us

Getting to the Bishopdale Tramping Club is straightforward, with the main departure from the car park in Bishopdale, Christchurch, Canterbury. This central location makes it easy for locals to join without hassle. An additional pickup/dropoff point varies each week based on the tramp's destination, ensuring convenience for those in surrounding areas. The club's base in Bishopdale supports the vibrant Canterbury community, encouraging residents to step out and engage with the region's natural beauty right from their doorstep. Contact Lisa Withers at secretary@bishopdaletrampers.org.nz or visit http://www.bishopdaletrampers.org.nz for exact start points and directions. 🌄