On October 18, 1925, Adrian Moulton and six others gathered in the crater of Rangitoto to hold the first committee meeting of the newly formed Auckland Tramping Club.

One hundred years on, the club has seen vast changes in tramping gear, food, huts, tracks, and communications.

“Sleeping on the hard ground was the norm for our members in the first 50 years,” said club committee member Tony Walton. “Any mattress was vegetation culled from the surrounds – fern fronds, tussock, bracken – and you might scoop out a hip hole for greater comfort.” 

One older club member recalled that when she started tramping in the 1950s, there were very few marked tracks. “You went with people who knew where to go and were capable of navigating safely in the bush or on mountain ranges,” Walton said.

One thing has remained constant: “People still want to get into the bush and hills, away from their day-to-day lives, to enjoy nature on its own terms with a convivial and supportive group.”

This centenary year the club is celebrating with over 100 events on the calendar. 

“The strength of ATC illustrates the benefits that people see in a club,” Walton said. “Newer members are often blown away with coming on a trip that they would never have attempted on their own. Over time they gain the experience and confidence to lead club trips for others.”

A centennial dinner will be held on October 18, and the next day there’s a trip back to Rangitoto – although this time not into the crater.