Sunrise Hut, Ruahine FP. Saturday July 29, 2017
Map: BK36
Banner Photo: John Russell. The view towards Te Atuaoparapara (aka 66), Rangioteatua on the far left.
Eight trampers set out on a fine but cold Park Island and arrived to a quiet Sunrise Hut car park, with only one other car there. The weather was cold but not windy, and there were very light wisps of snow in the air as we ascended, but surprisingly little snow on the track. We only saw two other trampers on the way up; they were coming down after a quiet night at the hut.
We had a late morning tea on the hut veranda, admired the views and took a few group photos and selfies. Not much snow around the hut, but a reasonable coating on the peaks nearby.
A group of five set off for Armstrong Saddle and beyond with a possible intention of making Top Maropea Hut, but as the temperature was cold we decided to turn back at the Top Maropea sign. Most of us took photos, and I found the views superb – I managed to get some great shots. After returning to Sunrise, we had the rest of our lunch and had the usual easy trip down. We all felt sorry for the people coming up to the hut as we were heading down – I think we counted 40 on the track, including a party of Taradale High School girls and a number of separate parties from Wellington. The last group of four wisely decided to head to Top Maropea Hut instead.We had our usual coffee etc (and a fine cheese scone) at the Tiko pub on the way home. What a great day.
Trampers: Geoff Donkin, Juliet Gillick, Denise Payne, Sue Marshall, Sue Martin, John Dobbs, John Bennett and reporter John Russell
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