Sunrise Hut and Waipawa River, Ruahine FP, Saturday 26 January 2019
Banner Pix: A great viewing deck at Sunrise Hut
A full van-load of 12 trampers left the Napier heat for clear skies in the Ruahines. There were a few cars already at the Sunrise car park and we encountered a few trampers coming down as we were going up.
Kelvin decided he wasn’t going to make it to the top after his knee surgery but he gamely got as far as he could. The rest made it to the hut around 11, for morning tea (or first lunch as someone suggested). The hut was empty and it was the fine and clear on top as expected but with some light wind.
It was different story a few steps behind the hut on the ridge which was about as windy as it gets up there. There was no hesitation from trip leader Geoff to abandon any idea of a trip to Armstrong Saddle or beyond.
It was the first time at Sunrise for one or two of the new members and they were very impressed. On the way down, we took the Waipawa Forks Hut route which was a great idea. It’s a very pretty river with great views back up to the saddle and 66. The river was reasonably low but we did need multiple crossings and Sue counted 37 in total; it was a lovely walk back downstream.
Waipawa River, below the Waipawa Forks Hut
We were hoping the van would be waiting for us near the river but alas, it wasn’t to be. Luckily, it’s not a long walk from the river to the car park.
A great day was had by all and we arrived back in Napier by 5.30.
Trampers: John Bennett, Marie Deroles, Jane Howden, Kelvin, Geoff, Sue Martin, Bruce Hodgson, Juliet Gillick, plus three newer members, Brian, Abby and Sheree. Reporter and photos John Russell.
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