Napier Tramping Club

based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

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Like a motorway (they said)

January 21, 2015 by Kelvin Shaw Leave a Comment

Waikamaka Hut via Waipawa Saddle, Wednesday 21 January 2015
Map: BK36
That’s referring to the track alongside the upper reaches of the Waipawa River. It was cut (or recut) last year and makes such a big difference to the ease and travelling time along those sections of the river. We were probably travelling faster than traffic at peak times in Auckland, but, no, it is not a motorway. Many thanks to those who did the work.

The forecast was for showers, some heavy, developing into rain late afternoon with a southerly change. They got the second part right but we were dry (above the knees) all day. The rain started on the way home in the van.

We arrived at the river car park at 9.00 after dropping Murray off at Triplex, as he was going up to Sunrise and points beyond. Vic and Ken were to go at their pace up the river until lunchtime and then return, whilst John went off to do his own thing and also ended up at Sunrise.

Robyn, nearing the Waipawa Saddle

Robyn, nearing the Waipawa Saddle

The plan for the remaining group was to get to the saddle in time to allow the extra time to drop down to the Waikamaka Hut and return for lunch back at the saddle. We arrived at the saddle at 11.45.

Four of us made it all the way to the hut, a first for three of us. Dorothy got to the saddle, a first for her after several previous attempts thwarted by weather and time.

The climb down to the stream from the saddle was a bit testing, with the need to hold on while sidling along a loose drop-off. But we were very brave and managed it okay. It took 45 minutes to get there. The hut was clean and tidy and well placed at a junction in the streams. It has recently been repainted by Heretaunga Tramping Club, who own the hut. After a short break, we filled in the hut log book and set off back to the saddle. This time it was much easier because, although we were climbing, we had the benefit of hand-holds to get up the loose track. Return time was about the same.

The return trip down the river was uneventful; there were some ominous-looking clouds that didn’t turn into rain and a cool breeze towards the end, which was a welcome relief. Robyn and Keith took time out to look at Waipawa Forks Hut for the first time.

We got back to the van at about 4.15 with all present and accounted for.
Phil had already left to go back to Waipukurau, as work was calling.

Photo(s) courtesy of Phil Enticott
Trampers: Ken Ross, Vic Bullock, Keith James, Robyn Smith, Dorothy Sole, Phil Enticott, John Marshall, Murray White and the scribe, Kelvin Shaw

Filed Under: Recent trips Tagged With: Ruahine Forest Park, Waikamaka Hut, Waipawa Saddle

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About us

We are a group of like-minded people who love the great outdoors. We tramp mostly in the Hawke’s Bay province, in remote areas such as the Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges; but we also travel longer distances to new places, for longer walks.

The Napier Tramping Club was established in 1974 and has about 70 members. We belong to the Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ Inc (FMC) and run Saturday, full-weekend and Wednesday tramps, every fortnight.

Interested in joining us?

Enjoy the great outdoors, keep fit and get to know others with similar interests.

More information

Latest news

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Useful links

  • Dept of Conservation
  • DoC Huts Use, Kaweka Forest Park
  • Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ (FMC)
  • Heretaunga Tramping Club
  • New Zealand Tramper
  • NZ Walking Access Commission
  • Wanganui Tramping Club

Useful links 2

  • Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society
  • Weather forecast

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