Napier Tramping Club

based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

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Chris Crosses our path on a favourite Kaweka loop walk

February 3, 2021 by Alison Greer Leave a Comment

Kiwi Saddle Hut, Castle Camp, Kaiarahi, Rogue Ridge, 3 February 2021 Map: BJ37
Banner Photo: Our trampers with East Kaweka Helicopters at Castle Camp, during the prep for a pinus contorta cutting crew

The forecast was for a sunny, warm day with light winds, perfect for the circuit around the tops, from the Lakes car park. Fourteen met at the car park but unfortunately Murray was feeling unwell so Margaret very kindly drove him back to town in John D’s car.

The Smith Russell track to Kiwi Saddle Hut

Ted, Sue, Vic and Gordon did their own thing while the rest made their way up Kuripapango along the Smith Russell track to Kiwi Saddle Hut. Beautiful views all around as there was not a cloud in the sky. Not much snow on Ruapehu and not a lot of water in the Ngaruroro. It was pleasant walking in the beech trees, as it was starting to warm up out in the open.

A quick morning tea stop at the hut, then a series of small climbs leading around to Castle Camp. Now we were out in the open, the small alpine plants looking a bit dried and feeling crispy underfoot. Great views to the west and up the ridges of the Kawekas, the temperature rising as midday approached. Just before our lunch spot on the on a small saddle before Castle Camp, we were buzzed by a helicopter, which then parked on the small open area before the camp. It was Chris Crosse, bringing in DoC workers to check out the area for contorta; there is a gang arriving next week to cut out those growing back after it was done several years ago.

There was also a party of hunters in residence, and we had time for a quick chat.

From the camp, which is nicely tucked among the beech trees, it’s back out into the open for the final 200-metre climb up to the trig on Kaiarahi. Now we had views to the east, Hawke’s Bay looking very brown with a heat haze, but we had a cooling sea breeze, great after the hot climb.

Descending from Kaiarahi towards Rogue Ridge

All that was left to do was wander along the tops, past The Tits, and down to the turn-off to Rogue Ridge. It’s a steep and slippery descent down the Rogue and the dry, dusty conditions seemed to make things worse. A few in the party made their way slowly while others just skipped down. It felt like ages, but at last we reached the main track then down to the river where our feet got a welcome dunk in the cooling water.

It had been a long, hot day, but it’s still one of my favourite day tramps; not sure about our two visitors – it may have been a bit much, but they seemed to enjoy the day.

Trampers: Gordon Tapp, Gordon Tapp, Sue Marshall, Vic Bullock, Sue Gribble,Sue Trotter, Geoff Donkin, Ted Angove, John Dobbs, Denise Bavidge, Debbie, and reporter Alison Greer

Filed Under: Napier Tramping Club, Recent trips

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News

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March 1, 2023 By Julia Mackie Leave a Comment

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February 2023 News

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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

March 2023 News

Tramp List Amendments and Road Closures Due to the inability to access most of the Ruahine Forest … Read More

February 2023 News

Mokai Access to Iron Bark and Colenso Huts Copied from the Ruahine User Group (Private) Facebook … Read More

Latest trip

The (local) hills are alive with trampers

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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