Napier Tramping Club

based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

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A leisurely walk with a few swims

March 8, 2014 by Marc Marchal Leave a Comment

Lawrence Road to Lotkow Road, Kaweka Forest Park, Saturday March 8. Map: BL37

Murray took the van all the way down to the Lawrence road end, where a sign indicated it would take us three hours to the Lotkow road end. We set off at about 8.30 and crossed the swing bridge. On the opposite side of the river, we bumped into the first clump of stinging nettles, one of the many we would see on this tramp.

Lawrence Road Swingbrigde

Lawrence Road Swingbrigde

The path goes through forest and grassy areas past the turn-off which leads to Mackintosh hut, until a descent to the river. The river was quite low and easy to follow. After a couple of kilometres, the path climbs away from the river. By then we had had our morning smoko, the sun was out and we reached the turn-off to Don Juan by 10.30. So much for the time estimation we had seen posted.

To fill the time, we decided to walk up to the trig, 1 to 1.30 hr away. And yep, 40 minutes later, most of us found the trig. The entire path goes through pine forest, which unfortunately obstructs the views. Still running early, we decided to descend back to the turn-off for our lunch. After a longish lunch, we returned the way we had come and an hour or so later we got back to the turn-off to Mackintosh.

Murray proposed to follow this path to the Donald and go back that way. The prospect of a couple of swims to cool down was enough to persuade the group to agree with that plan. The path climbs for about 15 minutes, after which a steep descent gets you to the river. The Donald was running reasonably low and was easy to follow, with the added bonus of a couple of nice pools in which to cool down.

We were back at the car park by 3.30 after a nice relaxed tramp.

Trampers: Sue Martin, John Russell, Julie Page, Colin McNatty, Jennie Porter, Ted Angove, Paul Exeter, John Marshall, Murray Goss and reporter Marc Marchal.

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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

May 2025 News

The NTC AGM was held on 22 May. The officer positions for the club are: Di Reid - President, Sue … Read More

April 2025 News

The AGM for 2025 will be held on 22 May. Where we're headed in 2025 The first six-months' … Read More

Latest trip

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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
  • Taraponui i-Networks camera
  • Weather forecast

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