Napier Tramping Club

based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

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Expert navigation to Galbraith Hut

March 19, 2010 by Ken Ross Leave a Comment

Maungaharuru Range

Wednesday March 17 2010

Trampers: to Galbraith Hut, Alison Greer, Ali Hollington, Sue Martin, Noeline Blair, Jeanne van den Hout, Manfred Hausler and reporter Ken Ross. The Bellbird Bushers were John Marshall, Vic Bullock, John Mason and Ron Morison

If half Plan A plus half Plan B is Plan C, then we did Plan C again. The day’s weather forecast was for a cold southerly front to pass through, but clearing in the afternoon. They were right with the first part.

Our mission (which seven accepted despite the forecast) was to transit the Maungaharuru Range from the Titiokura Saddle on the Taupo Road north to Pohokura Rd. We set off and climbed steadily mainly on farm tracks, keeping an eye out for the expected change in the weather. It hit after about an hour. We had been smart enough to have our full rain gear on in time. It was cold, driving rain and we were glad it was on our backs. Also we were not on the ridge line but out to the west and down a bit, so were not exposed to the wind’s full force. Our visibility was nil so the GPS was handy. At least we knew we were on the fold of the map!

Before long, we realised that it was not going to be much fun climbing up to the top of Taraponui in those conditions; the view would be zero and it could be hazardous. The decision was made to change our route and exit via Galbraith Hut and out through the farm on Waitara Road. Phone contact to the van crew was successful and they would come back around to pick us up. We reckoned we were at about the right elevation for the hut so continued to sidle round. With consummate expertise, we walked directly onto the hut.

Galbraith Hut for lunch under a chandelier

We were at Galbraith for an early lunch. It was great to be out of the elements for a while even if we didn’t really warm up at all, despite the fire that Manfred managed to coax into life. We enjoyed the ambience of this unique little hut with its wooden chandelier, pictures of Royalty decorating the walls and I noted a new rubber doorstop lovingly mounted to protect the doorframe. After lunch, we set off downhill at a brisk pace and soon warmed up. By then, the rain had eased but the cloud level was still down to just above the hut. I was glad we were heading down, not up. In no time we were back at the van. Those who had gone up through Bellbird Bush toward Bell Rock seemed a little smug about their decision.

We spent little time or energy checking on the fauna and flora but did note the clump of Hoheria Augustifolia trees adjacent to the hut were smothered in their starry white flowers.

Filed Under: Recent trips Tagged With: Galbraith Hut, Maungaharuru Range

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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.

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May 2022 News

Contents:   Trip planning meeting dates Tramp planning for the months July to December 2022 … Read More

April 2022 News

Contents: NTC AGM is on Thursday May 5th. There will be supper after the meeting. Club Meeting … 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
  • Weather forecast

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