Napier Tramping Club

based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

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At last, Longview lives up to its name

April 9, 2022 by Sue Martin Leave a Comment

Longview Hut, Rocky Knob, Ruahine FP, Saturday 9 April 2022
Map: BL36
Banner Photo: Rocky Knob

When I went to write this report, I noticed in my files a story about a similar trip, written in March 2017. We’d had no views at all. I also distinctly remember the trip we did in August 2020 when we had snow, rain, mud and very cold conditions. A few people on today’s tramp could vividly remember that walk because it drizzled all the way up, and snowflakes appeared from time to time.

It was a very different story this time.

Longview Hut, just visible in the middle below the ridgeline

The van ground its way up Kashmir Road. The last section is always a concern because it has been known to be undrivable. This day it was pretty good but still corrugated and steep as usual.

Although it was very grey, misty and cloudy when we began the climb, there was no wind at all, which is unusual up here. Actually, the conditions were ideal for tramping.

Because everyone had been to the hut before, we tramped at our own pace and planned to meet at the hut for morning tea. There were several muddy sections on the initial zig-zag track up the Moorcock Saddle. At times, the long tussock grass hanging over the track made it difficult to see where to put your feet.

The panoramic view

It didn’t take long to gain some height and view the cars way down below in the car park. Tony’s last visit to this area was when he was a high school student. He was ecstatic over the incredible views that we had throughout the walk, in front, to either side, and behind.

As we climbed higher, the way ahead to the hut often remained lost in the cloud. However, as we got closer, the sun burnt off the cloud and we had wonderful views to the hut and beyond. We started our morning tea on the hut’s deck but soon moved inside once the sun decided to hide behind the clouds.

Heading up to Longview Hut

A decision was made to tramp to Rocky Knob at 1226m. Some left their packs behind in the hut. We heard several roars, but were not sure whether they were human roars or the real deer. It was a gentle walk until we reached the knob. Then it was a short rocky climb to reach the top. Forty minutes later, we were perched up on the peak with spectacular 360 views and, of course, a photo shoot.

Back to the hut for lunch. Two well-wrapped-up hunters arrived; they were going to spend the night and hopefully catch their dinner. Their presence gave us the cue to leave and make our way back to the car park.

On the way home, we had a timely stop at the Tiko for hot chips and a cuppa. I think we ate more calories than we burnt off. Thanks to the drivers who safely transported us.

Trampers: Alison Greer, Margaret Palmer, John Dobbs, Johanne Karlsson, Tony Wrightson, Gaye Gasser, Di Reid and reporter Sue Martin

Filed Under: General, Napier Tramping Club, Recent trips, Ruahine

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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

September 2023 News

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August 2023 News

Club Photo Competition Thursday 7 September is our club photography fun competition. The … 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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