Top Maropea Hut, Ruahine FP, Saturday 25 April 2026
Banner Photo: At Top Maropea Hut in sunshine (and no wind)
Anzac Day dawned glorious: clear, calm and cold. There was a touch of frost in places on Highway 50 and snow from the recent southerly storm on the Kawekas and Ruahines. The ballooning from airborne spiders was intriguing. A great day for being on the ‘tops’. After several failed attempts, today we would cross Armstrong Saddle and continue down to Top Maropea Hut.
Armstrong Saddle
There were already a number of vehicles in the car park, and as we climbed we encountered various groups on their way down, having overnighted in Sunrise Hut. It was the normal slog up to Sunrise, all arriving in just under or on two hours and being rewarded with Pam’s delicious Anzac biscuits. We regrouped, then Mark left to get ahead as he was on a mission to clean the hut toilet! Mary made her own way to Armstrong Saddle and the high point above, taking in the views before turning back to have lunch just below the saddle.
The remaining seven set off, taking in the amazing views of the moonscape-looking terrain while climbing up to Armstrong Saddle. The views out to the west were fabulous especially when on top of the high point 1400m near the signpost. The Central Plateau, the Kaimanawa Range all blanketed in snow with Ruapehu completely covered down to the base. Looking south, ’66’, Waipawa Saddle, Three Johns and snow-covered Rangioteatua and north the main Ruahine Range.
Rangioteatua (1704),(background) with light snow and Te Atuaoparapara (1687) in the foreground
Looking north, the track which drops down to Top Maropea (Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe on the horizon)
From the signpost, the track descends a narrow ridge before dropping into the bush. The last 100m is a steep decline before emerging onto a grassy area where Top Maropea Hut was sitting in the sunshine.
We met a lot of people on our return trip, most from out of the region; both huts would have been full to overflowing. It’s just as relentless a slog downhill as it is going up, but all made it back to the van in good time.
It was an enjoyable day out, with amazing views, plus finally ticking off Top Maropea Hut.
Trampers: Keith Gore, Shona Tupe, Julian Phillips, Mary Campbell, Fiona Bryant, Mark Jenkins, Julia Mackie, Pam Millard and reporter Alison Greer
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