Napier Tramping Club

based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

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Getting tramp-fit again, the easy way

May 20, 2020 by Julia Mackie Leave a Comment

Park’s Peak Hut, Ruahine FP, Wednesday 20 May, 2020
Map: BK37
Banner Pix: Heading south across the undulating ridgeline

This was the first NTC tramp since lockdown. So we decided to forego the scheduled loop tramp up Golden Crown Ridge, and south along the tops to the Sentry Box track. Just a bit too far in the shorter winter hours, and we were needing a gentle restart back into tramping fitness.

So, a Parks Peak Hut and return tramp was just right for us all. The day was a blue-sky autumnal one, a crisp 8C according to the car’s temp gauge. We noted the sign to ‘Beware of the Bulls’, and headed up to the stile to cross into the track. The bulls were safely behind an electric fence.

Descending through the open scrub to Rocky Knoll

After ten minutes, you reach Sentry Box Hut, where we helped DoC (Meyer Levy) with some maintenance some years ago. The seat which Colin McNatty constructed is still standing. But no stopping now until I reach the top junction. My calves are groaning, but they just need more tramping to get them into condition. The first section up to the open scrub is steep, and through regenerating bush. This is followed by an open section before re-entering the bush. Views back down to the farmland and the Wakarara Range. My timing to the bushline is 35 minutes. The gradient eases off, and becomes a steady climb. The frost droplets from the trees and weak morning sunshine make the scene very beautiful.

Lunch in the sunshine

At the junction, it is south for Parks Peak Hut (posted as 30 mins). A little too cold to stop here, so after scratching an arrow on the track, keeping moving was the best option. The grass was frosty where the sun had not reached it. The track along the ridgeline offers occasional views of the main range to the west, and to Ruapehu.

We all eventually arrived at the hut, three having gone to the Pohatuhaha Trig (1368m) to get the 360-degree views. Taking the hut bench seats outside, we enjoyed the sunshine (there was a light chill breeze, though) and had our lunches. After the usual lively discussions, we headed back. Three others also decided to go to the trig; after all it is only 15 minutes from the junction. The rest of us took in the views again at the chair lookout.

Taking in the view across to the main range

Heading on down, an eye on the ground was essential. But by now, all the muscles have had a good workout, so we can savour the good outdoor feelings.

We all agreed it was just right for the first club tramp since lockdown: great weather, views, company and a great track into the hills.

Trampers: John Dobbs, Elly Govers, Alison Greer, Sue Martin, Colin Jones, Ali Hollington, Juliet Gillick and reporter Julia Mackie

Filed Under: Napier Tramping Club, Recent trips, Ruahine

About Julia Mackie

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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

January 2021 News

Sunrise Hut Track Closure Just a heads up Sunrise Hut and Track will be closed from the 8th of Feb … Read More

December 2020 News

Mike Christie, Ranger Recreation/Historic, Manawatu. Kia Ora RUG group,  There will be on-going … Read More

Latest trip

A sizzling hot day walk

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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