Napier Tramping Club

based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

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The Ruahine tops in swirling cloud

Moorcock Saddle – and GPS training

May 11, 2011 by Alison Greer Leave a Comment

Moorcock Saddle – Daphne Ridge, Wednesday May 11 2011
Map: BL36 Norsewood

Napier was shrouded in fog, and the strange sound of what seemed to be a ship’s fog horn woke many in the early hours. The further south along Highway 50 we drove, the better the day became and by the time Kelvin had us safely at Moorcock Saddle car park, it was calm and fine.

The main group of six quickly ascended the ridge to Longview, stopping for morning tea above the large slip. Instead of going to Longview Hut, we turned north taking the tussock-covered ridge that leads to Daphne Hut. Low cloud started drifting over the ridge but visibility was still pretty good. Although unmarked, the ridge is reasonably easy to follow, a few well-placed cairns reassuring you that you are on track.

The Ruahine tops in swirling cloud. Photo Ken Ross

With the help of GPS and the cloud lifting at just the right moment, we found our way down and across the small saddle and onto the Daphne track.

Lunch was had at the signpost and after a discussion about the lowering clouds, it was decided to descend to the car park instead of carrying on along the tops to the farm track. We were back at the van by 2.30pm, waited a little while for the rest of the party to arrive from Longview Hut and then headed back to Napier.

Trampers: Vic Bullock, John Marshall, Ken Ross, Kelvin Shaw, Gary Bowler, Peter Slagter, John Burrell, Robyn Smith, Ron Morison and Alison Greer

Filed Under: Recent trips

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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

Napier Tramping Club 49th Anniversary Dinner Thursday 5 October The Boat Ramp Eatery - 30 Nelson … Read More

August 2023 News

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

Latest trip

Over the rainbow in wonderland

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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