Napier Tramping Club

based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
  • Home
  • News
  • Recent trips
  • Meetings and Events
    • The Tramp List, and how to book online
    • Club meetings
    • Bike Rides
    • Eezee tramps
  • Gear and fitness
    • Tramping gear details
  • History
    • The Bushbasher archive
    • Memory Lane
  • Contacts
    • Interested in joining

Sentry Box Hut an historic gem

June 8, 2016 by Kelvin Shaw Leave a Comment

Sentry Box to Park Peaks Hut, Wednesday June 8 2016
Banner pix: The views into the Mangleton Valley

The day started with frost and a temperature of 1˚, but there was a forecast at Napier of 18˚. Roll on the sunrise and a rise in temperature, we thought. Murray gave us a practical demonstration on what to wear when starting a tramp at that temperature. The fur-lined ear flaps on the hat made everyone envious, but Murray had overlooked the fact that it was going to get a lot warmer, and removing those over-trousers (good enough for the Arctic) would not be easy.

There were 17 keen trampers in the van and one car. As we travelled along Kereru and Mangleton Roads, we were surprised to see so many lambs; it was the first week of Winter, not Spring. We parked at the end of Mangleton Road and soon reached the Sentry Box Hut. The club had replaced some old bunk beds and the fireplace a while back, and although it is a small hut with limited facilities, it looked in reasonable condition.

From there it was a steady climb to the ridge. DoC’s estimate from road to Parks Peak Hut is three hours. Some parts of the track were greasy with dew and frost, but overall it is well marked. Towards the top, there was remaining evidence of snow in patches from the previous week’s southerly. Occasionally we were able to look back at the Mangleton Valley and the Wakarara Range on the other side of the valley. It really was a good clear day, with magnificent views.

At the Pohutuhaha trig

At the Pohutuhaha trig

When we reached the junction, we turned right on the track to Aranga Hut so that we could go to the trig point and lookout which was about 15 minutes along the way. This detour was well worth it as the views are tremendous. Mount Ruapehu was clearly visible and covered in snow.

We then backtracked to the junction and set off on the last section to Parks Peak Hut. DoC’s estimate was 30 minutes but it took us at least 40. Overall though, we were at the hut well within the three hours.

This hut is new, well-equipped, clean and tidy. Alison cleaned up some broken glass where it looked as if someone had been having target practice on a bottle. The water tank was empty, further evidence that the autumn in Hawke’s Bay has been unusually dry – or did someone leave a tap on?

The return journey was uneventful apart from a few slips and slides. We were all back at the road by 3.00.

A good day was had by all.

Trampers: Murray White, Rosemary Jeffrey, Viv Bramley, Keith James, Elly Govers, Sally Woods, Alison Greer, Dorothy Sole, Robyn Smith, John Burrell, John Marshall, Vic Bullock, Bruce Hodgson, Paul Exeter, Ted Angove, Peter Slagter, and scribe Kelvin Shaw

Filed Under: Recent trips Tagged With: Parks Peak Hut, Sentry Box Hut

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our most recent trips

A damper on our day trip: Cloud turns to mist, mist becomes drizzle, then it pours

Black Birch Ridge, Kaweka Forest Park, Wednesday 14 May 2025 Banner Photo: A soggy snack break at Black Birch bivouac The trip originally planned … Read More

A blue-bird day for reaching the Kaweka tops

Kaweka J, Saturday 10 May 2025 Banner Photo: Heading back from North Kaweka Eleven keen trampers met at Park Island on a cool but potentially … Read More

Walking back in time on an old Māori trail

Matemateāonga Track, Whanganui National Park, Anzac Weekend, 25-27 April 2025 Banner Photo: The sunrise from Pōuri Hut Tramp organiser Sue Martin … Read More

News

May 2025 News

May 1, 2025 By The Editor Leave a Comment

The NTC AGM was held on 22 May. The officer positions for the club are: Di Reid - President, Sue … Read More

April 2025 News

April 2, 2025 By The Editor Leave a Comment

The AGM for 2025 will be held on 22 May. Where we're headed in 2025 The first six-months' … Read More

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

May 2025 News

The NTC AGM was held on 22 May. The officer positions for the club are: Di Reid - President, Sue … Read More

April 2025 News

The AGM for 2025 will be held on 22 May. Where we're headed in 2025 The first six-months' … Read More

Latest trip

A damper on our day trip: Cloud turns to mist, mist becomes drizzle, then it pours

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
  • Taraponui i-Networks camera
  • Weather forecast

Copyright © 2025 · Napier Tramping Club · Sign In · Website by D2 ·