Napier Tramping Club

based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

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Four route plans in a day, and only one worked

July 17, 2009 by Geraldine Oliver Leave a Comment

Independence Day Tramp, Saturday July 4 2009

Trampers: Jude Paton, John Gray, John Russell, Alison Greer, Gordon Tapp, Julia Mackie, Murray Goss, Geoff Donkin, Ted Angove, Sandy Ross and Geraldine Oliver

Plan A – Hinerua Hut cancelled due to the track being too wet, damp, cold and shaded!
Plan B – Makahu car park – Bugger!! Gate locked due to snow and ice!
Plan C – Middle Hill Hut – Double Bugger!! Jack’s river crossing was in the ‘Red Zone’!
Plan D – Lotkow Road – Black Birch Bivvy – Little’s Clearing and return

Ted points the way to Black Birch BivvyGossy’s summary says it all – we were down to Plan D on a middling grey day that looked as if it could clag in. Shame about the padlock and ford, but Alison pointed the van optimistically at Lotkow Road and by the time we got there, half of us wished we could just keep driving. Instead, we girded our loins, pointed ourselves uphill and started the grunt to the top. No snow and ice on the way but plenty once we reached the ridge. By then, we were in a winter wonderland with ranks of snowy peaks marching west as far as the eye could see. At every vantage point we all took the same photos, but can you blame us – the scenery was dazzling.

Snow-capped Kawekas from Little's ClearingFollowing the ridge along was pretty straightforward though the snow was deep enough for us to stick pretty closely to each other’s hoofprints. I was ready for morning tea long before we had it, and the same went for lunch. At Black Birch Bivvy, some of us detoured downhill to clap eyes on the actual hut, while others waited on the track until we were sick of taking photos. Gossy’s pics are the best – the bivvy was in pristine condition and looked quite cosy in all that snow, but maybe that’s just the colour orange for you. The sun was out by now and there wasn’t a breath of wind – perfect conditions for a winter tramp. So much for the forecast.

We had to clear the table BEFORE lunchEventually, we came to lots of ice and melt-water but most of us kept our feet dry by sticking to the edge of the track. No one fell in and got totalled. Just before the car park where we had lunch, there was a stream to jump and a small hill of attractive bush. Alison kept saying “Almost there, almost there,” so I guess I wasn’t the only one who looked hungry. The advance party had already cleared the picnic table, but the one in the shade looked surreal with its thick quilt of snow.

We took a group photo of the occasion then headed back the way we’d come. Pinus contorta, pinus contorta and more pinus contorta, but also an amazing view of Cook’s Horn wearing a snow cap. Again we all took the same photos then headed downhill. It didn’t seem nearly as far on the way back – I wonder why that is? Ted drove the Toyota home and everyone pointed out its defects compared with the 4-wheel drive (which wasn’t available), but it seemed OK to me. We reached Napier about 5pm.

Gossy’s shots are at http://www.fishinghuntinginfo.com/photo-gallery/backcountry-huts-and-surrounding-terrain/

Filed Under: Recent trips Tagged With: Littles Clearing, Lotkow Road

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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.

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Latest news

September 2023 News

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Latest trip

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Useful links

  • Dept of Conservation
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  • 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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